Gear – splitboarding

For purchasing splitboarding gear we recommend a number of online retailers:

Backcountry UK or Facewest for for general backcountry gear, and Sick & Wrong for splitboards and more specific splitboarding related items.

For splitboard hire in the Alps we recommend Zero G shop in Chamonix.

Sick & Wrong may be able to hire you a splitboard too, which they can post to you, so that is an option for other places.

Gear list for splitboarding trips

List 1 – Provide your own or hire in UK or locally in resort – these are all essential items that you must have.

For some items I have included links to retailers. Other links are just for information.

Snowboard Boots – Using your own soft boots is fine and works well, although the stiffer they are the better. Hard  boots can work better for skinning. There are specific backcountry boots such as the Fitwell or Deluxe boots which are a snowboard boot with a vibram sole. This gives better security when skinning and when bootpacking or walking.

Splitboard & Poles -There are many models on the market and the development of bindings is quite rapid at the moment. The new tesla system & magneto bindings from Spark are looking good at the moment as they are quite light and have less fiddly parts to drop in the snow. I am using a ‘hard boot’ set up which I have written about briefly on this site. For hire we use The Sick and The Wrong in Keswick, UK and Zero G in Chamonix.

Telescopic or “Z” style walking poles that break down small for stowing are best.

Skins & Splitboard Crampons –The skins should fit neatly to the split-skis and you should check that they are a good fit when you hire them.  Splitboard crampons have brand names like Mr Chomps or Sabretooth and are essential for splitboarding in the Alps.  Make sure they fit correctly to your board.

Boot crampons.  For splitboarding you can use aluminium crampons, which aren’t the strongest, but are very light. If you are keen to buy crampons I’d recommend something like the Grivel Air Tech Light Classic as they fit many boots and they are great for lightweight use on mountain boots too. However check that they will fit to your snowboard boots well. For soft snowboard boots the crampons will need to be fitted using straps. It is also worth checking the Blue Ice Harfang range as they are super light and compact and would be ideal if they are compatible with your boots

Ice Axe (55cm-ish lightweight)A general mountaineering axe will do but there are some lightweight axes specifically designed for touring that will make a difference to the weight of your bag.

 

For all glacier tours you will need:

Harness Either a general mountaineering harness or a specific touring harness like the Petzl Tour or the Petzl Altitude, both of which are excellent harnesses

Crevasse Kit: The minimum kit is that each person has a sling and ice screw, plus a couple of screwgate carabiners.  An (optional) full rescue kit includes:  2 Prusik loops (2 x 1.5m lengths of 6mm cord) , 1 x 22cm ice screw, ice threader, 240cm sling , Micro traction, pulley, Tibloc, 3m x 7mm cord, 4 lightweight screw gate carabiners, safety lanyard.

I also have a few harnesses and ice screws, and slings available to lend out.

List 2 – Items I can  lend to you if you let me know beforehand

Transceiver. I have some BCA Tracker 2 transceivers available to lend out . They are basic but simple and effective to use. If you wish to buy your own then look at most recent 3 antennae models from Ortovox or Barryvox

Shovel & Probe – Light modular aluminium shovel  and 2.4m probe. There are some good deals on these if you are buying a transceiver, shovel and probe together a a full safety package.

List 3 – Clothing and Equipment.

Rucksack – Ideally it is best to have a proper ski pack. For day touring a 25-35L pack will be fine. For longer hut to hut tours then a 40-45L pack is more realistic/ essential. The main thing is that your pack is a simple sack with a good system for carrying skis (either “A” frame or strapped diagonally – I prefer the latter as it is quicker and easier). Definitely avoid sacks with side pockets or sacks that are bigger than 45L capacity. Many ski sacks have separate compartments for avalanche safety gear – which is a good idea too as it makes it easier and quicker to access in an emergency.

Shell Jacket & Pants – a good lightweight shell is best. Shell Pants should be very light as hopefully they will stay in the bag.
Spare warm layer – fleece or light synthetic insulated jacket or vest. This is not an item you expect to wear but an extra layer in case of emergencies / unexpected delays on the mountain.

Light clothing, thin layers, light colours etc – most people suffer from being too hot, ideally you need good “wicking” material and ideally not black!

Gloves – one thin pair (eg Powerstretch gloves )and one thick pair of warm gloves or mitts
Ski Goggles & Glacier Sunglasses (Cat 4)
Warm hat
Headtorch (light LED / maglite) should charged up and be carried always.

Sun Hat (good cover including the neck)

Factor 50 Sunblock for exposed skin and lips
Mapping . Either paper map and compass, and/or download offline mapping for the area you are visiting. Outdoor Active is a great app that covers most European and Scandinavian countries (Including UK OS Maps)  for a subscription, or the free Gaia mapping app is also worth checking out as it seems to cover everywhere (but in slightly less detail).
Water Bottle 1.5 litre max
Personal first aid kit (plasters/headache pills etc)
Mobile phone, charger and battery pack. It is important that you carry your phone with you at all times (switched off in your bag) It is an important piece of safety equipment that you are expected to have with you.

A  foil blanket, plastic bivi bag or Blizzard bag in the bottom of your rucksack is a small and light safety item for emergency situations, which is a useful back up to carry for any mountain activities.

Extra items for Alpine hut nights
Silk sleeping bag liner , toothbrush and paste, small travel towel (if the hut has a shower) , wet wipes, cash, Alpine club card, spare socks, cotton t shirt.

The main thing is that your bag is not too heavy, there will be a little group gear to share round on top of your personal stuff – which should be as lightweight as possible.
Reading material- for afternoons in huts!

Group kit to be shared around: 1st aid, tool kit, group shelter, ropes, gps, crevasse kit, spare skins etc…