Snowboarding can be a very exciting activity filled with adrenaline and unexpected twists and turns. Australia has some of the best ski resorts in the world, and it'll be a shame if you don't visit at least one of them. When going on this adventure you should be fully prepared. This includes having the right type of clothing. You can’t just go with regular pants and a jacket, or without a helmet or gloves. Starting with a good base and building up from there is crucial. Up in the mountain, the weather conditions can change rapidly and you’ll encounter strong winds, freezing temperatures, rain, sun and snow in just one day. That's why you need to be prepared for everything. Manufacturers created special clothing that can withstand these conditions and protect you against them.
Pants
source: outsidepursuits.com
If you’re a beginner you’ll need help in choosing the right snowboarding wardrobe. Snow pants are one of the most important elements of snowboarding attire. Besides being pleasant on the eye in terms of colour, there are a few key elements you need to consider. The first thing they need to be is waterproof. This is something you shouldn’t compromise on. No matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced snowboarder, you’ll come in contact with the snow at some point. When you buy snowboarding pants, look if they’re critically taped or fully seam sealed. This means that they’re waterproof.
The critically taped type has only the critical seams taped and water can still find its way inside your clothes. They're not recommended on a wet day, but snow is okay. With the fully seam-sealed, the name speaks of itself. Nothing from the outside can get on the inside and you’ll be bone dry every time you go snowboarding. There is something called a waterproofing rating, and it tells the number of millimetres of water needed to get through the material. 10,000-15,000mm would be an ideal measurement.
The second thing you need to look out for when you buy snowboarding pants is their breathability. You don’t want to be sweaty underneath all of that clothing. It can be very uncomfortable. The final thing you should consider is warmth. The best way to stay warm is to combine the pants with thermal underwear. Or you can buy pants with 2 layers and you can wear them separately if you’re extremely warm. You can also bet bibs. They have a high front and suspenders and will keep any snow away. If the pants have thigh vents, you could adjust the warmth as you like.
Jacket
source: outsidepursuits.com
Your snowboarding experience can be ruined if you don’t have the right jacket that’ll keep you warm and dry. There are 2 main types, insulated and shell jackets. Insulated jackets have an insulating layer built-in inside of them. The insulation is often constructed of synthetic material, while the exterior is typically a waterproof and windproof shell. The amount of insulation is commonly measured in grammes, which means more insulation equals more warmth. Anything under 60 grammes is weakly insulated and suitable for mild weather, and over 100 grammes will protect you from extreme weather conditions.
Because they are just waterproof and windproof shells, these coats are incredibly breathable and maximise movement. The key distinction from the other jacket is the insulation. This means you can control the layering and warmth. Make sure you know how to appropriately use base and mid-layers to trap body heat if you choose for a shell. Just remember that in extremely cold conditions, shell jackets might not be able to keep you warm all day. The waterproof rating is the same as with the pants, the optimal measurement is 10,000-15,000mm. Breathability is also important, and it’s measured in grams with the Moisture Vapor Transmission Test. Similar to the waterproof measurements, a 5,000g will work just fine. But if you want something better, you can go with 10,000-15,000g or more.
There are some special features you should look for in the jacket. Having a hood can be a great advantage. The best option would be a detachable one, where you can take it off on mild days and zip it on when the weather is harsher. The storm flap will cover the front zippers and prevent snow and rain from entering your clothes. The pit zipper will be great for warmer days. You can open the zippers under your armpits and allow for some ventilation. Pockets are something we look for on every piece of clothing, and the snowboarding jacket is not an exception. They can be very practical for storing phones, goggles or any small equipment you might have.
Boots
source: goextremesports.com
Even though it can be challenging sometimes, finding the perfect boots is very important. They're a crucial part of snowboarding gear and should fit perfectly. If you’re a beginner they should be soft and supportive for the ankles and calves. For intermediate riders, boots are often stiffer and have extra features. Advanced riders should buy boots that are very responsive, supportive and in tune with the rider. Depending on what terrain you’re snowboarding in, freestyle, park or backcountry, consult with the seller about the best option. When you first try them on, these boots should be snug, but not too tight to hurt you. It can take up to 10 rides for them to get comfortable on your feet and gain their true size. If you don’t want to wait for 10 rides, you can try the heat mould at the store.
Your toes should touch the end of the boot liner, but not be pressed against it. You need to wiggle them. Even if you want to stand on your toes or flex your knees forward, your heel should stay inside the heel cap. If it moves around, it’s not the right size for you. When you try them on, walk for 10 minutes, feel the boot, do some squats and pretend you’re snowboarding. This will help you choose the right size. If you experience any discomfort, pain or looseness, try another size. Traditional lacing is easy to use but can loosen at some point during the day. The quick-pull style speaks for itself and is very practical. The boa systems allow for different adjustments and can be really helpful.
Helmet
source: onmountain.co.nz
Besides their main goal, to keep you safe, helmets will also keep you warm and dry. Its main two parts are the shell and inner liner. The shell is rigid and protects our head from sharp objects, falls and knocks. The inner liner absorbs any impact. Its main component is EPS which compresses when a hit occurs. The in-mould helmets are light and sleek. With this type, the shell and the liner are moulded together in a single process. Injected-moulded helmets are heavier and more durable. Their EPS is bounded to a different shell.
Measuring your helmet size is easy. Just take a soft tape measure and wrap it around your head, above the ears and eyebrows. Try the helmet on and move your head side-to-side. If it shifts and moves, take a size smaller. Try the helmet and the goggles together so there won’t be a gap between them that can interfere with your vision. Vents can be a great addition that will keep your head from sweating. Some additional features are a camera mount, built-in speakers, liners and a hard case.
In Summary
This is the most essential snowboarding gear every snowboarder should have. When buying, make sure you choose the right size, fit, material and any special features you might need. Try every item and test it out as best as you can, because your safety comes first.
