The sad truth of snowboarding is that – at least compared to our sister sport, skateboarding – there’s a lot of kit you have to buy. Board, boots, bindings, jacket, thermals, goggles, gloves, socks… the list goes on. Then once you’ve nailed it all, along comes something like splitboarding and you almost have to start all over again. At least you’ll save money on a lift pass

Riding backcountry comes with a lot of self-reliance and responsibility for others, so it’s crucial that you have gear that you can trust. It’s worth investing in the best stuff you can afford as at no point do you want to compromise the safety of yourself or others.

It should go without saying at this point, but you shouldn’t even be going off-piste in resort without an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. For splitboard expeditions deeper into the backcountry, there is simply no excuse. Oh, and you should be well practised in using them.

Critical pieces of kit that you’ll only truly understand the importance of once you’ve accidentally left them in the car. It’s a good idea to get splitboard specific poles – some fold into at least three lengths for easy stowage, others are collapsible and easily clip to the outside of your pack.

The sticky bits of carpet you attach to your splitboard to be able to walk uphill on snow. Once upon a time, these were made from seal skin (hence the name) but these days they’re more animal-friendly.

The tough fibres on the bottom are all aligned in one direction so you can slide them forward, but when you push down they’ll grip into the snow. While the Jones specific skins come pre-cut for your splitboard, other options might require you to do the fine-tuning yourself. Either way, if you take good care of them they’ll last ages.

Some board brands, like Jones, feature notches to connect specific tail clips, although you still have the option of buying the universal clips which should be compatible on most splitboard models. Just always double-check before making the purchase.  

Most people won’t ever use them, but once you’ve experienced what they’ll do you’ll never leave them behind again. They’re essentially big metal spikes that sit between your board and bindings, biting into the snow for steeper climbs or icy patches. If you’re just doing casual day tours or small hikes you probably won’t use them, but for ridgeline access, they’re pretty essential.

Most people won’t ever use them, but once you’ve experienced what they’ll do you’ll never leave them behind again. They’re essentially big metal spikes that sit between your board and bindings, biting into the snow for steeper climbs or icy patches. If you’re just doing casual day tours or small hikes you probably won’t use them, but for ridgeline access, they’re pretty essential.

It’s annoying enough finding a loose buckle in resort and having to one-foot it to the nearest lift, but miles from anywhere it can be an absolute nightmare. Stashing a small tool that you’ve checked is compatible with all of your kit is easy as pie, and can mitigate all sorts of problems.

Even better, take some spare parts with you, available from most splitboard manufacturers, or at least a roll of duct tape and some cable ties to hold it together until you’re home.

What we just said about tools goes double for a first aid kit. Should anything go wrong when you’re a long way from help it could make a huge difference for you and/or your companions. Most resorts have a pharmacy selling small and simple kits that can be stashed away in your pack – just make sure it’s close to hand. Probably worth carrying a small head torch in there, too. Even if you’re planning on being back well before sundown…

Unlike regular resort riding – where it’s easy enough to maintain a steady body temperature – splitboarding sees your temperature fluctuate wildly thanks to all that hiking, stopping and finally descending. It’s a good idea to have two or three layers you can easily put on or take off as you progress through your expedition, namely: a decent base layer, an insulated mid-layer and a tough shell.

Touring up in goggles is a sweaty, steamy hell, but your eyes will still need protection from the sun and at altitude, so some good specs are essential.

Ditto goes for hiking in a beanie, it’s a recipe for disaster on the way up but you still need to give your head and neck some shade. It’s the one place a bucket hat is actually useful! Alternatively use a hood or go all Bedouin and learn to tie a Keffiyeh.

Because you shouldn’t need to be reminded, but everyone does.

Don’t expect any cafes or bars along the way so bring your own water. Having a good flask is really nice and you can use it for all manner of activities other than splitboarding, though if you’re going somewhere really cold then an insulated one will stop it from freezing up. A few snacks are a good idea too, but no littering!