Snowtrooper Armour

Overview

The Imperial Snowtrooper Armour is comprised of two crucial units: the (body) armour itself and the helmet. Additionally, the Snowtrooper Backpack, while used with different armours and clothing due to its versatility, was also first comprised for the set.

Snowtrooper Armour

Designed to deal with some of the harshest climates, while maintaining the imposing image of the Imperial Stormtrooper, this armour provides protection from both hostiles and the elements. Adapted from the Clone Cold Assault Troopers armour, the heating and life support properties remain unchanged. The armour consists of a two-piece temperature controlling body glove, covered by an eighteen-piece outer shell and an airtight fabric over-suit, for additional protection from the cold.

Similar to the Stormtrooper armour, this unit also housed the panel for climate control and power cell monitors. However, the main heating, power and communications units were located in the Backpack, with just the controls and monitors in the armour itself. When combined with the Snow Trooper Helmet and Backpack, a trooper could survive for many days in the otherwise deadly conditions, such as the wastelands of Hoth.

Snowtrooper Helmet

Although the Snow Trooper Helmet is based on the standard Imperial Stormtrooper helmet, several modifications were made to the design for issue to Snowtroopers. To facilitate breathing, a breather hood covers the faceplate and connects to the armour, also creating a seal against the cold. The lack of detail allowed it to be used successfully as camouflage, especially in snowstorms, whilst still retaining the menacing image of the Imperial armed forces. Built in polarised snow goggles reduced the glare from the white terrain, and also reduced the equipment that would be needed on the battlefield.

Snowtrooper Backpack

Designed to go hand-in-hand with the snowtrooper armor and helmet, the snowtrooper backpack is standard issue for Imperial snowtroopers — stormtroopers who have received special training allowing them to operate in arctic environments.

While built out of the same materials as the rest of the suit, the backpack is only partially integrated. It is used primarily to house the main powercell that powers the rest of the suit, as well as the main heater unit that keeps the snowtrooper's temperature regulated. In addition, the backpack is designed to carry the rest of the gear that a snowtrooper needs while out in the field.

As well as the power cell and heating unit, standard issue for the backpack is the communications unit, a homing beacon, and an issue of rations. A snowtrooper backpack also has the ability to act as a mobile power source for other pieces of equipment, featuring a surplus power indicator and accessory power outlet. Combined with the rest of the suit, the backpack enables a snowtrooper to survive for a reported maximum of two weeks in hostile arctic environments, which is typically more than enough time for them to complete whatever mission they have been given.

As with almost all Imperial equipment, some snowtrooper backpacks have found their way into third party circulation in the years since their release, often commanding a hefty price — due to both the technology involved and the inherent risk posed to those who would steal from the Galactic Empire. As such, while occasionally appearing in alternative militaries across the galaxy, the backpack remains almost entirely unique to the snowtroopers for whom it was initially designed.