Okay so here is some honesty, I like touring and I like splitboarding but only to an extent. I really enjoy that touring offers a different side of snowboarding, that allows me to escape the crowds and discover new terrain with my buddies and going up is very much a big part of the enjoyment. One thing I do not like about splitboarding (and this will ruffle some feathers) is that in my experience and the splitboards I have ridden, do not offer the same response or enjoyment that my regular powder board offers. So, when I saw Drift Boards, I was excited to find some middle ground between snowshoes (which are a pain for longer tours) and Splitboards (a less enjoyable descent) and finally have a tool in the arsenal that allows for longer accents but allows me a choice of what to ride for the way down.

I tried out the Carbon Drift Board. A lightweight approach board that is about the same width as a powder ski. The base of the Drift Boards comes with a permanent skin attached, made of either Mohair or Nylon. Mine have a Nylon skin, which I found slides well. The Drifts fit in a regular skin track up the hill, so you won’t upset all those tourers if you damage the track when going upwards. It is possible to buy crampons that fit Drift boards too. I don’t have these and personally I think the carbon fibre construction is probably sharp enough to hold a good edge, but I didn’t get a chance to take them into icy terrain where I needed them.

The bindings are constructed from straps, that are really similar to the system that Verts use. They will fit any boots, including Step Ons too. They have a double heel riser, with the tallest option in the industry, something I found a blessing in really steep terrain.

Once you reach the peak of the ascent, you can simply take off your regular snowboard from your backpack, put the Drifts on your backpack and drop in. It’s a far simpler process than constructing a regular splitboard and they are so lightweight that you hardly notice them on your pack for the way down. But, if you are carrying a snowboard on your back, of course this is heavier on the way up than regular splitboarding as you won’t be carrying an extra board in that case. Something to consider on longer tours.

As I said previously, I was really excited to try Drift Approach Boards and overall, I was really happy with them. If you have no qualms on the performance of your splitboard then I would stay with a splitboard as that extra weight on your back does become a chore after some time.

If, like me you don’t like the feeling of riding a splitboard, then they offer another and a somewhat cheaper alternative that is faster than snowshoes and less restrictive than splitboards.

For more information about Drift Products go to their website www.drift-products.com