The Best Cold Weather Snowboarding Gear: Not Compromising on Performance.
Snowboarding is an adrenaline-filled sport beloved by both professionals and amateurs alike. Hitting the slopes when the temperatures drop can be especially invigorating, but the bitter cold can also be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared. That’s why having the best cold weather snowboarding gear is essential to staying safe and having fun on the slopes.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snowboarder, making sure you have the right gear for the cold weather conditions can make a huge difference when it comes to your comfort and safety. To help you be well-prepared for those chillier days on the slopes, here’s the essential cold weather snowboarding gear you should be having in your snowboarding arsenal.
Outerwear
Starting from the top down, your snowboarding gear for cold weather should start with a good outerwear set. Ideally, you should have a 2-in-1 combination of a snowboarding jacket and snowboarding pants, preferably made with specialised waterproof, breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex or DryRide. This will not only provide you with a great deal of warmth but also with protection from the elements—from snow and water to wind chill.
Next, you should have a high or neck gaiter to provide your face and neck with protection. The merino wool neck gaiter has become a popular choice due to its ability to both keep you warm while also allowing perspiration to escape.
Footwear
Where snowboarding gear for cold weather is concerned, warm feet are key, and that means having the right footwear. Investing in a serious pair of boots made especially for snowboarding is essential for providing your feet with the comfort, warmth and support they need. The boots should be lightweight and insulated to keep your feet warm and insulated from snow.
When it comes to choosing the right snowboarding boots, a great pair of lacing technology is essential for providing your feet with a snug and customisable fit. Boa Technology, for instance, has been widely praised for its ability to provide the user with a secure and stable fit, as well as versatility and simplicity when it comes to adjusting the boots.
Underwear and Layering
Getting your underwear and layering just right is essential for cold weather snowboarding. At a minimum, you should have long underwear—either long underwear bottoms or a onesie. It’s best to choose merino wool or synthetic underwear, as they are better suited to keep you warm while allowing perspiration to escape.
It’s also a great idea to have a mid-layer top and bottom, or a set of long underwear, to add that extra bit of warmth for those really cold days. When it comes to picking a mid-layer, softshells with a good fleece lining are usually your best bet as they offer a good combination of insulation and breathability.
Hands and Feet Warmers
For those days when the temperatures really plummet, it’s a great idea to have hands and feet warmers with you. This way, you won’t have to quit your snowboarding session early due to your hands or feet becoming too cold.
There are various warmers you can choose from, including disposable hand and foot warmers as well as rechargeable battery-powered options. Most snowboarders choose disposable options, as they can easily be popped in the pockets of your snowboarding pants or jacket and bring you extra warmth when temperatures start to drop.
Gloves and Mitts
Gloves, in particular mitts, are an essential part of your cold weather snowboarding gear, as they’ll provide you with the warmth and dexterity you need when maneuvering your board. Good snowboarding gloves should be waterproof and windproof, yet still breathable.
It’s also important that your gloves are flexible and durable, as you’ll need to be able to move and grab your board, bindings and anything else you may need on the slopes. For added protection and warmth, you can also opt for a separate pair of liners to provide extra insulation.
Helmet
Having a helmet is an absolute must these days, and even more so when temperatures are low and snow is plentiful. You should choose a helmet that fits well and is specifically designed for snowboarding, as it should protect your head both from impact and from the elements.
Your helmet should also have a good insulation system, as this will keep your head warm while also allowing perspiration to escape. Most helmets nowadays feature removable liners, which are great for added warmth, protection and breathability.
Goggles
When it comes to protecting your eyes, having a good pair of snowboarding goggles is essential. Goggles should provide 100% UV protection, as well as fog prevention with their adjustable vents, anti-fog lenses and interchangeable lenses depending on weather and light conditions.
For really cold days, you can also purchase specialty goggles with extra insulation and fog prevention features. Not only will this keep your eyes safe from the cold and snow, but also from icy winds and dust.
Conclusion
Snowboarding is an amazing sport, but when temperatures drop it’s crucial to have the best gear to keep you safe and comfortable while on the slopes. With the right cold weather snowboarding gear, you can have peace of mind knowing that you won’t be compromising on performance, safety or comfort. So make sure you have all the essential items in your cold weather snowboarding arsenal—you’ll be glad you did!
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