The Best Snowboarding Gear for Backcountry: All You Need to Know.
Snowboarding is an increasingly popular pastime, with more and more people heading out into the backcountry to take on powder and slopes that are often untouched. This type of adventure requires specific gear, and investing in the right pieces of snowboarding equipment is essential. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shredder, equipping yourself with the right snowboarding gear is a must for any backcountry excursion.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide outlining everything you need to know about the best snowboarding gear for backcountry. Read on to find out more on the essential pieces of backcountry equipment and how to choose the right ones for you.
Getting the Right Snowboard Setup
When you’re buying a snowboard, the specs you need to look out for are width, length and shape. These help inform your snowboarding style, and will impact how the board feels beneath your feet.
Width
The width of your snowboard will most likely be determined by your boot size. If you’re wearing a boot size 10 or smaller, you should opt for a narrow board, such as one sized between 250mm and 255mm wide. For boot sizes 10 and above, you’ll want to head for a mid-width board, which will be between 255mm and 270mm wide. Anything over 270mm is a wide board, which is ideal for riders using larger boots, or those hoping to float really well in powder.
Length
Your height and snowboarding style will dictate the length of snowboard you need. If you’re just starting out or prefer a softer, slower ride, you should opt for a ‘shorty’ board; these will be around 10cm shorter than your height. If you’re looking for something with a bit more ‘oomph’ and speed, having a snowboard that’s 10cm taller than you is the way to go. Bear in mind, however, that these longer boards can be a little harder to maneuver.
Shape
Shape will most likely be dictated by your snowboarding style – so decide whether you want to focus on carving, freestyle or powder and take it from there. Hybrid boards, which combine the advantages of multiple shapes, are a staple of today’s snowboarding market and can be a great choice for all-mountain adventures.
A twin tip design is perfect for freestyle snowboarding as it’s symmetrical and has two rounded tips, allowing for easy takeoffs and landings. Directional boards, on the other hand, only have one tip and come in handy when cruising and gliding the mountain. Finally, the asymmetric option is a great combination of the two, giving you the benefits of both designs.
Choosing Bindings
Choosing a pair of bindings is essential if you want a secure ride, and it’s important to make sure they suit your snowboard’s length and width. Generally speaking, lighter riders should opt for softer bindings, as this will help them hold an edge better, while heavier riders will benefit from stiffer bindings, which offer better performance in challenging conditions.
Your bindings should also have the right response rating for your snowboarding style. Soft bindings are good for those wanting to take advantage of the mountain’s terrain and prefer a flexible ride, whereas those into more responsive riding should opt for stiffer bindings.
When selecting bindings, look for those with an adjustable forward lean – this will let you set your bindings up the way you want them. Also, look out for those with a rubber sole, as this will help reduce impact and offer you a bit of cushioning.
Finally, you’ll need to make sure that the boots that your bindings are compatible with are compatible with the snowboard you’ve chosen.
Choosing Boots
The two main factors to consider when buying boots is how soft or stiff they are and how well they fit your feet.
Soft flex boots are more accommodating for beginner snowboarders and those who want a more forgiving ride, whereas stiff boots offer more control on the mountain and are perfect for more experienced riders.
When it comes to the fit, it’s crucial that you buy the right size for you. Opting for bigger snowboard boots might seem like a good idea, but it will hinder your performance and cause your feet to slide around and suffer from fatigue.
Finally, make sure the boots have the right type of lacing system. Boa or speed lacing systems are simple to use and will allow you to quickly adjust the tightness of your boots. If you’re looking to save a bit of money, you could opt for traditional lace-up boots; these will generally be a bit cheaper but can take time to adjust and tighten.
Protective Gear
When snowboarding in the backcountry, you’re going to be exposed to the elements, so you need to make sure you’ve got the right protective gear.
Helmets are an important piece of kit, and you should make sure you wear one on every ride. There are plenty of different types to choose from, with some offering more protection than others – so opt for one that best suits your needs.
Gloves, goggles and warm clothing are also a must. Water-resistant and breathable fabrics are good for keeping you warm and dry, and make sure you’ve got at least two pairs of gloves – one for when you’re riding, and a thicker pair for those colder days.
Snowboards Bags and Backpacks
When riding off-piste, you’ll need a bag or backpack that is waterproof and abrasion-resistant in order to keep your gear safe. Snowboard bags come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you choose one that is big enough to store all your equipment. Backpacks are also a great option if you’re wanting to go touring and need something to store extra items, such as food or layers of clothing.
Snowboarding Accessories
Your snowboarding setup should also include a variety of essential accessories. Tune-up kits are essential for any snowboarder looking to maintain their gear and keep it up to a high standard. Also, carrying a multi-tool and repair kit with you when you’re in the mountains can save you a lot of time and effort, especially when out of bounds.
Another great addition to your kit is an avalanche beacon. This is a must-have for those venturing far from the slopes and into untamed wilderness. Investing in a beacon and learning how to use it could save your life in the event of an emergency.
Conclusion
Snowboarding is an amazing way to get out and explore the mountains, and having the right gear is the key to enjoying a safe and successful experience. This guide has outlined everything you need to know to get the right snowboarding setup for backcountry riding and should have provided you with all the information you need to make the best decisions. So equip yourself with the right tools and venture far off the slopes this season – you won’t regret it!
Image Credit: Pexels