What to Wear for Snowmobiling

What’s great about Iceland is that you can explore it in many different ways. And snowmobiling is one of many exciting activities to try out when visiting Iceland. But what you should keep in mind before hopping on the snowmobile is proper preparation for the activity. This includes warm and comfortable clothing and suitable gear. So, while you’re getting ready, you might have a lot of questions about how to do these things right, especially if it’s your first time. So, let’s find out what to wear on a snowmobile, so you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

One of the main things to remember when choosing clothes for snowmobiling is the material they’re made from. Since you’re going to spend your time in the cold, the best materials, in this case, are wool, polyester, nylon, or other synthetic materials. A big “no-no” is cotton as it soaks up moisture and sweat, eventually leaving you wet and cold.

Besides worrying about what to wear, snowmobiling also requires some additional items you should bring with you on the road because you never know what might happen. It’s always essential to have extra gas, food, and water with you if you’re going for a longer ride or in case you get stranded.

Don’t forget to add the medication, especially the one you usually take, into your bag. Grab an extra pair of socks and gloves to ensure you stay warm and dry at all times as they get wet quickly. You should also have a first aid kit, a flashlight, GPS, a lighter, and a pocket knife to get you covered for various unexpected scenarios.

Are you not a fan of all this planning? Not a problem. Check out various snowmobiling tours in Iceland and let professional guides plan everything for you.

Being outside all day and zooming around in a snowmobile means that you’ll have to face cold, wind, and humidity. The best way to tackle these natural processes is by dressing in layers. But how to layer for snowmobiling correctly? 

• Start with a base layer. Long pants and a top from wool or fleece is a great choice that will help to keep the right body temperature during your outing. 
  
  
• Continue with the mid layer. This type of clothing works as insulation, keeping the warmth inside. This could be a polyester fleece, wool blend, or synthetic jacket and pants.
  
  
• Finish with outer clothing. The last layer should be water and windproof to protect yourself from rain, wind, and frost. In this case, it’s useful to put on a snowmobile suit.

The outer layer is important because it will protect you from heavy weather conditions such as strong winds, rain, and cold. It's best to wear a snowmobiling suit or jacket and pants for skiing to avoid these harsh conditions. This type of clothing is made from water and windproof materials.  

It's essential to keep in mind that the outer clothing should be exactly that and not water resistant. It's even better if your jacket is made out of material that ventilates to help regulate temperature. Also, keep in mind the size of this type of clothing as with all this layering, you should be able to move freely and not feel tight. 

Now that you know what clothing you need as an outer layer, what shoes to wear for snowmobiling? The snowmobiling shoes should be made of rubber or leather, and their insides should be lined with fleece or wool to keep the feet warm and dry while the rubber protects from snow. Make sure that your shoes have a good grip, too. And what about socks? Be sure to wear a pair made from fleece or wool; the "no cotton" rule applies here, too.

What kind of gear for snowmobiling might you need? To make sure that all of your body parts are protected from weather and unexpected accidents, it's important to have a few additional accessories. You should always wear a helmet that can be either full face or open face. You can choose these according to your comfort and better visibility, but keep in mind that a full face helmet protects your head and face from crashes and cold. 

If you decide to go with an open face helmet, it's best to have a pair of goggles with you to protect your eyes from UV rays that can be seriously harmful. Such goggles also give you better visibility in the snow and protect you from things flying into your eyes (a branch, for example). Note that you can also use goggles used for skiing or snowboarding.

Even though it might be added to the "optional" things list, the snowmobile gear should also include a facemask (or balaclava) as that will keep your face warm. The best materials for such an item are synthetic because they're breathable and don't attract moisture.

Last but not least, on your list should be gloves. The same rule as with the snowmobiling jacket applies to gloves – they should be made from water and windproof materials. The gloves should also ensure a firm grip.

When looking at what to wear when going snowmobiling, your priority should be keeping yourself warm and comfortable with all the necessary accessories by your side. If you’re curious to know more about this crazy experience, what to expect and how to prepare, check snowmobiling in Iceland.