10 Items You Should Carry in Your Snowmobile Storage Bag

The contents of a snowmobiler’s storage bag can vary greatly depending on their region of the snowbelt. The suggested items below are some to consider carrying no matter where you ride.

1. Multi-tool

This compact problem-solver takes up minimal space in your pack and contains nearly every common tool to tackle trailside snowmobile fixes and other odd jobs.

2. Tow Strap

Tow straps are offered in a variety of forms, sizes and lengths and can be used in situations beyond towing a downed snowmobile. You can use them to help others get unstuck or move fallen debris from your trail.

3. Non-perishable Food

Pre-packaged food items at the grocery store can be your best friend between meal stops while snowmobiling. Favorites include beef jerky, mixed nuts, dried fruit and energy bars.

4. Fasteners 

By applying a bit of ingenuity with cinch straps, bailing wire, cable ties, hose clamps and duct tape, you can band together just about all forms of broken snowmobile components. These simple fasteners might be enough to get you home.

5. Shovel and Handsaw

It’s become increasingly popular for backpacks and snowmobile tunnel storage bags to come with dedicated space to carry a small foldable shovel and handsaw. Sometimes they’re just enough tool to help you out of a stuck spot by yourself.

6. Trail Maps

Onboard GPS units and cellphone apps have taken over the need for traditional paper trail maps under most riding circumstances. Yet, a paper map is a great tool for seeing the big picture of the trail system and area you’re riding, particularly somewhere new. It’s also a handy backup for drained batteries or a poor signal.

7. Hand Protection

Extra gloves and handlebar muffs are excellent accessories to add to your snowmobile when the weather turns extremely cold. Muffs are sometimes referred to as gauntlets. They have a large mitten-like appearance and install over the handlebars with hook-and-loop fasteners, so you can slide your hands and forearms into them and still comfortably steer. Most feature a water- and wind-resistant shell. When not in use, you can roll them up and out of the way or remove and stow them in your storage bag.

8. Air-activated Warmers

When the cold weather gets to you, crack open a couple of warmers and put them in your gloves or boots. You can also place one strategically in your chest pocket to jump-start some body warmth. They are inexpensive, have a long shelf life and can be found at any sporting goods store.

9. Fire Starter

If you need to start a fire, but don’t want to burn your trail map, a fire starter is handy to have along. You can find a variety of fire starters at your camping supply store. Small fire sticks fit nicely in your onboard storage bag.

10. Injection Oil

At some point, all snowmobilers find themselves in a situation where their low oil warning light starts flashing, but they’re still many trail miles from civilization. It’s a safe practice to carry spare oil, and Quicksilver offers a full-synthetic two-stroke snowmobile oil in a space-saving 1-quart bottle that’s easy to bring along.

Winter can throw uncertain conditions at even the most accomplished snowmobile riders. Luckily, there is one thing you can be certain of: An outfitted storage bag will help you combat winter’s challenges for a safe, enjoyable day on the trails.