How to Pack for Backcountry Snowmobiling
Over the past few decades, snowmobiling has become an extremely popular pastime with winter sports enthusiasts everywhere. A common use for snowmobiles is as backcountry riding vehicles. If you want to explore natural areas without the crowds you find at parks and public riding areas, then backcountry riding may be the pastime you want to pursue. Some serious snowmobilers even consider backcountry riding to be the only “true form” of snowmobiling.
When you’re out in the wilderness riding over fresh powder and making memories, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve packed all the gear you’ll need to stay safe and warm. Your local snowmobile dealership, Road Track & Trail in Big Bend, Wisconsin, has drawn up this guide to packing for backcountry snowmobiling to help you figure out what you need to bring.
Packing Your Backpack & Your Sled
Determine your packing strategy ahead of time so you can pack both your sled and your backpack correctly. First, you should make sure that your backpack can hold all the survival supplies you’ll need if you have to leave your snowmobile. Keeping some supplies on your snowmobile is also good, though, like tools, extra parts, and more fuel. All the items that serve the sled itself should be left with it, while anything that is meant to help you survive should be in your backpack.
What Should You Bring?
What supplies you bring will depend on how long your trip is, what your riding style entails and where you plan to go. The following lists break down the types of supplies you’ll need and the most important items to have in each category. If you plan to camp overnight, then extra clothes and a warm shelter will become important.
Winter Emergency Supplies
These items will help you cope with survival needs in snowy, cold environments that present their own unique challenges compared to other situations. If your snowmobile breaks down and you’re stuck in the wilderness, you’ll want to have these things with you:
Snowshoes
Shovel
Hand warmers
Fire starter
Tarp
Hatchet
Snowmobile tools and extra parts, like a spare drive belt and spark plugs
Rope
Space blanket
Headlamp
Saw
Protective Gear
Your top priority while participating in winter sports is to keep yourself adequately insulated against cold temperatures. You’ll want to wear a helmet with a visor that has anti-fog properties and possibly UV protection, since sun glare on snow can be very harsh. Insulated gloves, thick wool socks, snow boots, thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, and a scarf are all essential items to wear. Wear and carry lip balm and lotion to protect your skin from chapping in wind and cold temperatures.
Navigational Tools
It’s not impossible that you’ll get lost in the backcountry, especially if you’re riding somewhere for the first time. Having the tools you need to navigate your way back to civilization and safety is essential to ensuring your survival. These tools include a map of the area, a compass and binoculars, in addition to your GPS unit. Should your GPS fail, the map and compass will get you back to safety provided you know how to use them properly.
First Aid Supplies
A well-stocked first aid kit should accompany anyone undertaking any adventure. You want to have the necessary medications and supplies to treat minor illnesses and injuries on the trail. Obviously, in an emergency, you will need to call for help, but knowing some first aid basics can help you to treat an injured companion until rescue crews arrive. Stock your kit with bandages, athletic tape, painkillers, stomach medicine, allergy pills, a carbohydrate-heavy snack for raising blood sugar, antibiotic ointment, and any personal medications like asthma inhalers that you may need as you ride.
Following these tips and using these lists to pack should help you prepare yourself for your next backcountry snowmobile adventure. To see a great selection of snowmobiles, visit our dealership in Big Bend. We provide financing, parts, and service for your snowmobile, too. Road Track & Trail proudly serves the greater Milwaukee area, including the cities of Waukesha and Kenosha, Wisconsin. We also welcome our customers coming north from the Chicago metro area.
