- Snowboard pants
- Snowboard jacket
- RECCO system
- Snowboard helmet
- Snowboard gloves
- Thermoactive underwear
- Snowboard gadgets
The complete snowboarding outfit should consist of warm, waterproof pants, a good quality jacket, thermal underwear, gloves and a helmet. Skating enthusiasts can additionally invest in gadgets that improve the comfort of riding, e.g. multifunctional bandanas, protective shorts or anti-skid pads. Check what else is worth buying when completing a snowboard outfit.
Snowboard outfit , as in the case of a ski outfit, should fulfill two basic functions: protect against the cold and prevent wetting. Therefore, when completing your snowboard outfit, you should first invest in warm, waterproof pants and a jacket. Protective elements will also be useful: a helmet, pads and gloves with stiffening.
Snowboard pants
Pants are an element of the snowboarder's clothing that most often comes into contact with snow, so you need to pay special attention to make them waterproof. For ski and snowboard clothing, water resistance is given in millimeters of the water column. The higher the value of this parameter, the better the pants protect against moisture. For recreational riders, a water resistance of 5-10 thousand mm of water column is sufficient. Snowboarders specializing in extreme riding should look for trousers made of materials with greater water resistance (15-20 thousand mm of water column). These are the properties of garments made of GORE-TEX technical fabric.
The functionality of snowboard pants is equally important. It is worth having additional amenities:
- taped seams (increase protection against moisture);
- ventilation system - e.g. mesh-lined zip pockets running along the legs, which can be opened when we get too warm;
- additional layer of insulation from the inside;
- breathable, moisture-wicking outer material (approx. 3000 g / m² / 24h is enough);
- snow sleeve with a hook for attaching to the shoe (prevents snow from getting under the pants);
- adjusting the circumference of the legs and the waist circumference;
- large pockets with zippers or Velcro fasteners;
- adjustable and removable suspenders;
- pants can be attached to the jacket.
Snowboard jacket
Waterproofness is very important in the case of a snowboard jacket(it should be at least 8,000 mm of water column) and breathability. A material with these properties helps to maintain the same temperature under the clothes, and therefore reduces perspiration. Jackets for recreational riding should be breathable at least 5,000. g / m² / 24h.
Other items to note are:
- vents under the arms that can be opened in case of overheating;
- snow apron - a security clip on the inside that prevents snow from getting under the jacket;
- inner sleeves - their ends catch on the thumb, preventing snow from getting under the sleeve;
- additional insulating lining;
- taped seams;
- large, adjustable hood that can be worn over a helmet;
- pockets for electronic equipment;
- goggle pocket;
- adjustable cuffs;
- welts at the bottom;
- a system that allows you to attach a jacket to your pants.
RECCO system
Snowboard jackets and pants are more and more often equipped with the RECCO system. It is a world-famous system that allows you to find a person crushed by an avalanche. It consists of a detector (rescuers have it) and a reflector mounted in a snowboarder's pants or helmet. During the search, the rescue team sends a signal from the detector, which - if it hits the reflector of a person buried in the snow - is reflected by it with double frequency. The detector's receiver beeps when the victim is nearby. Thanks to this, the rescue services are able to accurately determine the location of the missing person and quickly come to the rescue.
The RECCO system may come in handy if we are skiing or snowboarding in avalanche risk areas.
Snowboard helmet
Snowboard helmets differ from ski helmets in shape - their shell is less streamlined, more similar to "peanut" helmets (similar to those used for competitive skateboarding). The other features are practically the same, so if we have purchased a ski helmet, we do not have to invest in a new one for snowboarding.
The snowboard helmet should have:
- hard, shock-resistant shell, preferably made in in-mold technology;
- warm, yet breathable lining;
- detachable earpads;
- adjustable, soft chin strap;
- vents.
Many snowboarders give up wearing helmets in favor of caps. As a result, they look more stylish, but at the same time are less protected in the event of an accident.This solution is not recommended for people who are just learning to skate, because falls are very common in the initial phase of training.
Snowboard gloves
Snowboard gloves must be durable and waterproof in order not to be damaged by frequent contact with snowy ground. They should have reinforcements around the fingers and a wrist stiffening element that protects against injuries. The most comfortable to use are gloves with an adjustable Velcro strap and silicone coated on the inside with non-slip properties. If we use goggles while driving, it is worth buying a model equipped with the so-called wiping pad.
Thermoactive underwear
In order for the outerwear to fulfill its function, i.e. to ensure adequate heat exchange, it is necessary to put on thermo-active underwear underneath. As a result, the sweat will evaporate layer by layer to the outside, and your body temperature will remain the same regardless of weather conditions. When going to the slope, you should equip yourself with a thermoactive shirt with long sleeves, long pants and socks - also made of breathable materials. If it is very cold, we can put on an additional (middle) layer of clothing, e.g. a fleece or cotton sweatshirt, but in this case it is better if it is made of a thermoactive fabric.
Snowboard gadgets
Snowboard shops offer a wide range of gadgets for snowboarders. Most of them are useful for advanced skating, but some, such as boots, can also be used by beginners.
Snowboard bandanas (collars)protect the neck and face from the freezing wind. They are narrow and fit snugly against the skin. They differ in style and colors, so every snowboarder can find a model that is right for him.
Balaclavashave a similar function to bandanas, but they are larger. They are put on the neck and pulled over the head (they can also cover part of the face). They are made of thin materials, so they are perfect under the helmet as an additional layer of insulation. They are available in various colors and patterns.
Gogglesare useful during wind and heavy snowfall or when the sun shines heavily. They improve visibility and protect the eyes from UV radiation. They should have a wide viewing angle, soft lining and an adjustable strap. It's best to buy goggles equipped with glasses with universal parameters that will work well in cloudy and sunny weather. The light transmission factor of such glasses is 25-60%.
Protective shortsresemble shortsthermoactive, but additionally reinforced around the buttocks and thighs. They protect the pelvis and femurs from bruises. Recommended for competitive riding.
Snowboard protectorsfor knees, elbows and wrists prevent painful bruises. They are usually made of thick shock-absorbing foam. Recommended for beginner snowboarders.
Anti-slip padis a type of tape that is stuck to the board. It increases traction, so that after removing the shoe from the bindings, the leg can be leaned against the board and will not slip. The gadget is useful when going up the mountain with a drag lift. The pads come in a variety of colors, patterns and shapes, so they can be an attractive decoration for your snowboard. Depending on the size, they cost from 20 to 60 PLN.
Camerasattached to helmets is a gadget popular among professional riders who want to capture their descents on video. They allow you to film your snowboarding exploits in full HD resolution.