His & Her Backcountry Splitboarding Gear
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When it comes to backcountry splitboarding, having the right gear isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, reliability, and making sure your adventure goes as smooth as that untouched powder line you’ve been eyeing. Here’s a breakdown of our go-to setups, from splitboard gear to avalanche essentials, layering systems, and a few extra pieces we never leave the van without. We also have purchased a lot of these items used or we have had some items for 8+ years :)
*We’ve included affiliate links in the article below to help direct you to the spots, experiences, and gear that we love. Please consider using them if you’re gearing up for your next adventure!
Splitboard Setup (For Him)
A solid all-mountain crusher. The Jones Solution handles variable terrain with ease and floats like a dream in powder. Lightweight enough for long approaches, but stiff and responsive for technical descents.
These bindings are a perfect match for the Solution. Super responsive on the downhill and efficient on the up. They’re durable, easy to adjust, and I trust them on big days deep in the mountains.
Black Diamond Expedition 3P Ski Poles
Compact, dependable, and packable. These poles break down small and stash easily for the descent. Plus, they’re sturdy enough for variable snow conditions.
Reliable grip and great glide. These skins handle steep skin tracks and variable snow really well. The Karakoram hardware also makes transitions a breeze.
Splitboard Setup (For Her)
Prior Brandywine Splitboard 153
A powerhouse split designed for confidence in steep, technical terrain. The Phalanx is stiff, stable, and incredibly reliable on the descent, yet light enough to keep long approaches efficient. Plus, it’s the prettiest graphic I’ve ever seen, but I bought it in 2018 so I don’t think you can get the same artwork :) You’d have to reach out to https://www.vanessastark.com/
Spark Arc ST Splitboard Bindings
Light, smooth, and intuitive. The Arc STs make climbing feel effortless with their streamlined design and dependable touring brackets. On the ride down, they’re responsive without feeling overly stiff.
Black Diamond Expedition 3P Ski Poles
These three-piece poles adjust easily for climbing, break down quickly for riding, and stay sturdy even when the skin track gets steep or rutted.
Pamoca Swiss Splitboard Explore Skins
A perfect mix of grip and glide. These Swiss-made skins handle icy switchbacks, deep snow, and everything in between. Reliable adhesive, smooth transitions, and excellent durability make them a staple in the kit.
Avalanche Gear (For Him)
Quick, intuitive, and durable. The Tracker 3 is my go-to beacon for its ease of use and rapid signal processing. When seconds matter, this thing delivers.
Lightweight, sturdy, and easy to deploy. The Dozer 2T has a nice big blade and packs well in my avy pack. Gets the job done if you ever need to move snow fast.
Light but solid. The Stealth 300 is quick to deploy and has a good length for deeper snowpacks. Bonus points for the compact storage.
Perfect size for day tours. It holds my avy gear, extra layers, snacks, water, and still has room for camera gear or a helmet carry. Comfortable, durable, and organized.
Avalanche Gear (For Her)
Lightweight, simple, and incredibly fast. The Tracker 3 keeps things intuitive with a clean interface and rapid signal processing. Easy to use under stress which is exactly what you want in an avalanche beacon.
Compact but powerful. This shovel moves snow efficiently without weighing down your pack. The telescoping handle and strong blade make it great for digging pits, building platforms, or emergency use.
Black Diamond Quickdraw Pro Probe 240
A durable, dependable probe with quick deployment. At 280 cm, it’s long enough for deep snowpacks and remains rigid and precise during use. Packs easily and deploys in seconds.
Deuter Freescape Pro 26+ SL (Women’s Fit)
A women’s-specific touring pack that carries weight comfortably and I’ve had this pack for 8 years and it’s still perfect. The back-entry panel makes transitions smoother, and the avy-tool pocket, helmet carrier, and generous capacity create an efficient setup for full-day or multi-day trips.
Clothing & Layers (For Him)
Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket (Men’s)
Breathable, waterproof, and moves with you. Ideal for touring days when you’re breaking a sweat on the skintrack but still need storm protection on the descent.
My go-to puffy for cold transitions or summit snacks. Packs down small and brings the heat.
A versatile mid-layer that’s great for cooler skin tracks or layering up during lunch breaks.
A classic for a reason. Breathable, warm, and just the right weight for active movement.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
Wicks sweat like a champ. I often wear this as my base layer on milder days or under a fleece when it’s cold.
Warm, waterproof, and dexterous. These are my go-to for skinning and most descents unless it’s freezing.
Black Diamond Mission MX Mittens
When it’s bitter cold or storming, these mitts come out. Toasty and tough.
Black Strap Solid Tube Facemask
Simple, stretchy, and protective. Works well for wind, sun, or cold mornings.
Smith I/O MAG ChromaPop Goggles
Crystal-clear vision in any light. Easy to swap lenses and they rarely fog.
Light, comfortable, and fits well with my goggles. Keeps my head warm and protected without overcomplicating things.
Lashed Double Boa Snowboard Boot
Outstanding boots with plenty of adjustability and an overall firm feel. They hold up for years!
Clothing & Layers (For Her)
Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
Warm, lightweight, and packable. This down layer stays cozy during transitions and breaks, but compresses small when you need to stash it. Wind-resistant and versatile — a perfect midlayer for winter travel.
A lightweight, fully waterproof shell built for storm days and variable conditions. Packs down small but stands up to wind and heavy snow. Great breathability for the skin track and solid protection for the ride down.
Patagonia Women’s Micro Puff® Jacket
Ultralight, incredibly warm, and impressively packable. I’ve had this for 8 years and it’s still perfect.
A reliable base layer that adds warmth without bulk.
Melanzana Leadville Base Layer Top
A soft, breathable fleece that works for everything. Lightweight warmth that layers perfectly under shells or puffy jackets. Plus, it’s a Melly :) Enough said.
Dope Snow Notorious B.I.B W Snowboard Pants
Durable, waterproof, and bib-level protective. These keep snow out, breathability up, and comfort consistent whether you’re skinning, transitioning, or descending. Plenty of pockets for snacks and essentials.
Black Diamond Women’s Progression Mitts
Warm, rugged, and built for real winter weather. These mitts handle cold starts and windy ridgelines while keeping your hands dry and comfortable.
Simple, warm, and breathable. This balaclava protects your face from wind and spindrift without overheating.
Oakley Flight Deck™ Pro M Snow Goggles
Wide field of view, crisp optics, and dependable anti-fog performance. These goggles handle changing light well and pair seamlessly with helmets. I have 2 pairs for sunny versus low-light conditions.
Lightweight protection with Mips confidence. Comfortable for long days, well-ventilated for the climb, and secure for variable descents. A low-profile fit that plays well with my Oakley Goggles.
ThirtyTwo Women’s STW Double BOA® Snowboard Boots
The Double BOA system gives you quick, on-the-fly adjustability, while the flexible, lightweight design keeps your feet happy on long tours and technical descents alike. I got mine used from the REI Garage Sale so I didn’t have to break them in. :)
Other Essentials
Black Diamond Spot Ops 400 Headlamp
A must have for any backcountry mission
Handy tool for gauging slope angle quickly and accurately in the field. Helps keep decision-making smart and safe.
Hopefully never needed, but always in the pack. Weighs almost nothing and adds peace of mind.
Reliable and compact. A fire-starting backup that’s too easy not to carry.
Spark it up—works in all conditions and doesn’t care if it’s windy or wet.
Motorola Talkabout T210 Radios
Great for staying in touch with your partner when you’re spaced out in big terrain. Light, simple, and super useful on tree runs or long ascents.
That’s the gear list we trust when heading out into the backcountry. It’s taken a quite a few (or more) seasons to dial in, but this setup gives each of us the confidence when heading out for a mellow meadow skip or a big line deep in the zone. Be safe out there folks :)
