The best snowmobile gear is intended to protect the rider while allowing as much mobility as possible for high-speed, action-packed riding. When you’re outdoors creating memories and riding through fresh snow, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed everything you’ll need to keep safe and comfortable.
As with any motorsport, we urge that you follow safety practices and choose the best snowmobile gear for safe riding to utilize on your trip.
Packing Your Sled & Backpack
Determine your packing approach ahead of time so that you can properly load both your sled and your bag. First, make sure your backpack has enough space to store all of the survival gear you’ll need if you have to abandon your snowmobile. Keeping some supplies aboard your snowmobiles, such as tools, spare parts, and additional gasoline, is also a smart idea. All goods that serve the sled should be kept with it, while everything that will assist you in surviving should be kept in your bag.
What Do You Need to Bring?
What supplies you pack will depend on the length of your journey, your riding style, and where you want to travel. The lists below categorize the things you’ll need and the most important items to have in each area. If you’re going to camp overnight, you will need additional clothing and a heated shelter.
Emergency Supplies
These goods will assist you in meeting your survival requirements in icy, cold regions, which provide their own set of problems compared to other scenarios. If your snowmobile breaks down and you’re stranded in the woods, you’ll need the following items:
- Snowmobile tools and extra parts, like a spare drive belt and spark plugs
- Snowshoes
- Flashlight
- Compass
- Map
- Avalanche transceiver
- Satellite phone
- Shovel
- Hand warmers
- Firestarter
- Tarp
- Rope
- Space blanket
- Headlamp
- Hatchet
- Saw
Supplies for First-Aid
Anyone embarking on an excursion should carry a well-stocked first-aid kit. You’ll want to have the medications and supplies you’ll need to manage minor illnesses and injuries on the way. Obviously, in an emergency, you must contact emergency personal for assistance, but learning the essentials of first aid may help you manage an injured friend until rescue workers arrive. Stock your kit with things like
- bandages
- athletic tape
- pain relievers
- stomach medicine
- allergy pills
- a carbohydrate-heavy snack to raise blood sugar
- antibiotic ointment
- any personal medications you may need while riding, such as asthma inhalers
Protective Apparel
When engaging in winter sports, some of the best snowmobile gear you should bring is apparel to keep yourself appropriately protected against cold temperatures. Because sun glare on snow may be intense, you should wear a helmet with an anti-fog visor and perhaps UV protection. Insulated gloves, thick wool socks, snow boots, thermal layers, waterproof clothing, and a scarf are required. Wear and pack lip balm and lotion to keep your lips and skin from chapping in the wind and cold.
Navigation
It’s not impossible to get lost in the wilderness, especially if it’s your first time riding somewhere. It is critical to have the tools you need to find your way back to civilization and safety. In addition to your GPS device, these instruments include a map of the region, a compass, and binoculars. If your GPS fails, the map and compass will guide you back to safety if you know how to use them correctly.
Inspecting Your Snowmobile
The most vital piece of equipment for snowmobiling is, of course, a snowmobile! Whether you’re riding a vintage machine or a new Ski-Doo, Polaris, Yamaha, or Arctic Cat, the basics remain the same. The first step is to check with your local power sports dealer to ensure that the machine is in good functioning condition.
Things To Inspect On A Snowmobile Before Riding
- Track wear and adjustment (including bogie wheels)
- Slides or Hyfax (a proprietary name of a company that makes sliders but is commonly referenced)
- Brake and headlights
- Engine oil level for a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine
- Spark plugs
- Brake function and wear
- Throttle function
- Drive belt wear and adjustment.
- Skis and wear bars (or carbides), which keep your skis from wearing when crossing pavement or other hard surfaces
- Drive chain gear oil
Snowmobile Ramps
A quality, safe snowmobile ramp is the best snowmobile gear you can have. Being able to easily transport your snowmobile to all of your favorite riding locations will give you more time in the snow and less time loading and unloading.
Learn more about Snowmobile Loading Ramps
Load your snowmobile effortlessly onto your truck! The patented MAD-RAMPS Snowmobile Kit complements the MAD-RAMPS Pivoting Ramp System by adding a third center ramp, an adjustable pedestal for the snowmobile track, and special plastic inserts for the outside ski ramps. MAD-RAMPS Snowmobile Kit will do the following:
- The Center ramp and adjustable pedestal enable the track to bring the sled into the truck bed while protecting the tailgate.
- Customized plastic inserts for outside ramps to protect skis
- It protects the snowmobile out of the way of branches and debris.
- Polycarbonate spacers for ramp width adjustment
- Quickly reconverts to tow ATV/UTV.
- Protects your vehicle bed from snowmobile skis
Visit our website to learn more about MAD-RAMPS Pivoting Ramp System and MAD-RAMPS Snowmobile Kit!
