Equip-To-Rip
Resort Riding Essentials to Cover Your A**
While it might seem a bit superfluous to stash several extra items on your person when snowboarding, not having something clever in your kit when you really need it most will quickly counter any future argument against “packing neat”.
For everyone, what you carry is an entirely personal and purposeful proposition. Putting just a few things in your pockets could potentially make the difference between the best day on the hill or a bummer one. Lose a piece of hardware and you’re pretty much screwed. If your lens fogs up and can’t be cleared, or conditions change, you’re kind of blind coming down the mountain. Chapped or charred lips, or bad breath … kiss your chances of a make-out with that cutie on the chair — buh-bye!
The following cited and recommended essentials weigh next to nothing and aren’t bulky, so they won’t throw off your fit. These are effective fixes that’ll prove their worth in any semi-clutch situation. Consider these keenly suggested resort riding basics (backcountry missions call for a much more comprehensive collection of prevention, protection, education, and experience).
Shred EDC (Every Day Carry):
Basic Hardware
Binding Bolts plus Washers (4x), Zip Ties (2x): These can be copped from your local snowboard back-shop, an old set, and the latter procured by the pack at Home Depot, yo.
MSRP: Practically 5-finger free
Multi-Tool
James Brand The Halifax: “It’s great for turning screws, prying out nails, opening bottles and a million other things.” (Pictured above.)
MSRP: $49.00 | Website: thejamesbrand.com
Goggle Care
Smith Optics Snow Eraser: “One swipe is all it takes to clean and dry your goggles. Backed with a soft synthetic chamois, this nonabrasive, absorbent sponge gently wipes and dries your lenses.” (I seriously can’t remember ever not carrying one of these.)
MSRP: $3.00 | Website: smithoptics.com
Spare Lens
Swapping out a pair of lenses is seriously easier than anytime in the history of goggles. And whether flat or bright light suddenly stunts your ocular perception, a quick change of color array will certainly improve contrast and/or reflect more direct sun.
MSRP: Will vary by brand
Energy / Fuel
Perfect Bar: Available in 14 flavors, packed with 12g-17g of protein, 20+ superfoods, and sweetened with honey; plus it’s organic and gluten-free.
MSRP: $3.49 | Website: perfectsnacks.com
Lip Balm
All Good Organic SPF15 Lip Balm: A quick and slick dose of self-care prevention; “without weird chemical tastes or waxy white films.”
MSRP: $5.00 | Website: allgoodbodycare.com
Gum
The PUR Company 9-pc Blister Pack: Freshens breath and can clear clogged ears at altitude. Sugar-free and long-lasting. (Opt for snappy fresh flavors: Wintergreen, Peppermint, Spearmint, or Cinnamon.)
• MSRP: $1.89 | Website: thepurcompany.com
Headwear
Coal Headwear Explorer Tube: Multi-configurable, e.g., facemask, neck gaiter, beanie, balaclava
MSRP: $24.00 | Website: coalheadwear.com
Seasonal:
Winter
Heat Packs: Ignik Multi-Use Hand-Warmers: “Designed as long-lasting, efficient heat. If you don't use all your heat, simply reseal your partially used warmer in the AirBarrier™ pouch and reactivate the remaining heat up to 3 days later.” These are 100% biodegradable, and both the packaging and outer material are recyclable.
MSRP: $6.95 | Website: ignik.com
Spring & Summer
Rub-on Wax: Spiral Wax Co. Wizards Lightning Lube: When the meltdown begins and the snow is riding dirty, slushy, and sticky, a fast-acting, easy-applying glide wax will get you sideways sliding smoothly once again.
MSRP: $26.00 | Website: spiralwaxco.com
Honorable Mentions:
Traction
STOMPDEX Grip Pads: Whether you currently run a stomp pad or not, there are multiple rider reasons to (be it OG or Noob): with the rise of the one-footer, the no-footer, so many slick AF topsheets, and a base fear of slipping getting off the lift. This is some next next level design innovation: the only brand made in the USA — they’re marine/military grade, plus a subtle, dynamic, geometric configuration for DIY application that won’t detract from your board’s graphic. “Stop Slippin’”
MSRP: $15.00 | Website: stompdex.com
Stash Pack
Airblaster Leg Bag: “Is it function or is it fashion? The clear answer is: Yes. The Leg Bag straps around your leg, carrying snacks, a spare goggle lens, snowboard tool, lip balm, season pass or lift ticket, a little rub-on wax, and/or a small plastic pirate knife. Like a fanny pack for your leg.”
MSRP: $49.95 | Website: myairblaster.com
Smartphone Leash
Koala 2.0 Super-Grip Phone Harness: Selfie obsessed? Stacking clips and checking the flex from the chair … ? You might just want to take care to secure your device before it drops out of sight. Replacing your comms can cost near as much as a season pass.
MSRP: $34.50 | Website: hangtimegear.com
Pee Funnel (quite obviously, this one here is for the ladies, the ladies)
GoGirl: Sometimes you just gotta wee, and poppin’ a squat ain’t always easy, but it is breezy …
MSRP: $15.99 | Website: go-girl.com
Pre-game Rituals:
Coffee
Heart Roasters (Portland & online) / Wasatch Roasting Company (Ogden, Utah & online) / Black Velvet Coffee (Mammoth & online): Most likely, this is some fodder for an entirely independent and future post on the best caffeinated spots in mountain towns to grab a quality cup.
MSRP: Varies by the drink or pound of beans | Websites: heartroasters.com / wasatchroasting.com / blackvelvetcoffee.com
Sunscreen
Freaks of Nature Peak Performance Sun Stick SPF50: Kelly Slater’s company might know something about natural sunscreen. This product “goes on smooth and easily with a bare skin feel that won't warp, slip or drip into your eyes. Packed with microbiome-strengthening ingredients, it helps fortify your skin/s barrier — leaving it calmer, healthier, and more resilient against environmental stressors.”
MSRP: $24.00 | Website: freaksofnature.com
Hydration
Vita Coco Farmers Organic Coconut Water: Refreshing, natural, with nutrients, electrolytes. … Also, deez nutz.
MSRP: $5.75 | Website: vitacoco.com
Après Hours:
Edibles
WYLD Real-Fruit Cannabis Infused Gummies: Pick your pleasure from their Uplifting, Balanced, or Relaxing Collections, in flavors from apple and cherries to various berries to peach, pear, citrus, and kiwi, and enjoy (mind you: responsibly).
MSRP: $20 | Website: wyldcanna.com
Charcuterie Starter
Olympia Provisions Salami Sampler 4-Pack (European, French, Italian, Spanish inspired): Portland represent, these may be the best cured meat sticks there are, both award-winning and handmade. It’s gonna be a full-on sausage party post shred-fest but — fortunately/thankfully — not the kind your filthy mind is thinking up.
MSRP: $59.00 | Website: olympiaprovisions.com
Knifeware
James Brand The Redstone: A handy, dandy, quality blade you’ll want to sling with you pretty much everywhere. Whether you’re slicing provisions or cutting cheese, you can count on its excellent edge retention. Both compact and lightweight, it’s likely to become your go-to adventure companion.
MSRP: $99.00 | Website: thejamesbrand.com
Barware
Mizu Collapsible Shot Glass: This 2 oz stainless steel shot glass is designed for on-the-go convenience. It collapses easily so you can tuck it into your pocket and enjoy a shot wherever your adventures take you. Don’t let its portability fool you — it’s carefully crafted to remain sturdy when open, preventing spills and ensuring a reliable pour every time.
MSRP: $10.99 | Website: mizulife.com
Now, I’ve never been a formal Scout; I was more of an A-Team guy than MacGyver. I’m a jack of all, master of some: a practical, resourceful, and purposeful prepper. I ply craft and trade with intent and agenda of providing service and value to all those within my field and space.
For credibility’s sake, the truth is, the curated goods selectively profiled above are genuinely appreciated and honestly applied and utilized. They come from first-hand knowledge — I’m a fan, and/or they’re of curious interest. Not one of these is tied to paid advertorial, with the sole exception of the traction brand I co-founded. I wouldn’t assign myself to it or endorse it if I didn’t think it would benefit our readership here at the snowboard blog.
If you’re compelled, have questions, contributions, personal favorites to recommend, or constructive observations, all are welcome to reach out.