Creature Comforts

[Spenser]

I was able to source a backup pair last year. Same ones, but slightly different feel - not sure if it was a boot model thing or what. Either way, a cool thing to have if you can find them. Decathlon makes them in different levels of support, but they don't ship to the US. I'm sure we could find someone to help out if needed, though.

Somebody needs to get on 3-D printing these things

[kimchi]

1. Smith I/O Asian-fit / Low Bridge. I apparently have a weird face and these are the only goggles I've owned that sit comfortably AND seal my nose gap. I've owned a dozen plus goggles-- including other Asian/low-bridge fits --and too many times suddenly went blind at speed because of an air jetstream right into the eyes. Smith unfortunately discontinued these a few years back, but I have 2 sets of frames and ~4-5 sets of spare lenses, so I'm good for a few years.

2. High quality socks. Speaking for experience, the difference between the $25 Burton sock and the $35 Burton sock is enormous. I have a cheap set I got for free I literally never wear, and the high-end option I paid for with my own money. The pricier socks perform better because of less foot slip, retains shape better, can be worn for multiple days before needing to be washed, protect against blisters better, etc.

3. Bibs. I exclusively wear bibs unless I'm riding in summer-like warm conditions. No pow down my ass crack unless I REALLY done fucked up, don't have to deal with ineffectual uncomfortable powder skirts or proprietary jacket to pant connections, and more comfortable since I can give my ass more space without worrying about how the waist fits.

These are probably my only musts. Everything below is nice to have, but real nice to have.

4. Calf-length base layer bottoms. The 3/4 cut eliminates so much bunching and overheating issues for me. Patagonia Capilene on most day trips, merino if cold or I'm going out for multiple days and won't have a chance to launder my gear between riding days.

5. Trigger/lobster mitts. Dexterity of a glove, warmth of a mitt. Only meaningful drawback is not being able to flash shakas, rockers, or peace signs to people while riding lol. Thankfully these became a bit of a trend ~15 years ago I had limited options from trendy crap product companies like Grenade or Celtek. Nowadays pretty easy to find a bunch of quality options from the high-end players from Burton AK to Hestra to various cottage industry players.

6. Highback bag. I HATE carrying stuff in my pockets-- highback bag means I don't have to carry stuff in pockets. I also carry some stuff I wouldn't otherwise. Usual kit is snowboard tool, gear lock, zip ties and little roll of duct tape, lip balm + stick sunscreen, emergency mylar foil blankets, and a couple snack bars.

7. WhatVest Backcountry vest. This was an extensive luxury, but I really hate riding with backpacks. Vest means everything hangs closer to my center of gravity and I can counter-balance with some weight in front. I use this on most of my days splitboarding and now even carry a full avy kit while inbounds pow riding. I'd still use a pack for bigger missions, but this is enough for most my days in the BC.

8. Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones. These were a gamechanger for me. I wear them all the damn time. I initially bought them because I wanted to listen to music while still being able to hear baby. Nowadays unless I really need noise isolation, I reach for these over my noise-cancelling over-the-ear headphones. I wear them just around the house, running, skateboarding, snowboarding, wherever. I still retain situational awareness, and they're damned light and comfortable, enough so that I've left the house multiple times forgetting that I was wearing them and have fallen asleep in them a bunch. My only real concern is their life span, since they have a small irreplacable lithium ion battery.

[kimchi]

@kimchi
Genomstick has ninja style socks.
https://shop.gentemstick.com/category/s ... /pid/10811

Dammit. I was literally just in Japan. If I'd known about these, I would have tracked down a set before I came home. Thanks for the heads up, I might try to get a friend to source me a set.

Ultra thin merino socks is a must. Currently Burton but Im looking for options like Falke and others.

Mons Royale Supermons 3​/4 one-piece. All I want in a base layer. All the good things that the Ninja suit don't have, it's truly superior. Since I've got it the Ninja will never be used. Maybe not as keel like the Blaster but still.

Holy shit. This looks awesome. I have a Patagonia onesie, but lack of 3/4 means I wear my separates 95% of the time. I might track this down, I have issues with merino durability with Icebreaker and Smartwool, but I've heard Mons Royale is a step above in quality.

[Spenser]

I'm one of the few I know of who hasn't clicked with bibs. Almost to the point that I don't get it in general, hah. Probably should give them another chance, but that costs money.

[eleveneightnate]

3. Bibs. I exclusively wear bibs unless I'm riding in summer-like warm conditions. No pow down my ass crack unless I REALLY done fucked up, don't have to deal with ineffectual uncomfortable powder skirts or proprietary jacket to pant connections, and more comfortable since I can give my ass more space without worrying about how the waist fits.

100% on the bib wagon with you. So nice feeling sealed up and not fucking with a pow skirt. I actually wear mine in spring/slush conditions with just a hoodie under.

8. Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones. These were a gamechanger for me. I wear them all the damn time. I initially bought them because I wanted to listen to music while still being able to hear baby. Nowadays unless I really need noise isolation, I reach for these over my noise-cancelling over-the-ear headphones. I wear them just around the house, running, skateboarding, snowboarding, wherever. I still retain situational awareness, and they're damned light and comfortable, enough so that I've left the house multiple times forgetting that I was wearing them and have fallen asleep in them a bunch. My only real concern is their life span, since they have a small irreplacable lithium ion battery.

Interesting, I've been wondering how well these work. Might have to give them a try.

[eleveneightnate]

Throwing these on the list. I have really flat feet, so I can't get too crazy with arch support insoles. These are pretty flat with great impact foam. Can't imagine boots without them now.

Screenshot 2023-09-22 144104.jpg (159.87 KiB) Viewed 1125 times

[michaelangelo]

Ooo I’ll echo what @kimchi said about Asian fit goggles. I ran AB for a long time until I got a set of Asian fit M3s. Life is so much better with those. I have M4s now but would like to go back to M3s at some point since I’m in a helmet now.

+1 for bibs. Riding in Michigan mainly.. spend a lot of time fucking around or in and out of the park = lots of sliding on my back and ass.

+1 for boot fitting foam. I don’t remember who told me about Tognar here, but the “C” ankle wrap foam has been in almost all of my boots.

[Spenser]

Tognar was probably me, or maybe it was Nate who responded to that post. I bought a couple different ankle shapes, but the big DIY square has been super useful too. Amazing how easy it can be to improve the fit/hold of a boot.

[eleveneightnate]

I forgot I put the Tognar Cs in my Acerras. They’re legit.

[Spenser]

Ultra thin merino socks is a must. Currently Burton but Im looking for options like Falke and others.

Mons Royale Supermons 3​/4 one-piece. All I want in a base layer. All the good things that the Ninja suit don't have, it's truly superior. Since I've got it the Ninja will never be used. Maybe not as keel like the Blaster but still.

I was looking at these last year or so. Probably going to have to pick one up. I've had a merino ninja since they came out in 2011, which I have worn here & there over the years, but it's falling apart a bit. Part of that came from when I tore my MCL… ripped it in a couple places. Damn tree.

What I would really love is a heavy/fleecy onesie, so I could wear only that on colder days. Not really a fan of multiple layering unless necessary.