7 Backcountry Essentials for the Bighorn Mountains
We’re year #3 into this guide company here at Sled Wyo. We’ve had a lot clients on the snow. Many come fully prepared, some come over prepared, but many come under prepared. As guides, we frequently swap knowledge with our clients and are always evolving our gear list. But as of February 26th, 2023, here are our top picks and must haves for snowmobiling in the Bighorn Mountains.
One thing that I’ve picked up, taking mostly midwest riders, is we have a completely different culture of snowmobiling out West. Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S. There’s no bar hopping, there’s no convenient stores, there’s no cell service. You are essentially in the remote wilderness where help is far away.
Item #1 - Avalanche Gear
Beacon
Probe
Shovel
Yes, avalanches happen in the Bighorns. Every year. People get buried, every year. Not only is important for you to have this gear, but it’s important your group has this gear and you know how to use it.
Item #2 - Satellite Communicator
My new favorite piece in my backcountry kit is my Zoleo device that allows me to send messages on my phone even without cell service. Gives myself a peace of mind, as well as my loved ones knowing they can contact me. If a sled breaks down and we’re going to be out late, I can send a quick message.
Item #3 - Fire Starter Kit
There’s a hundred different ways to go about this. Along with carrying waterproof matches, a lighter, I also carry a small torch with extra butane in my tunnel bag. The torch also benefits as a way to heat other things, like tape. There’s been several occasions where duct tape has been used to fix a vent, and the torch helps with the adhesive.
Item #4 - Tools
I know what you’re thinking. Duh. But you’d be surprised how many clients I take out that don’t have spare tools. I carry tools specific to my sled brand, Ski-Doo. Obviously there’s some things you can’t fix in the backcountry. But you should have adequate tools to fix the simple things, like a blown belt and spark plugs.
Item #5 - Food & Metal Water Container.
After working with our local search & rescue and hearing many of their stories, a lot of missions come down to food and calorie intake along with energy. You should carry enough food to last you at least three days in the backcountry. Plastic water bottles are generally not a good idea as water freezes. In the event you have to stay out a night or two, you want a way to heat your water on a fire.
Item #6 - Offline Maps
We use both OnX Off-Road, snow addition, as well as Avenza Maps. These apps are available on Android and IOS. Both are great tools to track your location and show you where you’re at without cell service.
Item #7 - Portable Charger
Now that we’ve introduced a couple electronics on the list, it’s important to keep things charged. Anything over the $75 dollar range should provide ample power to charge your phone, satellite communicator, and even radios in the event you stay overnight.
This list is specifically catered to survival. There’s all sorts of things you can carry for comfort or entire tool lists you could go over. These are just some of our favorite things to take with us on for a more comfortable experience in the remote backcountry of Wyoming.