My Cart
Loading...
Splitboarding gear essentials
Splitboard
19 oktober 2023
/
Written by Boaz
What is splitboarding? And what gear do you need? In this article you find all splitboarding gear essentials for riding. From a proper splitboard setup to essential avalanche safety equipment.
Splitboarding allows snowboarders to explore the backcountry by touring uphill and boarding down on a splitboard. For touring uphill you split the splitboard lengthwise. At the top you rejoin the two parts for downhill snowboarding, or in this case splitboarding.
Splitboarding gear essentials
Safe splitboarding requires solid snowboarding skills, a good understanding of avalanche safety, and the right splitboarding gear. In this article we focus on the gear essentials:
- Splitboard
- Splitboard interfaces and bindings
- Splitboard boots
- Splitboard climbing skins
- Splitboard crampons
- Splitboard poles
- Avalanche gear
- Touring backpack or avalanche airbag
- Appropriate clothing
Splitboard
Of course you need a splitboard. But how does a splitboard work? Unlike a snowboard, a splitboard consists of two halves. To ascend you split the board lengthwise and to descend you connect the two halves to snowboard down.
Most splitboards are split versions of regular freeride boards. However, a splitboard does not ride exactly the same. In our experience, the two halves have some independent movement, making a splitboard slightly less rigid than a regular board. Nevertheless, development in this area continues, making splitboards feel more like solid boards.
-31%
-34%
-36%
Splitboard interfaces and bindings
Do you need special bindings for a splitboard? Yes, and not only splitboard bindings but also a compatible splitboard tour and ride interface. The interface connects your bindings to your splitboard in tour or ride modes.
The interfaces are mounted on the splitboard and form the connection between the splitboard and the splitboard bindings. For splitboarding uphill you connect the bindings to the tour mode. And for downhill the ride mode.
Looking to perfect splitboard setup for you? Read our buyer's guide on how to choose your splitboard. Including more
Splitboard boots
Curious if you need special boots for splitboarding? For splitboarding you can use regular snowboard boots. However, there are specific splitboard boots which are designed to make the touring experience more comfortable. These boots are stiffer and more stable but provide additional movement at the back. For occasional splitboarding, regular snowboard boots work fine. If you plan on splitboarding more frequently or embarking on longer tours, investing in splitboard boots is advisable.
Splitboard climbing skins
For touring uphill you require climbing skins. Without you won't get far. You attach the splitboard skins to your board using glue and clips. Note, splitboard skins differ in shape from touring ski skins, so always choose skins that fit your splitboard.
Splitboard poles
For splitboarding, you'll use telescopic or collapsible poles. You need poles for ascending and want to stow them while snowboarding. During snowboarding, you usually attach telescopic poles to your backpack, while collapsible poles can be made small enough to fit inside your backpack. Splitboard poles are typically height-adjustable for added comfort during climbs.
Splitboard crampons
Whether you need crampons depends on your specific plans. Crampons provide extra grip. If you anticipate steep or icy terrain, crampons are a necessity. If in doubt, it’s always advisable to bring crampons.
Skeats Claws from Mountain Cleats are universal mini crampons. Compact and lightweight, they take up very little space, making them easy to carry in your pocket. Designed to be used in combination with climbing skins, they offer extra grip when ascending icy or hard-packed terrain.
Avalanche gear
If you venture into the backcountry, knowledge of avalanches and avalanche gear is essential. To make sure you have the right knowledge, it is always advisable to go into the mountains with a certified mountain guide.
The essential avalanche gear includes:
Note: Ensure that everyone in your group knows how their avalanche safety gear works.
Touring backpack or avalanche airbag
In addition to the avalanche gear essentials, consider an avalanche airbag for extra safety. Research has shown that the chance of survival in an avalanche situation is significantly increased with this added protection.
Either way, you will need a backpack to carry your avalanche gear, skins, extra layers and technical equipment. If you are not using an avalanche airbag, a dedicated splitboarding or touring backpack is essential. Many of these packs feature quick-access avalanche compartments and a splitboard carry system.
-20%
-20%
Appropriate clothing
For splitboarding, we recommend wearing technical clothing. When you venture into the backcountry, you are often far from the beaten path. Mountain conditions can change quickly, so it is important to be self-reliant. Clothing plays a crucial role in keeping you comfortable and dry during a trip. While hiking uphill you can easily get warm, but during breaks or while transitioning from tour mode to ride mode, you may need extra warmth. That is why wearing technical clothing and applying the three-layer system is recommended.
Snowcountry splitboarding tips
All splitboarding gear above is essential if you go splitboarding. However, we like to give some extra gear tips:
- First aid kit: A must-have for treating minor injuries and ensuring self-reliance in remote terrain.
- Ski or snowboard strap: To secure, bundle and repair items easily on the go. And take duct tape with you.
- Tools or/and multitool: To solve small technical problems. Some technical knowledge of your equipment is beneficial.
Do you have any questions after reading this article?
Please contact us for personalized advice. We are more than happy to help.
