how to protect your snacks on the trail

Aluminum is great for light-weight components, such as skis and trailingarms, but when you are talking about pop cans thrown into the seat compartmentof a snowmobile, that is a different story. On several occasions, after a few hours of hill banging and mogul mashing, I have reached for a beverage only to find tools, gloves and the like, frozen to each other by means of a Pepsi. Suffering additional injury were my sandwiches and potato chips which were mutilated by bouncing crescent wrenches.

This article explores the intricate process of packing your lunch for trail snacking. It's more than simply packing a lunch, but rather a lesson in how to pack one without having it smashed to pieces. Keep in mind that the type of snack you chose can mean survival if you are stranded in backcountry.

First, let's establish which snacks can handle the rigors of a snowmobile trip. We already mentioned aluminum cans, flimsy potato chip bags and sandwiches wrapped in plastic are out, especially when crammed into the seat compartment. So, what can make the trip in one piece? Salami sticks and jerky are stout enough to take the constant jarring. Candy bars, Power Bars and string cheese are also tough enough for the trail. For your drinks, plastic bottles seemto withstand abuse better than their aluminum counterparts.

For this reason, Gatorade is a great choice. Power Bars are an excellent source of nutrition and balanced energy. Candy bars can also be life sustaining.Their fat content and high calories provide short bursts of energy (though not as balanced as a Power Bar). Keep in mind that the jerky and salami contain large amounts of salt and may increase your need for fluids. You may also want to consider apples, oranges, granola or nuts. No matter which snacks you chose, they can be maimed beyond recognition if not properly packed.

When mashing the moguls or cornice jumping, the snowmobile's front and rear pitch up and down dramatically and sustain the greatest ground impact,so be sure to pack close to the snowmobile's center line. If you prefertrail riding on a two-up, the smooth ride of the long-travel suspensionswill help rear saddle bags protect your food.

Windshield zipper bags, such as the Berg Bag or Snotime Bag, are the best choices for storing snacks near the snowmobile's center. These bags provide easy access and are roomy enough to store plenty of snacks.

Fuel tank saddle bags are good for storing food, but have more limitations than the windshield bag. Some fuel tank bags can get in the way of the driver's knees during aggressive leaning. And if the type of bag you choose cannot be secured down, it will slap the sides of the fuel cell.

Rear saddle bags are another option. These bags provide ample room and cushioning for your snacks. They are great for the longer seats on two-up machines. Snowmobiles with shorter seats can use these bags but they have the potential to hinder foot movement.

Handle bar mounted bags are also a good choice, but have minimal storage room. Though candy bars, fruit and plastic juice bottles fit will in these types of bags.

If you would like to use a fanny pack, they are not a bad choice either.These bags offer plenty of space for supplies but they need to be secured tightly to your waist or they will bounce around and may knock you off-balance.

Two new storage devices I found are the Boonie Box and the Hot Dogger.The Boonie Box is made for tool storage, but can make an excellent foodstorage container. The box mounts onto the clutch cover, it's compact and is filled with foam rubber. The tight fit will keep food snug. Keep in mindthat since this box is mounted next to the engine, it will be subject to under the hood heat.

If you are looking for a lunch with a little more substance than candy can offer and a hot burrito, some polish sausage or a slice of pizza is what you're craving, invest in the Hot Dogger. The Hot Dogger is a rectangular box that mounts to the snowmobile's exhaust. The exhaust heat radiatingfrom the pipes then heats this mini-oven.

If you must pack items in the seat compartment, place the tool bag inthe bottom and always have your tools secured in a tight bag- loose tools can poke holes in your food.

Remember when storing your food, secure the snacks in areas where they will not get crushed. Windshield, fuel tank, saddle and handle bar bagsand under the hood storage devices are all good options They will make your outing more enjoyable and safe.