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Read more👋 friends! I’ve been snowboarding since 2011 when Julie first helped me get out on the slopes in Minnesota. I’ve been in love ever since and fast forward a few years, we now live just a couple of miles from a ski resort! One thing I’ve learned is that my level of comfort in the cold and my ability to adapt to the weather has a significant impact on how much I enjoy my time out there. I’ve dialed in my clothing and accessories over time and have been wearing the same 2 kits for over 8 years now. I recommend purchasing high-quality gear because it lasts long and performs well when you need it to.
Snowboarding has turned into my favorite winter sport, but it does demand a bit of know-how when it comes to gearing up and knowing what to wear and what to bring snowboarding. Whether you’re strapping in for your first ride or seeking to fine-tune your checklist, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of what to wear when snowboarding, lay out a snowboarding checklist, and share the must-have gear that’ll make your ride truly epic. So, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned rider, let’s get you geared up for your snowboarding journey! I have listed a rundown of the essentials for your trip below, followed by a downloadable and printable snowboard trip checklist that’ll have your packing done in a jiffy.
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The cold can get in the way of an awesome pow day. Your snowboard jacket and insulated pants are your best friends on the slopes. Packing warm outerwear does not just complete your look – it blocks the cold and keeps you warm, plus it gives extra protection from wipeouts.
Outerwear is bulky and takes up a lot of baggage space, and also the most expensive component of the outfit, so you may want to consider saving space and renting instead. Check out Mountain Threads Ski Clothing Rentals – you can pick up high-quality snowboarding and ski clothing at their Denver location on your way to the slopes, or have it delivered to your accommodation anywhere in the US! You can even save 10% by booking through TripOutside. If you also need to rent a snowboard, check out Black Tie Ski Delivery – they rent snowboard outerwear, in addition to boards and boots, at many of their 30 snowboard destinations.
Here’s our list of snowboard outerwear essentials:
Waterproof Outer Jacket for Snowboarding:
A waterproof and insulated jacket is a must to wear when snowboarding to keep you warm and dry.
Some jackets have insulated layers built in while others come with layers that you can remove for warmer days.
You can also choose a light outer layer that is only waterproof and windproof and add your own mid-layers underneath.
Its job is to protect you from wind and moisture.
Midlayer Jacket for Snowboarding:
For a mid-layer, it will depend on the weather. Hoodies, fleece jackets, or a puffy all work here. This layer is there to keep you warm and you can even decide to do 1-2 layers here based on the temps and how you feel. You may not need a mid layer if you your outer layer is insulated, or if it’s a warm day on the slopes.
Its job is to keep you warm.
Snow Pants for Snowboarding
Invest in durable, waterproof, and insulated snowboarding pants, which help you stay warm and dry, even on snowy days or after wipeouts.
Gloves or Mittens for Snowboarding
Ensure your hands stay warm and dry by choosing gloves or mittens with insulation and waterproofing. Mittens can be warmer, but gloves allow a bit more dexterity.
Neck Gaiter or Buff for Snowboarding
These neck and face protectors are essential for snowboarding, offering protection from the cold and snow. The wind can really whip at your face, especially on the chairlift. In extreme cold, a balaclava provides full-face coverage and added warmth.
Snowboarding Helmet
Protect your noggin with a snowboarding helmet, an essential choice for safety while snowboarding, plus it keeps your head toasty warm! Consider getting one with concussion prevention technology like MIPS.
Goggles for Snowboarding
Opt for goggles with anti-fog and UV protection features—a vital item on any snowboarding essentials list.
I personally ❤️ the ones with the easy pop-out lenses because they are easy to clean, replace lenses, and keep protected – it’s easy to store the lenses away from the goggles.
Alright, now that we’ve covered the outside, let’s snuggle up to our cozy base layers on the inside. Base layers are a necessity for wicking the moisture away from your body while snowboarding. They come in many forms – pants, shirts, sports bras, socks, and even tights. Base layers are designed to be lightweight – you can layer them on without feeling awkward, and you can pack them without worrying about taking up too much baggage space. Base layers are typically made of synthetic materials like polyester, or wool, silk or bamboo fibers, which help moderate your body temperature and keep you comfortable. Avoid cotton, which is not quick-drying and pulls heat away from the body, leaving you cold.
Find high quality snowboarding base layers for women at Patagonia or Backcountry.
Find high quality snowboarding base layers for men at Patagonia or Backcountry.
If there’s something you ought to make sure to remember when packing for a snowboard trip, it would be your snowboard gear. Nothing spells bummer more than a forgotten snowboard or boots. On the other hand, snowboard destinations across the country make it silly easy to rent the latest boards and boots, which makes packing and flying a breeze. Find the best local snowboard shops at over 35 ski destinations on TripOutside.
No snowboard trip is complete without packing your favorite snowboard accessories. These items will help ensure your comfort during a long day on the slopes!
Key snowboard accessories we make sure to pack:
How to choose snowboarding pants?
There are many different factors to choosing the best snowboarding pants for yourself, here are our most practical tips:
Do I have to wear a snowboard jacket or is any jacket ok?
Any warm jacket will do, but you have to consider if it is up for the job.
Now that you are all geared up for your snowboard trip, check out our top tips for planning your trip!