Snowboarding gear includes more than just a snowboard. For many snowboarders, style is at the heart of things, and there are plenty of designs to choose from when it comes to snowboarding jackets. Snowboard pants also offer a lot in the way of variety, and you certainly don't want forget about the boots or the optional helmet on your snowboarding vacation. Optional or not, snowboard helmets are important, as the most serious kinds of snowboarding injuries are head injuries. You surely won't want to forget to put a helmet on when venturing into a terrain park or half pipe.

Snowboarding gear has really taken off in recent years as the sport continues to grow in popularity. While snowboarding history saw only a couple of companies churning out boards in the early years, a number of different companies make snowboards these days. Take one look at a snowboard catalog, and you will notice that the artistic designs on the various boards run the gamut. Some companies even allow you to put your own design on a board. In addition to considering the artwork when choosing a board, you will also want to take note of its overall performance quality. A board that performs extra well will especially be of interest to those who are skilled riders.

As important as picking a good board might be, you will also want to use discretion when buying boots and bindings. High quality boots and bindings will only help you maximize your time on the slopes, especially if you have a full season at the many ski areas in mind.

When buying snowboarding jackets, many riders look to mix performance with style, and for good reason. Whether you like lively patterns or you prefer a more subdued look, finding a jacket to fit your wants and needs shouldn't be hard. On the performance side, a jacket that is water proof or at least water resistant is recommended. You'll also want to choose something that is relatively lightweight, yet warm. Most snowboarding jackets are insulated, and if you are interested in getting a jacket with a hood, the hood is also likely to be insulated. The best jackets also feature features such as pit zips and the option to remove the insulated lining. These things can come in handy if you get too warm. While spending spring break skiing in Colorado, for example, it's often too warm for fleece liners.

Whether you're planning on hitting the slopes in Colorado or Connecticut, buying a good pair of snowboard pants will also help you maximize your overall experience. These days, the pants are every bit as stylish as the jackets, so you never know what you might come across in shops. Most riders agree that a baggy fit is stylish, at least when it comes to the younger crowd, and you can always pick up a pair of snowboard pants with pockets. The best snowboarding pants also have vents for warmer days and are waterproof. Staying dry on the slopes has its obvious advantages, especially on colder days.

When purchasing snowboarding gear, you don't have to pay full price to get the good stuff. Discount gear is not hard to come by, especially if you're willing to work with last year's products. Numerous companies have joined the market in recent years, and this increase in competition only means bigger savings for the customer. It is worth noting that today's snowboarding gear takes the two sexes into consideration. There are products designed exclusively for women and products that cater to men.

Snowboarding gear can get expensive. As such, those who are just starting out might look to rent their equipment. Regardless of whether they are found in Colorado, Utah, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or any other number of destinations, most ski resorts offer equipment rentals for both skiers and snowboarders. You can also choose to book some snowboarding lessons at most resorts around the world if you please. In other words, you don't have to own your equipment or even know how to snowboard if you want to try the sport. Be careful, however, as chances are good that you will get hooked and find yourself shopping for snowboard pants, jackets, boots, bindings, and boards before you know it! There's a reason this sport has experienced huge growth in recent years. It's a world of fun.