The Best Backcountry Snowboarding Gear – Your Comprehensive Guide.
Snowboarding is an exciting sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s an activity that allows you to experience the beauty of winter, express yourself creatively and enjoy the thrill of speed and adventure. Riding in the backcountry, however, requires special gear and equipment. In this guide, we’ll look at the best backcountry snowboarding gear to make your next trip a safe and enjoyable one.
Backcountry snowboarding can be incredibly dangerous, so it’s important to understand the risks and take every necessary precaution before heading out. To help ensure you’re equipped for any outdoor adventure, here we’ll look at the most important pieces of gear you should have:
Snowboard
The most obvious piece of gear you need for backcountry snowboarding is a snowboard. You have the option of either a freeride board or a freestyle board, both of which can handle all-mountain riding, but have distinct differences in shape and size.
A freeride board, which is longer and stiffer, is better suited for deep powder and long carving days. They are more aggressive and stable in high-speed descents. The downside is that they can be harder to turn in tight spaces, so it may take some getting used to.
Freestyle boards, on the other hand, are often more versatile and can help with tricks and jibbing. They are usually shorter, softer, and more prone to pick up speed than a freeride board. Which board you choose is ultimately a personal preference – it’s best to head to a store and try out a few different ones to find the best fit.
Bindings
Your snowboard’s bindings are arguably the most important part of your set up. They connect your feet to the board and are an essential part of boarding. When looking for bindings, you’ll want to consider stiffness and weight for comfort and control.
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with a soft binding, as they will provide better cushioning and control when learning. As you progress, you can move up to a stiffer binding that will provide more power, response, and control when carving and doing tricks.
You’ll also want to consider the type of binding you need for the type of riding you’re doing. If you’re riding in the powder, step-in bindings can be a great choice as they’ll provide a secure connection and easy entry. If you’re sticking to the park, then you’ll want a more conventional two-strap style binding.
Boots
The type of boots you’ll need depends largely on the types of surfaces you plan to ride on. If you’ll be hitting the powder often, you should look for boots that are softer and more flexible to allow you to move more freely and have better contact with the board.
If you’ll be sticking to the groomed slopes and park riding, then a stiffer boot will be better as it will provide more power and control. Before buying, make sure the boots you choose are heat-moldable so you can make sure you have a proper fit.
Recommended Accessories
Aside from the essential items, there are other pieces of gear that can be beneficial for backcountry snowboarding.
A backpack is one of the most important accessories you can have. It should be large enough to carry whatever you need for the day, from snacks to extra layers. It should also be waterproof so your gear will stay dry regardless of the weather.
A helmet is another must-have accessory, as it can make a huge difference in keeping you safe when snowboarding. It should be both lightweight and well-ventilated, so you don’t get too hot and sweaty.
Goggles are equally important as they’ll help you to keep a clear view of whatever terrain you’re riding. If you’ll be hitting the powder, then you’ll want to find a pair that’s both fog-resistant and wide-viewed to help you spot dangers on the mountain.
If you’re riding on icy or deep snow, then you should also consider getting a pair of crampons or ice picks to help you climb up steeper slopes with confidence.
Conclusion
Having the right backcountry snowboarding gear can mean the difference between an enjoyable experience and a dangerous situation. Before hitting the slopes, make sure you have all the essential items listed above for a safe and entertaining adventure. Equipping yourself with knowledge about the activity and the proper gear will ensure that you get the most out of the experience. So what are you waiting for? Strap on your board and hit the mountains!
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