Snowmobiles are however not toys. Modern designs can deliver a lot of torque and hit very high speeds. In that case, it is always advisable to take all the safety precautions needed to protect yourself. Several things would make a snowmobile safe to ride. Most of these safety features come already preinstalled in the vehicle.

But even then, you can still do your part in enhancing overall safety. One easier and perhaps most recommended thing to do is to wear the best snowmobile helmets every time you ride. There are many benefits associated with this and we will be covering them all in detail below.

What Are Snowmobile Helmets?

Before we get to the benefits of using a snowmobile helmet, let’s, first of all, break down what they are. To put it simply, a snowmobile helmet is a safety accessory designed to protect you against serious head injuries in case of an accident. Think of it as the normal motorcycle helmet only that these are designed for the snowmobile.

Types of Snowmobile Helmets

The best snowmobile helmets brands have evolved a lot over the years as they look to meet the tastes of different people and the demands of various snowmobile sports out there. However, there are four main types of helmets.

Here is a breakdown of each of them:

1. Full Face Helmets: As the name suggests, a full-face helmet covers every inch of your head and your face as well. The helmets have two main advantages. First, they will provide better protection in case of an accident. The helmets also protect you against the cold, a huge advantage for people who ride at higher speeds.
2. Motocross and Snowcross Helmets: For active riders who ride snowmobiles for sport these would be the ideal helmets for you. They are more like the full-face helmets but they don’t cover your face. Instead, you get a pair of goggles that give you a bigger field of view. This design allows for natural ventilation to go through inside your head, making it ideal for sports racing that may cause a lot of sweating.
3. Modular: Think of the module helmet as the full face option only that the face cover is not fixed. You can lift it and expose your face for better vision or just to air out your head after a long day of riding. The only challenge is that it does not offer nearly as much protection as the full-face version.
4. The Dual Sport: This helmet is shaped exactly like the MX helmet. It features a face shield as well but unlike the full-face helmet, it offers a better field of view and excellent ventilation.

The Best Snowmobile Helmets – Image via Snoriderswest.com

Safety Ratings and What They Mean

The primary purpose of the best snowmobile helmets is to protect you. But some brands do a better job than others. This is where the safety rating comes in.

Right now there are three main safety ratings that you can see on each helmet. The first one is the DOT rating. This is the minimum safety standard. The DOT rating is issued by the United States Department of Transportation. Helmets must meet certain standards set by the DOT to qualify for the rating.

The second one is called Snell. Snell is a certification program that tests out different helmets for their safety. It’s an independent nonprofit organization and is considered one of the most authoritative names in helmet safety in the US. Finally, there is the ECE rating. The safety standards for the ECE helmet ratings are set by the Economic Commission of Europe. They are similar to the DOT standards but they have additional criteria.

Either way, the helmet you decide to buy must have any of these safety ratings. It’s an indication that the product has gone through rigorous safety tests and has met all the safety standards set by recognized quality assurance bodies in the transport industry.

Why You Should Always Wear a Snowmobile Helmet?

Wearing the best snowmobile helmets has several benefits. First of all, it’s a must-have safety accessory for any snowmobile owner. This is because the helmet reduces the risk of serious head injuries in case of an accident. Head injuries account for the highest percentage of deaths during accidents. A snowmobile helmet, therefore, increases your chances of surviving and resuming your life without serious damage.

The helmet will also protect you against tough weather. Ridding on the snow is exciting but the cold can be a mood killer. (Read here for 13 Tips On How Not to Die in the Snow) The helmet, however, takes care of this. It protects you against the cold, making sure you can enjoy your snow rides anytime. Wearing a helmet will also make it easier for you to file insurance claims in case of an accident. In most cases, insurance companies are more likely to contest claims if the rider was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Helmets may also make you more visible to other road users. This reduces the risk of accidents as well. In some cases, helmets kill wind noise and this makes it easier for you to focus on the road. You are also able to hear easily. This means that you can easily take note of sound signals and be aware of your surroundings as you ride.

Conclusion

Riding a snowmobile is an exciting thing but safety has to come first. Wearing the best snowmobile helmet with the best snowmobile lift goes a long way and with the amazing variety of quality brands to choose from, it should be easy to get a helmet that protects you all the time.

There are also different designs and types, some of which we have highlighted above. Ultimately, you want something safe enough even if it means spending a little extra money. It’s also not a bad idea to have more than one helmet for different occasions.

The post What Are Snowmobile Helmets and What Are Their Benefits? appeared first on Atbuz.

A Cautionary Tale

The story below tells of a couple in Alberta that struck out for a small adventure, but mother nature offered up more than they were ready for.  While they weren’t fully prepared for this trip, they did have some basic gear to stay warm and did a good job of signaling their distress.  After that story, we’ll detail a better approach to winter adventures and suggest gear that will keep you safe and comfortable.

Missing pair found in B.C.’s backcountry after writing ‘help’ in snow

Search and rescuers spotted the makeshift SOS sign from aircraft.

Missing pair found in B.C.’s backcountry after writing ‘help’ in snow

Two people reported missing in B.C.’s backcountry were found safe Thursday afternoon thanks to an SOS message they carved in the snow, which was spotted by a rescue aircraft.

Catherine Gibbons, 22, and Damon Brodeur, 24, spent five nights in the cold of B.C.’s Columbia Valley in southeastern B.C. after their car-camping trip went awry.

Steve Talsma, search manager with Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, said the pair took crucial steps that helped them be found.

“They put out an orange tarp, or blanket, and had written ‘help’ in the snow and also drew an arrow to where they were,” Talsma said.

Their vehicle, a silver SUV with a roof rack, could also be seen from above by a rescue aircraft.

Winning Quote:  “Making sure that people are aware of your plans and intentions and when you expect to be back might shorten the time frame [for a rescue],” he said.

A Better Approach

To avoid making news and freezing your buns off, you can make smarter decisions before venturing into the wilds during winter.  We’ll detail the techniques needed, and you can see some gear needed for happy winter adventures at our site.  https://www.sidetrek.co/13-tips-on-how-not-to-die-in-the-snow/

Pick Your Adventure

Pick an adventure that is sized to your capabilities. Know the limitations of your vehicle, gear, and yourself and match that with the terrain and weather.   Mountain environments in the winter can be especially tricky as the weather changes quickly and can quickly get you in trouble.  It’s great to push yourself, but only if you are prepared.

Plan

Plan

Get out a map, Google, Gaia, or paper and plot your course.  Know where you are going to go and share that with someone who will check in on you.  If you don’t come back home, then responders have a decent idea of where you might be.  Planning will also give you a better idea of what you are getting into, how far you can make it, and a better understanding of the terrain and solutions if trails become impassable.  With all the great mapping software, there is no excuse to not map your route.

Stepping up your sharing capabilities, a GPS texting service is a good purchase if you spend much time well on the grid.  If the stuff hits the fan you can call for help and provide your exact coordinates.  HAM radio is also a great way to communicate when off-grid.  HAM has a much better range and capabilities than CB, but it requires a license for normal communication (emergency comms doesn’t require a license. Learn more about HAM and licensing here.

Prepare

Going out in the wild requires some decent prep.  The more challenging your adventure, the more important it to prepare. Winter is a more extreme situation and the cold can kill you. If you take it seriously and are prepared, it can be a blast.  If just winging it, you can become a statistic.

Don’t Get Stuck

Don’t Get Stuck

• High Clearance- If weather predicts snow, make sure you have a vehicle with clearance to get over the snow. Even if you have snow tires and 4-wheel drive, being bottomed out on snow will halt progress. If a foot or more of snow is expected, most sedans and typical SUVs will not cut it.
• Tire Chains- The best of snow or mud tires can be overwhelmed by deep snow. Tire chains take deep snow traction to a whole new level, as they bite into the snow and ice in a way that rubber just can do. I like the variety that has chains going both across the tread and along the diameter, which will give you more grip on side slopes.

Get Unstuck

Get Unstuck

• Traction Boards- Good traction boards are a lifesaver, especially when you drop into a ditch. They provide traction and spread the load over the snow.  They can also be used as a shovel on powdery snow.  Place them in front of your tire and wedge in as much as possible and then drive over them.  Repeat as needed.
• Shovel- If you get really bogged down or slide into a ditch, you’ll need to dig out and clear a path. A shovel is also useful for clearing spots at camp and as an impromptu sled.
• Recovery rope (with a friend) or a winch (if running solo).

Stay Warm

Stay Warm

• Clothing- NO COTTON!! Cotton gets wet and cold and won’t dry out quickly.  Use wool and synthetics that wick and dry to stay warm.   Use layers, so you can control insulation levels and choose the right function for each.  Wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and weather (wind & water) proof outer shell.
• Blankets- I always keep at least one thick, warm blanket in the car. Pair that with a Mylar blanket or tarp, and you have a great combo that both insulates and reflects radiant heat back.  Mylar can also be used to reflect heat from a fire towards your seating area or tent.
• Backup- If the temps go sub-zero, or you get wet, it’s a great idea to have an active heat source. The heater in your vehicle is an option for quick heat up, but for overnight, you’ll want either chemical hand warmers for a boost, an electric blanket with a battery setup, or a propane catalytic heater (this is last resort, as they could potentially cause fire or CO2 poisoning.

Stay Hydrated & Fueled

• Water- It is very easy to get dehydrated in the winter. Dry air and sweating from being overdressed can dehydrate you quickly. Yous should have 1 gallon per person, per day.  Yous should also have at least two gallons for your vehicle, as it is very possible to overheat in the cold.
  It’s wise to always have a water filter and means of melting snow to source local water.  See below for a couple of options.
• Food- You burn tons of calories working in the cold, some to stay warm and more to deal with heavy clothing and trudging through the snow.  Make sure you have plenty of food including some calorie-dense emergency rations or bars stashed in your vehicle, go bag and/or first aid kit.

Have fun!

Winter is an amazing time to be outdoors, there are so many sports to try (skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country) and such amazing beauty.  When prepared, you can focus on having fun and enjoying the best of the winter wonderland.

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