Snowmobiling is an intense sport practiced by die hards. It takes guts to ride an 800 cc sled out into the backcountry, but it takes more than guts to protect yourself against the cold. Hypothermia and frostbite are not merely entries in a medical student’s textbook. They are part of the reality that surrounds snowmobiling. I have friends who have experienced frostbite, and one friend who had a toe amputated after it was frostbitten. They will be the first to tell you that the right snowmobile gear can make the difference between life and death. They will also tell you that it is important to look good while you are out riding. Fortunately, you can do both.
Because snowmobilers have been braving the cold for decades now, they have a pretty solid idea of what it takes to be prepared. For example, a first time snowmobiler might think that all he needs is a pair of insulated coveralls, but an experienced rider will tell you that coveralls are not a good idea. The problem is that coveralls and even insulated coveralls are made from cotton. If you don’t get wet, the insulation they provide should be plenty, but when you go snowmobiling, you just plan on getting wet. Once cotton gets wet, it loses its ability to insulate. A wet pair of coveralls is nothing more than a hypothermia suit. As you are whipping across the snow on the back of your snowmobile, the wind and the cold will suck the heat right out of you, and this is why coveralls should not be a part of your snowmobile gear.
Your insulation should be wool, polyester, or a synthetic fiber that will not lose its ability to insulate if it gets wet. Down, puffer jackets are just as bad as cotton. Once they get wet, they don’t provide any insulation. Polyester and wool, on the other hand, will provide insulation even if you were to dowse yourself with water. They might not keep you really warm, so it is better to avoid getting wet, but they will still continue to retain some heat. Snowmobiling gear starts with the right insulation. Once you have squared away a good insulating layer next to your skin, you next need to find a good outer shell. You should look for a shell that is waterproof and breathable. If your shell keeps moisture next to your skin, that moisture can cool your body temperature leaving less heat for your insulating layer to retain. You need a shell that will let water vapor out while preventing snow and water from getting in.
A good shell layer will keep your base layer dry so that your base layer can keep your warm. To complete your snowmobile gear, you will need gloves, boots, and a helmet. Once you are properly outfitted, you should not have to worry about the cold. You could be out all day in a snowstorm yet have no problem staying warm and comfortable. Just make sure your helmet, gloves, and boots are insulated and waterproof. Your final concern should be style. Riding in groups is not fun when you look like you have just visited a thrift store. If you have a snowmobile jacket made by your favorite snowmobile maker, then you are on your way to snowmobile style. These jackets should also be designed for the extreme conditions you face when you are out on the trial, so you get style and function. This is a killer combination. Nothing is better than beating the cold and looking good while doing it. With the right snowmobile gear, you can do both.
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