Snowmobiling isn't the most popular winter sport – more individuals flock to ski resorts for downhill skiing and snowboarding. However, any snowmobiling enthusiast will tell you there isn't another activity as thrilling and rewarding as zipping over powdery snow. It's a unique way to connect with nature, as, unlike driving a car, there is no set path for you to follow. Instead, each snowmobiling excursion is one-of-a-kind and entirely dependent on your desires and preferences.
There are two types of snowmobiling trips – day excursions and multi-day expeditions. As you might expect, these longer trips involve wildland survival and camping elements. Regardless of the length of your journey, there are certain essentials you must pack to ensure a satisfying and safe experience. From first aid supplies to warm clothing, these items ensure your well-being and comfort from the winter elements. Read on to make sure you have everything you'll need next time you fire up your motor sled.
Before we dive into the specific items you'll need when traveling by snow scooter, you must have the proper storage. More specifically, how can you lug around supplies and equipment without being weighed down? We recommend investing in a quality sled pack for first aid, food, water, navigation devices, snow shovels, and other essential supplies.
A sled pack is a backpack that comfortably locks onto your body without causing significant stress on your back. They usually feature convenient, organized interiors that help you maintain order and allow you to find essentials quickly. For standard day trips, a sled pack can be your only form of storage.
However, longer excursions involving camping will require additional storage solutions. Consider towing a sled behind your vehicle or tying down duffel bags on the back. Motor sleds can typically pull anywhere from 250 to 1,500 pounds, with utility models being the strongest. The more snowmobiles in your traveling group, the better you can distribute the weight of your items.
Determine the towing capacity of your specific make and model before attempting to tow a sled. Knowing the exact weight of your supplies is a must to ensure high performance and safety. To avoid overpacking, let's explore the essential items you need to pack for your next snowmobiling trip.
First aid supplies are undoubtedly the most important items to bring on a snowmobiling expedition or day trip. Unfortunately, there are 14,000 snowmobiling-related injuries reported each year in the United States, including fatalities. So, you want all the basic emergency supplies, including bandages, compress dressings, gauze, tape, splints, antiseptic products, and pain-relief medicine like Advil or Tylenol. We also highly recommend including some type of hand warmer, especially on frigid days.
You don't want to forget your hygiene essentials, either. Aside from dental care products, bring extra feminine care products and biodegradable soap (for longer trips). Additionally, pack an unscented alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cotton washcloths, and microfiber towels. You don't need shampoos (wet and dry), general haircare products, or deodorants when venturing out into the wilderness. These items are useless on snowmobiling trips and take up valuable space in your storage.
Now let's discuss the items you'll be wearing on your back and storing on your snowmobile. There are three types of motor sledding-specific supplies – snowmobiling equipment, standard clothing, and cold weather gear.
Luckily, snowmobiling is one winter activity that doesn't require a lot of specialized equipment. Most of your storage will be occupied by the other items on this list. One item you'll need is a toolset for fixing potential issues with your vehicle.
This kit should include a small socket wrench set, Phillips/slotted screwdrivers, snow shovels, tow rope, emergency starter rope, a square belt, zip ties, baling wire, duct tape, vise grips, spare plugs, plug tools, and a small container to organize spare parts. Also, consider packing a siphon hose if you’re venturing into remote locations.
Now it's time to determine which base layers are essential for snowmobiling. First and foremost, you want a comfortable and breathable shirt that fits nicely underneath your other layers. As for legwear, we recommend long johns to wear underneath your snow pants. Extra thick socks are vital as cold weather foot injuries are potentially the most common hazard in the wilderness. Don't forget an extra pair of shoes to wear at the campsite and warm pajamas for the night.
Once you've packed your ideal selection of base-layer garments, you can shift focus towards cold weather gear. These items include mid-layers (hoodies, sweaters, zip-ups, etc.), winter coats/jackets, snow pants, gloves, boots, head protection, eye protection, and neck protection. These items must be waterproof and insulated to prevent cold weather injuries. Sunglasses are essential as the glare from snow can severely damage your eyes – goggles work, too.
There are three things you never want to run out of when on a snowmobiling trip: food, water, and fuel! Any one of these occurrences can put your well-being in danger, not to mention seriously ruin the experience. Humans require 11.5 to 15.5 cups of water per day to stay hydrated, and even more when outside for many hours at a time.
Bring a little more than the recommended amount of water to ensure you don't go thirsty. As for food, pack protein-rich non-perishables and, if possible, fresh fruit. Nuts, jerky, protein bars, and oats are all excellent options that don't consume much storage space.
The average snowmobile holds eight to 12 gallons of fuel, gets 70 to 300 miles per full tank, and averages eight to 25 miles per gallon. You most likely burn 10 to 20 gallons of gas each hour. Tow along enough fuel for the entirety of your trip. If your trip will last for many days, ensure you plan to travel through refueling locations.
If your snowmobiling trip extends over multiple days, you'll also need to tow along the proper camping essentials. Now that you've expertly packed first aid, survival supplies, food, water, equipment, and clothing/gear, you're ready for your outdoor adventure! Before firing up your motor sled, stock up on our North Face clothing for sale and other top-brand items that'll keep you warm and stylish this winter.
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