A friend and I want to try out snowboarding this year but the last time I was out "playing" in the snow was back in high school = I have zero outdoor gear. From what I'm gathering off Google, it's all about layering. And stay away from cotton. I don't want to cheap out, show up in jeans, hoodie, and a jacket, and freeze my ass off. No thanks. I don't like being outside in the cold as is but I've always wanted to try snowboarding. Plus, sledding is fun as fuck on big ass hills and having this gear would double up for that anyways.

I figured I'd at least start off with buying long underwear and some sort of "dry stretch" top as my base layers. After that, I'm confused as fuck because everything says something different. Can I get away with polyester sweat/jogging pants on the bottom and a long sleeve nylon/poly (Not sure which. I used to wear it when I jogged in cooler weather) on top for my mid layer? I know I have to buy an outer shell for both bottom and top since I don't own a single waterproof item for either. I'm just not sure if that mid layer will be enough to keep me warm.

After that, I'd just need socks and gloves. We'd rent the snow boards so I'd assume bindings and helmet will come with. Goggles? No clue what I need and/or if they come with renting.

Thanks in advance.

It's all about layers keeping air pockets your body heat can warm, the most important part is having something on the outside that repels the moisture, so when you fall you can brush the snow off and not let it melt in. Also, my local ski hill rents helmets, but not goggles.

I'm not sure if you read my OP but I already knew that lol.

You dont need googles, however if you are going fast or going down steep hills / conditions are snowy id recommend em

Just rock some long johns and snowboard pants / jacket and youll be good unless its super cold get polyester if you can

I usually try to keep it light underneath when i go snowboarding

All you need is a pair of testicles, some intestinal fortitude, jeans, and a t-shirt.

Well, depending on the temperature you will need more/ thicker layers. Everyone is different, I work outside and live in a predominantly cold state, what I would wear and what someone from Florida would wear would differ highly. Also when you are snowboarding, you don't get as cold as like ice fishing or something because you are being active, I would suggest more as you can always take some off and put it in your locker if you get too hot after a run or two. They have pants specifically for snowboarding that are lightweight and warm and wind/water resistant, I would look into a pair of these as well. When I first started I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, so I didn't buy all the gear, I just went in my carhartt bibs and a hoodie with a long sleeve under it and was fine. I got looks from the ski snobs but fuck them, I had fun and was warm. I ended up getting all the goodies and they make a difference as far as mobility too, as well as warmth without being so thick so you can maneuver much easier. Bring more stuff than you think you'll need and you should be ok.

I like to snowboard with only a thermal under so my jacket preferences are a bit specific
10k/10k min waterproof/breathability
depending on how cold
if low 0-30, I go with 60g to 80g insulation (preferably 60)
if higher than 30, I go with 40g to 60g insulation (preferably 40)

I think you'd be good with 60g for all around because you can just open the vents in your jacket

Don't spend too much because of name brand
Just go with the specs, fabric, and mobility

This post was edited by itzpookiie on Dec 21 2015 10:53am

you can have good insulation while keeping good mobility
it just costs more $$$

go to www.trusnow.com
some very good priced jackets and gear

This post was edited by itzpookiie on Dec 21 2015 01:17pm

Where are u even gonna b skiing? It all depends on temperature

I appreciate all the feedback. I'll have to come back and read all of this when I'm checking out gear.

When I'll be going is still up in the air. It's still in the 50's, so it won't be anytime soon lol.



I'm slowly starting to find that out lol. There is some WICKED expensive stuff out there...but I'm sure it's worth every damn penny for a serious boarder.



This is the specs of the ski resort:
Vertical 1,200 feet (370 m)
Top elevation 2,100 feet (640 m)
Base elevation 900 feet (270 m)

It's a pretty lame spot but it's the closest ski resort around here and it's pretty cheap, so it's just something more for fun and learning.



This post was edited by amej8 on Dec 23 2015 05:00pm