Snowboarding Gear: The Best for Snowcat Skiing.
Are you a snowcat skiing enthusiast? Whether you’re headed to the backcountry or prefer to tackle the most extreme runs, you need the right gear to stay safe and comfortable while shredding the powder. Snowboarding gear is essential for snowcat skiing and can make or break your experience.
At its most basic level, snowcat skiing requires a snowboard or skis and proper apparel. Where to begin? On this page, we’ll dive into the gear you need to properly outfit for a snowcat skiing adventure, plus some of our favorite gear for snowcat skiing. So, let’s get started.
Snowboards and Skis
Snowboards come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles, designed to suit different levels of rider. Freeride boards tend to be wider and provide more stability, perfect for tackling the backcountry. Powder boards are wider still, with a tapered tail, allowing for more surface area for better flotation in deep snow. For more on snowboards, check out our guide to board shapes.
Likewise, alpine and touring skis come in a variety of shapes and sizes. All-mountain skis are a popular choice for snowcat skiing, thanks to their mix of all-terrain performance, while carving skis are perfect for expert riders looking to tackle steep slopes. Hybrid skis – combining the best of both alpine and touring – have become popular in recent years, and make excellent companions for snowcat skiing.
For more on skis, check out our guide to ski shapes.
Boots and Bindings
Snowboard boots are essential for a responsive ride, with a range of lacing, liner and outsole options available. Two-piece boots provide great flexibility for snowcat skiing, for an intuitive response to terrain. Meanwhile, three-piece boots provide more support and can help the rider stay comfortable over the longest of runs.
Bindings vary depending on the type of board or ski you’re using, but selecting the proper pair helps to ensure the foot is secure and in the best position for a responsive ride.
Outerwear
Functional and technical outerwear helps to keep the rider comfortable, insulated and warm on the mountain, no matter the conditions. From insulated pants to waterproof layers, investing in proper apparel is essential for any snowcat skiing adventure.
Common items include base layers – such as thermals and long-sleeve jerseys – mid-layers of insulated, waterproof jackets and pants and shells, which provide windproof and breathable protection.
Accessories
Protecting your head and eyes is essential on the mountain. A helmet should be a staple in every rider’s snowcat skiing kit, while goggles are also very important. Goggles help to protect against wind, rain, snow and UV rays, and often come with lenses designed for different conditions.
Protecting your hands is also important, with waterproof gloves or mittens keeping your hands warm, dry and agile on the slopes. Hand warmers can also be tucked away in the pockets to provide extra warmth on cold days.
The Best for Snowcat Skiing
Picking the right gear for snowcat skiing can be difficult, with so much choice available. Here’s a quick round-up of some of our favorites:
• Burton Feelgood Smalls Snowboard
• TripT Manufacturing Crosswood Snowboard
• Jones Apache Alpine Skis
• Icelantic Skis Nomad XTR Alpine Touring Skis
• Burton Moto Snowboard Boots
• Burton Cordova Snowboard Bindings
• Helly Hansen Men’s Intensity Insulated Pants
• Columbia Bugaboo Interchange Insulated Jacket
• Salomon Malamute GORE-TEX Gloves
• Roxy Pillar Ski Helmet
• O’Neal Mayhem Goggle
When it comes to snowcat skiing, the best gear is a combination of function, safety and versatility. Invest in the best quality products you can find, and rest assured knowing you’re safe and secure while enjoying the powder.
With the right snowcat skiing gear, there’s nothing stopping you from hitting the backcountry. Get out there and make the most of your snowcat skiing adventure!
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