In comparison to some other outdoor activities, there’s not a whole lot mechanically that can go bad on your splitboard. A lot of parts are subject to wear and tear of course, but if you regularly look over your board (like when you give it a wax) you can catch most stuff pretty early and save yourself some trouble in the field.

But things can break unexpectedly, so it’s important to be prepared to fix pretty much everything, or at least get it functional enough to get you back to your car. If something is going to break, its more than likely going to be on the bindings, as that’s the most mechanical part of your board. Sure you could snap your board after the huck to flat off a 30 foot cliff, but if that’s something that concerns you, maybe you should keep it to the terrain park…and bring a lot more duct tape than I do!

So here is what I bring with me on every splitboarding trip into the backcountry.

Binding Repair Parts

Spark makes this pretty easy and convenient with a kit they sell that has extra ladders, adjusters, buckles, screws, and bushings. Those are all things that can break in the field and can sink your day, so carrying extras is worthwhile. I have broken an adjuster before in the field, and was thankful to have this kit with me to easily swap it out and continue on.

Try to get extra binding parts from your manufacturer, or if they fit, pirate some from an unused binding. I do not personally believe that the strap itself is something you should carry, because if you just look at your bindings on a regular basis, you will notice fraying and you should swap it out anyways.

Tenacious Tape

This stuff is cool. It’s not the only tape I bring, but if I get too familiar with a tree, it’s pretty easy to patch my torn jacket up.

Boot Laces

This is another one of those things that if you just look at it on occasion you’ll probably notice some fraying. But bringing another boot lace is a good idea in general. Paracord or other type of cordage is a good alternative!

Voile Straps

These are great, and nice to have for a whole bunch of uses. I carry two of them at all times. Could sub for a binding strap, broken or missing touring piece

Leatherman

Pliers are really nice to have if you need to bend something, or hold something in place. There is a nut on the arc binding heel strap where it connects to the binding frame that is hard to hold in place without counter pressure. Which you do by using….

Spark R&D Tool

This came with my arc’s, and has a bit for every screw on the binding. I dont like carrying two tools, but they are both handy.

Duct Tape

I have some wrapped around my pole, but it seems other people need it more than I do! Typical use seems to be blister care (over the moleskin to hold in place) or clothing repair.

Other Suggestions

Spare Pin: If your bindings take pins, you should always have a spare one in your kit. Losing one is pretty serious. A twig may suffice in a pinch, but I would be a very cautious rider if I had to put a piece of wood in there, or try to ride out with it loose. Recipe for injury.

Hose Clamp: Splitters don’t seem to be as hard on their poles as our skiing brethren (unless you ride down with poles out all the time, heathen), but breaking a pole does happen. A hose clamp and some tape go a long way to making something work. Plus then you can repair your skier buddy’s pole and don’t have to let a them steal your nice unbroken pole!

Spare Basket: I have yet to lose a basket, but I have forgotten to put my baskets back on my poles after using them in the summer for hiking. Wallowing in deep snow without a basket is a fabulous experience, but carrying an extra basket isn’t too much burden. This is another thing skiers seem to lose more often than splitboarders do.

What did I miss? Is there a better binding repair tool out there I am overlooking?