Snowboarding Gear for Ski Touring: What You Need to Know.
Preparing for an ambitious ski touring adventure can feel overwhelming. In addition to planning and packing, a big part of the process is of course finding the right snowboarding gear. Ski touring involves long-distance riding in alpine terrain, and it requires a different set of gear than, for instance, a day on the local slopes. This guide is here to help snowboarders looking for the best ski touring gear.
When ski touring, weight is a major consideration. While lighter and more compact gear can be convenient, it usually comes at a premium price. While more expensive gear often means less weight, it is important to keep the entire weight of your entire kit in mind. If you are looking to keep things light, it is often a good idea to rent or borrow gear instead of buying your own.
The first piece of gear to acquire is a splitboard. Splitboards are essentially snowboards that have been split in half length-wise, allowing skiers to walk uphill without the need of traditional touring skis. Most good splitboards are made from lightweight, strong materials, and their overall design is optimized for backcountry performance. When shopping for a splitboard, look for one with stiff edges to improve grip and stability during downhill runs.
When shopping for the best ski touring gear, don’t overlook your choice of bindings. Bindings are a critical part of splitboarding, as they essentially allow you to lock into the board. It is important to find bindings that are comfortable and adjustable, so you can make quick adjustments as needed. If you are looking for performance and weight savings, look for bindings made from lightweight materials.
Another important aspect of ski touring is touring-specific boots. Unless you are an experienced backcountry skier with sturdy, waterproof mountain boots, you will need to invest in pair that is designed for splitboarding. Most ski touring boots are designed to be lightweight and provide ample flex when climbing, which can significantly reduce fatigue on long hiking days.
You will also need a pair of ski poles for splitboarding. Ski poles are great for improving balance and stability, and they are also essential for helping you to cross tricky terrain. Many touring poles feature adjustable heights, allowing you to adjust them to perfectly fit your needs.
Finally, don’t forget to bring some extra-warm layers on your ski tour. When you are ski touring, you can cover a lot of miles, so you may end up spending a lot of time at high altitude environments. It is important to look for breathable and lightweight layers that can easily be put on if temperatures drop.
In conclusion, there is no shortage of ski touring gear available to snowboarders. With the right combination of splitboards, bindings, boots, poles, and layers, you can be set to embody the spirit of ski touring—safely and comfortably. By following the advice outlined in this guide, you can make sure you have the ideal set of ski touring gear for your next snow season adventure.
Image Credit: Pexels