Looking for the ultimate splitboarding gear checklist? Whether you’re building your first kit or prepping for your next advendture, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of every item you’ll need to make your next backcountry route go off without a hitch.
In this post we cover everything you should bring to make your splitboarding trips safe, comfortable and overall fantastically epic. Without further ado… The ultimate splitboarding gear list.
Splitboard
This is the name of the game, right? A snowboard designed to be taken apart and used as a pair of skis, what a concept!
If you’re just now building out your first rig, check out my article for a comprehensive guide on getting your splitboard set up and maintaining it. Pretty straightforward, really, but there are a few key points of major confusion that we can remedy quickly.
Climbing Skins
This was so confusing to me when I first discovered splitboarding. Until I saw them and applied them to my first uphill, I truly could not wrap my mind around what the hell these things were.
Climbing skins are strips of material that attach to the base of a splitboard or AT skis. Back in the day, they were made of actual seal skin. Today they’re usually synthetic, though some are made of angora. They add a little traction to the bottom surface of your skis, allowing for uphill climbing. And that traction is somewhat directional, so you can slide forward and grip as you pull back.
Splitboard Poles
There are collapsible ski poles that are specifically designed for backcountry snowboarding. These poles will typically telescope in at least 2 sections, allowing these poles to be quickly extended and locked for an ascent and easily collapsed and stowed for your descent.
Backpack
You’ll want a large, comfortable pack to carry all of your gear. I personally use the same pack for both winter and summer treks. But they do make splitboard-custom packs with some clever features. Either way, you’ll need enough space to carry everything listed here and perhaps more if you’re planning any multiday routes.
Crampons
Metal spikes that attach to the soles of shoes and provide extra traction on icy terrain. If you’re planning any steeper ascents, crampons can be clutch. But true winter mountaineering is beyond the scope of this list, so these may be overkill. If you’re looking to hit lines that require ropes and ice picks, I hope you’re not relying on a beginner-friendly blog for your information.
Avalanche Safety Gear
Essential avalanche safety equipment: a beacon, shovel, and probe are used to search for and rescue buried riders in the event of an avalanche. These items are not optional. Every rider entering avalanche territory should carry all three.
Avalanche Beacon
This is an electronic device that emits and detects electronic signals. In the event that one of your party is buried in an avalanche, this device is invaluable in locating them and digging them out safely.
Shovel
A foldable, lightweight shovel used to dig out trapped riders in the event of an avalanche. This can also be used to help evaluate snowpack.
Avalanche Probe
A lightweight, collapsible pole that can be used to probe an avalnche was for buried companions. In conjunction with your beacon, this is a crucial tool in rescue operations.
Helmet
When I was a kid, helmets were lame. Now we’re adults, and we’re all pretty sure we were dumb when we were kids. Helmets have become a mandatory bit of kit for resort riding these days, and there’s absolutely no reason you wouldn’t want one in the backcountry, where the risks are many times multiplied.
Goggles
Don’t forget your goggles. It’s easy to get rolling on that uphill with your shades on and totally forget that the downhill is a different beast. Have you ever tried to get off a mountain in whiteout conditions in a pair of cheap sunnies? It sucks.
Gloves
People get pretty serious about their hand coverings. A lot of this is going to come down to personal preference.
For splitboarding, don’t forget that the uphill will be much different from the downhill. For this reason, I greatly appreciate a combo-mitten. I have a light, fingered-liner that I wear for the up. This allows for better dexterity. I carry a mitten shell that pops over those for the downhills and otherwise for anything that involves more snow contact where the liners are liable to get soaked through.
Top Shell
A lightweight, waterproof jacket. At this point I’ve mostly sworn off anything insulated. Whatever terrain I’m riding, I want to be able to adjust to conditions, and layering is the recipe.
Bottom Shell
Lightweight, waterproof pants. Much like the jacket, these are designed to hold up to a little abuse, and keep out the water. I’ll leave the temperature control mostly up to my base layers.
Base Layer
You’ll want to start building your collection here, top and bottom. I
Sick Beans
A warm and comfortable hat is highly adviseable. Even when I carry a ball cap, I like to tuck a beanie in my bag just in case. I tend to run my helmet a little big so I can fit a beanie in between for cold days too. This is probably some kind of safety faux pas, but hey.
Sunscreen
It can actually come as a shock to newbies just how important this is. Yeah, you probably know from resort skiing just how aggresive high-altitude sun can get when it’s bouncing off the reflective surface of the snow. But backcountry tends to get you sweaty, which in turn will get you shedding more layers. Coat your face, coat your arms, don’t get lobstered.
Lip Balm
Ideally with SPF. All of that moisture that keeps your luxurious skin so soft and supple, that’s ice out here. It is no joke how quick a mountain ascent can turn your sweet mouth pillows into bloody agro crags.
Eye Drops
Again with the moisturization. Honestly, I don’t need eye drops, but I’m weird. Is till bring them along just in case.
Water
This is a physical activity. Bring plenty of water. I usually fill up a pack bladder for the day. This gives me plenty of water without adding anything hard to land on to my pack. But any durable, lightweight container will do. Bring enough water for strenous activty, and some extra in case you get stuck somewhere. You’re not gonna want to melt snow, so let’s dispense with that idea.
Snacks
Bring some energy-rich snacks. You know what you like after a good deep dig at it.
Map
Bring a good map of the area. You know, a good old fashioned map. They used to sell them at gas stations. It might be a challenge to find a detailed map of a backcountry route. Print one out if needed. Yeah, you’ve probably got your phone, maybe even a GPS, but batteries run out of juice and legends never die. Pun!
Compasses
Are you gonna use it? Maybe. Does it look cool? Hell yeah!
They still make compasses that don’t require batteries. Pick one up.
GPS
A GPS device can be great for tracking locations and routes while splitboarding. Personally, I use my phone, and/or my trusty map and compass. But a legit GPS that’s designed to stay powered up for a longer stretch is highly recommended if you’re attempting a remote or intricate route.
First Aid Kit
Bring the essentials. If you or one of your buds gets hurt, you may well have a long trek back to anything resembling medical support.
Emergency Shelter
My Mom likes to get lost on hikes. She has for as long as I can remember. I’ve seen her turn a quick afternoon jaunt into an after dark trudge through a blizzard.
It’s easy to forget in our controlled environments just how quickly nature can shift our plans. If there’s any chance you’ll be trapped in dangerous conditions, some form of shelter may well save life or limb.
Flashlight
Dude, always carry a flashlight. It doesn’t even take up that much space. My Mom taught me that one. Not because she does it, but because she got me lost after dark without a flashlight enough times that I started bringing one just in case she shows up.
Repair Kit
You’ll want to carry a small kit of tools designed to fix broken gear while splitboarding. So much of your planning is going to revolve around that descent going a lot faster than the ascent. If you run into gear trouble, you can easily double your time in the field. Not to mention the difference between skinning and trudging through deep snow on foot. Seriously, even a short trek without your sticks under you can be absolutely brutal.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you’re looking to get out and explore the backcountry on splitboard, having the right gear is one of the most important parts of the journey. With the right splitboarding gear list, youll max out your shot at safe and comfortable snow adventures into the distant future. Hopefully this list helps you get started and stay prepared so you can take on the snow-filled mountains and chase down many, many, many unforgettable experiences.