Using PMB's for snowboarding/splitboarding

I'm curious if there are any riders out there using plastic mountaineering boots to snowboard/splitboard the backcountry. I've seen some threads on splitboarder.com, but was wondering if any folks in the NW were using this set-up. It seems to make sense, providing stability for the approach in lieu of soft boots. I've heard the ride doesn't provide as much control as soft boots. I've seen a hybrid approach where snowboard boot liners are inserted into the PMB, thereby providing some control on the ride down. I tried to put my snowboard liners in my mountaineering boots, but I need larger boots. I may end up going to REI and renting some "larger" boots so I can test the setup. PMBs seem to make sense here in the NW with many of the routes requiring crampons and kicking steps. Any information on this type of set-up would be welcome.

I think I've tried it all in my day. From Sorrel's, work boots to plastic mountaineering boots. Hell, I've even used tennis shoes.

After much trial and error, I've settled on single layer leather mountaineering boots. I've been in a pair of La Sportiva K2's for about 5 years now and running, these boots are great with 60 day+ season's and still going strong. I can't say enough about the set up - crampon compatible, plenty of control, and can walk for miles and miles without a change of gear needed when you leave the access trail for the snow. Nothing like walking the 4 mile Summerland trail in boots you really like having on and don't need to change for the snow!

My plastic boot era didn't last long, as the boots I had didn't allow me enough control on the descent. And I had trouble getting my boots into my bindings - I could never crank them down enough to feel the control through the plastic. Probably not bad to have two layers if you get cold feet, but I've never had a problem with warmth in leather mountaineering boots. Especially here in the PNW where it doesn't get that cold (I've survived many -30F days in my leather boots, so yes, I do know what cold is).

Good luck finding a setup. Trial and error is half the fun.

I tried PMBs with strap bindings, and was not a big fan. I couldn't get a good tight fit. It may have been the old cheesey binding I was using, though. Never tried them with a plate binding. Is that what you're thinking? I rode with a dude who used leather mountaineering boots w/ the voile plates. It looked sketchy, but he was a fan of the setup.

I've also tried leather boots, the same K2s as MW88888888. Both suffered from a low cuff, which the snowboard inner might help with.

The leathers worked fine, but I switched to AT boots. Now, I'm pretty happy with an old pair Dynafit TLT lites that I got from Second Ascent. I think a soft pair of plastic AT boots is a pretty good set up, and several of my friends agree. It allows you to kick steps great, and gives you good control while in ski mode, while being soft enough to give you a good feel on the decent. Not as great as soft boots, but better control on traverses vs. soft boots.

Thanks for the good information.....I may try riding in my mountaineering boots w/o liners (I have the Asolo Titan GTX) and see how it goes and if there are any stability problems.  They do have a low cuff though.  MW88888888, do your leather boots have a low cuff?  It sounds like you haven't had any problems with them.  I'll probably also try some AT boots and see what happens.

I'll most likely be using strap bindings as this is what I'm most familiar and comfortable with.  I'm planning on getting a split board this winter, so I may check into plate bindings, but I agree marcr, they look sketch.  They do look lighter, which is a plus, but appear almost flimsy.  Anyway, thanks for the advice!

I taped a bit of foam to the back of my bindings which made riding in lower leather boots more comfortable. 

Stoudema - high, low? Not sure - I'd say medium - higher than my hiking boots, lower than my AT boots. I think the binding you use has a lot to do with the comfort level. I converted all my three strap bindings to two strap and these have never been an issue.

You'll suffer more in leather boots than stiff AT boots on any traverse - but this is snowboarding, isn't it - traversing sucks regardless. Everything is a give and take, and I just like the comfort with walking more than, say, my AT boots would provide. I also like strap bindings for ease of use and fixing in the BC than plate bindings or other shinnanigans. (strap bindings are just so easy to use in a storm on a cold and windy summit, and they work with any shoes - even sneakers!)