Why I Love The Jones Dream Catcher Splitboard For Backcountry Adventures
If you're looking for a versatile, fun, and dependable splitboard for your next backcountry trip, let me introduce you to one of my all-time favorite setups: the Jones Dream Catcher Splitboard. This board has been with me through deep powder days, icy early mornings, and everything in between—and it continues to impress me season after season. Whether you're just getting into splitboarding or you're looking to upgrade your setup, the Dream Catcher is a solid choice that offers the perfect balance of performance, float, and playful flexibility. In this post, I’ll share why I keep coming back to this board, what makes it stand out in the backcountry, and a bit of my personal journey with it over the years.
Watch the Gear Review
Scroll down to watch my full video review on why this board is my go-to choice for backcountry splitboarding adventures.
My Splitboard Story
Hey, I’m Samantha Panzera with Adventure Hike Travel. I’m no pro snowboarder—just an average rider who gets out on the mountain often 18+ times a season (when not injured, haha) and absolutely loves it. Over the years, I’ve tried a handful of different boards, but nothing has compared to the Jones Dream Catcher.
I first bought the resort version of the Dream Catcher back in 2018, and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since. When it came time to get a splitboard for backcountry riding, I tried something different—but honestly, it felt like a total downgrade. It didn’t have the same responsiveness or float, and it just didn’t click with me.
Then, by sheer luck, I found a slightly used Jones Dream Catcher splitboard on Facebook Marketplace. It was the exact model I loved—just in splitboard form. I snatched it up immediately, and I’ve never looked back.
This board floats beautifully in powder, is super responsive in mixed terrain, and handles backcountry lines like a dream. After seven seasons of riding the Dream Catcher in both resort and splitboard versions, I can confidently say it still blows me away every time I ride.
What Makes the Dream Catcher So Special?
Here are some of the reasons why I absolutely love this snowboard.
It Floats Like a Dream in Powder
One of my absolute favorite things about the Jones Dream Catcher Splitboard is how effortlessly it floats in powder—and I mean effortlessly. There’s something almost magical about the way this board glides through fresh snow. The directional rocker profile and spoon-shaped nose and tail work together to give it a smooth, surfy feel that makes powder days feel like a dream.
Before I got this board, I really struggled to keep the nose of my board up—especially in deeper snow. With some of my other snowboards and my previous splitboard, I felt like I was constantly fighting the board just to stay on top of the powder. And after I had ACL surgery on my right knee, that kind of struggle became even more frustrating. My knee was still a little weaker, and I couldn’t rely on sheer strength the way I used to.
That’s where the Dream Catcher 100% won me over. It actually responds to my cues—I don’t have to muscle it or fight with it. The board naturally stays afloat, making turns feel smooth and fluid instead of forced and exhausting. It’s so intuitive and responsive that I can focus more on enjoying the ride instead of constantly adjusting my stance or working to keep the nose above the snow.
It’s honestly one of the biggest reasons I fell in love with this board. Every time there’s a storm and the powder piles up, I get excited knowing I’ll be riding something that won’t just handle it—but make it one of the best days of the season.
Surprisingly Grippy on Ice
For a board with a softer, more playful flex, the Jones Dream Catcher Splitboard is shockingly reliable on icy terrain. I wasn’t expecting much in the way of edge hold at first—but it really surprised me. Thanks to the camber between the feet and Magne-Traction edges, this board delivers solid grip when you need it most. The wavy, serrated edges bite into hardpack and ice just enough to give you confidence without feeling too aggressive or twitchy.
I’ve had more than a few days where I found myself questioning my life choices halfway up a steep, frozen slope, staring down what felt like a sheer sheet of ice. Those are the moments where a trustworthy board makes all the difference. The Dream Catcher has literally helped me ride out of situations that felt way outside my comfort zone. Instead of slipping and sliding my way down, I’ve been able to stay in control—something I definitely didn’t expect from a board that rides so fun and loose in softer snow.
Built for the Backcountry
The splitboard version has all the perks of the resort model but allows me to hike into those untouched lines. It’s stable, light, and easy to maneuver through trees, powder, and mixed terrain. This Splitboard it alot more lightweight from my first splitboard. The splitboard modal of my resort dreamcatcher feels exactly the same and rides amazing in a wide range of conditons, excelling in powder. Touring mode works amazingly, and switching from ski mode to ride mode is a breeze.
🏂 Smooth Transitions: Easy-to-Use Clips & Assembly
One of the things I really appreciate about the Jones Dream Catcher Splitboard is how simple and quick it is to transition from touring mode to ride mode. When you're out in the backcountry, especially in colder temps or windy conditions, you don't want to be fumbling with complicated hardware. Thankfully, the Jones Dream Catcher makes that whole process pretty stress-free.
The tail clips snap into place with minimal effort, and the board's clips hold everything together super securely without feeling overly stiff or finicky. Whether I’m setting up at the top of a ridge with freezing fingers or switching modes mid-day, the whole assembly process is intuitive and reliable. I never have to second-guess whether the board is locked in correctly—it just works.
From narrow tree lines to wide-open bowls, the Dream Catcher adapts. Whether you're on hard crunchy snow surfaces, exploring powder stashes, or hitting sidecountry laps, this board keeps up.
Versatile Enough for Any Terrain
From narrow tree lines to wide-open bowls, the Dream Catcher adapts. Whether you're on hard crunchy snow surfaces, exploring powder stashes, or hitting sidecountry laps, this board keeps up.
Gear Specs & Tech Details
Here’s a quick rundown of the specs that make this board such a beast:
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Rocker Type: Directional Rocker (camber between the feet with tip/tail rocker)
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Flex: Medium (6 out of 10)
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Base: Sintered 7000 with added carbon for speed
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Core: Full wood Classic Core – poppy and durable
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Shape: Directional Twin with Spoon 1.0 contouring
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Edge Tech: Mellow Magne-Traction for extra grip
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Eco-Materials: Recycled ABS sidewalls, castor-bean-based topsheet
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Sizes Available: From 142 to 154cm
Jones Dream Catcher Splitboard: Pros & Cons
What I Love:
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Effortless float in deep powder (absolulty love this board in powder)
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Lightweight and maneuverable for backcountry use
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Grippy and stable even on ice
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Fun, playful flex that doesn’t sacrifice performance
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Eco-conscious design and durable build
- Easy switch from ski tour mode to ride mode.
- Easy to use clips that hold the board together securely.
Something to Consider:
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Slightly heavier than some boards (but super solid and stable)
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Not the fastest board on groomers—but who’s riding groomers with a splitboard anyway?
- Lots of flex could sometimes be a bit too much bend where a stiffrer board may be better in diffrent condtions
Final Thoughts
The Jones Dream Catcher Splitboard is my go-to board for a reason. Whether I’m chasing powder stashes, making technical turns through trees, or just enjoying a chill day in the backcountry, this board consistently delivers.
If you're looking for a splitboard that’s easy to ride, floats like a dream, grips on ice, and feels playful yet dependable, I can't recommend the Dream Catcher enough.
And no, this post isn't sponsored—I bought both my resort snowboard and splitboard version of the Jones Dream Catcher with my own money. These are my honest thoughts from years of riding.
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