Gear List & Recommendations for the Bighorn Mountains
Intro
Howdy friends. My name is Jeff, one of the owners of Sled Wyoming. I am a backcountry snowmobile guide, clinic instructor, and just a die hard snowmobile enthusiast that has been riding snowmobiles since before I could walk. Literally, my Dad put me on sleds before I took my first steps. Over the last 25 years or so, I have learned a thing or two, made a few mistakes, been unprepared, been in some situations, helped volunteer on search & rescue missions, etc., etc.
This list is everything I carry in the backcountry with me. One thing is for certain, If I needed to spend a few nights before help could arrive, you’d be darn sure that I’d be more comfortable than most. If you would like to see this in video form, here’s a link.
Step 1: Have Appropriate Riding Gear
Yeah, I’m aware. Spending thousands and thousands of dollars on the best riding gear currently out there won’t make you a better rider, it doesn’t mean life or death, and plenty of people ride every year in a 30 year old leather jacket and muck boots. But one thing is for certain, I have zero, none, nada, regrets about purchasing comfortable riding gear. I’m warm. I'm dry. I feel athletic. That’s my bottom line. Here’s head-to-toe what I wear.
Thick and tall socks. Brand doesn’t matter. Bring an extra set or two though.
Ski-Doo Tec + Rec Boots. $189.99
509 FZN Level 1 Pant: $49.95
509 FZN Level 2 Pant: $79.95
509 FZN Level 1 Shirt: $49.95
509 FZN Merino Hoodie: $99.95
509 R-Mor Protection Vest: $139.95
Ski-Doo Pyra Helmet: $179.99
Ski-Doo Tinted Edge Goggles: $119.99
Ski-Doo Mountain Gloves: $79.99
BC Aspect One-Piece Suit: Prices Vary but anywhere from $530-$830.
Step 2: Carry a Backpack.
This is what I carry on my back. Starting with the pack itself, which serves as an avalanche floatation pack, hence the price. My philosophy with an avy bag, is it is an absolute last resort. You have triggered an avalanche and will be caught. It’s a hail marry. It doesn’t replace avy training, beacons, probes, and shovels.
Klim Atlas 26. $1039.99
Avalanche Probe: $89.95
Shovel: $59.95
Avalanche Beacon: $399.95
Two Way Radio: $95.97
Food & Water of Course.
Two Beanies.
First Aid Kit
Waterproof Matches
Lighter
Tampon (For dipping the fuel tank of your sled)
Hand/Toe Warmers
Heat Blanket
Step 3: Carry a Tunnel Bag
The tunnel bag weighs more than my backpack. I carry a majority of my items in here.
Klim Tool Pak: $19.99
Swen Saw Triangular Saw: $45.00
Torch: $31.71
Sam Splint: $10.71
10ft x 10ft Tarp
Power Bank for Charging with charing cords.
Extra Food
Metal Liquids Container
Extra Socks
Zip Ties
Gorilla Tape
Paracord
Miscellaneous Items
These items are just as important. They usually go in the pockets of my mono-suit.
Zoleo Satellite Communicator: $199.95 with $35/month subscription.
Phone with OnX Offline Maps Downloaded: $8.33/month
Avenza Maps is another great offline map resource, but is not nearly as detailed as OnX.
Conclusion
I’m probably forgetting some items. My list continues to grow each season and I often learn new things from fellow riders. Learning never stops. Hopefully this list can get you thinking about what you should carry in whatever backcountry you may ride!