How to dress for snowmobiling

Whether you’re a speed freak or a more leisure cruiser, proper clothing is essential for comfortable snowmobiling.

Snowmobiling is one of the funniest winter activity, and with certain types of driving style can even provide a good workout. Good snowmobiling wear is the key to a great outing.

Layering for maximum comfort

Layering is an unbeatable way to protect yourself from flying snow and moisture trying to get under your clothes while snowmobiling. Whether you snowmobile for a living or speed along ready-made tracks or through deep snow, layering keeps you dry and warm in changing temperatures and conditions all day long.

Svala of Finland clothing is designed with mobile people in mind, ensuring an enjoyable drive whatever the weather. Below you’ll find some tips on the right kind of layering for your snowmobile adventures.

A base layer keeps your skin dry by transferring perspiration outwards

The base layer is in direct contact with the skin, and an excellent choice is a Svala Airbase mesh base layer outfit. The moisture-wicking antibacterial mesh knit stores air within the loops of mesh, so Airbase garments have an excellent temperature-equalising effect regardless of activity level. The mesh knit cools the body in hot conditions, and during intense winter exercise keeps you warm even at -15 °C. 

Thanks to its superb versatility and longevity, Airbase mesh clothing is the go-to choice for a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts. Read more about the features of Airbase mesh underclothing here.

A merino wool base layer is ideal for more leisurely driving and hiking. For even greater warmth, look no further than Svala’s hybrid trousers and jackets. They are made from an unbeatable combination of merino wool, mesh knit and windproof material.

A mid layer for warmth

Choose the warming properties of the mid layer according to the temperature and your own driving style. Merino wool is always a sure choice – it is a soft, durable and breathable fibre that feels comfortable and keeps you warm even when damp. The merino wool we use in all our clothing is mulesing-free.

Choose a suitable set of Svala merino wool thermal wear from our collections, for example the double-layer Merino Active collection or Merino Extreme collection. In very cold weather, you’ll be well protected with Svala’s hybrid trousers and jackets, which combine the best features of merino wool, mesh knit and windproof material.

If your driving style is more on the leisurely side, you may well need another mid layer to keep you warm. Svala’s soft and flexible Power Stretch Pro fleece is perfect as an extra layer, and is an especially clever choice for added warmth for when you’re taking a break.

A weather-beating shell layer

The purpose of the shell layer of clothing is to protect the snowmobiler from the biting wind and powdery snow flying through the air. The shell layer should be a large enough size for the other layers to fit comfortably under it without pressing tightly against the skin or restricting movement.

The protective and warming Windproof Power and Windproof Tundra winter balaclavas ensure that fast-paced activities remain pleasant even in very cold conditions. The thermal properties of both balaclavas have been enhanced with a fleece lining. The breathable Coolmax top effectively wicks moisture away from the scalp, keeping you cosy in the snow.

The shaped Windproof Power balaclava effectively protects the head and neck from the wind and cold. The thermal properties of the windproof knitted fabric have been enhanced with a fleece lining.

Likewise, the fleece-lined Windproof Tundra hood protects not only the head and neck but also the nose, allowing you to drive even in sub-zero conditions without a visor.

Remember these too

Socks. Wet and freezing feet would make a misery of your drive – and of everything else as well. Svala’s merino wool socks transfer moisture away from the skin and keep your toes warm even in very cold conditions.

Gloves. Choose windproof and waterproof gloves that will not interfere with snowmobile steering and control. 

Neck warmer. When on the move, the neck can easily become exposed to the cold without the right clothing. The neck warmer must be thin enough that it doesn’t make it difficult to turn your head. Our Windproof neck warmers have a flexible and soft collar made of Power Stretch Pro material, and a generously-sized windproof fleece-lined front and back parts.

Cotton should be avoided. Cotton clothing absorbs moisture and dries slowly. Outdoor activities will be no fun at all in damp clothes, and they quickly become cold during breaks or more leisurely driving.

Sustainability

All Svala products are made in Finland, and meet the most demanding quality criteria. We only use raw materials from suppliers that are audited and whose materials are certified. All the merino wool Svala uses comes from healthy sheep that are not subjected to mulesing.

The materials used in our products are of the highest quality, easy to care, durable – and above all, comfortable. All the materials used in our products have top-class properties, thanks to which they do not need to be washed as often as ordinary clothing.

Read more about our sustainability actions here.