SPLITBOARDING BUYERS GUIDE

SPLITBOARDING BUYERS GUIDE

October is almost over! Time to gear up for the upcoming Winter season. We know a lot of you are thinking about getting started with splitboarding, but we also know that gearing up properly can seem complicated. Wondering where to start? We’re here to help!

One of the most important aspects about splitboarding is definitely the gear, if not the most important. Ascending and riding down ungroomed mountains without a chairlift is no joke and without the right split gear, you just won’t be able to do it like it should be done. For that reason, you need to be covered on all levels. We know it can feel like a puzzle at first… Let us break it down for you.

Before getting into the details, let’s get through the basics. The first thing that you will need is the actual split board, obviously. Second, you’ll need splitboarding bindings and mounting system. Once you got those two items, you’ll need to be dressed properly and to have the right layers to stay comfortable. Last but not least, the accessories. Can’t forget about those to make sure to have a safe and fun split day in the backcountry.

Now that you have a general idea of what to look for when buying a split, here’s a few products and technical details that will hopefully help you pick the best setup for you.

THE BOARD

Just like a regular snowboard, you want to pick a split that suits your weight, ability, riding style, and the terrain you will be riding. Consider that you will be taking this board on different terrain than you would take your regular snowboard as there are no groomed tracks and chairlifts in the backcountry. Keep in mind the snow in the backcountry can be quite variable, so if you are a beginner, lean towards a more versatile shape until you figure out what might suit you best.

The Lib Tech Orcha – Wide and playful for deep powder

The Lib Tech Orca is part of the Powder-oriented boards we like the best. The plank is very wide up front and tapered toward the tail, making it easier to float on powdered snow. Their directional or directional/twin shapes and rockered noses also provide good flotation in powder. Some powder splitboards are shorter in length than a typical snowboard but quite a bit wider, which creates lots of surface area for good flotation. The Orca Split is in fact 3cm shorter than the regular Orca snowboard.

Shop the Lib Tech Orca Splitboard →

The Jones Frontier – The perfect all-mountain riding beast

The Frontier from Jones is one of the most versatile types of splitboards on the market right now. With a look that’s more similar to a real snowboard, this one will help you cover a vast variety of backcountry ground. Since everyone likes something a little different, saying exactly what specs works best for all-mountain riding can be tough. To help you pick the optimal size and length of your all-mountain split, we recommend you to look at the type of snowboard you ride now. If you like your board and feel comfortable riding it all over the resort, find an all mountain splitboard with similar specs and you should be golden.

Shop the Jones Frontier Splitboard →

The K2 Freeloader: for long backcountry tours/mountaineering

If your goal is to summit big peaks or go deep into the backcountry, you’ll be gaining lots of elevation and traveling lots of miles. Choosing a lightweight splitboard like the K2 Freeloader will help you travel more efficiently and conserve energy. With its directional shape and camber/rocker profile, this one will take you on the road less traveled with ease. Boards like the K2 Freeloader are a bit more expensive, but much necessary for experienced riders as the advanced attributes tend to provide better edge grip and more efficient uphill travel than boards that have a twin tip shape and lots of rocker.

Shop the K2 Freeloader → 

THE BINDINGS

We highly recommend investing in a pair of splitboard specific bindings for several reasons. First, you don't really have a choice if you want to split that board in 2. Second, splitboard bindings are specifically designed for backcountry use, meaning they are generally lighter and more durable than regular snowboard bindings. Two things that you will be happy about later while on the mountain, where you absolutely don't want your gear to break. Splitboard specific highbacks also allow for increased range of motion while going uphill, and low profile designs reduce hang ups when striding. In any case, investing in real splitboarding bindings will definitely make your experience much better. Below are two examples of bindings that have everything to fulfill all your Splitboarding needs going up AND down the mountain.

The Burton Hitchhiker

Comfortable on the up, capable on the down, this one is splitboarding's most dialed and reliable binding. Premium comfort, strength, and proven performance, this one is a revolution in splitboard-specific performance. The Burton Hitchhiker binding pairs the easiness of Spark R&D's Tesla T1 System baseplate with exclusive features like the Hammockstrap, and Supergrip Capstrap, this is the best possible solution for ruling the ups and downs of backcountry touring.

Shop the Burton Hitchhiker →

The Nitro Vertical

The new Nitro splitboard binding was designed and engineered together with the most capable splitboarding partners at Spark R&D. The Colab combines the simplicity and durability of Sparks TeslaT1 baseplate design with Nitros quality of cable parts, comfort and reliability of straps and buckles. Effortless on the way up, comfortable and supportive on the way down.

Shop the Nitro Vertical →

THE LAYERS

You’re going to be hot, you’re going to be cold, you’re going to hike your life away and bomb down like there’s no tomorrow! To do that all while staying warm and dry, you’ll definitely need technical clothing to get you through the day. Here’s a little break down of the different layers you’ll need to have a great splitboarding day. For more details about layering, check out the link below.

FIND OUT ALL THE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF LAYERING →

1st layer

The first layer is the one layer you will keep on all day, so make sure it breathes properly. One of our favorite products in this category is the Dorknit Base Layer by The North Face. Will keep your body warm and dry no matter the conditions.

Shop the TNF Summit Dorknit Base Layer →

2nd layer

This one is a layer that you can take off while you climb up the mountain, but put on while you go down it. One of our favorite 2nd layer is the Burton AK Helium Stretch Vest as it feels like the perfect layer to keep you warm at the beginning of your ascent and during all of the descent. The Thermoball Eco from TNF is also ideal is you prefer your second layer to be sleeveless.

Shop our 2nd layers→ 

3rd layer

This top layer is what we call the shell and is the layer responsible for keeping you dry all while protecting you from the wind and the cold. Without this one, your first two layers mean nothing as they won’t keep the snow from getting your gear wet. The secret: Invest in a good Gore Tex shell. You’ll Thank us later.

Shop our Gore-Tex Shells →

The pants

For a few reasons, Bibs are superior to traditional snow pants in the backcountry as they offer superior protection from the elements, their storage potential is huge, and they’re much more comfortable. On the other hand, they are harder to put on and to take off. They also can be a bit annoying for your shoulders compared to regular snow pants. At the end of the day, both pants are good as long as they are well insulated and waterproof (aka Gore-Tex). The rest is up to you!

Shop our Gore Tex Pants →

THE ACCESSORIES

If there’s one thing you don’t want to forget on any splitboarding adventure is your accessories as they could save you time, energy and stress so you can focus into your day’s actual fun level. Here’s a few items that we judge necessary to any backcountry adventure.

Merino wool gloves

As we mentioned before, you’ll be hot when you ascend and cold when you ride down, so you need gloves that will breathe while you skin up a mountain, but that are windproof and warm for that well-deserved ride down. Small gloves like the Smartwool Merino wool gloves will cover your back so you never have cold and wet hands when you go splitboarding.

Shop our Smartwool Merino Gloves →

Smartwool Merino wool socks

Of course you’ll need good Winter socks. Just like the gloves, Merino wool is one of the best insulation material ever as it features great breathing properties and keeps you warm at all times. Certain socks like the Smartwool ones offer Merino wool socks with added toe, heel and shin padding making your splitboarding days warmer and a lot comfier for your feet.

Shop our Smartwool Merino wool socks →

Backpack

As you’re probably starting to realize, splitboarding and carrying equipment are two things that go hand in hand. Reason why you’ll need a good technical back pack to carry all that stuff around. It can be for storing your layers, your lunch, poles or whatever you feel necessary so you have every single item you need with you while you ride.

Shop our backcountry packs →

 

Helmet

You know a helmet is essential while you snowboard, well, it’s even more important when you splitboard as the backcountry is a lot more risky. You will most definitely have to ride through trees, rocks and other obstacles that you don’t find on a ski hill. Also remember that there is no ski patrol in the backcountry. Be smart, protect your head with a certified helmet like the Anon Raider 3. Light, solid and comfortable, this one could easily save your life during your next split expedition.

Shop the Anon Raider 3 Helmet →

Packable Shovel

A shovel is necessary for splitboarding as you will need to clear your terrain more than once in a day. For building a jump, helping your friend who got stuck in snow, clearing your ascent path or even to save someone from an avalanche, bring a shovel. Having a packable and foldable shovel like the RS EXT is definitely best option as you’ll be able to easily bring it in your bag.

Shop the BCA RS Extension Shovel →

3-pieces poles

Poles are probably the most important part of your backcountry setup after the board and bindings. Without these, ascending the mountain will feel a lot harder and will leave you tired before you even start to ride down. Be gentle with yourself and get your hands on foldable poles like The TSL Aluminium 5 Cross Swing Poles. Solid and easy to carry in your bag, these will become your best friends while you skin up mountains on your split.

Shop the tsl aluminium 5 cross swing poles→

BCA T3 Avalanche Transceiver

As we mentioned before, backcountry riding has its share of risks as you are on your own. No medics on site and no ski patrols to help you if things go south. With the BCA tracker, you’ll be able to ride in peace and to be found if you get lost.

Shop the BCA T3 Avalanche Transceiver →

T3 Avalanche Rescue Package

The BCA T3 Avalanche rescue package is a smart purchase for those looking to gear up for their first backcountry experience, or for experienced backcountry travelers wanting to replace their old outdated equipment. Comes with industry-leading Tracker3 avalanche transceiver, extendable B-1 EXT avalanche shovel, and quick deploying Stealth 270 avalanche probe.

Shop the T3 Avalanche Rescue Package →

HAPPY SPLITBOARDING!