One board to rule them all.  Simple in construction and technical in its output. The Burton Hometown Hero is a perfect board for someone looking for a board with a freestyle mindset in an all-mtn package.  Featured in the heart of the Burton Family Tree line this board is offered in a ton of sizing so no matter how you identify there is a size for all.  It has an all-mtn set-back shape featuring 12mm of taper, camber under the feet for suspension, snap and drive and has an early rise rocker in the nose making this board excel as the snow gets deeper and the terrain gets steeper.  While this board is on the slightly stiffer side the baseline and early rocker of this board allows it to initiate into a turn easily making it attainable for someone who is moving from an intermediate to advanced level rider.

Plain and simple these bindings can do anything and take you anywhere. Not too soft and not too stiff, the Malavita has a perfect flex for someone looking for an elite all mountain freestyle binding. If I had to sum up this binding in two words it would be comfort and responsiveness. Comfort coming from the AutoCANT Footbed backed with B3 gel which allows for extra padding and more drive when transitioning from heel to toe-side. I love how easily the forward lean can be adjusted when transitioning from riding park to the mountain. What I love most about these bindings are the little things. Double Take buckles are super smooth and strong allowing you to ensure quick entry and most snug fit possible. The angle strap is 3D contour molded to allow for a perfect fit no matter what boot is inside it. Do yourself a favor and make buying new bindings easy and get a pair.

If there’s one product to spend the extra $$$ it has to be your boots, because who cares if your board and bindings are perfect if your feet f’ing hurt? I chose the Trident for its supportive adjustability wrapped in a lightweight durable construction. This boot offers 3 BOA set up - inner (Tongue Tied) upper zone and lower zone to offer the most customizable fit ever. The liner features Ride’s high end INTUITION Dream Foam that can and should be custom molded to the exact contours of your foot offering maximum blood flow to keep your foot warm throughout the day. Other features include Rides urethanes Tongue Tied system which integrates the internal harness of the boot through the tongue to ensure hell lock down. The urethane tongue also helps give the boot rebound and response.  They finish this boot by adding the Michelin Traverse sole. The designed tread patterns provide optimal traction on snow and ice for ultimate grip and durability. This boot is perfect for someone looking for a slightly stiffer feel while offering superior support and comfort that can handle 100+ days on hill.

Maybe my favorite high end technical jacket of all time. This jacket is wrapped in 3L Gore-tex PRO that is guaranteed to keep you dry in the wildest elements you may find yourself in. The slightly oversized hood also fits perfectly around a helmet. Another reason I love this jacket is the pockets. That’s right, it has the perfect amount of pockets for long days in the backcountry splitboarding and resort days. The jacket also offers strategically placed ventilation for those who run on the warmer side.  For those looking for a crunchy impenetrable jacket with an amazing fit this is the ONE. 

Vintage Ronin Standard Jacket: Almost 20 years later this jacket still looks brand new. If you know Ronin, you know it represents a time when experimentation in fits, fabrics and colors were blended beautifully into functional snowboard apparel that could also be worn in the streets. For those looking to reduce their environmental footprint don’t be afraid to find your favorite vintage reseller and look for those iconic outerwear pieces. #bringbackronin 

What is “low bridge fit”? Well, it’s a term newly coined from its predecessor “asian fit”. Regardless of the name, a key point of this gear guide is to ensure that the right product can find its way to the right consumer to maximize the time in the mountains.  For those of us who have a low bridge, you often find a little breeze sneaking its way to your eyes while taking runs down the hill. That is because your goggles are not properly fitting your face. The difference is there is more foam there so your goggles will fit snugly on your face. No more powder snow going up and getting into your inner lens space with these.

An Oakley team and company employee favorite. No doubt this goggle has graced the face of more podium winners since its debut than the rest. The Line Miner features a cylindrical lens with Prizm snow technology. Prizm is a high contrast lens to make sure you see the most in flat light. The fit of this specific goggle is Global fit. More foam on the face than a traditional fit, but less foam than Low Bridge Fit. Rumor has it that Low Bridge Fit will be making a return to the US market soon :). 

Look fast, feel fast, go fast. 

After working for Crab Grab for 10 years I can honestly say this glove is my favorite. The legendary Cinch Mitten performance in a five fingered glove for unbeatable dexterity and chopstick compatibility.. Developed with team rider Mike Ravelson, these versatile proven performers are ready for anything, all season long. The Cinch Glove is Crab Grab’s take on a classic glove silhouette but beefed up with high end ingredients to handle whatever the conditions demand.  Ingredients like Primaloft insulation keeps the heat re-circulating in the glove to keep your hands warm all day. The Ax Palm material for unbeatable durability and a 15k Dry Claw insert that might be better than alternatives on the market. Your favorite gloves, favorite glove. 

Crab Grab Undies Glove: The finer liner is here. The Undie Gloves offer an extra layer of warmth under your mitts/gloves, and protect your fingers when you're fondling your phone texting about snowboarding. Touch screen compatible and ultra grippy, these are my go to liners on and off the mountain.

Almost better than bindings? The Crab Grab Board Thorns have been my go to traction for over 10 years. These modular traction pads are ideal for someone who is looking for low-profile traction that offers superior grip! The curved spikes work incredibly to ensure no snow is left on your boot even on the deepest powder days. Pro-tip - Put your favorite sticker underneath Crab Grab Clearish CRUBBER traction featuring see-through technology  and see what magic you can create ;). 

Your favorite brands, favorite brand. Not a snowboard specific company but with ties to Vintage Sponsor and Cooper Whittier LQQK Studios is well respected apparel manufacturing by creating extremely limited capsules of products at the highest quality. This might be my favorite beanie I've ever worn.