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A high-tech version of the traditional approach of hooking tug lines to harnesses, toggles (sometimes called "Eskimo Hooks") provide an alternative to brass snaps. Based on traditional Inuit design, the toggles are made from high quality, weather-resistant plastic.
Our toggles are shown on the left. The image on the right shows them attached to tug lines.
To use, fid the toggle into your tug line with the tug line on the concave side on the toggle. The toggle then simply slides into the harness tail loop. Hold the tug line parallel to the toggle. Pass the toggle and line entirely through the harness loop, then pull back so the toggle is perpendicular to the loop. The harness tail loop wraps around the tug line and over the toggle and is held in place by the toggle as shown in the video. Iditarod Veteran Karen Ramstead has successfully used this style of toggle for several years.
We recommend a short "harness extender" -- about a 12"-16" (30 - 40 cm) tug segment with simple loops on each end, attached to your harness (and then shorten your tugs by the corresponding amount). You make the loop on the harness or harness extender small enough just to accommodate the toggle, about 1 1/2" to 2" (40mm - 50mm) inside diameter. With the harness extender you don't need to modify your harness loops to make them smaller. Using the extender also reduces the chance of getting excrement on the toggle.
Toggle Benefits
Toggle Benefits
Won't jam with sand, dirt, mud or excrement
Won't freeze
Easy to work with gloved hands
Light weight, strong and reliable
Will not splinter, rot or delaminate
Will not absorb moisture
Rounded edges and corners to minimize wear on tugs
Tough and durable
Specifications*
Specifications*
Physical Characteristics
Designed for 1/4" or 8mm hollow core braided poly tug lines
It will be a tight fit to get the tug line through the hole
Length: 4" (100 mm)
Width: 3/4" (19 mm)
Thickness: 3/8" (9.5 mm)
Hole Diameter: 9/32" (7.25 mm)
Weight: 0.5 oz (14 g)
Material
UV-Stabilized, Marine-grade black HDPE
Textured matte surface
US FDA and USDA food contact safe plastic
RoHS complaint -- no hazardous materials
Should not be ingested
* All sizes are approximate -- each toggle is hand made and there are small variances between individual toggles.
Pricing, Shipping and Payment
Pricing, Shipping and Payment
Currently out of stock. Please contact Alpine Outfitters to order.
We have a limited supply of 3.6" toggles (dimensions are otherwise the same) which should be used with small harness loops. Contact us for information on these toggles.
A Bit of History
A Bit of History
In Inuktitut, there are different words for the toggles if they are attached to the harness or the tug line.
ᓴᓐᓂᕈᔭᖅ -- represented using English as "sanniruujaq" translates as "slanted button on dog", "cross bar" or "harness clasp."
ᓴᓐᓂᕈᐊᖅ -- represented using English as "sanniruaq" translates as "slanted button on sled", "cross bar" or "harness clasp."
Traditional toggles are made from caribou antler or ivory tusk which is stronger.
Related terms include:
ᐊᓄ -- represented using English as "anu" translates as "dog harness."
ᖃᒧᑏᑦ -- represented using English as "qamutiik" translates as "sled."
ᐃᐱᐅᑕᖁᑦ -- represented in English as "ipiutaqut" translated as "dog harness rope" or "trace" i.e., gangline. Lines are typically configured into a fan hitch.
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