Burton [ak] GORE‑TEX 3L Stretch Hover Jacket
© Olav Stubberud
Snowboarding

Kit Check: Mark McMorris

There are very few snowboarders who have the list of accolades that McMorris does. While natural talent and hard work are obviously the main drivers, having the right gear is also important.
By Ben Osborne
4 min readUpdated on
When it’s all said and done, Mark McMorris will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best all-around riders to ever strap into a snowboard. That’s not to say he’s close to calling it quits - in many ways he’s just getting started.
From dominating the competition scene to building backcountry booters, McMorris can do it all - but he needs a kit that performs in every condition possible to match his style.
So what exactly does Mark rep on the daily and how does he choose the right gear? He shared with us what's currently in his kit and some insights into choosing the right boards, boots, and bindings.
01

Boards

Not all boards are made equal and choosing the one that works best for your specific riding style is important. Mark says, "The most important factors in choosing the right snowboard length is your weight and riding style. If possible, try and demo as many boards as you can before choosing the one that best suits your riding style."
02

Bindings

Mark McMorris after making finals in his last run at the Burton US Open '19

Mark McMorris after making finals in his last run at the Burton US Open '19

© Aaron Blatt

Burton’s do-it-all binding that Mark can trust when he’s swapping boards, the Malavita EST handles everything - from handrails to park laps, and backcountry booters to AK spines.
Similar to choosing the right board, Mark suggests that if you have the chance to test out some bindings before purchasing, then you should do it. "Bindings come in various stiffness levels and offer different degrees of lean, so it's crucial to pick something that complements your riding style," he said.
"This way, you can ensure that your bindings provide the comfort and responsiveness you need for an optimal riding experience."
03

Boots

Burton SLX Snowboard Boot

Burton SLX Snowboard Boot

© Burton Snowboards

When he's travelling the world hunting for fresh snow and competing for spots on the podium, there’s no room for two pairs of boots - luckily, the Burton SLX does it all.
When choosing the right boot, Mark looks for an athletic-feeling boot like the SLX. He says, "The articulated cuff allows the top and bottom parts of the shell to move independently of one another, providing better ankle mobility while maintaining a stiffer feel in the boot."
Stance: 13  -5
Stance width: 21"
04

Helmet

Oakley Mod 1 Pro

Oakley Mod 1 Pro

© Oakley

Mark is no stranger to heavy crashes, which is why he knows the value of having the right protection better than anyone. The MOD1 PRO is a classic skate-style helmet and was designed to help increase all-around durability.
05

Goggles

Oakley Line Miner™ L Snow Goggles

Oakley Line Miner™ L Snow Goggles

© Oakley

With a large-sized fit, the Line Miner goggles were optimized by Oakley to fit a variety of faces and fit with whatever helmet you're wearing. The main purpose of the design is to provide the ultimate in peripheral vision.
06

Jacket

07

Baselayer

The Burton [ak] Slokar Merino Base Layer Crewneck is the perfect choice for everything you do. It sets a new standard for merino-driven comfort while combining an unrestricted feel while being lightweight and incredibly warm.
Similar to the crewneck, the Burton [ak] Slokar Merino Pants offer durability for long lasting performance, a silky softness for more freedom of movement, and a blend of natural merino and engineered synthetic fibers to help keep you warm and dry.
08

Pants

Whether it’s the deepest day of the year or he’s sessioning the park, the AK Freebird Bib gives the added protection and warmth that Mark needs. To put the icing on the cake it’s made with top of the line waterproof Gore-Tex.
09

Mitts

Burton [ak] Expedition GORE-TEX Gloves

Burton [ak] Expedition GORE-TEX Gloves

© Burton

10

Backpack

Burton [ak] Dispatcher 25L Backpack

Burton [ak] Dispatcher 25L Backpack

© Burton

11

Sunglasses

Oakley Eye Jacket™ Redux

Oakley Eye Jacket™ Redux

© Oakley

Find what works for you

Everyone rides a little differently, so choosing the gear in your kit that's right for you is most important, and a lot of times your environment and terrain are going to guide you one way or another.
"I choose my board according to the terrain I plan to ride on any given day," Mark says. "It could be a sunny day at the resort or a final run at the X Games."
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Mark McMorris

One of the most decorated and successful athletes in competitive snowboarding history.

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