Snowmobile Riding Gear Guide

Hello World! Welcome Friends! A little snow and ice shouldn’t spell the end of your motorsports season. Instead of staying trapped inside, drooling over OEM bike parts and waiting for the first day of spring, get back outside and on a snowmobile. Here’s a quick rundown of the essential gear you need to stay safe in the snow.

A Safety-Rated Helmet

Of all your snowmobiling gear, your helmet is the most important part for the simple fact that it protects your head and neck from harm. In other words, if you’re looking to cut corners on your kit, this isn’t the place to do it.Snowmobile helmets fit into one of three categories:

Conventional
Modular
Snowcross

Conventional, or traditional, snowmobile helmets are one-piece helmets that are pulled over the head as a single unit. The only part that moves is the visor, which can be raised and lowered. Due to the simplicity of its design, this is usually the most inexpensive type of head protection.

As their name suggests, modular helmets aren’t a single piece. Instead, the front of the helmet can hinge open like a snake expanding its jaw. When this front section is lowered, the visor can be raised and lowered just like on a conventional helmet. Some modular helmets feature interior breathing masks, as well.

Snowcross helmets feature one-piece construction like conventional helmets, but they don’t have visors. Riders who use this type of helmet wear goggles instead. (For the goggle-averse, there are hybrid helmets that include a visor while retaining the form and function of a standard snowcross helmet.) Snowcross helmets also have an extension at the forehead to protect the wearer’s face from debris, snow, and the sun.

A Jacket and Bibs

The best snowmobiling gear should keep you safe and comfortable. Fittingly, there are two things to look for in your snowmobile suit: warmth and ease of use. The inside of your jacket and bibs should be insulated. The outside should be made of a material such as Gore-Tex or acrylic that’s both waterproof and windproof. Avoid cotton jackets and pants. If they get wet, they can freeze, and it’s hard to handle turns when you’re a human popsicle.

Boots and Socks

Snowmobile boots should support your feet, keep them warm and dry, and let your feet breathe. Look for a pair with the following features:

A synthetic upper that’s tall enough to keep snow out
A waterproof bottom with a lug sole that provides grip
A breathable, moisture-wicking fleece, wool, or synthetic liner

To keep your blood moving, make sure you choose boots that don’t feel tight. Remember to let them fully dryout between rides, too.

Choose socks that are thin, moisture-wicking, and not cotton. Instead, pick materials such as wool, fleece, nylon, silk, or synthetics.

Gloves

Just like every other item on this list, your gloves need to provide warmth and keep wind and water out. Look for a pair that has gauntlets to keep the snow out of your sleeves, and make sure you can still safely man the snowmobile’s controls, especially if you decide to go the mitten route.

You wouldn’t think twice about augmenting your bike with aftermarket motorcycle parts in order to make your ride as safe as can be. Don’t hesitate to complete your winter kit before you head out on your snowmobile this winter, either.

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