SNOWMOBILER SURVIVAL GEAR We’ve all read or seen those lists of “must have” things to survive a night in the woods…things like matches, a compass, and a do it all knife are kind of no brainers. As snowmobilers who think outside the box, here is our list of 13 additional items you should always have in your pack that can either get you home in a pinch, or help your prolonged stay outdoors. FROZEN BRATS OR HOTDOGS:
SHOVEL: Even if you don’t ride in the west, these little avalanche shovels are better than scooping snow with your hands. Use it to get yourself un-stuck, build an overnight snow fort or a campfire hole. We really don’t want to know what’s in them either, but what other “meat” stays fresher longer? Cold or hot, they have been bouncing around in our trail pack for as long as we can remember. SINGLE-ENDED CINCH STRAP: This mundane looking piece of fabric and pressed steel buckle has gotten us out of more “jams” than practically anything. From holding together a broken rear torque arm to attaching a busted spindle to an A-arm, a little ingenuity and this little strap can get you home.
TRAIL MAPS: We know real riders don’t use maps, but when you’re lost and the fancy electronics are not receiving a signal, nothing tops an old-school map. Plus, they make a great fire starter when you can’t figure out your location.
RICE KRISPY BAR:
BAILING WIRE: Some of our dads carried this stuff around the farm as if it were gold. This roll of steel can take the place of a hose clamp, a fishing hook, tourniquet, windshield retainer, jumper cables, and way more. You’re gonna need sugar when ya get stranded in the bush, and you can pack a Krispy bar at the bottom of your pack and in 7 years it’s still going to taste better than trail side roadkill.
44 Midwest Rider 2022
