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Snowboarding has burst from the confines of chairlift access, with splitboards being the choice for most riders searching for new terrain, solitude, or a change of pace. Over the past decade, splitboarding has provided a stoke injection that combines the pioneer spirit of the 80s with clever technology and backcountry knowhow. As the gear has improved, the number of splitters has boomed, and luckily--there's plenty of room for everyone out there. 

Splitboards offer the same variety as their inbounds counterparts. Shapes range from aggressive and stiff all-mountain boards that would be right at home next to climbing harnesses and ice axes to short'n'wide volume-shifted boards made for mellower pow runs and good clean fun.

Whether you're motivated to conquer an objective, looking for some hippy turns, or just taking a breath and a walk in the woods, there's a splitboard setup for you in 2020.

Our 2020 Splitboard Picks

The splitboard landscape is always expanding, with a plethora of choices added every season. The diversity we're seeing in shapes, flexes, and women's boards is an exciting development, one we can't see slowing down anytime soon. 2020 is ripe with board options for riders of all levels. 

Jones Solution

We chose to feature this board because of its uncompromising approach: if you speak in terms of aspects, safe zones, and points-of-no-return, this is a board for you. Gnarly Charlies and heavy hitters aren't crazy, they're eliminating variables. The Jones Solution is their splitboard of choice.

Salomon Super 8 Splitboard

Your favorite deep snow freestyle board, just cut in half: the Super 8 Split comes from the mind of Josh Dirksen, Mt. Bachelor's resident swoopmaster. Slightly set back, a little bit tapered, and lively as all hell, the Super 8 is fast and fun. With custom Pomoca skins included, this one's ready to rip!

Arbor Swoon Splitboard

From its mellow rocker that floats like crazy but still stays planted on the skintrack, to its perfect Thunderhead shape, to the eco-friendly manufacturing process, this women's splitboard gives us plenty to swoon about. A big-mountain freestyle board for hard charging riders?--let's go!

Splitboard Bindings

Gone are the days of DIY setups with heavy bindings on even heavier slider plates that put you two inches above your splitboard deck. Don't recognize any of those references?--count yourself lucky. Splitboarding bindings are the key to a good day in the backcountry. They must be durable and dependable, and it's nice if they're lightweight and comfortable. Luckily, there are a few products that tick all these boxes. Here are a few of our favorites.

Union Expedition

With the Expedition, Union's hit on a thing that's been missing from splitboarding: a binding that feels like your solid board's. Made from premium materials by the leaders in binding construction, the Expeditions will have you doing doubletakes as to whether you are, in fact, on your splitboard.

Karakoram PRIME Connect R System

The tech-obsessed and weight-conscious crew at Karakoram have devised a system that's surprising in its simplicity: a splitboard binding that can be mounted to your solid board, so you can ride these in- and out-of-bounds. The Connect System saves setup time and travel space. Innovative minimalism: we love it!

Spark R&D Arc Pro Bindings

If you ask what splitboard bindings a mountain guide or pro photographer are using, chances are they'll say Spark R&D. The Arc Pros have everything an experienced splitboarder wants, and nothing they don't. These are proven bombproof, extremely lightweight, and deserve inclusion in any top picks list.

Splitboarding is the return to snowboarding's past, but it's a curious past that didn't really exist. It's simultaneously old and new, a wonderful combination of innovation, spirit, and fun. Check out Arbor's HOME, a great look at how splitboarding fits into the sport:

Looking for more educational resources? Check out evo's extensive list of Backcountry Guides below and bookmark these handy avalanche centers and resources -- both the evoCollective and evoCrew:

General:Washington: Oregon:Colorado:  
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How to Choose Climbing Skins

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