Ultimate Snowboarding Gear Guide [2022-23 Edition]
Gear to Peak your Interest.
Winter 2022 is here folks…which means it's time to start thinking about snowboarding gear! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, it's always good to have an idea of what kind of new and fresh gear is out there. To help you out, we've put together a guide of some of the best snowboarding gear for the 2022-2023 season. From boards to boots, we've got you covered.
Snowboard Gear Must Grabs:
Snowboards
When it comes to choosing a snowboard, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First, what is your riding style? Are you a freestyle rider who likes to hit the park? Or are you a powder hound who spends most of their time carving up fresh powder? Once you've decided on your riding style, you can narrow down your board choices.
Next, you'll need to consider your ability level. Are you a beginner who is just starting out? Or are you an experienced rider who is looking for an upgrade? Once you've determined your ability level, you can further narrow down your board choices.
Finally, you'll need to think about your budget. Snowboards can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Once you've determined how much you're willing to spend, you can make your final board selection.
Boots
Of course, no snowboarding gear guide would be complete without mentioning boots. Choosing the right pair of boots is just as important as choosing the right board. After all, if your feet are not comfortable, there is no way you're going to have an enjoyable time on the mountain. When it comes to boots, fit is everything. Make sure to try on different brands and sizes until you find a pair that fits snugly but not too tight. Once you've found the right fit, it's time to decide on a style.
Are you looking for a traditional lace-up boot? Or are you interested in something with speed laces or boa lacing? Once you've decided on a style, it's time to make your final selection.
Bindings
Bindings are what connect your boots to your board and allow you to control your turns. When choosing bindings, there are two main types to choose from: strap bindings and binding plates with screws. Strap bindings are easier to get in and out of and offer more flexibility when it comes to binding placement on your board. Binding plates with screws offer more stability and better edge control but can be more difficult to get in and out of.
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, there are a few things you'll need to consider. First and foremost, you'll need to make sure that your clothing is waterproof and breathable. You don't want to be cold and wet while riding. In addition, you'll also want to make sure that your clothing is comfortable and won't impede your movement while riding.
Accessories
While they may not be absolutely necessary, there are a few accessories that can make your day on the mountain more enjoyable.
First, consider buying a good pair of gloves. Nothing ruins a day on the slopes quite like cold hands!
Next, think about investing in some goggles. Not only will they protect your eyes from the sun and flying ice crystals dragons (ok that is not a real thing), but they'll also help keep your eyes from freeze-drying. Also, don’t skip out on a solid and comfortable helmet: Like these found here.
Finally, don't forget about sunscreen! Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you're immune from getting sunburned. A good sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and help prevent windburn
Top 10 Snowboarding Tips For Beginners:
Snowboarding is a great way to enjoy the winter weather and exercise, but it can also be a bit daunting for beginners. Like anything new, it takes a little time and practice to get the hang of it. But don’t worry, we've put together a list of our top 10 snowboarding tips for beginners to help you out. So strap in, grab your board, and let's get started!
01 | Get fitted for the right gear.
One of the most important things when starting is to ensure you have the right gear. That means getting a quality snowboard that's the right size for you, as well as bindings and boots that fit snugly and offer good support. You'll also want to invest in a good helmet and goggles to keep the snow and wind out of your eyes. Once you have all the right gear, you'll be able to focus on learning how to snowboard without worrying about discomfort.
02 | Dress in layers.
Dressing in layers is vital when snowboarding, as you want to be able to regulate your body temperature as you ride. In addition, you can easily add or remove clothing as needed to stay comfortable. Start with a base layer of thermal underwear, followed by a mid-layer of fleece or wool. On top of that, you'll need a waterproof outer layer to protect you from the elements. Finally, don't forget to wear gloves and a hat to keep your hands and head warm!
03 | Use the proper wax.
Another important tip for beginners is to use the proper wax on your snowboard. Wax makes your board more slippery for an easier ride on snow. There is a variety of wax depending on the conditions of the slopes. For example, if it's cold and dry, you'll need a different wax than if it's warm and wet. So, ask an expert at the ski shop which wax is best for your snowboarding conditions.
04 | Pay attention to your edges.
Snowboard's edges are the metal edges that run along the length of your board. These are responsible for helping you to turn and stop on the snow. Therefore, it's essential to pay attention to your edges and ensure they're in good condition. Otherwise, you may have difficulty turning or stopping, which can lead to accidents.
05 | Start on easy terrain.
It's tempting to head straight for the biggest, baddest slope on the mountain. But when you're just starting out, it's best to stick to easier terrain. That way, you can build up your confidence and skills before tackling more challenging runs. Then, once you've mastered the basics, you can start working your way up to more challenging slopes.
06 | Learn the basics:
Before you head out onto the slopes, it's important to learn the basics of snowboarding. Learn how to properly strap into your board, as well as how to stand up and balance yourself. It would help if you also took some time to practice turning and stopping. These are all essential skills that you'll need to master before you can start enjoying the slopes.
07 | Take some lessons.
If you're really struggling to get the hang of things, one of the best ways to learn how to snowboard is to take some lessons from qualified instructors. They can teach you the proper techniques, demonstrate how to execute different maneuvers, and give you valuable tips on improving your skills. Do this, and you'll be surprised at how much easier snowboarding becomes.
08 | Get comfortable falling.
It's inevitable that you're going to fall when you're learning how to snowboard. And that's OK! In fact, it's actually a good thing. Feeling comfortable with falling will help you relax and not be afraid of making mistakes. Remember, everyone falls down when they're learning how to snowboard. The important thing is to get back up and keep trying.
09 | Stay hydrated and take breaks.
Snowboarding can be taxing on your body, so it's important to stay hydrated and take breaks when you need them. Drink plenty of water, and eat regular meals to keep your energy up. And if you start to feel tired, take a break! It's not worth pushing yourself beyond your limits and risking injury.
10 | Be aware of your surroundings.
Instances of collision are one of the most common causes of injury in snowboarding. To avoid this, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to other skiers and boarders on the mountain, and give them space as much as possible. And look out for potential hazards, such as trees and rocks. Finally, and most importantly, listen to the ski patrol's instructions and heed their warnings.
Final Tip
Don't get discouraged! Learning how to snowboard can be tough, and there will be times when you feel like you're not making any progress. But it's important to stick with it and not get discouraged. Remember that everyone learns at their own pace. Just keep practicing. Eventually, you'll start to see some improvement, and before you know it, you'll be shredding the slopes like a pro!
Our Top Snowboarding Gear:
Here are some of the top items to always have with you:
Snowboard
Bindings
Goggles
Helmet
Jacket
Pants
Gloves
Beanie/Headwear
Our Top 2022-23 Gear Picks List:
01 | SNOWBOARD
Hard to shred powder without a snowboard, are we right? Grabbing the right snowboard can be overwhelming, because there are tons of brands out there. While we would encourage you to find you own way, we narrowed it down to these 4 brands of snowboards that we think are prefect for any level. Pricing varies but all of these are solid, durable, and made with care.
02 | BINDINGS
Bindings are one of the most important parts of a snowboard set up. They are what connect your boots to your board, and they play a major role in how your snowboard responds to your input. Bindings come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, so it's important to choose the right bindings for your riding style and ability level. There are two main types of bindings: strap bindings and plate bindings. Strap bindings are the most common type of binding, and they're also the easiest to use. Plate bindings, on the other hand, offer more control and stability, making them ideal for advanced riders. Whichever type of binding you choose, make sure it's compatible with your snowboard.
03 | GOGGLES
Goggles are an essential piece of equipment for anyone on the slopes. Not only do they help to protect your eyes from the sun and snow, but they also provide essential ventilation and fog protection. When choosing a pair of snowboarding goggles, it is important to consider the conditions in which you will be riding. If you frequently ride in cold and sunny conditions, then you will need a goggle that is designed for both warmth and light filtration. If you typically ride in wetter conditions, then you will need a pair of goggles designed to prevent fogging. In either case, it is important to choose a goggle that fits well and provides a clear field of vision. We like the Vision Polarized Ski Goggles from Outdoor Master for their wide field of view, anti-fog coated, and optional polarized lenses.
Vision Polarized
Smith Optics 4D MAG S Snow Goggles
Scope your line. Read the terrain. Drop in with confidence. The Smith 4D MAG S goggles bring the wide field of view and crisp optics of the 4D MAG to a goggle designed for smaller faces. Add in Smith Optics quick and easy magnetic lens-change tech, and you've got the only goggles you'll need for all-conditions riding.
Bolle Mammoth Ski Snow Goggle
Looking for the next big thing? Stop right here! A symbol of Bolle's design signature, the MAMMOTH is the largest fit of the range, providing a true wide field of vision.
04 | HELMET
A snowboarding helmet is essential for anyone hitting the slopes, whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider. Not only do they protect your head from impact in the event of a fall, but they also help to keep you warm and dry by sealing out the cold air and preventing snow from getting in your goggles. And with today's helmets featuring innovative designs and cutting-edge safety features, there's no excuse not to wear one. We love the Diamond MIPS Snow Helmet with MIPS® Safety System helmets for 2022-2023.
Diamond MIPS Helmet
Bolle Mute MIPS
Bold design, simple yet progressive features like removable earpads and goggle clip, and a bunch of colors that will match any of your outfit. This winter, the MUTE is coming with the best in class brain protection technology : MIPS.
Smith Optics Survey Jr. MIPS Snow Helmet for Youth
The Smith Survey Jr. Helmet matches the latest impact protection of MIPS and zonal Koroyd with Smith Optics Grow-With-Me dual-stage liner system adapts to growing kids. An integrated visor simplifies goggle wear and provides distortion-free clarity.
Need Something Fresh?
05 | JACKET
When it comes to snowboarding, having the right jacket is essential. Not only do you need something that will keep you warm, but you also need something that is waterproof and windproof. A good snowboarding jacket should also be breathable, so you don't get too hot while you're riding. And of course, it should look good, too! With so many different snowboarding jackets on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. But if you keep these key features in mind, you'll be sure to find the perfect snowboarding jacket for you. We like the Trudark Scout Smock for the breathability and comfort, that features a smart waterproof three layer outer, lined with optimized fleece fabric, and fronted with a large kangaroo storage.
Trudark Scout Smock
OROS INMIX
We also suggest looking at OROS INMIX jacket- designed specifically for the slopes. Great design and materials to keep you warm on the mountain.
686 GORE-Tex
A GORE-TEX 2-Layer shell in classic styling provides bomber and breathable protection for every season. Multiple colors- multiple adventures.
Columbia Whirlbird Interchangable
This popular 3-in-1 features a waterproof-breathable shell and thermal-reflective, insulated liner that can be worn separately or together for maximum warmth. Mountain-ready features include ski pass, goggle, security, chest, and hand pockets, underarm vents and adjustable hood, powder skirt, cuffs, and hem.
06 | PANTS
When it comes to snowboarding, having the right pants can make all the difference. There are a few things to consider when choosing snowboarding pants, such as fit, insulation, and waterproofing. snowboarding pants should be snug but not too tight, allowing you to move freely while still providing warmth. They should also be well insulated, so you don't get cold while riding. And finally, they should be waterproof to keep you dry in case you fall or get snow on your pants. With so many factors to consider, it's important to try on a few different pairs of snowboarding pants before you choose the right one for you.
07 | GLOVES
Snowboarding gloves are an important part of any snowboarder's gear. Not only do they provide warmth and protection from the elements, but they also help to grip the snowboard and keep hands from getting too cold. Most gloves come in a variety of styles and sizes, so it's important to choose the right pair for your needs. Gloves with waterproof shells and insulated liners are ideal for cold weather conditions, while lightweight gloves are better for warmer weather or if you plan on doing a lot of riding.
08 | BEANIE
Beanies are an essential part of any snowboarder's gear. Not only do they keep your head warm, but they also help to protect you from the sun and wind. When choosing a beanie, it is important to consider the weather conditions you will be riding in. For example, a thicker beanie is ideal for cold and windy days, while a thinner beanie is better for warmer days. In addition, it is important to choose a beanie that fits snugly under your helmet. This will help to keep your head warm and prevent your beanie from becoming dislodged during your ride.
Wrap Up
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snowboarder, it's important to have the right gear. In addition to a snowboard and boots, you'll need a helmet, goggles, and gloves. You may also want to invest in a few other items, such as a wax kit and a snowboard carrier. Once you have all the necessary gear, you're ready to hit the slopes.