Splitboarding Gear Essentials
I recently shared about getting into splitboarding, and my favorites for layering. Here, I’m sharing the gear I’m using and enjoying.
For safety, all people who travel in the backcountry, whether skiing, splitboarding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing, should carry an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel, and know how to use them. While you can buy all the components separately, it’s easy and often cheaper to buy them as a set. I have the Backcountry Access T S Avalanche Rescue Package ($384.95). Similar options: Mamut Barryvox Package Tour ($479.95) or ARVA Neo Pro Safety Pack ($422.95).
Another important piece of safety gear is a helmet. While you can definitely wear your regular snow helmet, I like a lightweight climbing helmet for backcountry. I have the Black Diamond Women’s Half Dome ($59.95). Similar options: Bern Macon 2.0 ($59.99) or Grivel Duetto Helmet ($159.95).
I’m so excited that I finally have a splitboard - it’s so much easier than the snowshoes/regular snowboard combo I used before. After demo-ing a Weston Backwoods ($899) splitboard, I liked it so much I bought the exact set up. Similar options: Coalition Snow Sojourner ($849) or Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero ($559.93).
Splitboards require specific bindings that allow you to switch between uphill and downhill travel mode.I have the Spark R&D Arc ($269.50). Depending what type of binding set you buy, you might need to buy pucks as well, like these Spark R&D Canted Pucks to install your bindings. Some bindings come as a set with all necessary hardware included, like this Spark R&D set up ($360). Similar binding options: Karakoram Grizzly Splitboard Bindings ($399.95) or Union Explorer ($299.99).
In order to go up and not immediately slide back down, splitboards are equipped with climbing skins which are either synthetic or a blend of synthetic and mohair fibers. I have the Pomoca Climb 2.0 ($195.95). Similar options: Burton x G3 High-Traction Splitboard Skins ($219.95) or evo x Pomoca Pro Glide ($219.95).
Poles are another essential for going uphill, both to help reduce fatigue and improve balance, and it’s important that the poles are collapsible so they can be packed away for the downhill. My poles are some old hand-me-downs from Greyson. Pole options: Mountainsmith Glissade 7075 ($52.73), Burton Black Diamond Compactor Poles ($123.20), or Komperdell Contour Titanal 2 ($99.95).
Unlike with skiing where you need specific backcountry boots, the snowboarding boots I wear in the resort work just fine. I’ve had Ride Hera ($296.95) boots for years and love them. They’re stiff enough for good control, while still being very comfortable. Similar options: Thirty Two Shifty Boa ($169.95) or Burton Mint Boa ($239.95).
Finally, I have a splitboarding pack to hold my gear, layers, snacks, water, etc. I LOVE my Deuter Rise 34, which is unfortunately not currently available. I hope they bring it back! Similar options: Deuter Freerider 30 ($160), Dakine Mission 25L ($79.95), or Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32 ($169.95).
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale as compensation – at no additional cost to you. I promise to only recommend products that I use and enjoy!