Snow has begun to coat the peaks around Truckee-Tahoe. While I’m not quite ready for fall to be over, I’ve started to look forward to winter activities, like splitboarding. Over the past few years, I’ve really dialed in my backcountry kit. I know that as I was getting together the things I needed, I found lists like this super helpful.
This is what I wear, pack, and ride for splitboarding in the Tahoe region. Usually the weather here is pretty mild and dry, so that’s what I pack for. I tend to run warm (especially when exercising) and I spent a lot of time overheated and sweaty before getting more confident in layering for my personal comfort level. While I bring warm and waterproof layers for safety, I’ve stopped listening to advice that I need to wear “more” and that’s made my snowboarding (both in bounds and in the backcountry) more enjoyable.
Beacon/Shovel/Probe
The most important backcountry gear is the beacon, shovel, and probe. I got all three together in the BCA Tracker S Avalanche package.
Pack
I have an older Deuter pack that they don’t make anymore, but Greyson loves his Deuter Freerider 30. If I was looking for a new pack, I’d check out the Deuter Freerider 28 SL, which is a women’s specific fit.
For inbound fitness laps, I’m excited to try out the Ultimate Direction Fastpackher 20L for times when I don’t need avalanche gear.
What I’m Riding
When I took an intro to backcountry course (with Backcountry Babes - which I highly recommend), I demoed a Weston Backwoods Splitboard. I liked it so much that I ended up buying it. It’s a great all round board, with enough float for powder and it maneuvers well in trees and through uneven terrain. On the board, I have the Spark R&D Arc Bindings. These are super high quality and I have no complaints.
The most important thing about the boots are that they fit you and are comfortable on the uphills. I use Ride Hera Boots both in the backcountry and in the resort. I’m on my second pair!
I have the Pomoca Climb 2.0 Splitboard Skins, which they don’t make anymore. The Pomoca Splitboard Explore (higher on the grip than the glide) would be a similar pick.
For splitboarding, I think it’s really helpful to have three piece poles like the Black Diamond Expedition 3, since you’ll want to be able to easily pack away your poles for the downhill.
What’s in my Pack
I have the HydraPak Velocity hydration reservoir that I also use for hiking and trail running, and I’m considering getting the insulated HydraPak Velocity IT for really cold days.
Snacks are always an important part of any backcountry adventure. I’ve gotten really into liquid nutrition, and my two favorites are Tailwind Dewaultermelon and Skratch Labs Super High Carb Lemon Lime. For something solid, I like the Skratch Chews Sour Cherry + Caffeine and Grape.
Depending on the forecast, I’ll pack a raincoat or a wind layer. For a raincoat, I have a packable raincoat, similar to the Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Jacket. If I don’t need anything waterproof, I love my Patagonia Houdini.
The sun is bright at altitude and on the snow, so I usually pack extra sunscreen. The Supergoop Play goes on easy without being streaky or greasy. I like the Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm - I find it helps protect from both sun and wind.
I carry a binding repair kit - the Spark R&D Backcountry Pro Kit. For Christmas last year, I got Greyson the Traverse Equipment Backcountry Ski Repair Kit, so between those two, we feel pretty covered. Of course, I also carry a few Voile Straps, which are always handy.
I have a small first aid kit like the My Medik Sidekick, and I also have QuikClot Gauze and a SAM Splint. We also carry a Garmin inReach Mini 2 for emergencies.
Just in case I end up stuck out after dark, I pack a headlamp - the Black Diamond Astro 300-R, which is rechargeable.
Even when it’s pretty warm out, I’ll pack a puffy. It’s nice to throw on during transition if there’s a cold wind and can be an important piece of gear in an emergency if you need to keep yourself or someone else warm. In warmer weather, I pack the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody. If it’s going to be on the colder side, I bring the Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody.
What I’m Wearing - Gear
If it’s cold out, I’ll usually just wear the same helmet as I wear in the resort - the Smith Vida Mips. On really warm days, I’ll sometimes wear a climbing helmet - the Black Diamond Women’s Half Dome. I’m considering getting a lightweight backcountry helmet, like the Smith Summit Mips.
For the uphill, I love the Smith Wildcat sunglasses. They have a lot of coverage, they’re lightweight, and they don’t make my ears hurt under a helmet! For the downhill, if I switch into goggles, I have the Smith I/O Mag.
I usually wear different gloves for the uphill and downhill. Heading up, I wear super light gloves - I’ve been wearing Hestra XC Tracker Gloves for that lately. Sometimes, I’ll even just wear liners like the Dakine Women’s Rambler Gloves. For downhill, I’ll often change into something more waterproof - my resort gloves, the Dakine Women’s Lynx Gloves.
What I’m Wearing - Layers
I like thinner, tighter socks for splitboarding to reduce blisters. I have a few different pairs, but I have really liked my Ridge Merino Banked Midweight Merino Ski Socks.
I’ve become a convert to cropped length baselayer pants. With that height, you don’t have to hike them above your boots or worry about them slipping down and giving you blisters. My first pair was the Ridge Merino Women’s Inversion Heavyweight Baselayer Bottoms. They’re a little warm for most of the backcountry I do (I love them for cold resort days!), so I just ordered the Wild Rye Basset LITE Legging and I’m excited to try them out.
The Ridge Merino Women’s Solstice Hoody is my favorite sun hoody. You can read my full review of why I like it so much at the link here. For synthetic sun hoodies, I like my Patagonia Women’s Tropic Comfort Natural Sun Hoody.
I struggled to find backcountry pants that were long enough for me - you can read about my search for them here. Sadly, Outdoor Research stopped making the ones I got. If I was shopping again, I’d consider the Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Tour Pants
If it’s a cold day, I’ll start out in a thin synthetic vest - the Patagonia Women’s Nano-Air Light Vest.
Finally, I top everything off with a baseball hat. I mix it with hats from breweries I love or this super cute Skida Packable Run Cap.
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