Snowmobiling has gained popularity as a pastime sport over the past few decades. Most winter sports enthusiasts use snowmobiles as backcountry riding vehicles. For those that fancy the idea of exploring the natural areas, far from the public or crowds, then they should try backcountry riding. While you’re out there in the wilderness enjoying the fresh snow and air, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve packed all the necessary gear to keep you warm and safe. For this reason, at Bright Power Sports, we’ve compiled the below highlight to guide you in packing for backcountry snowmobiling. To learn more, visit our location in Lincoln Park, Michigan, serving Detroit and Wayne County, Michigan.

Backpack and Sled

You need to identify your packing strategy in good time to ensure that you back both your sled and backpack properly. Firstly, ensure your backpack can hold all the survival supplies if you need to abandon your snowmobile. It’s a good idea to keep some supplies on the snowmobile, such as tools, more fuel or extra parts. Similarly, all the items deemed to serve the sled should be left with it, while all survival items should be in your backpack.

What to Bring?

Depending on how long you plan to be out there, your riding style, and what you plan to do should guide the type of supplies to bring. The below list contains some essential supplies as you head out. Extra clothes and warm shelter are crucial if you plan to camp overnight.

Winter Emergency Supplies

These supplies are vital in surviving the snowy and cold weather out there. More so, if your snowmobile breakdown or gets stuck, you’ll need the following things:

  • Shovel
  • Snowshoes
  • Firestarter
  • Hatchet
  • Rope
  • Headlamp
  • Tarp
  • Space blanket
  • Snowmobile tools and extra parts such as spark plugs

Protective Gear

While you’re participating in winter sports, you should ensure to keep yourself warm. Ensure you put on a helmet with an anti-fog visor and UV protection to avoid the sun glare on snow, which can be harsh. Additionally, ensure you have insulated gloves, a scarf, thick wool socks, waterproof outerwear and thermal layers.

Navigational Tools

It’s not uncommon to hear people getting lost in the wilderness, and so is the backcountry, particularly when venturing into new areas. Therefore, have the necessary navigational tools to help navigate your back to safety. These items include a compass, map of the area, GPS unit and binoculars.

First Aid Supplies

If you’re out on any adventure, always ensure you carry a well-stocked first aid kit with the essential medication to treat minor injuries on the trail. The kit should have bandages, painkillers, allergy pills, stomach medicine, antibiotic ointment, carbohydrate-rich snacks to boost blood sugar, and personal medications such as asthma inhalers.

We hope the above guideline is helpful the next time you’re packing for backcountry snowmobiling. To learn more, contact Bright Power Sports today. Furthermore, to take a closer look at some of our snowmobiles, visit our location in Lincoln Park, Michigan, serving Detroit and Wayne County, Michigan.