Thanks to Rustin for suggesting this blog! – Jed
You need equipment for snowboarding, obviously! So let’s have a look at the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need to have.
Most important
1) Boots
If you’re going to buy only one thing, buy boots. If your feet aren’t happy, you’re in for a horrible day on the mountain.
Don’t skimp on your boots either! Try on lots of boots and buy the pair the fits the best, regardless of the brand or cost.
Important
2) Snowboard
Rental snowboards aren’t the best. You can pay extra for a ‘performance’ rental, but your choice is usually limited and you most likely won’t get the exact type of board you want.
It’s definitely worth the extra cash to get the right snowboard for the right type of riding you want to be doing.
3) Bindings
Much like a snowboard, rental bindings are usually given as a one size fits all. They’re usually old, worn and sometimes even the dreaded ‘clip ins’. If you’re buying a snowboard, you should pick up a decent pair of bindings that match your riding terrain as well.
In addition, bindings last forever. They’re the one piece of gear that you can have for years and years with some minor replacements like new straps.
4) Gloves
No one enjoys cold hands. Not to mention frostbite isn’t fun. That’s why gloves were invented so go buy a pair 😉
Be warned. Don’t buy a cheapo pair for $10 at the local Walmart, those suck. Buy gloves that not only fit but have the right amount of insulation for the conditions you’ll be riding in.
5) Outerwear
Burton Puffy Jacket
You want to stay dry don’t you? Well you’ll need outerwear for that. A good pair of jacket and pants will go a long way to keeping you dry, not to mention help you stay ventilated during the day.
Aim for jacket/pants at least 10k waterproof and 10k breathability and with fully taped seams.
6) Goggles
Good goggles go a long way to helping you see on the hill and keeping the snow out of your eyes. Make sure you buy goggles that fit your head, otherwise you may end up with fogging on the inside of your lens.
7) Helmet
There’s debate on whether or not helmets are that effective, but I’m in the club that’d rather be safe than sorry. I think helmets are worth it for that 1 in a million chance when it might save you from serious injury.
Buy a helmet that is a good, snug fit on your head. A loose helmet won’t help you.
Useful, but not ‘must-have’s’
8) Base Layers & Snowboard/Ski Socks
Base layers will not only keep you warm, but dry as well. They make a huge difference if you’re a regular snowboarder or skier and they’re worth the small investment for more comfort on the slopes. You can get away with a couple sets of base layers as long as you wash them regularly.
Snowboard/ski socks are also worth buying if you have the extra cash. A few pairs will keep good circulation in your feet as well as keep them warm and dry.
9) Face Mask
A large majority of your body heat escapes from your face and head. This is why a face mask can make a big difference in your overall warmth on the slopes. I highly recommend a face mask if you find yourself getting cold on the slopes.
10) Multiple lenses
Extra lenses for your goggles allows you to swap out your lens to fit the current light conditions. You could have a sunny day lens, a low light lens and a night riding lens. Useful if you have the spare cash to spend.
11) Snowboard Bag
A good snowboard bag will make travel far easier for you, not to mention you don’t want your gear to get broken by rough baggage handlers. When buying a bag, I highly recommend buying a bag with wheels, as this will make wheeling them around airports a breeze
Happy shopping! If you’d like a more comprehensive guide to buying gear, check out our free Snowboard Gear Guide which goes into more details on how to choose the right gear for you.