Whether you're riding at a resort, exploring the backcountry, or just getting started, what you wear while snowboarding can make or break your day. Choosing the right gear isn’t just about comfort—it's about safety, performance, and confidence on the mountain. Below, we break down the seven essential clothing categories for snowboarding, covering layering strategy, performance insights, and practical tips.
1. Base Layers
The foundation of your snowboarding kit starts at the skin: your base layer. This layer regulates body temperature and manages moisture.
Merino wool is the gold standard. It stays warm when wet, dries quickly, and is naturally antimicrobial—meaning it won’t smell after a long day of riding. Brands like Skyline offer great-fitting, warm options made in Canada. These are ideal for cold resort days or snow-heavy touring missions.
For high-output days or spring conditions, polyester base layers are also a solid choice. They’re lightweight, fast-drying, and often made from recycled materials. While they may not insulate as well when wet, they breathe exceptionally well and are ideal for touring or warmer sessions.
“If you get them a little bit wet, they still insulate quite well when they're wet.”
One standout piece mentioned is the Ninja Suit Pro—a one-piece base layer with a touch of wool and grid fleece that traps heat in small air pockets. It's warm, cozy, and helps seal out snow—especially when paired with bib pants.
2. Socks
Socks are an underrated but crucial part of your snowboarding gear. They aren't just socks—they're performance equipment. Look for snowboard-specific men's socks and women's socks that are asymmetric and designed to support your foot’s arch and ankle with compression zones.
We like wool blends from Cole, Stance, and AK. These offer a mix of warmth, fit, and durability. Avoid cotton. Always have multiple pairs on hand—dirty or soggy socks will ruin your day fast.
“This is your interaction with your board, your bindings, your boots—this has to be a dialed piece of gear.”
3. Mid Layers
This layer adds insulation between your base and outer layers and helps fine-tune your warmth level based on conditions. Check out our selection of mid layers.
Mark prefers a Patagonia Nano Puff with 60g of PrimaLoft insulation—it’s lightweight, highly packable, water-resistant, and ideal for cold starts or layering under a shell. Shane opts for a waffle-grid fleece hoodie from AK that fits snugly under outerwear and holds heat exceptionally well.
For extra-cold days, consider adding a lightweight down piece like the AK Baker—extremely warm for its weight and packs down small.
“We’re not throwing on a 600g down jacket to go snowboarding—we layer to build heat zones while keeping mobility.”
4. Outerwear
Arguably the most expressive and functional part of your kit, outerwear is where performance meets style. You’ll choose between 2-layer and 3-layer jackets and pants.
3-layer (3L) shells—often made with Gore-Tex—offer the best durability and weatherproofing, ideal for frequent riders or backcountry missions. Welded seams and minimal interior lining make these pieces breathable and bombproof.
2-layer (2L) outerwear includes a separate lining and is often more affordable and breathable—great for resort days. Pieces like the Airblaster Anorak bring warmth and comfort, with features like powder skirts and large kangaroo pockets.
Bibs vs. Pants: Bibs are the preferred choice for many riders—they block snow, provide core warmth, and pair perfectly with one-piece base layers. Some freestyle riders opt for pants to increase mobility, but for backcountry and storm days, bibs are tough to beat.
“I just like this because there’s no snow going down my ass.”
5. Balaclavas and Neck Protection
Cold wind and flying snow can quickly chill exposed skin. Keeping your neck and face protected is key, especially on windy or deep days. We recommend balaclavas and face masks for full coverage.
Coal’s Alpine Clava fits snugly and articulates well around your face, and layers easily under a helmet. Other riders use hooded base layers under their helmets for extra protection and heat retention.
“Protect from the elements—your butt crack and your neck. Those are the ones that are always exposed.”
6. Gloves, Mitts & Trigger Mitts
Your choice here depends on what matters more to you: warmth or dexterity. Explore our collection of snowboard gloves and mitts.
- Mitts: Warmest option, great for cold hands or if you're using hand warmers.
- Gloves: More dexterity, great for binding adjustments or using gear on the fly.
- Trigger mitts: A hybrid that gives you more control than mitts but better warmth than gloves.
Look for durable materials, waterproofing, and insulation that suits your climate. Brands like AK, Black Diamond, and Spark R&D offer a variety of glove models with different fits and materials.
7. Goggles & Helmets
This is your window to the mountain. Goggles and helmets are non-negotiable essentials, especially in varying visibility and terrain.
Fit is everything. Match your goggles with your helmet to avoid gaps that let in wind and snow. Try on multiple pairs in person—nose bridges, foam density, and face shape all affect comfort and performance.
Goggle recs: Oakley’s Target Line and Anon’s M-series.
Helmet tech: We love Anon’s WaveCel for serious impact protection, and features like Boa adjusters and ventilation are now common and essential.
“Your boots and your goggles are the two most important things you buy. If either of those aren’t working, it’s a bad day.”
Final Thoughts
Dialing in your snowboard kit takes some trial and error, but starting with these seven categories ensures you’re prepared for most conditions. Whether you're piecing together a new kit or refining your current setup, investing in quality pieces—especially base layers, socks, outerwear, and goggles—will dramatically improve your experience on the hill.
Layer smart, stay warm, and ride on.
Content courtesy of our friends at The Riders Lounge
