Equipment Guide for James Bay Snowmobile Tour

Proper Equipment is Essential

The James Bay expedition takes you through extreme conditions. Temperatures can range from -5°C to -40°C, with wind chill making it feel even colder. Being properly equipped isn't just about comfort - it's about safety.

This guide covers everything you need to bring, what we provide, and how to prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

Your Snowmobile

Machine requirements and preparation

Minimum Sled Requirements

600cc engine minimum (800cc+ recommended)
Long track (136" minimum, 146" or longer preferred)
Recent service with documentation
Good track condition (1" lugs minimum)
Working hand/thumb warmers
Functional headlight and taillight
Ice scratchers for hard pack conditions
Reliable pull cord (electric start recommended)
Studded track recommended but not required

Mandatory Spare Parts

Drive belt (2 recommended)
Spark plugs (full set)
Emergency pull rope
Spare bulbs for lights
Fuses if applicable
2-stroke oil (if applicable)
Duct tape and zip ties
Basic hand tools that fit your sled

Recommended Accessories

Heated visor or anti-fog treatment
GPS mount (we provide tracks)
Auxiliary fuel caddy (5-10L)
Tow rope (minimum 20 feet)
Windshield bag for essentials
Saddlebags or tunnel bag
Phone/camera mount
LED auxiliary lights

Pre-Trip Maintenance

Full service within 500km of departure
Check and adjust track tension
Inspect suspension and shocks
Test all electrical systems
Grease all fittings
Check ski alignment
Fresh fuel and oil
Clean or replace air filter
Verify clutch operation

Riding Gear & Clothing

Dress for success in extreme conditions

Essential Riding Gear

Arctic-rated snowmobile suit or bibs/jacket combo
Full-face helmet with breath box/deflector
Heated visor or dual-pane goggles
Spare goggles (essential!)
Balaclava (2-3 recommended)
Neck warmer/face protection
Snowmobile boots rated to -40°C
Waterproof/insulated gloves
Heated glove liners (recommended)
Spare gloves/mitts

Layering System

Moisture-wicking base layers (2-3 sets)
Merino wool or synthetic (no cotton!)
Insulating mid-layers (fleece/down)
Extra insulation for stops
Waterproof outer shell (backup)
Multiple pairs of warm socks
Sock liners to prevent blisters
Long underwear tops and bottoms
Spare dry clothes in waterproof bag

Hand & Foot Care

Multiple glove systems:
- Thin liner gloves
- Insulated riding gloves
- Heavy mitts for extreme cold
- Spare pair (critical!)
Boot liners/insoles
Toe warmers/hand warmers
Boot dryers for overnight
Extra laces

Additional Clothing

Casual clothes for Moosonee
Indoor footwear
Sleepwear
Toque/warm hat for camp
Sunglasses
Light gloves for fuel stops
Rain gear (just in case)
Swim shorts (for hotel hot tub!)

Safety & Emergency Gear

Hope for the best, prepare for everything

Personal Safety Gear

Avalanche transceiver (if you have one)
Emergency whistle
Reflective vest (for road sections)
Personal first aid kit
Emergency space blanket
Fire starting kit (waterproof)
Multi-tool or knife
Flashlight/headlamp with spare batteries
Glow sticks
Duct tape (small roll)

Navigation & Communication

GPS device (phone backup)
Downloaded offline maps
Portable phone charger/battery bank
Waterproof phone case
Two-way radio (if you have)
Paper map and compass (backup)
Permanent marker
Small notebook and pencil

Note: We provide satellite communication and group GPS tracking

Survival Essentials

Emergency shelter (we have group shelters)
48 hours of emergency food
Water bottles (insulated)
Water purification tablets
High-energy snacks
Electrolyte supplements
Sunscreen (high SPF)
Lip balm with SPF
Personal medications (extra supply)
Cash for emergencies

Group Equipment (We Provide)

Satellite phones
InReach devices
Group first aid kit
Emergency shelters
Recovery gear and come-alongs
Extra tow ropes
Trail grooming equipment
Emergency fuel supplies
Group tools and parts
Emergency evacuation plan

Personal Items & Comfort

Don't forget the essentials

Documentation

Valid driver's license
Snowmobile registration
Proof of insurance
Travel medical insurance
Emergency contact information
Credit cards and cash
Trail permits (we arrange)
Passport (if from USA)
Medical information/allergies card

Comfort Items

Thermos for hot drinks
Favorite trail snacks
Energy bars and gels
Toilet paper (small pack)
Hand/toe warmers
Pain relievers
Anti-chafing products
Personal hygiene items
Towel (quick-dry)
Earplugs for sleeping

Photography

Camera (cold-weather rated)
Extra batteries (keep warm!)
Memory cards
Lens cleaning kit
Waterproof case/bag
Action camera and mounts
Drone (if experienced)
Backup phone for photos
Portable tripod

Luggage

Waterproof duffle bags
Day pack for essentials
Dry bags for electronics
Compression sacks for clothes
Cable locks for gear
Gear identification tags
Plastic bags for wet items
Bungee cords/straps

Pre-Departure Checklist

Use this checklist in the weeks before departure

4 Weeks Before

☐ Final payment submitted
☐ Sled maintenance scheduled
☐ Travel insurance purchased
☐ Accommodation confirmations received
☐ Gear inventory completed
☐ Physical fitness program ongoing

2 Weeks Before

☐ Sled maintenance completed
☐ Test ride completed
☐ Missing gear purchased
☐ Emergency contacts updated
☐ Weather forecast monitoring begun
☐ Route maps downloaded

1 Week Before

☐ Gear packed and weighed
☐ Sled loaded on trailer
☐ Spare parts inventory
☐ Documents organized
☐ Cash and cards ready
☐ Final weather check

Day Before

☐ Final gear check
☐ Electronics charged
☐ Fuel tanks filled
☐ Travel to Cochrane
☐ Meet and greet dinner
☐ Good night's sleep!

Pro Tips from Our Guides

Cold Management

Keep spare gloves and balaclava inside your suit to stay warm. Rotate them throughout the day for dry comfort.

Hydration

Dehydration is common in cold weather. Drink water regularly, even when not thirsty. Avoid alcohol the night before riding.

Electronics

Keep batteries warm inside your clothing. Cold drains them fast. Bring extras and portable chargers.

Fuel Strategy

Never pass a fuel opportunity. Top up whenever possible. Running out is not an adventure you want.

Break-In Period

Don't bring brand new gear. Break in boots and helmets before the trip to avoid discomfort.

Stay Together

This is a group expedition. We ride together, we wait together, we arrive together. No heroes.

Equipment & Preparation Guide