A Beginner’s Guide to Snowmobile Riding Gear
Welcome back to the Shop Talk blog! It’s winter here in Western New York, so that means the 2 wheelers are winterized and stored til that first spring thaw, but it also means it’s officially SNOWMOBILE season! We use the Shop Talk blog to highlight some of our favorite products and brands, and to help inform others out there about some of the things we love most! That means going fast, helping others go fast, and helping others to learn about going fast.
If you love going fast, and you’ve never ridden a snowmobile, well, you might have just found your favorite new hobby! Before we send you off into the woods, we want you to know what type of gear you’re going to want, and what gear you’re going to NEED from a safety standpoint.
Today on the blog, we’re going to go over all you need to know about gearing up for a snowmobile ride!
So, what do you need for your first snowmobile ride?
Proper Snowmobile Apparel & Gear
A Quality Snowmobile Helmet
The first thing you need to think about is your head. Just like riding a bike or a motorcycle, it’s non-negotiable to ride wearing a helmet. This doesn’t mean you can just grab a dry-rotted old helmet and call it a day. You’re going to need a quality snowmobile helmet with a dual-pane visor shield. Double-pane, or dual-pane, visors are essential because they help to prevent fogging from blinding you in cold, humid conditions.
How should a snowmobile helmet fit?
There are certifications to ensure a hemet is official. The helmet should fit snug and not move much, but be lightweight enough to allow your head to move side to side. You can use a modular or flip-up helmet, but this will require goggles. You’re probably better off with a full-face snowmobile helmet that will have a built-in dual-pane shield.
You should plan on replacing your helmet every 3-5 years to keep the internal materials fresh and most protective!
Snowmobile Outerwear
You won’t want to go snowmobiling a second time if you don’t dress properly the first time! When dressing for snowmobile riding, you need to consider your base layer and your outer layer. (and in some cases your mid-layer too!) We will start on the outside, as it’s probably going to be one of your most important investments.
Your Outer Shell should be made up of your windproof, waterproof apparel, and should be totally “gap-proof” to prevent wind and cold from getting in. This is your Snowmobile Jacket & Bibs (pants), or your snowmobile monosuit. A lot of riders choose to go with the monosuit because it prevents any gaps.
You may not know, but snowmobile outerwear is not only often waterproof, but can serve as a flotation device in the event you end up in water! This can get real when going over ice. This helps to keep you alive, but also keeps you dry and warm until you can get help.
Under Layer
Your base layer or mid-layer is going to be made of moisture-wicking materials. This is important because you don’t want to get sweaty under your outer layer. Avoid cotton for this reason. For your mid layer, you’ll want something a bit heavier for warmth, like wool, fleece, or specialized liners.
Snowmobile Gloves & Boots
This is also part of your “outer layer,” and so that means these need to be 100% waterproof and windproof as well. Insulated snowmobile gloves are necessary to keep your hands warm and dry, but you’ll want enough available mobility with your hands to know you can operate the vehicle without needing to worry about your gloves. Boots that are designed for snowmobiling have specific characteristics that help with the ride. You want snowmobile-specific boots.
Quality snowmobile boots will be designed for high-speed, cold-weather riding. They are stiff, durable, and have extreme insulation. They’re built for -20°F and below. They have stiff ankle protection and reinforced toes to protect from hazards and specialized outsoles for traction on the vehicle.
Safety & Emergency Snowmobile Gear
There are a few more things you may want to consider if you’re planning on riding in the backcountry or going into unknown areas. This is where snowmobiling can get dangerous, so if you’re not experienced, it’s not recommended to go out riding without someone who knows what they’re doing and knows the map so you don’t get lost.
Basic Snowmobile Safety Gear
Some things you’ll want to ensure you have on you when riding are obviously your phone and/or any 2-way radio, walkie-talkie, or communication device you plan on using. There aren’t any chargers out in the woods, so you may want to bring a solar charger with you in case. A quality flashlight is another item you won’t want to leave without. Headlamps can be a great tool in a pinch.
Navigation
As mentioned, you should always make sure you have your phone, but backcountry riding can get dicey when it comes to cell service, so you should explore navigation options beyond a paper trail map. GPS or satellite communication devices should be considered, especially if you’re planning on going into uncharted territory.
For Serious Backcountry Riders - Survival Gear
There are levels to snowmobiling that some beginners may never reach, but it’s important to mention. Some people who snowmobile are legit, like Bear Grylls or Les Stroud. They could survive in the wild for a few days with their snowmobile and some gear. These backcountry riders probably bring another level of safety gear in case of an emergency. You may also see some of these types of gear with a snowmobile guide or leader of a group ride. These are things like a beacon, a shovel, a satellite communicator, firestarters, an emergency shelter, and more. You can never be too prepared. They may even keep a few spare parts with them in case a repair is needed out on a ride.
If you’re thinking about buying some new snowmobile gear, we’ve got you covered! We’ve got everything you need, featuring only the top brands that we feel help to make the experience better. We sell products that we believe in, and you can shop here online, or if you’re in WNY, you can stop down to the shop and try on some gear and ask us any questions you have! Looking forward to helping!