Winter Activity

My Splitboarding Packing List for Backcountry Touring

· 5 min read
My Splitboarding Packing List for Backcountry Touring

I've decided that the fact that the snow took its sweet time to land in Central Oregon was nature's sign telling me to be patient and be well prepared.

So, as I usually do, I've decided to compile a checklist for my sport of choice for this winter: splitboarding (i.e., skiing up a mountain and snowboarding down).

Splitboarder stands holding splitboard skis upright during a break on a sunny backcountry tour, forest and peaks behind.

I was lucky to have been gifted a splitboard a few years ago, but quickly realized that the rest of my setup needed an upgrade—like my outdated 2-antenna beacon (!).

Thankfully, I was recently accepted into the Cascades Slaydies mentorship program, spearheaded by Hannah Matranga. And even though we've only met twice, I have already gathered a lot of useful information.

I have also attended a Know Before You Go — Avalanche Awareness event with a Central Oregon Avalanche Center Forecaster to review the basics.

This is what my checklist looks like so far, and I'd love to hear what else is in your pack!

Close-up of a splitboard in ride mode resting on textured snow, showing board graphics and fresh snow clumps.

Gear

These are great for adapting your grip in uneven terrain.

Splitboarder wearing a teal helmet and orange jacket adjusts her pack straps in a snowy forest during a backcountry tour.

On your Body

  • Beacon (avalanche transceiver) + fresh batteries

Check that yours has three antennas, has been professionally checked within the past five years, and has at least 70% battery.

I like to wear glasses on the ascent and goggles on the descent. I've seen prescription inserts for goggles but I'm not convinced. I sometimes remove my goggles to check the terrain, and would not be able to see without contacts.

I like to wear a hat or beanie on the ascent and a balaclava or skull cap under my helmet on the descent. Balaclavas now feature slits for braids and ponytails!

  • Bra

I finally found a wool bra that does not feature an annoying elastic band that stays wet after effort. This one is not only breathable and fast-drying, but also has thick straps that do not slice up my shoulders.

  • Base layers (top and bottom)

Check this one out featuring a hairstyle-accommodating hood!

  • Middle layer (puffer jacket)
  • Gloves

Gloves are preferable to mittens for snow study tests (fist, 4 fingers, 1 finger). I wear a pair of liners for the ascent, and sturdier gloves for the descent

I like a bib with a drop seat for nature breaks

  • Snow jacket (top layer)
  • Ski socks
  • Snowboarding boots

I tried on many pairs over the past few weeks and settled on this one, as they were the most comfortable for the shape of my feet. This strap is pretty nifty for transporting gear.

Smiling splitboarder wearing a helmet and goggles stands in an open alpine bowl with snow-covered mountains in the background.

In your Pack

Choose a backpack with a rapid response avy tool pocket (dedicated to your probe and shovel).

Warmth

  • Extra layers
  • Extra gloves

These Japanese fishing gloves are easy to slip on, even when your hands are cold and wet.

Or you can cut up the extra panels of an extra long sleeping pad

Splitboarder rides down through soft powder between snow-covered trees on a backcountry descent.

Avalanche Safety & Navigation

As mentioned above, it should be worn on your body, under your outer layer — not in or on your pack. The 20/50 rule means keeping your beacon 20 cm (8 in) away from other electronics while transmitting and 50 cm (20 in) away from electronics while searching (phones, electronic watches or smart rings, car key fobs, etc.), and properly tethered (via a harness or a clipped pocket).

  • Probe (280 cm min for PNW snow pack)
  • Shovel
  • Headlamp (+ extra batteries)

Additional

Communication

Make sure that at least a few people in your crew have one.

This is really high on my wish list, I have an uncontrollable fear of tree wells and I get anxious when I lose sight of my fellow riders.

  • Whistle

This is the next best thing.

Splitboarder kneels in the snow to adjust bindings while skis are separated in touring mode, with poles planted beside her.

Repair Kit / Tool Kit

  • Extra binding hardware
  • Straps / velcro straps
  • Paracord
  • Superglue (also useful for first-aid)
  • Multi / hex tool
  • Knife
  • Sharpie
  • Zip ties
  • Safety pins
  • Needle + thread
  • Duct tape

Don't take a whole roll—wrap some around a Sharpie

First Aid

  • Sunscreen + lip balm
  • First aid kit
  • Splint
  • Emergency blanket or bivvy
  • Backcountry rescue sled

Check out these handmade ones!

  • Tea light candles
  • Lighter
  • Contact lenses (if applicable)

Food & Water

  • Water / Nalgene
  • Tea / thermos
  • Snacks, gels, clementines
  • Sandwich

Car Kit / Base Camp

To Store your Gear

What I really use

To Stay Warm

For the vibes

Resources

On your phone

I use this lanyard to make sure I don't lose my phone in the snow and heard that people use an insulated sleeve to save their battery.

Reading

Training

I've signed up for the AIARE 1 - Level 1 Avalanche Training through our friends at Three Sisters Backcountry and I'm so excited! I will soon be able to check this item off my list.

I think I'll keep updating this list over time, but really wanted to put it out there to share with friends and to have a list to refer back to often.

Splitboarder takes a selfie on a snowy ridge wearing sunglasses and a backpack, with Cascade mountain peaks in the distance.

Again, a big thank you to Hannah and the Cascade Slaydies for their support and knowledge. I cannot wait for our next adventure!

Please share your tips and recommendations in the comments below, I love to talk about gear!

This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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