Best Snowboarding Gear for Backcountry Adventures.
Are you planning to experience the joys of backcountry snowboarding? Are you looking for the best snowboarding gear to make your experience safe, enjoyable, and challenging? Look no further than our comprehensive guide to the best snowboarding gear for backcountry adventures.
Backcountry snowboarding provides an unparalleled degree of freedom to explore areas without the need to abide by typical ski resort guidelines. Unfortunately, this freedom also comes with a greater degree of risk, which is why it’s so important to make sure you have the right gear for whatever environment you’re seeking to explore.
In this blog post, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about backcountry snowboarding and the best snowboarding gear for backcountry adventures. We’ll also provide tips for selecting and using the gear properly.
With the right snowboarding gear, you’ll never have a dull moment when exploring the backcountry. Let’s get started!
What is Backcountry Snowboarding?
Backcountry snowboarding is the act of exploring areas away from typical ski resorts, usually through remote trails, access roads, and expanses of ungroomed snow. Experienced snowboarders who know how to endure and handle the untamed terrain of the backcountry can experience the joys of untouched snow and the beautiful nature of the area.
Going off-piste, without the assistance of ski lifts and infrastructure, is an adrenaline-filled act that requires superb skills and a great deal of caution. Apart from having professionally trained staff and groomed runs, ski resorts are highly regulated, which is why backcountry snowboarding requires so much dedication and caution.
Safety Gear for Backcountry Adventures
As you may expect, the lack of cell phone service and emergency personnel make safety a priority on backcountry trips. Safety gear can’t guarantee immunity to danger, but it can reduce the chances of encountering a tragedy.
The following items should be part of the essential safety gear for backcountry snowboarding:
• Avalanche Beacons and Probes – Avalanche beacons are invaluable for locating buried snowboarders in a snow slide. Avalanche probes are also essential for finding a buried snow boarder in case a beacon fails.
• Snow Shovels – A shovel is essential for digging out a stuck snowboarder or for preparing jumps.
• First-Aid Kit – A first-aid kit is vital for dealing with small and large injuries.
• Fire Starter Kit – A fire starter kit can be the difference between life and death in an emergency.
• Avalanche Gear – Avalanche gear like airbags are essential for protecting yourself against an avalanche.
• GPS– GPS devices can be useful for navigating through unfamiliar backcountry terrain.
Best Snowboarding Gear for Backcountry Adventures
The type of snowboard and bindings you use depend on the kind of backcountry terrain you plan on exploring. The following are some of the best snowboard and binding styles you may want to consider:
• Freeride/ All-Mountain Boards – A board designed for freeride and all-mountain adventures can handle different types of terrain and snow conditions. The rocker profile and extra flotation make these boards suitable for the backcountry.
• Powder Boards – If you’re planning to explore powder in the backcountry, then a powder board is an excellent choice. The rocker profile and extra flotation make them excellent for maneuvering through deep powder.
• Splitboards – Splitboards are designed for backcountry touring. The board can be separated into two halves to be used as touring skis, then put back together for regular snowboarding action.
• Backcountry Bindings – Harder, more responsive bindings can help provide stability on technical terrain. Soft bindings, on the other hand, provide more comfort and control in the backcountry.
Finally, make sure you wear the right attire for your backcountry adventures. Make sure you have a waterproof, breathable jacket and pants, a thermal mid-layer, and layers for warmth. Don’t forget your sun protection, goggles, and helmet, too.
Conclusion
Exploring the backcountry can be incredibly rewarding, but only if you do it the right way with the right gear. The best snowboarding gear for backcountry adventures includes specialized bindings, snowboards, and attire. Safety is always a priority, which is why it’s so important to bring the right safety gear along with you too.
Now that you are armed with the right information and gear, all that’s left to do is go out and explore the backcountry. Enjoy your new adventures and happy snowboarding!
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