A Perfect Solution: Snowboarding Gear for Warm Weather.
With fewer cold winter days, more and more people are turning to year-round snowboarding for their outdoor excitement. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, if you’re looking to go snowboarding in warmer climates then you’ll need to know the difference between cold-weather and warm-weather gear.
Thankfully, modern snowboard technology has made it much easier to stay comfortable no matter what the season. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the specific kinds of snowboarding gear you need for warm weather and how to choose the right apparel and equipment for your adventures. From boards and boots to protective gear and backpacks, let’s dive in and take a look at the perfect set up to enjoy your snowboarding experience in more temperate climates.
Choosing the Right Snowboard
The first decision to make when you’re snowboarding in warm weather is choosing the right board. Unlike cold weather snowboarding, where you generally want a board with a lot of width and camber, a narrow and flat snowboard usually works best in warmer conditions. These boards are easier to turn, perfect for rail riding, and offer more control in curves and quick turns. These boards are called hybrid or banana boards, and some examples for warm weather include:
Burton Deja Vu Flying V
Lib Tech Attack Banana
K2 Formula
Gnu Carbon Credit BTX
When you’re shopping for a snowboard, you’ll also want to pay attention to the type and quality of the materials. In general, you’ll want to choose a board made with lightweight, high-strength materials, such as carbon and fiberglass. Your board should also have low-density materials such as ABS sidewalls, PU cores, and dual-density sidewalls. This will help to ensure your board is both lightweight and durable and will give you the maximum riding experience when the temperatures start to rise.
Choosing Snowboarding Boots
Once you’ve selected the right board, you’ll want to find a comfortable pair of snowboarding boots. Boots are an essential part of your snowboarding gear and will directly affect your performance and comfort on the slopes. When it comes to boots, you’ll want to look for a boot that offers support, protection, and a good fit.
When choosing your boots, you’ll want to think about the material. Boots made with natural and synthetic leather are typically the most durable, comfortable, and supportive option. Also, you have the option of selecting traditional laces or a speed lace system with a single pull cord. The latter is great for faster lacing and slipping your boots on and off. And lastly, choose a good set of shocks and insoles to support your feet and absorb any impacts.
Picking a Snowboarding Jacket and Pants
On colder days, picking the right snowboarding jacket and pants is important to stay warm and comfortable. However, in normal temperatures, you’ll want to look for breathable and waterproof materials that are lightweight and stylish so that you can stay comfortable on the slopes.
When searching for a snowboarding jacket, look for materials such as Gore-Tex, Marmot MemBrain, and waterproof nylon. You’ll also want to make sure the jacket is outfitted with plenty of pockets and other features such as vents, extra warmth and insulation, and adjustable hoods.
For the bottom half, you’ll also want a waterproof and breathable pant. Make sure to choose a pant that boasts adjustable waists, reinforcements, reinforced hems, and boot gaiters. This type of pant offers protection from wet snow and wind while maintaining warmth in moderate temperatures.
Head Protection and Accessories
We all know that safety is the number one priority when it comes to any snowboarder. That’s why you’ll want to pick up a good set of protective gear such as helmets and goggles.
When shopping for a helmet, it’s important to find a certified helmet that specifically meets the ASTM F2040 safety rating. In addition, look for additional features such as adjustable straps, removable and adjustable ear pads, and adjustable chinstraps.
For goggles, you’ll want a pair that offer 100 percent UV protection, anti-fog lenses, and polarized lenses. If you are riding in foggy or overcast conditions, look for a set that offers interchangeable lenses. This way, you can easily switch between lenses depending on the conditions.
Other Useful Accessories
No snowboarding gear guide would be complete without mentioning a few other accessories that can make your experience even better. For instance, you’ll want to pick up a reliable and comfortable snowboard backpack. This type of bag is great for carrying water, snacks, electronics, and other gear on the go. Also, you might want to bring along additional protection such as gloves and balaclavas, both of which offer protection from cold temperatures and moisture. Lastly, don’t forget some balms to protect your skin from the winter cold.
Conclusion
Being able to snowboard all year round is a great way to stay active and enjoy some of the best winter sports available. When you’re snowboarding in warmer climates, choosing the right gear makes all the difference. From the board and boots to the jackets, pants, and protective equipment, with the proper gear you can stay comfortable and safe while you shred. No matter what your skill level or experience, with the right snowboarding gear you can really make the most of your warm-weather snowboarding trips.
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