The Best Snowboarding Gear for Backcountry.
Snowboarding has enjoyed a steady surge in popularity over the last several years and more and more riders have started turning to the backcountry for their adventures. With the lure of untouched powder, virgin slopes, and the serenity only found in the great outdoors, it’s easy to understand why. But tackling these wilder terrain conditions also requires making sure you have the right gear for your budding winter expeditions.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced powder pilot, the right set up will make or break your experience and it’s important to make sure you have the best snowboarding gear for the backcountry.
In this article, we’ll explore the most important pieces of gear to consider when you’re planning a trip to the backcountry, including a snowboard, bindings, boots, and outerwear.
Snowboard
When deciding on a board, the first thing to consider is the type of terrain you’ll be venturing into. Powder is perfect for a traditional all mountain board, while a freeride set up tends to handle more technical terrain better. You should also consider the snow conditions, while twin tip boards and directional boards will both work depending on what kind of riding you’ll be doing.
Size also matters. A shorter board is usually better for maneuverability, while a longer board will tend to float better on powder. Remember, the board should come up to your chin when you’re standing on it, so if you’re going for a longer board, don’t forget to adjust the bindings appropriately.
Bindings
When it comes to bindings, comfort should be your main priority. The size of the base plate and highbacks are important too – larger base plates will generally offer better edge hold, while a softer flexing highback may provide better comfort if you’re looking for all-day freeride sessions.
Of course, you’ll also want to make sure your bindings are designed for snowboarding specifically – a traditional snowboard binding has straps that go over your bindings and with ratchet buckles for a secure and comfortable fit.
Boots
Your boots should fit snugly and should have enough toe and ankle cushioning for comfort. A liner should also offer a boot-to-board connection when it comes to freestyle tricks, and a lacing system that allows for easy step-in and step-out. Some freeride oriented boots also come with stiffer soles to provide better heel and toe hold, while still allowing the rider to move their ankles freely.
Outerwear
When it comes to outerwear, you’ll want something that is waterproof and breathable, with plenty of pockets to store your small necessities. You should also look for high quality materials to protect you from both wind and wet conditions. Down or synthetic insulation can also come in handy when it comes to keeping you warm and comfortable.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure you’re always prepared for extreme conditions with a helmet and a spare set of goggles – since you never know when you might need them.
Conclusion
Getting the right set up for backcountry snowboarding is critical to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. With the right snowboard, bindings, boots, and outerwear, you’ll be ready to tackle the wilder terrain with confidence and comfort.
Keep in mind that the best set up for you will depend on the kind of conditions you’ll be facing, as well as which type of terrain you’ll be exploring. Taking these factors into account will help you choose the right setup for you, getting you out there and ready to conquer the wildest mountain backcountry.
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