Snowmobiling is an exhilarating adventure, a thrilling blend of speed, stunning snowy landscapes, and pure adrenaline. Capturing these epic moments requires a camera that can handle the extreme cold, vibrations, and occasional tumble. For many, the GoPro Hero series has long been the go-to, and if you’re wondering about the best GoPro Hero 5 for snowmobiling or what gear pairs well with it, you’ve come to the right place.
While the original GoPro Hero 5 Black was a groundbreaking camera back in its day, offering excellent video quality and ruggedness, technology marches on. Today, newer GoPro models boast even better stabilization, incredible battery life, and superior low-light performance, making them fantastic choices for the demanding conditions of snowmobiling. But don’t worry, if you’re still rocking a Hero 5, there are some indispensable accessories that can elevate your recording game significantly.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive list of top GoPro cameras and essential accessories, including those perfectly suited for your Hero 5, to ensure you capture every snowflake and every turn on your next snowmobiling escapade. Let’s dive in!
The Top GoPro Cameras & Accessories for Snowmobiling
GoPro HERO13 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60…
If you’re looking for the absolute cutting edge in action cameras for your snowmobiling adventures, the GoPro HERO13 Black is in a league of its own. It’s not a Hero 5, but it represents the pinnacle of GoPro’s current lineup, offering unparalleled image quality, incredible durability, and features that make capturing dynamic snowmobile footage easier and more stunning than ever before. With its new HB-Series Lenses and a more powerful battery, it’s designed to perform in the most demanding conditions, ensuring your footage is crisp, stable, and ready to impress.
- Key Features:
- Best-in-class 5.3K60 video for incredible detail
- Legendary durability and waterproof design
- New HB-Series Lenses for enhanced visuals
- More powerful battery for extended recording
- Pros:
- Unrivaled video quality and stabilization
- Built like a tank, perfect for rough snowmobiling
- Excellent battery life in cold conditions
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- Might be overkill for casual users
- User Impressions: Users rave about the HERO13 Black’s stunning video quality and its ability to capture incredibly stable footage even during high-speed, bumpy rides. The improved battery life is a game-changer for long days out on the trails.
- See it on Amazon here
FitStill 148FT/45M Waterproof Housing for Go Pro Hero…
For those still rocking a GoPro Hero 5 Black, or even Hero 6/7 Black, this FitStill waterproof housing is an absolute must-have. While your GoPro is already water-resistant, snowmobiling means exposure to snow, ice, and potential slush, making a robust protective housing essential. This case goes above and beyond, offering deep waterproof capabilities, but more importantly, acting as an extra layer of defense against impacts and moisture, ensuring your camera stays safe and sound, allowing you to focus on the ride.
- Key Features:
- Designed for GoPro Hero 7 Black/Hero 6 Black/Hero 5 Black/Hero HD (2018)
- Waterproof up to 148FT/45M for extreme protection
- 0.4″ Bigger and 35% Thicker than standard housing for enhanced durability
- Large Flat Glass Lens delivers maximum image sharpness
- Pros:
- Provides superior protection against snow, ice, and impacts
- Maintains image clarity above and below water
- Tight buckle and upgraded sealing ring prevent leaks
- Cons:
- Adds bulk to the camera
- Not compatible with Hero 7 Silver/White editions
- User Impressions: Customers love the robust build and the peace of mind this housing provides. It’s often praised for its secure fit and the fact that it truly keeps water and snow out, extending the life of their beloved GoPros.
- See it on Amazon here
Taisioner Windslayer Cover Housing Frame Case for GoPro…
Wind noise is the bane of good action camera audio, especially when you’re zooming across snow-covered landscapes on a snowmobile. This Taisioner Windslayer is a simple yet incredibly effective accessory for your GoPro Hero 5, 6, or 7 Black. Made from special sponge material, it dramatically reduces wind noise, letting you capture clearer audio of your engine, your shouts of joy, or simply the serene sounds of nature, rather than just harsh wind. It’s lightweight, flexible, and precisely designed not to interfere with your video.
- Key Features:
- Compatible with GoPro Hero 5, 6, 7 Black (requires protective housing/frame)
- Effectively reduces noise when recording video
- Made of soft, lightweight, portable, and flexible sponge material
- Precise hole design maintains sound quality
- Ideal for gale weather and strenuous exercise
- Pros:
- Significantly improves audio quality by reducing wind noise
- Lightweight and easy to install/remove
- Durable and flexible material
- Cons:
- Cannot be used with waterproof cases
- Needs a separate frame or housing to attach
- User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by how well this windslayer cuts down on noise, making a huge difference in the usability of their footage. It’s considered an essential piece of kit for windy outdoor activities.
- See it on Amazon here
GoPro HERO12 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60…
The GoPro HERO12 Black builds upon GoPro’s legacy, delivering incredible performance that’s perfectly suited for the dynamic environment of snowmobiling. It takes image quality to the next level with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for both videos and photos, ensuring your footage captures details even in tricky light conditions – think bright snow and dark shadows. Coupled with its Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, this camera virtually eliminates shaky footage, making your snowmobile POV shots look buttery smooth, no matter how bumpy the trail gets.
- Key Features:
- High Dynamic Range Video + Photo (5.3K & 4K)
- Unbelievable 5.3K video resolution and 27MP photos
- Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization
- Rugged and waterproof to 33ft (10m)
- Water-repelling lens cover to eliminate flare
- Pros:
- Superior image quality with HDR for tricky lighting
- Industry-leading stabilization for incredibly smooth footage
- Extremely durable and waterproof, ready for any weather
- Comes with an Enduro battery for improved cold weather performance
- Cons:
- Still a significant investment
- Some users might not need 5.3K resolution
- User Impressions: Users are blown away by the HERO12 Black’s video quality and stabilization, calling it a game-changer for action sports. The HDR feature is frequently highlighted for its ability to produce vibrant, detailed footage in varying light conditions.
- See it on Amazon here
Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing Compatible with GoPro Hero…
For GoPro Session users, including the Hero5 Session, this Sametop Case Frame Mount Housing is an indispensable accessory. The compact Session cameras are fantastic for their small footprint, making them easy to mount in tight spaces on your snowmobile. This frame provides essential protection against scratches and minor impacts while allowing full access to buttons and ports. It’s designed for mounting flexibility, so you can easily attach your Session to various GoPro mounts, capturing unique angles of your snowmobiling adventures.
- Key Features:
- Compatible with GoPro Hero Session, Hero5 Session, Hero4 Session
- Smallest and lightweight way to frame your Session cameras
- Made of strengthened PC material for durability and heat dissipation
- Humanized open design for full access to buttons and ports
- Flexible angle for ultimate mounting versatility
- Pros:
- Excellent protection for Session cameras
- Lightweight and compact, ideal for low-profile mounting
- Allows charging without removing the camera
- Facilitates flexible mounting angles
- Cons:
- Not a waterproof solution on its own
- Specific to Session models, not Hero Black series
- User Impressions: Session owners appreciate the snug fit and durable construction of this frame. It’s praised for being unobtrusive while providing necessary protection and making mounting the tiny cameras much easier.
- See it on Amazon here
GoPro Hero – Compact Waterproof Action Camera with 4K…
The GoPro Hero (2018) model is an excellent entry-point camera, essentially a streamlined version of the Hero 5 Black, making it a highly relevant option if you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative that still delivers solid performance. It’s incredibly easy to use, compact, and comes with native waterproofing, which is a big plus for snowmobiling. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of the latest models, its simplicity and rugged design make it a great choice for capturing your snowy escapades without breaking the bank.
- Key Features:
- Tiny by design and easy to use
- Rugged super-light design
- Simplified controls
- Native 4K video capabilities
- Waterproof without a housing
- Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Very user-friendly, great for beginners
- Durable and natively waterproof
- Compact and easy to mount
- Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features of higher-end GoPros
- Battery life might not be as robust in cold as newer models
- User Impressions: Users love this camera for its straightforward operation and surprising image quality for its price point. It’s often recommended as a great second camera or for those who want a reliable, no-fuss GoPro.
- See it on Amazon here
GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition – Waterproof Action…
For snowmobiling, capturing the vastness of the landscape and the immersive feeling of speed is key. The GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is designed precisely for that. Coming with the Ultra Wide Lens Mod already attached, it boosts your field of view significantly, allowing you to capture more of the sky, horizon, and surroundings in every shot. This means more immersive POV footage that truly puts your viewers in the middle of the action. Combine this with Pro-Quality 4K60 video and unbreakable HyperSmooth stabilization, and you have a snowmobiling footage powerhouse.
- Key Features:
- Ultra Wide Lens Mod for hyper-immersive footage (177° FOV)
- Pro-Quality 4K60 video with multiple digital lenses
- Unbreakable HyperSmooth Stabilization for buttery-smooth video
- Easy Vertical Capture for social media
- Includes Enduro Battery and camera case
- Pros:
- Captures incredibly wide and immersive footage
- Ideal for breathtaking landscape and POV shots
- Excellent stabilization in all resolutions
- Optimized for easy social media sharing
- Cons:
- Larger profile due to the attached lens mod
- Ultra-wide perspective might not suit all shooting styles
- User Impressions: This edition is a hit with content creators who want to show off the scale of their adventures. The wider field of view and robust stabilization are frequently praised for delivering truly cinematic and engaging snowmobiling videos.
- See it on Amazon here
GoPro Hero5 Session (Renewed)
If you’re specifically searching for the best GoPro Hero 5 for snowmobiling that retains the Hero 5 heritage, the Hero5 Session (Renewed) is a fantastic, budget-friendly option. This compact cube camera was beloved for its simple, one-button operation and incredible durability, being waterproof right out of the box without needing an extra housing. While it lacks an LCD screen for real-time viewing, its ease of use, small form factor (perfect for helmet mounts), and solid 4K video capabilities make it a strong contender, especially as a secondary camera or for those who prefer minimalism.
- Key Features:
- Stunning 4K video and 10MP photos
- Durable by design, waterproof to 33ft (10M) without a housing
- Single press shutter button for power-on and recording
- Compact and lightweight
- Pros:
- Extremely small and easy to mount
- Excellent durability and native waterproofing
- Simple, intuitive operation
- Cost-effective (as a renewed model)
- Cons:
- No LCD screen for framing shots
- Older model, so stabilization isn’t as advanced as newer GoPros
- Battery is non-removable
- User Impressions: Many users still swear by the Hero5 Session for its reliability and compact size. Renewed models offer great value, and owners find it perfect for “set it and forget it” shooting, especially for POV perspectives.
- See it on Amazon here
FitStill 148FT/45M Underwater Waterproof Protective Case…
Another excellent waterproof housing from FitStill, this model provides ultimate protection for your GoPro Hero (2018), Hero 7, Hero 6, and crucially, your Hero 5 Black. What makes this particular offering stand out for snowmobiling is the inclusion of a high-transparency diving filter and anti-fog inserts – critical for maintaining clear footage in cold, moisture-rich environments. The added floating grip is also a bonus, ensuring your camera won’t sink if it somehow gets dislodged in deep snow or icy water. This makes it a comprehensive protection and utility package.
- Key Features:
- Wide compatibility with GoPro Hero 2018/7/6/5 Black
- 45M/148FT waterproof rating for extreme protection
- 0.4″ Bigger and 35% Thicker than standard housing
- High Transparency Diving Filter for clarity and color fidelity
- Includes Anti-fog inserts and a Floating Grip
- Pros:
- Offers superior protection against water, snow, and impacts
- Diving filter and anti-fog inserts ensure clear footage in cold/wet conditions
- Floating grip adds security against loss
- Robust construction and leak-proof design
- Cons:
- Adds bulk and weight to the camera
- Diving filter might not always be needed for snowmobiling (but useful if transitioning to water sports)
- User Impressions: Customers frequently commend the complete kit, especially the anti-fog inserts which solve a common problem in cold weather. The robust protection and added accessories make it a highly recommended purchase for adventurous users.
- See it on Amazon here
GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package – Waterproof Action…
This e-commerce package of the GoPro Hero12 Black is a fantastic deal, offering everything you need to kickstart your snowmobiling footage capture. It packs all the incredible features of the standalone Hero12 Black – the stunning 5.3K video, 27MP photos, and Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization – but importantly, it includes the powerful Enduro battery. This battery is designed for enhanced performance in cold temperatures, giving you up to 70 minutes of continuous recording at 5.3K60. Its rugged, waterproof build, combined with features like 360° Horizon Lock and Bluetooth audio connectivity, makes it an unbeatable choice for any serious snowmobiler.
- Key Features:
- Hero12 Black Camera, Enduro battery, USB-C cable, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle, Thumb Screw
- Rugged & Waterproof to 33ft (10m)
- 2x Longer Runtime with Enduro battery (up to 70 mins at 5.3K60)
- Unbelievable 5.3K Video & 27MP Photos with HDR
- Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization & 360° Horizon Lock
- Extra-Large Field of View and Up to 8x Slo-Mo
- Bluetooth Audio Connectivity
- Pros:
- Comprehensive package with essential accessories
- Dramatically improved battery life, crucial for cold weather
- Top-tier video quality and stabilization
- Bluetooth audio for external mics/earbuds
- Cons:
- Higher initial cost compared to individual components
- Might contain items not immediately needed by all users
- User Impressions: Buyers are thrilled with the value and performance offered by this package. The extended battery life and incredible stability are repeatedly cited as highlights, making it a reliable companion for long and intense snowmobiling trips.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can the GoPro Hero 5 really handle snowmobiling conditions?
A1: Yes, the GoPro Hero 5 Black is designed to be durable and is natively waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a housing, which helps with snow and ice exposure. However, for extreme conditions, cold temperatures, or potential impacts, an additional waterproof housing (like the FitStill options reviewed) is highly recommended for extra protection and to manage condensation.
Q2: What are the most important features for a GoPro used in snowmobiling?
A2: Key features include: excellent video stabilization (HyperSmooth is a game-changer), strong battery performance in cold weather (Enduro batteries are ideal), durable and waterproof construction, good low-light capabilities, and effective wind noise reduction. Mounts that securely attach to helmets, chests, or the snowmobile itself are also crucial.
Q3: How do I prevent my GoPro battery from dying quickly in the cold?
A3: Cold weather significantly drains battery life. Tips include:
– Use Enduro batteries (if your GoPro supports them, like Hero 9/10/11/12/13).
– Keep spare batteries in a warm inside pocket until needed.
– Insulate the camera (e.g., using a silicone case).
– Turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when not in use.
– Reduce resolution or frame rate if possible to conserve power.
Q4: What are the best GoPro mounts for snowmobiling footage?
A4: Popular choices include:
– Helmet Mounts: Offer a true POV perspective.
– Chest Mounts: Provide a lower, more stable view of your handlebars and the trail ahead.
– Handlebar/Seatpost Mounts: Great for unique angles directly from the snowmobile.
– 3-Way Grip/Tripod/Arm: Versatile for handheld shots or setting up static shots.
Always ensure mounts are securely tightened to withstand vibrations and speed.
Q5: How can I reduce wind noise in my snowmobiling videos?
A5: Wind noise is a common issue. Solutions include:
– Using a windslayer foam cover (like the Taisioner reviewed) over the microphone.
– Using the GoPro’s built-in wind noise reduction settings (if available on your model).
– Utilizing an external microphone with a wind screen, connected via a Media Mod or adapter.
– Positioning the camera in a less exposed area.
Q6: Is it worth upgrading from a GoPro Hero 5 for snowmobiling?
A6: If you’re serious about capturing high-quality, stable, and long-lasting footage, upgrading to a newer model like the Hero12 or Hero13 Black is highly recommended. The advancements in HyperSmooth stabilization, battery life (especially with Enduro batteries), and overall image quality are substantial. However, if your Hero 5 still meets your needs, investing in protective housings and wind reduction accessories can significantly improve your experience without a full upgrade.
Q7: Should I use a waterproof case if my GoPro is already waterproof?
A7: Yes, absolutely! While newer GoPros are waterproof out of the box, an additional waterproof housing provides an extra layer of protection against impact, scratches, and extreme cold. It also helps manage condensation inside the camera in rapidly changing temperatures, ensuring your lens stays clear.
