Equipment & Preparation Guide

Be prepared for the ultimate Northern Ontario adventure

Proper Equipment is Essential

The James Bay expedition takes you through extreme conditions. Temperatures can range from 15°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. Not everything listed is mandatory, however being aware of what you might need or want is worth looking at.

Your Snowmobile

Machine requirements and preparation

Minimum Sled Requirements

  • 600cc engine minimum (800cc+ recommended)
  • Long track (136" minimum, 146" or longer preferred)
  • Recent service
  • Good track condition (1" lugs minimum)
  • Working hand/thumb warmers
  • Functional headlight and taillight
  • Ice scratchers for hard pack conditions (Recomended)
  • Reliable pull cord (electric start recommended)

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
  • Auxiliary fuel caddy (5-10L)
  • Tow rope
  • Windshield bag for essentials
  • Saddlebags or tunnel bag
  • Phone/camera mount
  • GPS

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. Floating Suit Recomended
  • 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

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)

Safety & Emergency Gear

Hope for the best, prepare for everything

Personal Safety Gear

  • 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

  • Portable phone charger/battery bank
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Permanent marker
  • Small notebook and pencil

Note: We provide satellite communication and group GPS tracking

Survival Essentials

  • Water bottles (insulated)
  • 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 shelter Supplies
  • Recovery gear
  • Extra tow ropes
  • 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
  • Emergency contact information
  • Credit cards and cash
  • OFSC Trail permit
  • 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
  • ☐ 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

1 Week Before

  • ☐ Gear packed
  • ☐ 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

You will leave Cochrane with your sled and spare fuel can topped up with premium fuel. We will have enough fuel to fill you up at the end of the road. From there we have 200km of riding left. Once in Moosonee we can purchase fuel localy, however only regular octane fuel is available. We recomend packing high quality octane boost to prevent possible engine damage due to detonation. Especially in warm weather.

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.

Questions About Equipment?

We're happy to help you prepare for your expedition

Contact Us

Call or text: 705-465-4920