Snowboard Hat

Choosing Snowboarding Apparel

You want to make sure you do not die of frostbite the first time you take your board on the snow, so you need to ensure you get all the right clothing. Basically what you require are a base layer, fleece and trousers, boots and jacket, gloves, hat and goggles (for example Oakley Splice Goggles). You do of course need a snowboard too – do not forget that – but this article is about the clothing you need for snowboarding.

The Bottom Layer

Your base layer should retain your body heat and keep you warm. What works best for this is a long-sleeved thermal top and long-john style thermal bottoms. Wool works well but it can itch a lot and cotton stops insulating if it gets wet, so the best sort of thermals are usually made of synthetic materials such as polypropylene.

The last thing you want is cold feet so you might consider wearing a thick pair of socks. However you might find that thick socks make your feet sweat too much and synthetic, thin, lightweight snowboarding socks – along with the insulation in your boots – might be sufficient and more comfortable.

Trousers And Fleece

What you should be getting here are a sweater or fleece top and snowboarding pants. Fleece is great stuff because it is both warm and lightweight. For most of the clothing you buy for snowboarding the key is to get the lightest, thinnest material that does the job because it is much more comfortable to wear.

Suspender-style snow pants are usually the best so that they don’t fall down (which can spoil the look of a good trick!) and they should have plenty room in them and have extra padding on the knees and rear to help you stay dry.

Boots And Jacket

Thin is once again the best choice for a jacket so that your movement is not unduly restricted.The jacket should be waterproof and windproof and it is better to spend a little extra and get something decent.

Choose your boots carefully and they will last a long time. If you are going to wear thick socks under your boots you might need to get boots that are a half size bigger than your normal shoe size.

Additional Kit

Proper snowboarding gloves are highly recommended because they will be waterproof, warm and will have the necessary padding to protect you and reinforced areas to stop them wearing through. A hat should cover your ears to keep them warm and you really should consider a snowboard helmet to protect your head.

A good set of goggles will last a long time and it is worth getting something like Oakley Splice Goggles. Your goggles need to protect from glare yet give you the clearest possible view. They also need to be comfortable because ill-fitting goggles will simply annoy you.

Snowboard Hats