What and How to Pack for a Long Trip on a Snowmobile

Going on a long snowmobiling trip? Make sure to pack a variety of gear to ensure you are prepared for the changing conditions or unanticipated challenges you may encounter.

Personal Items

When traveling on a snowmobile, you should pack the necessary equipment and tools. Expect the unexpected! When packing personal items, you should create a kit that includes your driver’s license, snowmobile safety certification card, money, insurance forms for your vehicle, water, a cell phone, and high energy food. Always keep this kit with you.

Keep your cell phone stored in an inside coat pocket, turned off or on airplane mode to help preserve battery life. Do not rely on your phone as your only safety device because it may not work in remote areas where you may be snowmobiling. Call 911 directly in an emergency before calling anyone else.

Keep water in a thermos or an insulted bottle that will keep water from freezing. Have high-quality spare clothing with you as well, including insulating underlayers, high-performance socks, light windproof gloves, down jacket, heavy mitts, hat, and ski-mask.

Safety Equipment

You should always carry safety equipment in your snowmobile in case of an emergency. The necessary items to include are a compass and map, waterproof matches with a fire starter or candle, a flashlight with spare batteries, and an extra ignition key. A GPS or SPOT satellite messenger can help direct emergency personnel to your location if you are stranded. If your snowmobile becomes stuck, a small shovel or a come along, such as the Lug-All lightweight winch hoists, can help free it. A strobe light or flares can also help rescue crews find you if you are stranded in the dark. The use of a come along may also require the use of a sling.

Tools

Always keep a basic tool kit in your snowmobile. Your tool kit should include a spark plug wrench, other wrenches for common adjustments, flathead and Phillips drive screwdrivers, and a strap for emergency starting 2-stroke snowmobiles with a recoil start. Spare spark plugs and a spare drive belt should always be with the snowmobile, in case these parts fail. Consider adding a knife, pliers/side cutters, electrical or duct tape, adjustable wrench, rags, bungee cords, and a tow rope to your tool kit, which will help you preform general repairs or maintenance.

Emergency First Aid Kit

An emergency first aid kit should always be with you on your snowmobiling trip. It should include an assortment of items for any foreseeable emergency, including bandages, gauze, a thermal blanket, an antiseptic, and any other necessary supplies. Many commercially available first aid kits can be carried on a snowmobile, or you can assemble your own. It is also recommended to take a certified first aid and CPR course to aid you in case of an emergency. Always be aware of the dangers of frostbite while snowmobiling. To prevent it, keep your skin covered.

Snowmobiling is fun, but it can be dangerous. Make sure to pack personal items, safety equipment, tools, and an emergency first aid kit when preparing to embark on a snowmobiling journey. Packing an assortment of gear will allow you to adjust to changing conditions or unforeseen challenges you may come across on a long trip snowmobiling.

If there is anything else you would recommend bringing on a snowmobile trip, leave a comment below.