Riding a snowmobile exposes you to extremely low temperatures, moisture, and glare. And wearing your regular boots and woolen won’t help it. That is why snowmobile gear and clothing pieces are specifically designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable on your sled so that you can ride as long as you want, despite the challenging environment.

With these 5 accessories, you will be fully geared up for thrilling snowy adventures.

#1 Helmet

Wearing an ATV or motorcycle helmet while riding a snowmobile is a common mistake that beginners make. Snowmobile helmets are designed differently with indirect vents and a dual face shield. The purpose is to provide as much protection as possible against the cold weather and prevent frostbite on your nose, lips, and cheeks. Always pick a helmet with a tinted face shield to cut out the glare.

#2 Boots

Made of waterproof materials, snowmobile boots have a rigid sole and firm sides to protect your feet from scraping and freezing temperatures. They also come with elastic gaiters to keep snow out of your boots. Buying the correct size is also important. Too tight or too loose boots can affect your riding comfort and agility on the sled. Moreover, snowmobile boots come with a strap system to hold your boots in place while riding.

#3 Socks

Choosing the right pair of socks can help you get the most out of your snowmobile boots. Instead of cotton socks, merino wool is a great choice as it keeps your feet comfortable, warm, and dry.

Socks with medium thickness offer more warmth and comfort as compared to their thicker alternatives. Avoid ankle-length socks as they can slide down and feel really uncomfortable as you move around in those snowmobile boots.

#4 Gloves

Modern snowmobiles come with handlebar warmers, but that’s not enough because the back of your hands will still be freezing off while riding. That is why it is important to invest in a good pair of snowmobile gloves that not only keep your hands warm but also allow you the desired flexibility to twist the throttle and apply brakes.

Snowmobile-specific gloves are waterproof with essential padding and insulation and yet breathable so your hands don’t get all sweaty from riding. Having multiple pairs of gloves with varying thicknesses is a good idea. Thick and well-insulated gloves are perfect for when riding on a trail. But it is recommended to wear relatively thin gloves when you are required to work the throttle and brakes harder than usual.

#5 Snowmobile body armor

Whether you are going to buy a monosuit or a jacket and pants, the fit and insulation should be the deciding factor. Mountain riding involves aggressive maneuvering at lower speeds, so medium insulation will keep you adequately warm without compromising your mobility. On the other hand, trail riding is all about speed, so make sure your clothing has appropriate insulation to ward off the cold.

Expect the Unexpected

When you are out there having fun on your sled, it’s not going to be warm and sunny all day long. Weather can change pretty quickly in the mountains, and you should be prepared for it. Make sure you dress in layers so that it’s easier for you to take your clothes off as the mercury soars and put them back on when the temperature drops. You will want to wear a lightweight base layer, one insulating layer, and top it all off with a waterproof layer.

Have a great time and ride safely.