What’s in Your Snowboard Bag?

Whether you are gearing up for a week-long out west or just heading out for a day trip at your local mountain, what you pack in your snowboard bag can directly impact the overall success and enjoyment of your day. With our handy checklist, you can make sure you’ve got everything you need to shred the mountain. Some of these items you may not need every day, but we promise this list will come in handy while you pack for your next adventure. Check out some of our favorite necessities below and don’t forget to pack the regular ‘life basics’ like underwear, clothes, personal care, etc. for the off-mountian activities.

Snow Basics

We’re going to say this part is common sense but your board, boots and bindings should be the first thing in your bag. A proper snowboard bag will have plenty of room for added gear like your outerwear and accessories, plus packing as much as you can into your board bag will keep everything in one place, so it’s nice and easy to find. Also, If you are going to be flying with your board, packing outerwear in you board bag will not only help protect your board, but free up room in you suitcase.

Must Have Accessories

You might not need all these items, but they could be just as important.

• Rub on wax – We don’t recommend this stuff all the time but for quick tune ups on the go, it’s will do the trick.
• Leash – Many resorts have done away with this rule but every once in a while you get a stickler that will insist you have one. Just toss it in your bag so you don’t have to run to the pro shop.
• Snowboard Tool – Don’t get stuck with a loose binding and nothing to tighten it up. Bring a tool. Better yet, grab this snowboard starter kit with the essentials.
• Chapstick, hand lotion and sunscreen – Cold temps, sun and wind can have harsh effects on your skin. We don’t want you to end up looking like one of those leathery old people, so make sure you protect yourself from the elements.
• GoPro / other cameras – You know you want to capture your adventure. Charge up your gear and toss in an extra memory card just in case you fill up your primary.
• Backpack – Something comfortable enough to ride with, but large enough that can lug some of the more important items with you on the hill.
• Headphones – Critical if you bring music. Also bring some helmet drop-ins if you plan to ride and rock out.
• Music – Not everyone rides with music, but you might want it for the road.
• Hand and foot warmers – If you run hot, skip these, but for the average person they are great to have.
• ID / Insurance card – Hate to sound like a Debbie Downer, but if something goes down you want to be prepared. Plus, you should just have an ID anywhere you go for a bunch of reasons. Emergency contact info can also be stored on many smart phones so be sure to program all that info, especially before any out of bounds exploration.
• Snacks – Duh. Snacks that don’t break or crumble are ideal. Energy bars work well for those that prefer a light base while riding.
• Water – If you need an explanation for this, you might not be human.

Pro Tips

These are additional items that you may or may not need. Better safe than sorry, you never want to end up in one of those “it would be a lot cooler if you did” scenarios…

• 420 Kit – If you don’t know what it is, you don’t need it.
• Flask –  We don’t necessarily recommend drinking while you are riding, but man it’s nice to have a few sips at the end of a good day on the mountain!
• Cooler bag –  You won’t ride with this but it should be loaded up at the lodge for post-shred celebrations.
• Hot Wax Tune Tools – If you are on a longer adventure with multiple days of riding and have the space, bring along a full tune kit to wax/sharpen your own board. You’ll end up saving a ton compared to resort tune-up prices. Just be careful to not burn your room down.
• Pain meds – Ibuprofin or your choice of over the counter pain meds. If it’s been a while since you’ve ridden or you are just getting old, you might need these for the day after.

Following these tips will help ensure a better snowboard trip for you and your friends. If you don’t have a nice bag to carry all the essentials, maybe it is time to get one and gain some piece of mind on your next snowboarding trip.

Shop Snowboard Bags