Chaos Snowboarding: Deals

Choose a fabric type 

• Wool retains warmth when wet and is naturally odor resistant. It breathes more easily and wicks moisture from your feet. 

• Synthetic blends like nylon, polyester or acrylic are ideal for those with sensitive skin or are allergic to wool. These fabrics trap warmth and wick moisture. 

How much cushioning do you want?  

• No cushioning: Works well with performance boots that have a tighter fit or for those who want to feel the terrain underfoot. 

• Light cushioning: Typically padded at the shins with minimal or no cushioning on the balls of the feet; reinforced toes and heel are common. 

• Medium cushioning feature added padding for warmth and to absorb impact. Ideal for cold conditions or snowboarders with loose fitting boots.  

• Heavy cushioning: Great for extreme winter environments or low-intensity winter activities like ice fishing or riding a snowmobile. 

Length 

Most socks for skiing and snowboarding go up to the knees to help protect from shin bang. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers may want shorter length socks. 

Understand boot flex

• Soft flex: Comfortable; ideal for beginners or recreational riders
• Medium flex: Balances all-mountain performance and comfort
• Stiff flex: Maximum support for edge power and control at high speeds

Match riding style to flex

• All-mountain: Soft to medium for most riders; stiffer boots for racers
• Freeride: Stiffer for edge power and control at high speeds
• Freestyle: Softer for quick response and maneuverability in park terrain

Boot lacing system

• Dial lace: Uses one or two dials attached to cable for precise fit, higher cost
• Hybrid lace: Combines a dial system and traditional laces
• Traditional lace: Tried-and-true and easy to replace but can loosen during rides
• Quick pull: A single-pull lacing system that's fast and allows zonal tightening

Find a good fit

• Boots should feel snug and secure without cramping your feet
• It's OK for toes to barely graze the boot's toecap
• A snug heel fit is also key

Find your size

• Measure the circumference of the largest part of your head
• Wrap a tape measure just above your ears and about 1 inch above your eyebrows
• Use brand sizing charts to find your size
• If you can, try helmets on in-person with your goggles

Fit tips

• A good helmet should feel snug but not tight
• If the helmet rocks back and forth or shifts from side to side, the fit is too loose
• It should sit level on your head no more than 1 inch above your eyebrows

Key features:

• Vents: Let cool air in and warm air out. Adjustable vents help fine-tune airflow
• Liners: Adjust liners or ear pads for warmth
• Goggles compatibility: Fit snugly to the top of the goggles without gaps

Happy riding!

Understand lens shapes

• Cylindrical: More affordable, but can cause more glare and slightly limit peripheral vision
• Spherical: Better peripheral vision, less distortion and less glare. Cost more than cylindrical lenses
• Toric: Offer improved optical clarity and reduced distortion—at a higher price point

Light transmission (VLT)

VLT is the percentage of light that passes through the lens to reach your eyes

• Bright conditions: Look for less than 25%
• Partly cloudy: Aim for between 25%-50%
• Overcast, stormy or low-light: Look for 50% or higher
• Night riding: Use clear goggles or 80%-100%

Other features:

• Low bridge fit: Ideal for those with higher cheekbones or lower nose bridges
• Interchangeable lenses for easy swaps
• Photochromic lenses adjust to changing light
• Extra lens included: Two lenses for different light conditions

Key features of backcountry snow shovels:

• Material: Because of its low weight and high strength, aluminum predominates. Plastic shovels aren't suited to avalanche rescue.
• Comfort: Low weight and a comfortable, ergonomic grip will make a shovel easier to use.
• Length: Longer, extended shafts may give you better leverage to scoop snow faster while shorter shafts cut down on weight.

Types of snow shovels:

• Fully flat blades are best for snow study, such as creating smooth snow-pit walls.
• Scooped blades are less likely to spill snow off the sides during shoveling.
• Serrated blade edges can be used to bust up ice.
• Blades with holes in them can be used (with a length of accessory cord) to build snow anchors; holes also make a shovel slightly lighter to carry.

T-grip vs. D-grip handles:

• T-grip: Grasped between the fingers, this is a lightweight design that works well; can be awkward when wearing mittens.
• D-grip: Slightly bulkier and heavier than a T-grip, it is relatively easy to use while wearing mittens.