Austen Sweetin
Pro Rider for Lib Tech & Patagonia
Austen Sweetin has built a reputation as one of snowboarding's most dynamic backcountry riders, blending skateboard-influenced style with aggressive mountain riding. His approach to gear selection reflects this unique combination-every piece of equipment serves the dual purpose of handling technical terrain while allowing for the creative expression that defines his riding.
Sweetin's complete setup represents years of refinement, from his signature Lib Tech Rig board to his custom 32 boots. Each component has been chosen not just for performance, but for reliability in the demanding conditions where Sweetin does his best work-the steep, technical terrain of the Pacific Northwest.
The Lib Tech Rig: From Concept to Signature Board
Sweetin's journey to creating the Lib Tech Rig began with extensive testing across the Lib Tech and Gnu lineup. After riding everything from the Skate Banana to the Dynamo, Sweetin found himself gravitating toward the now-discontinued BRD, a board that offered exceptional float and maneuverability but carried a premium price point that limited its appeal.
The design process for the Rig centered on finding the sweet spot between two proven platforms. Sweetin loved the Dynamo's versatility and the BRD's powder performance, but wanted something that combined the best attributes of both boards while addressing their individual limitations.
The Rig's 5mm taper strikes the perfect balance for Sweetin's riding style. The BRD's aggressive 20mm taper provided exceptional float but could feel unstable at speed, while the Dynamo's minimal 2-3mm taper was too subtle for deep powder performance. This moderate taper allows the board to surf through powder while maintaining stability on firm snow.
Sweetin worked closely with Lib Tech's design team through six prototype iterations, focusing particularly on the nose profile. The challenge was pushing the camber forward enough to maintain board strength while creating sufficient early rise for powder float. The final C3 profile features camber through the front foot with a gradual transition to early rise, eliminating the harsh transition points that can cause boards to plow rather than surf.
The Toyota Tercel Graphics Story
The Rig's current graphic features a 1989 Toyota Tercel 4x4, a choice that reflects Sweetin's philosophy about both the board and mountain culture. Like the reliable Toyota that countless snowboarders have used to access remote terrain, the Rig is built for durability and dependability rather than flash.
Sweetin maintains consistent base graphics across all Rig iterations-a simple squiggle drawn by friend Josh Pine that represents a rider's line down the mountain. This "soul line" concept gives the board a distinct identity while allowing the topsheet graphics to evolve each season.
Bent Metal Bindings: Solutions vs Transfers
Sweetin's binding choice varies based on conditions and terrain, switching between Bent Metal Solutions and Transfers depending on the demands of each riding session. This adaptability reflects his nuanced understanding of how equipment affects performance in different scenarios.
The Solutions feature a stiff carbon highback that excels in the challenging conditions of the Pacific Northwest. When riding chunky, variable snow at speed, the additional support and response of the carbon construction provides the precision Sweetin needs for technical descents.
For deeper powder conditions and more playful terrain, Sweetin switches to the softer Transfer bindings. The reduced stiffness allows for greater lateral movement, essential for the flowing, surfy style that defines his powder riding. This flexibility becomes particularly important in sub-zero temperatures where maintaining natural movement patterns can be challenging.
The Highback Height Challenge
At 5'2", Sweetin faces the common issue many shorter riders encounter with binding highback engagement. Standard highbacks can interfere with calf movement, limiting the lateral flexibility crucial for advanced riding techniques. Sweetin is experimenting with modifying highback height to optimize the interface between his boots and bindings.
This attention to detail reflects the level of customization serious riders pursue to maximize their equipment's performance. Small adjustments in highback height can significantly impact a rider's ability to manipulate the board through complex terrain transitions.
The 32 Sweetin Pro Model Boot
Sweetin's collaboration with 32 resulted in a boot designed specifically for the demands of serious mountain riding. The project began at a Mount Baker banked slalom event, where 32's team manager Brian Cook recognized the need for a boot that could handle the punishment of daily backcountry riding.
The boot's foundation came from 32's discontinued Focus Double BOA, but Sweetin's input transformed it into a mountain-specific design. The most significant addition was the powder skirt-a feature Sweetin believes should be standard on every snowboard boot regardless of intended use.
Sweetin's reasoning for the powder skirt extends beyond backcountry applications. Whether boot-packing to street features, hiking resort terrain, or splitboarding, snow consistently accumulates around the boot cuff. When riders enter warm lodges, this snow melts and saturates socks, leading to cold, uncomfortable feet for the remainder of the day.
Heat Molding and Liner Management
Sweetin heat molds every pair of boots to ensure optimal fit and performance. When transitioning to new boots, he transfers the molded liners from his previous pair into the fresh shells. This technique, also used by Jeremy Jones, allows riders to break in new boot shells while maintaining the precise fit of their established liners.
The boot's internal lace system and power strap provide multiple adjustment options, allowing Sweetin to fine-tune the fit based on conditions. Looser settings work well for powder riding, while tighter configurations provide the precision needed for technical terrain and carving.
Stance and Setup Philosophy
Sweetin's approach to stance setup reflects his skateboarding background and the varied demands of his riding style. Rather than maintaining a single stance configuration, he adjusts angles and forward lean based on the specific requirements of each session.
The consistent 19.75-inch stance width works across all configurations, providing stability without compromising maneuverability. Sweetin's size 6 feet allow him to run the Rig's 25.1cm waist width without boot overhang concerns, optimizing leverage and edge control.
For the legendary Velvet Castle descent, Sweetin used his daily driver setup (0°/18°) with bindings positioned fully setback. This configuration placed his front foot directly over the camber section while maximizing the board's powder performance characteristics.
Splitboard Setup and Backcountry Gear
Sweetin's backcountry setup centers around a Lib Tech Split BRD, the splitboard version of the discontinued board that influenced the Rig's design. The Split BRD's aggressive taper and short sidecut excel in the deep, technical terrain where Sweetin does much of his backcountry riding.
Sweetin runs both 151cm and 154cm Split BRDs, sizing down and up from his resort preference depending on conditions and objectives. The larger board provides additional float for deep powder missions, while the smaller size offers increased maneuverability in tight terrain.
His Spark R&D bindings include aftermarket pads for improved comfort during long approaches. This attention to foot comfort reflects Sweetin's understanding that cold, uncomfortable feet can end a backcountry mission prematurely.
Pomoca skins provide the optimal balance of weight and glide performance for Sweetin's touring needs. While the adhesive requires occasional renewal, the skins' light weight and excellent glide characteristics make them ideal for long approaches and traverses.
Complete Outerwear System
Sweetin's partnership with Patagonia provides access to their technical layering system, centered around the Powder Bowl jacket. The graduated fit system ensures that each layer works together without restriction, crucial for maintaining mobility in challenging conditions.
The layering system combines Capilene base layers, Nano Puff insulation, and the Powder Bowl shell to create a versatile package that handles temperatures from spring touring conditions to -20°F resort days. This systematic approach to layering allows Sweetin to maintain comfort and mobility across the full range of conditions he encounters.
Vision and Protection
Sweetin relies on Spy Megalith goggles for eye protection, choosing this classic framed design for its timeless aesthetics and reliable performance. His lens selection varies between clear for low-light Northwest conditions and amber for enhanced contrast in flat light.
The goggle choice reflects Sweetin's preference for proven, reliable gear over the latest technological innovations. Like his approach to boards and boots, he prioritizes consistent performance and durability over cutting-edge features that may not provide tangible benefits.
Equipment Philosophy and Approach
Sweetin's gear selection process emphasizes reliability, versatility, and performance over flashy features or marketing claims. Each component in his setup has been tested extensively in the demanding conditions where he does his best riding-the steep, technical terrain of the Pacific Northwest backcountry.
This methodical approach extends to his willingness to modify equipment when necessary. From experimenting with highback heights to transferring boot liners between shells, Sweetin demonstrates the level of attention to detail that separates professional riders from casual enthusiasts.
The mountain is my terrain park, and this board was designed to freestyle in natural terrain.
Sweetin's philosophy reflects the broader evolution of snowboarding, where the boundaries between freestyle and freeride continue to blur. His equipment choices support this hybrid approach, providing the stability needed for charging steep terrain while maintaining the playfulness essential for creative expression.
The complete setup represents years of refinement and testing, with each component chosen not just for individual performance but for how it integrates with the entire system. From the Rig's balanced taper to the boot's powder skirt, every detail serves the goal of controlling chaos in the backcountry while maintaining the style and creativity that define Sweetin's approach to snowboarding.
Content courtesy of our friends at Riders Lounge
