What to take on snowcat trip?

[teamster]

I bought my Thiokol Spryte a year ago last May In Utah. I hauled it back to Alberta Canada, Installed complete new tracks & checked it out mechanically from one end to another. ( I used to be a mechanic.) We don't get much snow here, & I'm planning on hauling my machine to other areas. Possibly even to Washington to the Jamborey in January. What do I need to take with me if I'm planning a 30 mile trip? Survial, mechanical etc. My machine has 6 cyl Ford, auto tranny, OC 12 diff & 43 inch tracks. As I said, complete new tracks, tires & 3 new axles. In most cases, there maybe a snowmobile along, but sometimes I'll be alone. Thanx for your input.

 

[mbsieg]

S.P.O.T. or sat phone. LOTS of extra clothes. shovels 2+, winch, or power puller. I would not go alone.

 

[Helmsman38]

Life and safety first . water ,food ,warm cloths , wind breaker , cell phone or radio that someone else can hear you on . skis or snow shoes and a plan to tow your cat out to the trail head if you brake down or be prepared to fix it later on site in which case bring a shovel and grab your ass cause thats a drag

 

[F.A.A.C. Slim]

Anti-freeze in your favorite flavor...mine is bourbon whiskey...like the rescue dogs used to carry in a wee little keg around their necks!!!!

 

[AAUTOFAB1]

i would plan as if you are going winter camping on skis or snowshoe,for the length of time it would take you to walk or ski out from the most remote spot in your route.about 5-10 miles a day in fair conditions if you are in fair shape. have you ever spent the night out in the mountains in the dead of winter? skied or snowshoe for 5-10 miles?i would recommend finding out how you fair in good conditions, for a couple of nights ,close to your truck before going out thirty miles and finding out then how to survive in bad conditions, just something to think about,stack the odds in your favor and be prepared for a walk or ski out, and go have fun over night to test you equipment and you get a good idea how cold it gets and what it takes to stay warm,you will not be as stressed about braking down if you know how to survive. hope this helps , good times and good luck.

 

[Snowtrac Nome]

how long are you going out on short hopps i usualy just take a long some extra oil and a basic tool kit on longer trips i take a long a compleate survival kit like pilots do sleeping bags extra rations peak 1 stove and shelter i also usualy will take along an electric heater and small generator this way if i have to overnight for weather i can plug in the cat and run the electric heat for safe heat inside the cat at 30 below it can be a long walk home. i would also urge you to get an amature radio license and a high power vhf radio you will be surprised haw many repeaters you have in your area. alot are equiped with a phone patch to make phone calls off of. skies snow shoes and shovels are also good ideas and i can't tell you how many times a short tow chain and handy man jack has bailed me out of a pickle these are good for more than getting un stuck

 

[teamster]

I thank you all for your input, I will consider all input. I've spent many nights in a wall tent with a wood stove, but I've always had a saddle horse to get me back to the truck if needed, not a broke down mechanical issue.

 

[Snowtrac Nome]

aside from 2 issues one an accedent traveling in poor visability and the other a broken valve. if there was ever a problem it was usualy corrected on the trail with what i had. i maintain my rig much like an aircraft but when in the back country for a 100 mile plus trip i also pack as if i'm in a plane help can be a long way away and some times weather can keep every thing grounded for days out here.