Winter is coming, and we’re stoked! Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Winter is nearly here, the stoke is high, and I am gearing up to go snowboarding. One of the perks of my job is that I get to try a wide variety of gear. With the available options on the market, it can be tough to narrow down what snowboarding gear is actually worth adding to your kit. I’m here to help! This is subjectively objective: Sure, I am choosing boards, bindings, boots, and more that I think will work well for everyone. But I am also selecting the things that are my favorite pieces for one reason or another—whether it’s all-around versatility, or really good for a specific use.
A few quick notes about myself to aid with the context of this list: First, I am a lifelong rider. I’ve been snowboarding since I was in 5th grade, and my first deck was a Ride Menace with a Magic: The Gathering topsheet (sick, I know). That said, injuries here and there caused me to take a couple of hiatuses from riding, and I’m just a couple of years back in the game. With that in mind, I consider myself a confident rider who prioritizes surfy, playful riding and powder. I love tree riding and using natural features, but don’t spend too much time in the park. In general, I am looking for versatile gear that works for the resort and some light freeriding. My home mountain is Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, but I also spend some time each year in California riding with the rest of The Inertia’s gear team.
Enough about me, let’s get to the gear! Read on for the list of go-tos: These are my picks for the best snowboarding gear heading into the 2025/2026 season.
Related: Best Snowboards | Best Snowboard Jackets | More Snowboarding Gear
My Go-To Snowboard
Burton Hometown Hero
I rode roughly twenty boards last season, and of them all, I think I spent the most time on the Burton Hometown Hero. From blissful powder days to routine resort turns, the Hometown Hero works so well for my desired riding style. It has a fairly significant setback (40mm) and a camber profile that is ideal for powder (long rocker in the front). This thing turns so well in the trees, and the flex (~3/5) is right in the sweetspot for versatility. Oh, and the Burton Channel system means you can comfortably set your bindings way back for super deep powder.
Looking for a snowboard? Our comprehensive guide to the Best Snowboards of 2025/2026 is here!
Shop Now on evoSnowboard Bindings For Every Condition
Ride Drone
I’m a sucker for simplicity, and the Ride Drone bindings felt as familiar as my first pair (with a whole lot better build quality). The Drone bindings strike a perfect blend of reliability, comfort, and ease of use. Adjustability and fit were great, and I found these worked well with a lot of boards and a lot of boots. If you’re not entranced by the quick-entry binding systems becoming more and more common, then take a look at the Ride Drone.
Want to check out our other top pick snowboard bindings? Find our complete list here.
Shop now on EVOAn All-Around Snowboard Boot
Salomon Dialogue Dual BOA
I tried a lot of snowboard boots last season, and I kept going back again to the Salomon Dialogue Dual BOA. Snowboarders know that boot fit is one of the crucial aspects of on-mountain enjoyment. Available in both Wide and standard versions, the Dialogue is a very comfortable boot that worked perfectly for my foot. These broke in fast, held up well, and have enough space in the toes while snugging down around the ankle and heel. Plus, I’m a sucker for dual BOAs, as the speed and adjustability are unmatched. There is no one boot for all riders and conditions, but the Salomon Dialogue will work for a ton of folks.
Our Best Snowboard Boots guide has many more options for every rider!
Shop Now on evoMy Favorite Premium Snowboard Jacket
Arc’teryx Sabre Relaxed Anorak
The Arc’teryx Saber Relaxed Anorak is one of those jackets that I am excited to put on and get out riding in. Part of it is the pure cool-factor, and part of it is that it boasts incredible waterproofing and durability. One small drawback in the past that we’ve noted with the Sabre lineup is that the 3L GTX material is a bit stiff, but with the lack of a full-length center zipper, the Relaxed Anorak has improved mobility and a great feature set (phone pocket in the kangaroo pouch, thank you). It’s easy to take off or to get access to your bibs with the side zipper, and it’s one of my go-to jackets for resort riding (because it lacks a powder skirt, I usually opt for something more secure on backcountry days).
This is a premium jacket, but we have plenty of other options in our Best Snowboard Jackets guide.
Shop Now on Arc'teryxDay In, Day Out Snowboard Bibs
Burton [ak] Freebird Bibs
If I didn’t have to (get to) test a range of snowboard bibs and pants, the Burton [ak] Freebird Bibs would be my go-to pretty much every day. Designed for the backcountry, with really comfortable 3L GTX construction, these bibs will hold up to any conditions you ride in. The cut and articulation are second to none, and these are perfect for hoofing it uphill. But that said, they have such a good pocket arrangement and top-tier comfort that I’m happy to rock them at the resort any day of the week.
Prefer pants to bibs, or looking for something different? Check out our guide to The Best Snowboard Pants.
Shop Now on evoBudget Alternative Jacket and Pants
My favorite lower-priced option for a snowboard jacket is The North Face TermoBall 3-in-1, and my go-to entry-level pants are definitely the REI First Chair GTX Bibs. The ThermoBall 3-in-1 is really impressive for the price, and suits riders in any weather. The outer shell fits great, and the internal puffer is surprisingly nice. The REI First Chair GTX offers a ton of waterproofing and performance for this entry-level price. Sure, the pockets and feature set aren’t competing with the best of the best, but if you want a long-lasting bib at a great price, look no further.
More Snowboarding Gear I Use
Comfortable Goggles
Anon M6
We’ve tested a few iterations of the Anon M series goggles, and the M6 is the latest. While these will have the best fitment with an Anon helmet, we’ve found that they work well with other helmets (including the Giro Ledge, below). These goggles stay in place, they feel very comfortable on the face, and the lens options are clear and easy to swap out. Plus, we love the inclusion of and ability to attach the Magnetic Facemask Integration, an awesome face covering option that doesn’t fog up your goggles.
We tested tons of goggles for our Best Snowboard Goggles list.
Shop Now on evoWarm and Reasonable Mittens
Dakine Baron
The Dakine Baron mittens are nothing fancy, but reliably warm and waterproof, plus durable for years-long use. Basically, they’re exactly what I want in my snowboarding kit. The goat leather is particularly soft, and I find these to be my favorite option for chilly resort days. Sure, you can spend more and get more features, but simple and warm is what we’re after with mittens—check and check.
If you are looking for other mittens, click here. Prefer more dexterity? Check out gloves here!
Shop Now on evoA Reliable and Affordable Helmet
Giro Ledge MIPS
Just like the title says, the Giro Ledge MIPS is an awesome value. Safety is something we take seriously, and the MIPS technology is good to have at this price point. The Ledge is comfortable (although not as adjustable as higher-end options) and pretty stylish. If you don’t want to break the bank rounding out your kit, this is a great option.
See how the Ledge stacked up against other helmets in our guide to The Best Snowboard Helmets.
Shop Now on evoMy Favorite Snowboard Socks
Darn Tough OTC Socks
Blisters as a result of damp feet or slipping and sliding socks are a no-fly zone for me. I love Darn Tough socks for pretty much any activity, and snowboarding is no exception. The OTC socks (available in a number of graphics and designs) are comfortable, durable, and stay dry and in place. There are other options out there, but the Darn Tough OTC socks have never let me down.
We have opinions on socks—read them all in our guide to the Best Snowboard Socks.
Shop Now on REIExcellent Base Layers
Le Bent Lightweight Crew and 3/4 Bottom
Base layers are something of an obsession for me—I’ve spent years trying to find my favorites. Right now, my top-choice base layer is from Le Bent: the Lightweight Crew top and 3/4 Bottom to be exact. I run warm, and the climate I usually ride in is fairly dry and not super cold, so the Lightweight (200gm) option is perfect. And I prefer the 3/4 length option bottoms so I don’t have to worry about bunching in or around my boots.
Shop Now on Le BentA Snowboard Bag to Store It All
evo Roller Snowboard Bag
A good snowboard bag is a buy-once, cry-once type investment. And fortunately, the evo Roller won’t make the wallet hurt too badly. I’ve found this bag to be really durable and waterproof, well-priced, and easy to transport. There are handles everywhere, the wheels roll smoothly, and it held up well even for air travel. I love the zippered top compartments, and it can fit everything you need for a trip to the mountains.
Our Best Snowboard Bags guide has many more options.
Shop the evo RollerRelated: Best Snowboards | Best Snowboard Jackets | More Snowboarding Gear
Best Women's Snowboards of 2025
