How to Gear a Snowmobile

A snowmobile can turn into a disaster quickly if you do not have the proper equipment. Dangers such as an avalanche or a stalled engine can trap you in the cold wilderness for days at a time. Only through careful packing and preparation can you properly gear your snowmobile for the trip ahead. Even if you are only going on a short snowmobile ride, it is still a good idea to pack the full list of emergency supplies that you normally pack on a longer expedition.

Things You'll Need

  • Toolbox
  • Screwdriver
  • Hatchet
  • Pliers
  • Knife
  • Sparkplugs
  • Drive belt
  • Plastic bin
  • Scissors
  • Bandages
  • Tape
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Gloves
  • Wound closure strips
  • Food
  • Plastic bag
  • Pants
  • Shirt
  • Socks
  • Hat
  • Watertight bag
  • Backpack
  • Tarp
  • Flares
  • Whistle
  • Batteries
  • Flashlight
  • Cell phone
  • Candles
  • Lighter
  • Map
  • Key
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clear the contents of a spare toolbox and set it on the back of the snowmobile. Leave it open so you can quickly pack the supplies.

    • 2

      Place a screwdriver with an interchangeable Philips and flathead bit, hatchet, pliers and knife into the toolbox. Set replacement pieces for the snowmobile such as spark plugs and a spare drive belt into the toolbox as well.

    • 3

      Fill a watertight plastic bin small enough to fit inside the toolbox with first-aid items. Include scissors, bandages, tape, antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol, gloves and wound closure strips.

    • 4

      Set a plastic bag full of candy bars, dried nuts and dehydrated fruit in the toolbox. Pack high-energy foods that will sustain you through two or three days.

    • 5

      Pack an extra pair of pants, a shirt, socks, gloves and a hat into a watertight plastic bag. Fold the clothes so they take up as little space as possible inside the bag. Store the plastic bag in the large compartment of a backpack.

    • 6

      Fold a 10-foot by 10-foot tarp into a two by two foot square. Store the tarp in the backpack compartment with your spare clothing.

    • 7

      Store emergency flares, a whistle, batteries, flashlight, a cell phone, lighters and emergency candles in the mid-sized compartment of the backpack. Don't store these items in the toolbox or the sharp tools may damage the softer items.

    • 8

      Store a map and a spare key in a watertight plastic bag. Store the bag in the smallest compartment of your backpack.

    • 9

      Roll a sleeping bag as tightly as you can. Wrap ten feet of rope around the sleeping bag. Set your backpack on top of your toolbox and set the rolled sleeping bag on top of the pack.

    • 10

      Hook bungee cords to the back platform of the snowmobile and over the stacked supplies. Use cords short enough to fit tightly over the top of the sleeping bag, toolbox and backpack.