Snowmobile Emergency Tools

A snowmobile ride can be one of the most entertaining and exciting outdoor activities in winter. It can also be one of the most dangerous should you encounter mechanical difficulties or harsh weather conditions on the trail. Before you leave on your snowmobile, make sure you have the tools you'll need to survive should an emergency situation arise.

  1. Matches

    • Matches are one of the most crucial supplies anyone traveling through the wilderness in winter should never be without. The ability to produce fire is key to survival. Matches make starting fires easier; and fire not only provides warmth, but offers the opportunity to melt snow into drinkable water.

    Tow Rope

    • If your only mode of transportation gets stuck in impassable drifts of snow, it's imperative that you are able to free your snowmobile or risk a long walk in blistering temperatures. A simple tow rope kit can help you free your snowmobile manually with a strong rope or tooled hooks that can be attached to another snowmobile that can be used to pull the stuck machine free.

    Multi-Tool

    • Should your snowmobile encounter mechanical difficulties on the trail, a multi-tool can come in very handy. The multi-function capabilities of a multi-tool can assist in getting your snowmobile back on the trail before exposure takes its toll. A twist of a pliers or a turn of a screwdriver might be all the snowmobile needs to become functional again.

    Food

    • Although humans can survive for a long time without food in emergency situations, a lack of food can affect one's strength and make survival much more difficult. Packing a high-calorie nutritional bar, protein bar or candy bar before a snowmobile trip can provide a stranded snowmobiler with extra strength needed to keep warm and seek help.

    Extra Clothing

    • Hypothermia is one of the dangerous consequences of encountering an emergency while snowmobiling. Should your snowmobile become immobile and you find yourself stranded, it's crucial to retain as much body heat as possible. Heat escapes through the extremities, so an extra pair of socks, as well as another pair of gloves, can help the body maintain its core temperature.

    Spark Plugs

    • One of the most common mechanical failures that a snowmobile can encounter is a failed spark plug. By carrying an extra set of plugs on your ride, you can feel a little more confident that you won't find yourself stranded in the cold.

    Foldable Shovel

    • A foldable shovel can also help a stuck snowmobile become free by removing excess snow that has become compacted around it. Its compact size makes it an ideal addition to a snowmobiler's survival kit.

    Ice Picks

    • If you plan on riding over frozen water, it's a very good idea to carry ice picks along with you. Should your sled break through the ice, you can anchor the picks at the edge of the break to help pull yourself up and out of freezing waters.