How to Properly Dry Your Snowboarding Gear
After having fun, the second most important thing about snowboarding is staying warm. Staying warm usually means lots of layers and proper gear, both of which are usually tossed in the car haphazardly after a long day on snow. But it will pay off in the long run if you take some extra time to lay your gear out nicely while you're on the go. Damp gear means cold gear, and snowboarding with a slight chill is one of the most uncomfortable ways to ride.
Here’s a rider's checklist of the main soggy items that need airing out after a day on the mountain:
Goggles
On the way home from the mountain, one option is to hang your goggles on the rearview mirror. However, that's illegal in some states, so we're proposing the head rest. Either way, the point is to make sure that the foam doesn’t get mildewy and the lenses don’t get scratched. Throwing them directly in the shammy will get moisture in between the layers of the lenses, which will make them fog up the next time you go riding.
Outerwear
Don’t throw your outerwear in a pile in the trunk or shove it in your backpack—that's how it stays damp and won't dry.
Mittens, Gloves, and Socks
Throw your mitts or gloves on your defrosters to dry them out after riding.
Take your socks off after riding and let them dry out on the way home. It will also keep your toes warm instead of getting cold from damp socks. Just don’t forget to bring a backup pair of socks to the mountain with you!
Boots
Boot dryers are the world’s greatest invention. You can dry both your boots and mittens on them and they are also nice to use in the morning because they will make your boots nice and warm for your toes.
Boards and Bindings
Never put your hardgoods in a bag while they are still wet, because the edges will rust. If you are tossing your snowboard into the car and going on a long drive back home, keep a small towel in your car to dry it a little bit before letting it sit in the car and get everything wet.
After an epic weekend or season of riding, make sure to keep all of your gear organized for the next winter or trip. The best place to store all of your gear is in a temperature controlled location (NOT the basement or garage). Storing your gear in spots like that is how the integrity of bindings and boots are compromised, how jackets delaminate, and how the foam on goggles deteriorates.
If you're short on space, it's a good idea to keep your snowboard in your bedroom, with your boots in a boot bag that has separate storage for the rest of your riding gear.
Taking the extra time to keep everything dialed is the best way to ensure your gear keeps you warmer, lasts longer, and smells nicer in the long run—three things that are essential to continually having as much fun as possible. ∆
