Ready to Hit the Slopes? Find Out Where to Score the Sickest Snowboarding Gear!
If the snow has begun to fall where you live, it’s time to start preparing for your next snowboarding adventure. While most snowboarding enthusiasts know the importance of choosing the right board and bindings, the gear you wear can make all the difference when it comes to shredding the slopes in style.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to find the sickest snowboarding gear. From helmets to jackets to goggles, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your next trip to the mountains a success. So, grab your favorite cup of cocoa and get ready to gear up for the winter season ahead!
Table of Contents:
1. Snowboarding Gear Checklist
2. Best Places to Shop for Snowboarding Gear
3. How to Choose the Right Snowboarding Helmet
4. Goggles: Why You Need Them and What to Look for
5. The Best Snowboarding Jackets on the Market
6. Base Layers: The Secret to Staying Warm and Dry
7. Snowboarding Pants: What to Look for
8. Snowboarding Gloves: Protect Your Hands While You Ride
9. Snowboarding Boots: Finding the Right Fit
10. Snowboarding Bindings: What to Consider
11. Essential Accessories: From Beanies to Technical Socks
12. Conclusion
Snowboarding Gear Checklist:
Before you even think about hitting the slopes, you need to make sure you have all the necessary gear. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re ready for your next snowboarding adventure:
– Snowboard and bindings
– Helmet
– Goggles
– Jacket
– Base layers
– Snowboarding pants
– Gloves
– Boots
– Bindings
– Beanies
– Technical socks
– Hand warmers
Best Places to Shop for Snowboarding Gear:
1. REI: If you’re looking for high-quality outdoor gear, REI is one of the best places to start. Their snowboarding gear selection is extensive and includes top brands like Burton and The North Face. REI also offers expert advice to help you choose the right gear for your needs.
2. Backcountry: Backcountry is an online retailer that specializes in outdoor gear and clothing. Their snowboarding gear selection is one of the best on the market, and they offer free two-day shipping on orders over $50.
3. Evo: Evo is a popular online retailer that offers a wide range of snowboarding gear. They have an excellent selection of jackets, pants, and bindings, as well as technical accessories like helmets and goggles.
4. Burton: Burton is a well-respected brand in the snowboarding world, and for good reason. They offer some of the best snowboarding gear on the market, including boards, boots, and bindings. They also have a great selection of outerwear and accessories.
5. Zumiez: Zumiez is a popular retailer that specializes in snowboarding, skateboarding, and streetwear. Their snowboarding gear selection is limited compared to some of the other retailers on this list, but they offer some exclusive deals and sales that are worth checking out.
How to Choose the Right Snowboarding Helmet:
A helmet is one of the most important pieces of snowboarding gear you can own. It protects your head from impacts and can prevent serious injuries. When choosing a snowboarding helmet, there are a few important things to consider:
1. Fit: Make sure the helmet fits snugly on your head and doesn’t move around. It should be comfortable enough to wear all day without causing any pressure points.
2. Style: There are a few different helmet styles to choose from, including full-face, half-shell, and modular helmets. Consider which style is best for your riding style and personal preferences.
3. Ventilation: Look for a helmet with good ventilation to prevent overheating. Many helmets come with adjustable vents that can be opened or closed as needed.
4. Safety Certification: Make sure the helmet you choose has been certified by a reputable safety organization like ASTM or CE.
Goggles: Why You Need Them and What to Look for:
Goggles are another essential piece of snowboarding gear. They protect your eyes from wind, snow, and harmful UV rays. When choosing goggles, there are a few things to consider:
1. Fit: Like helmets, goggles should fit snugly without causing any pressure points. Look for goggles with adjustable straps and nose pieces for a customized fit.
2. Lens Color: Different lens colors are best suited for different lighting conditions. For bright, sunny days, choose lenses with darker tints like black or dark gray. For cloudy days and low-light conditions, choose lenses with lighter tints like yellow or rose.
3. Lens Shape: The shape of the lens can affect your field of vision. Look for goggles with a lens shape that provides a wide range of vision without distortion.
4. Ventilation: Goggles should have good ventilation to prevent fogging. Look for goggles with adjustable vents that can be opened or closed as needed.
The Best Snowboarding Jackets on the Market:
A good snowboarding jacket is essential for staying warm and dry on the slopes. When choosing a jacket, there are a few things to consider:
1. Insulation: Look for jackets with high-quality insulation to keep you warm. Down and synthetic insulation are the most common types.
2. Waterproofing: Make sure the jacket is waterproof to protect you from snow and moisture. Look for jackets with a waterproof coating, taped seams, and a high waterproof rating.
3. Breathability: Look for jackets with good breathability to prevent overheating. The jacket should allow moisture to escape while keeping you dry.
4. Style: Snowboarding jackets come in a variety of styles, including insulated and shell jackets. Consider which style is best for your needs and personal preferences.
Base Layers: The Secret to Staying Warm and Dry:
Base layers are designed to be worn underneath your snowboarding gear to provide extra warmth and moisture prevention. When choosing base layers, there are a few important factors to consider:
1. Material: Look for base layers made from synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, or spandex. These materials are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
2. Fit: Base layers should fit snugly to provide maximum warmth and to prevent moisture buildup.
3. Style: Base layers come in a variety of styles, including tops and bottoms. Choose the style that works best for your needs and personal preferences.
Snowboarding Pants: What to Look for:
Snowboarding pants are designed to keep you warm and dry on the slopes. When choosing snowboarding pants, there are a few things to consider:
1. Waterproofing: Look for pants with a waterproof coating, taped seams, and a high waterproof rating.
2. Breathability: Snowboarding pants should be breathable to prevent overheating. Look for pants with good ventilation to keep moisture under control.
3. Insulation: Look for pants with high-quality insulation to keep you warm. Synthetic insulation is the most common type.
4. Fit: Snowboarding pants should fit comfortably without being too tight or too loose. Look for pants with adjustable waistbands and cuffs for a customized fit.
Snowboarding Gloves: Protect Your Hands While You Ride:
Snowboarding gloves are essential for keeping your hands warm and dry on the slopes. When choosing gloves, there are a few things to consider:
1. Insulation: Look for gloves with high-quality insulation to keep your hands warm. Synthetic insulation is the most common type.
2. Waterproofing: Gloves should be waterproof to protect you from snow and moisture. Look for gloves with a waterproof coating and a high waterproof rating.
3. Grip: Look for gloves with a good grip to help you hold onto your board and other gear.
4. Style: Snowboarding gloves come in a variety of styles, including mittens and gloves. Mittens provide more warmth, while gloves offer more dexterity.
Snowboarding Boots: Finding the Right Fit:
Snowboarding boots are one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll own. They provide support and control while you ride. When choosing boots, there are a few things to consider:
1. Fit: Boots should fit snugly without being too tight or too loose. They should be comfortable to wear all day without causing any pressure points.
2. Support: Look for boots with good support to help you make precise movements while you ride.
3. Flex: Snowboarding boots come in different flex ratings, ranging from soft to stiff. Choose a flex rating that works best for your riding style and personal preferences.
4. Lacing System: Look for boots with a lacing system that provides a good fit and easy adjustment. Traditional laces, BOA systems, and speed laces are some of the most popular options.
Snowboarding Bindings: What to Consider:
Bindings are what attach your boots to your snowboard. When choosing bindings, there are a few things to consider:
1. Flex: Bindings come in different flex ratings, ranging from soft to stiff. Choose a flex rating that works best for your riding style and personal preferences.
2. Compatibility: Make sure the bindings you choose are compatible with your snowboard and boots.
3. Style: Bindings come in a variety of styles, including strap and rear-entry bindings. Choose the style that works best for your needs and personal preferences.
Essential Accessories: From Beanies to Technical Socks:
There are a few additional accessories you’ll need to complete your snowboarding gear collection:
1. Beanies: Keep your head warm with a cozy beanie.
2. Technical Socks: Look for socks designed specifically for snowboarding. They should be warm, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
3. Hand Warmers: Hand warmers are a great way to keep your hands warm on particularly cold days.
Conclusion:
Now that you know where to find the sickest snowboarding gear and what to look for, you’ll be ready to shred the slopes in style. From helmets to boots to base layers, every piece of gear on this list is designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable while you ride. So, gear up and get ready for your next snowboarding adventure!
FAQ:
Q: What should I wear snowboarding for the first time?
A: For your first time snowboarding, you’ll need a snowboard, boots, bindings, helmet, goggles, jacket, pants, gloves, and technical socks.
Q: How should snowboarding gear fit?
A: Snowboarding gear should fit snugly without being too tight or too loose. It should be comfortable to wear all day without causing any pressure points.
Q: What should I look for in snowboarding boots?
A: When choosing snowboarding boots, look for a good fit, support, flex, and a lacing system that provides easy adjustment.
Q: What should I look for in snowboarding bindings?
A: When choosing snowboarding bindings, look for a flex rating that works for your riding style, compatibility with your board and boots, and a style that fits your needs.
Q: What’s the best way to keep my hands warm while snowboarding?
A: The best way to keep your hands warm while snowboarding is to choose gloves with good insulation and waterproofing. You can also use hand warmers for additional warmth.
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