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Gear Up For The Snow Custom KitesnowboardZeal Optics Z3 GPS Bern Baker

Dakine Heli ProThis medium-size packis ideal to ride withfor carrying all of youressentials includinghydration pack, ava-lanche gear (beacon,shovel, probe), GPS,headlamp, and radios.$85; dakine.com

Dakine WranglerWhen the mercurydrops try the Wrangler,a medium-weight glovewith superior grip andplenty of dexterity de-sired while snowkiting.$70; dakine.com

DakineViper Gloves

For warm spring ses-sions or getting set up,break out the thinnerand more breathableVipers. Viper $35;dakine.com

Protect your head whilesnowkiting and snowmobil-ing! Need we say more?$100; bernunlimited.com

Having GPS technologybuilt right into your gogglesmakes snowkiting more funthan ever. Track your route,speed, and elevation orswitch to the jump featureto measure your airtime.$549; zealoptics.com

Core snowkiters may enjoy De-cosses 155 cm Kite Asymmetri-cal board that oers an extrainch in width to stay afloat in thepowder in addition to two sepa-rate sidecut radii. One sidecutfor freestyle and pop, or switchyour bindings to the other side-cut for speed and long-distancetracking. (Custom board graph-ics are optional)$799; decossecustoms.com

Backcountry Snowkite Gear? AT (all terrain) skisPrefer using skis to ac-

cess the goods? Try a pair of AT skis boots and

bindings. This lightweight backcountry setup

oers a free heel for skiing up the mountain,

then when you reach your location, lock downthe heal for kiteskiing.

SplitboardA great option for when you

ride far away from the road or snowmobile.

If the wind dies, convert your snowboard to a

pair of free heel skis and cruise through the

backcountry with ease.

SnowshoesSnowboarders may choose to

use snowshoes when setting up their gear in

the deep powder then strap them to the pack

in case of a long hike out.

Foil Kites vs. Inflatables?Chances are youalready own an inflatable and know exactly

how it flies. If this is the case, your tube kite

will work fantastic on the snow. Foil kites have

a few advantages, such as packing much

smaller for backcountry missions and inflating

almost instantly. Your decision comes down to

budget and personal preference.

PHOT

OS:RICHARD

HALLMAN

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HMK Team Boa Focus SnowmobilesSkisShockStrap Climbing Harness

Nikon CoolpixAW100

This 16 MP water-proof, shockproof, andfreezeproof point-and-shoot boasts GPS andan electronic compass.$380; nikonusa.com

Oakley SethmoJacket

This thin stylin water-proof shell fits snug toyour body allowing yourkite harness to fit tightagainst you to preventharness rotation.$500; oakley.com

OakleySethmo Pant

No one likes snowdown their pants, andwith this low-profilebib, youll stay dry andwarm no matter hownasty the fall.$400; oakley.com

Many riders are using climb-ing harnesses worn undersnow pants in addition totheir kite harness. Whenused together, there is in-creased support and it also

prevents the waist harnessfrom riding too high. Startingfrom $38;blackdiamondequipment.com

A hybrid bungee/tie-downwith carabineers on bothends for the quickest andeasiest way to lock downyour kites, skis, or snow-board to your sled.$18; shockles.com

Looking for the top ofthe line waterproof bootmade for snowmobilingand snowboard cross-over? Look no further.This Boa boot is support-ive, comfy and light.$380; hmkusa.com

A decent sled will runfrom $2,500 used andup to 12K new. Al-though sleds are not anecessity, they can getyou in and out of thebackcountry faster thanever. Beware of cheapused sleds to prevent

breakdowns.

Its up to you to pick the rightski for you and the day. Fat,twin tip, telemark or all- terrain-They all work. Custom kiteskishapes available.

$799; decossecustoms.com

(Left to right) Aaron Sales, Tyler Brown,

Jacob Buzianis, and Kody Little En route

to the top of the Sierras.

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