The Best Snowboarding Gear for Powder Snow.
When it comes to snowboarding in powder snow, having the right gear is absolutely essential. There’s nothing worse than feeling unprepared and unprepared gear can lead to falls, cold and wet conditions, and a lack of confidence on the hill. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned snowboarder, having the right equipment to tackle the powder can make the difference between a great ride and an unenjoyable experience.
That’s why we’ve compiled this guide on what gear you need for a comfortable and enjoyable powder ride. Here are some of the best snowboarding gear for powder snow that you should consider investing in.
Snowboard
The most important piece of gear when it comes to tackling powder is, without a doubt, a snowboard. If you’re heading out for the first time, it’s important to get a board that’s specifically designed for powder. This means a board that’s wider than your regular freeride board, and something that you’ll be able to float over the powder.
Look for a board with a rockered profile and lots of float, something like a directional or a directional swallowtail with around 20mm of taper will be ideal. A shorter board will also help you make quicker turns, so look for something between a 154cm – 165cm.
Snowboard Clothing
Staying warm and dry while snowboarding in powder conditions is just as important as having the right gear. You want to make sure you’re well-insulated with a good base layer, mid-layer and outerwear. Look for brands that specialize in waterproof and breathable fabrics, like Gore-Tex for example, this will help to keep you warm and dry no matter what conditions you’re riding in.
Once you’ve got your base layers sorted, it’s time to look for an outer layer that’s specifically designed for snowboarding. There are a range of options available, but often a two-layer Gore-Tex shell with an allowance for layering will provide the best of both worlds – warmth and breathability.
Snowboard Bindings
It’s highly recommended to use bindings specifically designed for powder when you’re snowboarding in deeper conditions. When riding powder, look for a binding that has wider plates and gives you better leverage over the board, something like Flow’s new Powder bindings are ideal. These bindings help absorb the chatter of deep powder while still giving you the confidence and power to hold an edge on your snowboard.
Snowboard Boots
Having the right snowboard boots is also crucial when it comes to tackling powder conditions. Look for boots that have good insulation, heel hold and response for you to be able to make fast and reliable turns. Preferably, a stiffer boot provides better response, but if you plan on riding in the park, a softer boot might be better suited for your needs. Just remember that softer boots won’t provide the support you need when you’re trying to carve turns in deep powder.
Snowboarding Goggles
Finally, but certainly not least, you want to make sure you’ve got a good pair of goggles to ensure you can see what you’re doing out on the mountain. Look for a pair of anti-fog goggles that come with interchangeable lenses, so you can use them in different weather conditions. Goggles with a wider view will give you better peripheral vision when you’re tackling the powder, so you can spot obstacles and other riders before they become a problem.
In Conclusion
When it comes to snowboarding in powder, having the right gear is key. Not only will it keep you safe, but it will also give you the confidence and power necessary to tackle any type of terrain. Investing in the best snowboarding gear for powder snow is essential if you want to get the most out of your time on the mountain. From snowboards and clothing to bindings and boots, it’s crucial that you have the right gear to stay safe, have fun and make the most of the conditions.
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