The Best Snowboarding Gear for Ice Climbing.
Winter is upon us, and with it comes the exhilarating sport of snowboarding. As die-hard snowboarders, we know just how much depends on having the right gear. But when it comes to ice climbing, having the right snowboarding gear starts to become even more important.
From the right warm layers to specialized boots and bindings, there’s a range of critical pieces of equipment you’ll need if you plan on taking your snowboarding adventures into the realm of ice climbing. But with so many types, brands and styles of snowboarding gear out there, getting the right one for the job can be tough.
To help you out, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best snowboarding gear for ice climbing. We’ll cover everything from the essential outerwear, to boots, bindings and more. Let’s begin!
Outerwear
When it comes to keeping you warm and comfortable on the mountain, your outerwear is going to be your most important ally. Solid snowboarding jackets and bottoms should be your first investment when you start getting into ice climbing.
Choose a waterproof, breathable jacket and pants with insulation levels that work for you, and remember to pack a few extra layers for break times or camping. All-in-one snow suits are also an option, especially for those days when it’s just too cold out.
Boots
From snowboarders to ice climbers, boots are a vital piece of equipment for anyone looking to tackle the slopes. For ice climbing, you’ll want extra support and stiffness. This means you’ll want a tight-fitting boot with a stiffer sole than traditional all-mountain snowboarding boots.
Boots constructed with a mixture of leather and synthetic material will be your best bet. Also, keep an eye out for adjustable features such as speed or dual-zone lacing. This should help get you the perfect fit for your specific foot type.
Bindings
Next, let’s take a look at bindings. When it comes to bindings, you’ll want to go stiffer than with all-mountain snowboarding. While a soft, flexible binding might be great for carving slopestyle runs, it won’t offer the control, precision, and hold needed to keep your feet planted during a technical, steep drop.
As a general rule, look for snowboard bindings that are labeled as “all-mountain stiff,” “freeride stiff,” or “big-mountain stiff.” Ultimately, you’ll want a comfortable balance between support and mobility in order to stay out of trouble on steep slopes.
Accessories
Finally, let’s talk about accessories. Icing on the cake for tackling ice climbs is having the right accessory set with you. In addition to your helmet and goggles, you’ll want to make sure you have a good pair of gloves, an extra base layer or two, a warm beanie, and a neck warmer on hand.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a solid pair of poles for extra grip and stability. All-aluminum poles are ideal for climbing, as you won’t have to worry about brittleness or corrosion. Finally, don’t forget to bring along a first-aid kit, repair kit and snacks — just in case!
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide helped you understand the importance of having the right snowboarding gear for ice climbing. Remember to get yourself a sturdy, waterproof, breathable outerwear set, stiff boots and bindings, and top it off with a few essential accessories. And don’t forget to practice safe snowboarding techniques and habits when you’re out on the slopes!
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