Snowmobile Riding Gear

Snowmobiles are great recreation vehicles, and for some people, snowmobiles are crucial for making their living. But riding in the snow can be difficult and even dangerous if you don’t have the right gear to protect yourself. Your riding gear should protect you from water, wind, and the chill of freezing wind. Luckily, thanks to the smart innovations from snowmobile gear manufacturers, there are many options for gear which does just that!

Below, we outline the necessary gear for riding a snowmobile. If you have questions about gear or you are looking for a new snowmobile for this winter riding season, stop by Big St. Charles Motorsports. Our locations near St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri proudly serve the areas of St. Peters, Missouri and Belleville, Illinois.

Layers

The first rule of dressing for the cold is using a layering system. Layers give you the ability to always have the amount of insulation you need because you can add or subtract garments to increase or decrease your internal temperature. While most people know the dangers of getting too cold (hypothermia, frostbite, etc.) fewer people know that getting too warm while you’re in the snow can be a problem, too. When you get too hot, it’s easy to start sweating. But once you start sweating, you make it extremely easy to get hypothermia. By wearing multiple layers, you can ensure that you’re always comfortable but never at risk of hypothermia.

Riding Suit & Bibs

The ideal top layer usually involves either a full-body riding suit or a bib. A full body riding suit is often ideal because it gives you complete protection from the elements with no gaps in coverage. Even a high-quality set of snow pants and a coat can leave a gap where snow and wind can penetrate.

The downside to full-body riding suits is that they make it more difficult to use the bathroom or take off layers of clothing. A bib, in combination with a coat, is a nice middle ground. Bibs extend farther up the torso, well past the edge of a coat, to create a complete barrier to the cold. When you need to use the restroom, they’re often easier to get off than full riding suits.

Helmet

As with motorcycles, ATVs, or dirt bikes, snowmobiles leave the rider open during a crash. And don’t be fooled by the layer of snow. Hitting a rock or log just under the surface, or even your own snowmobile can be extremely dangerous. Your helmet is probably the most important piece of safety equipment you’ll invest in. The best helmets for snowmobile riding offer full face protection to keep your face safe from crashes and also frostbite, which can result from severe windchill. It’s also important that your helmet fits your head correctly. It shouldn’t slide around or pinch your head in any place, and it definitely shouldn’t obstruct your lines of sight.

Eye Protection

Speaking of sight, having some good eye protection is extremely important. You’ll want at least a pair of polarized sunglasses and preferably some decent goggles. These are important because the ice crystals in the air can be damaging to your eyes. Plus, the glare from the snow can actually make you go blind with enough exposure. Polarized lens will keep this from happening.

Gloves & Boots

Finally, you’ll want to make sure you protect your extremities from the cold since they are thinner than other parts of the body and more prone to freezing. Gloves should be waterproof and should provide some shielding from the wind without being so thick that they make it difficult to use the controls on your snowmobile. Boots should also be waterproof and it’s best if they extend at least partially up the leg. This will help to keep snow from getting into your boots if you have to step off your snowmobile.

For all your snowmobile needs, stop by Big St. Charles Motorsports. We’re located near St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri and we proudly serve the areas of St. Peters, Missouri and Belleville, Illinois. Give us a call or stop by today!