The Gear for Cross Country Snowboarding: Uncover the Best.
Snowboarding is one of the most thrilling and rewarding recreational activities on the planet. It has grown leaps and bounds in popularity in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Although alpine snowboarding offers exciting thrills and spills, cross country snowboarding has its own special brand of exhilaration. To make sure you have the best possible experience while snowboarding in the backcountry, you need to make sure you’ve got the right gear packed in your bag.
Whether you’re a beginner to cross country snowboarding or a seasoned veteran, having the right gear can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential gear you need in order to have the best experience possible while snowboarding in the backcountry. Let’s dive in.
What Is Cross Country Snowboarding?
Cross country snowboarding is a form of snowboarding that involves traversing mountainous terrain. Unlike resort-based snowboarding, cross country snowboarders don’t ride groomed runs – instead, they explore the backcountry, traveling over snow-covered ridges, open meadows, and through dense forests.
Cross country snowboarding requires more technical skill than all-mountain snowboarding does. It also requires specialized gear. So, what gear do you need to get the most out of your cross country snowboarding adventure? Let’s find out.
What Are The Essential Snowboarding Gear For The Cross Country?
1. Snowboard:
The most essential gear that any cross country snowboarder needs is, of course, the snowboard itself. When it comes to the type of board you need for cross country snowboarding, there are two main types:
Alpine Snowboard: An alpine snowboard is a more traditional snowboard that’s shorter, wider, and more flexible than a regular snowboard and made for carving up groomed trails.
Splitboard: A splitboard is a type of snowboard specifically created for touring in the backcountry. It is built from two pieces and allow riders to tour up hills and navigate steep terrain.
2. Bindings:
The next essential piece of gear that you’ll need is bindings. Bindings attach the feet of the rider to the board and come in a variety of different designs, sizes and types to provide a range of performance levels tailored to your individual requirements.
When choosing a binding, consider the terrain you’ll be exploring, your ability level and the duration of your snowboarding excursions. Once you have a better idea of what binding to get, make sure to test it out and see how it feels before making a final purchase.
3. Boots:
You’ll also need a suitable pair of boots specifically designed for snowboarders. These are often heavier and stiffer than regular insulated winter boots and are built for greater control and power.
When choosing boots, make sure to focus on comfort and ensure you have the right fit. If you’ll be snowboarding for long periods of time, you may want to look for boots with extra padding in the footbed.
4. Snowboard Clothing:
Of course, when it comes to snowboarding, you also need the right snowboard clothing. This includes a snowboard jacket and pants, as well as a base layer, hat, and gloves.
When it comes to material, look for waterproof and breathable fabrics to keep you dry and warm. You also want to make sure you have enough room to move around, jump, and perform all sorts of tricks.
5. Backpack:
You’ll also need a reliable backpack to store all your accessories while snowboarding in the backcountry. Make sure to look for a backpack with a comfortable hip and chest strap, as well as a large enough storage compartment to fit all your snowboarding essentials.
The best snowboarding backpacks also come with an integrated hydration system, which is essential for long snowboard trips. An insulated pocket for your food can also come in handy for when you need to refuel.
Take Care Of Your Snowboard Gear
Now that you know what type of gear you need for cross country snowboarding, it’s important to properly take care of it. All of the above-mentioned gear requires regular maintenance and the occasional repair, so make sure you invest in the products that will keep it performing its best.
For example, waxing your snowboard is important for snowboarding in any type of terrain, but it’s especially important for cross country snowboarders. This will keep your board smooth and fast on all types of terrain, as well as reduce any creaks or squeaks you may hear while riding.
Also, make sure to properly wash and dry your snowboarding clothing after each session. This will help extend the life of the clothing and make sure it holds up in the future.
Final Thoughts
Cross country snowboarding is an intense and exhilarating activity in its own right, and having the right gear is absolutely essential. From the right type of snowboard to the right type of clothing, make sure you have all the essentials when hitting the backcountry.
Keep in mind that taking care of your gear is also something you should prioritize. This will help ensure that your gear is performing its best and will last you for many more exhilarating cross country snowboarding sessions in the future. Good luck!
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