The Dynafit TLT series is a favorite among the fast-and-light touring crowd, but the simplified design does have some shortcomings. Very few boots and bindings are labeled MNC, but it is a strong indication of where the market is headed.Â, When choosing a pair of boots, it's important to think through the style and performance level of your entire ski kit, including your skis and bindings. Whereas the typical weight of an alpine ski boot design can hover around a hefty 11 pounds per pair, an average backcountry model weighs around 7 pounds and can drop as low as 3 pounds for a ski mountaineering set. 1 Color Available $349.99 $314.99 . But it’s still the Maestrale we know and love: the RS is compatible with a wide range of binding and crampon styles, sports a generous 101-millimeter last that accommodates most foot types, and its 125 flex rating is plenty sturdy for the vast majority of aggressive skiers. Overall, you get a ton of flexibility whether you choose to shred the resort on your alpine set-up or explore the backcountry with your touring kit.Â, That being said, the Kore’s four-buckle layout and 7-pound weight put it decidedly in the downhill-focused category. Shop the best selection of alpine touring boots at Backcountry.com, where you'll find premium outdoor gear and clothing and experts to guide you through selection. 3. Alpine Touring Ski Boots. In addition, the design is a little dated overall: the boot isn't as smooth while climbing, you occasionally can max out its range of motion, and it's a fairly time-consuming process to transition between hike and ski modes. 13 oz.Flex: 130What we like: Seriously good all-around performance with the Hoji Lock System.What we don’t: Not a weight leader. At under 4 pounds for the pair, it's the lightest touring boot on our list, and the impressive 74-degree cuff rotation puts it on the same level as the Salomon S/Lab X-Alp above. And boots like La Sportiva's Synchro and Shadow use the solid and durable Pegasus Plus Buckle, a system that incorporates a micro-adjusting "washer" on the end of each buckle for a more exact fit. Further, you inevitably lose some warmth and durability with the noticeably thin materials (we’re happy to see metal used for the top buckle, however). Race-oriented downhillers will want a little more stiffness and control (adding a resort-focused liner would help), and dedicated backcountry enthusiasts will prefer the Maestrale RS above with its smoother tour mode and better range of motion. If you're transitioning from alpine skiing to alpine touring, keep in mind that you'll want to size your boot a bit looser than you might be accustomed to. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. Below we break the styles down in greater detail.Â. Sidecountry, synonymous with "slackcountry" or "lift-accessed backcountry," describes out-of-bounds skiing that is easily accessed from the resort. Thus, while boots with a greater cuff rotation will be more comfortable on long ascents, they aren't able to provide as much support on the descent as a boot with harder materials or lower cuff rotation.Â, The cuff rotation specification is a good number to pay attention to when thinking about how much of your ski day will be uphill focused. Skis, bindings, and boots get a lot of attention in the touring world, but don’t overlook your humble climbing skins. Add it all up, and at $500, the K2 Mindbender 100 ticks all the boxes for beginner skiers on a budget. And a new insertable spoiler adds six degrees of forward lean. Most importantly, you want to match the design and materials... Backcountry skiing can be an incredibly rewarding way to spend your time outdoors—no crowds, untouched snow, and a skin-track workout to compliment your knee-deep powder turns... Best Backcountry (Touring) Ski Boots of 2020-2021, Best Backcountry (Touring) Skis of 2020-2021, Ski Portillo: Chasing August Turns in Chile, Best Climbing Skins for Skiing of 2020-2021, See the Women's Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115, See the Women's Dynafit TLT8 Expedition CR, See the Women's K2 Mindbender 90 Alliance, See the Women's Rossignol Alltrack Elite 120, Back to Our Backcountry Boot Comparison Table. As with the Procline, this is a focused build that excels on the uphill but struggles when driving a stiff ski in variable conditions or difficult terrain. If this sounds like you, Tecnica also offers the Zero G Tour Scout and Tour Alpine, which have 120 and 110 flex ratings, respectively.See the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro. The ski boot sole discussion actually is a continuation of the binding compatibility dialogue above. Essentially, it is a "normal" ski boot that tours. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Thus, these boots are perfect for long days in the mountains when uphill travel or long mileage is the goal, and certainly not for frequent use in bounds. 13 oz.Flex: 110What we like: Impressive cuff rotation with high flex point for aggressive downhill skiing.What we don't: Unproven durability. Further, you get the benefit of compatibility with both alpine and tech bindings—a great set-up for those who want to try out backcountry skiing but aren't ready to fully commit. To start, it's a standout on the skin track with a comfortable fit, lightweight carbon fiber and Grilamid construction, and total flex of 60 degrees, which exceeds our ankle's range of motion. Below are our top backcountry ski boot picks for the 2020-2021 season, which range from lightweight builds for deep alpine exploring to downhill-oriented models that can split time between the backcountry and resort. And while its main competitor—the Lange XT3 130 LV—can ski more aggressively, the Atomic gets the edge here as the superior all-rounder. Discover and shop our product range. First off, the included liner isn't as warm or protective as the picks above (although Dynafit did boost the insulation and comfort with this latest model). 2.8 lbs, The Scout has downhill chops (115 flex) and what a tester described as “one of the flexiest walk modes I’ve ever experienced.” The polyurethane upper makes it a natural for soaking up any terrain at nearly any speed. And whether they're made of open or closed-cell foam, most boot liners are heat moldable, a process that fits them precisely to your feet and eliminates hot spots and potential for loss of circulation. Last We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Check out our entire suite of free newsletters here. When you creep above that point, uphill travel can become an uncomfortable and overly exhausting activity. Many modern tech bindings now have a bit of elasticity, so riding them at the resort is quite tolerable. These complaints aside, the S/Lab X-Alp remains a proven favorite among ski mountaineers.See the Salomon S/Lab X-Alp, Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. Touring - Performance 7 items to enjoy the outdoor SCARPA’s Alpine Touring Performance line of ski mountaineering boots is dedicated to expert skiers in search of very high-level equipment that ensures outstanding performance on any piste. As long as they feel snug and comfortable, they'll provide you with the backcountry ski experience you're looking for.Â. 6 oz.Flex: 125Other flexes: 110, 130+What we like: Excellent performance on both the uphill and descent.What we don't: Can be tedious to get on/off due to its split boot design. https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-backcountry-ski-boots 14 oz.Flex: 95What we like: Feather-light for racing.What we don't: Feels very soft while skiing downhill.Â. And the walk mechanism connects in two spots when locked into ski mode—both at the top of the spine and the bottom—keeping the boot from bowing and deforming under pressure and increasing the flex point. Most notably, the Lange XT3 is one of the heaviest designs on our list at almost 8 pounds for the pair, which is a significant downside for those spending extended time on the skin track. However, fewer buckles also means you'll sacrifice power and rigidity on the descent. The boot does a fine impression of a mid-range downhill design with solid performance even in mixed snow conditions. Shop Alpine Touring Ski Boots at Skis.com, your one-stop shop for all things skiing and outdoors. The competing demands of weight and flexibility on the climb, with stiffness and control on the descent, means alpine touring boots are complex and incorporate high-end materials like Grilamid and carbon fiber. Ultralight (Ski Mountaineering) And although it comes with a stated flex of 100, the S/Lab X-Alp feels noticeably stiffer than the Procline (flex: 90), thanks to the spine built into the back of the shell.Â, If skiing big lines is a priority or you're looking for a single boot for all types of backcountry adventures, the Salomon X-Alp falls short. Compatible with alpine bindings and crossover tour set-ups like the Salomon Shift, the boot offers serious performance with very few compromises. But for the most part, we've found the flex rating to be a helpful tool (and we call out any boots that don't seem to match their given rating in the write-ups above). And here is where boots come into play. * Required Fields * Gender: Mens. The fit also is among the most customizable on our list thanks to Salomon’s Custom Shell HD, which is shared with the brand’s popular S/Pro resort boot and allows for extensive head molding. Compare the best alpine touring boots with reviews and technical specs. Alpine Touring Boots Salomon Shift Pro 100 AT Ski Boots Men's . When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. In the end, the Vega’s climbing skills earn it a spot on our list, but it’s caught a little too much between the ultralight and all-rounder categories to secure one of our top rankings.See the La Sportiva Vega  See the Women's La Sportiva Vega. Alpine Bindings Compatible with Touring Boots. What's more, they dry very quickly and tend to keep your feet warmer, even during the coldest days.Â, If your ski boots come with an open-cell foam liner, we have found it to be worth the price (especially for those who run cold) to buy a closed-cell foam liner separately. In the last few years, Salomon and Marker have created new technologies—Walk-to-Ride (WTR) and GripWalk, respectively—that allow a boot to be compatible with both frame bindings and tech bindings. 3.4 lbs. It's also among the most versatile touring boots in terms of binding compatibility with a design that works well with the majority of tech, frame, and crossover models. With a low weight of 6 pounds 5 ounces for the pair and a stated flex of 130, the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD toes the line better than any other boot on the market. For the uphill, the Shift checks the right boxes with an easy-to-access hike lever, tech inserts, and GripWalk soles for reliable traction. Therefore, DYNAFIT does not only have one touring ski boot in its program, but the right one for your needs. Free shipping, return, exchange to Canada. Furthermore, new MNC (Multi Norm Compatible) bindings from Atomic and Salomon take away the guesswork—they simply are compatible with every style of boot. Subscribe to our What You Missed newsletter for the top headlines from the outdoor world, in your inbox six days a week. The mountain bike trails are dry and cracking, and monsoonal rains provide only a short relief on most afternoons. In general, ski mountaineers and the majority of alpine touring enthusiasts opt for tech bindings, while beginners or those who prize downhill performance choose frame bindings.Â. Further, on the downhill, the Salomon lacks the Scarpa's smooth and progressive flex: the MTN is stiff and fairly harsh, reminding us of AT boots of the past. More Buyer's Guide: Womens. Second, speed is harder to generate and of less priority in the backcountry. A lower number means the boot is softer, while a higher number means the boot is stiffer, and you'll find numbers ranging from 70 at the low end for a super soft beginner alpine boot up to 130+ for an expert model. To be sure, Scarpa had skimo racers in mind when producing this boot, so if that is a sport that you are excited to dive into, the Alien RS is an excellent ultralight option.See the Scarpa Alien RS. Look for an increase in weight, bulkier designs, less cuff rotation, four buckles, a slightly more forward lean, and compatibility with alpine bindings. And take note: a 130 flex makes for a solid boot for expert skiers, but this stiff build will overpower those with less experience. Compared with other boots in the sidecountry category (the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD and Rossignol Alltrack Elite, for example), it's the heaviest of the bunch. Boots such as the Scarpa Maestrale RS (60 degrees) and the Dynafit Hoji Free (55 degrees) offer a good mix of both. The Dynafit TLT8 Expedition and Salomon S/Lab X-Alp are two of our favorite ultralight boots.Sidecountry Each boot has a way of locking into ski mode or releasing into walk mode, usually by way of a lever on the back that engages and disengages with a flip.Â, Walk mode and "cuff rotation" go hand-in-hand: this specification describes the amount of fore/aft motion (and in cases like the Salomon X-Alp, side-to-side motion as well) available in a ski boot while in walk mode. Overall, these features make the Tour Pro one of the lightest, stiffest touring boots on the market. For those on either end of the spectrum, Scarpa also makes a standard Maestrale (110 flex rating and $100 less) and Maestrale XT (130+ flex rating and $100 more)... Read in-depth reviewSee the Scarpa Maestrale RS  See the Women's Scarpa Gea RS. Fewer buckles means less weight, which certainly is helpful for uphill travel. Further, you’ll see prices rise as flex ratings increase, due to the more premium materials and design of a stiffer boot. Women's boots have graphics that may (or may not) have more marketing power for the female ski community. Ski mountaineers love this boot for its extremely low weight and huge cuff rotation, both vertically (75 degrees) and laterally (35 degrees). At only 4 pounds 13 ounces for the pair, the Atomic Backland Carbon is one of the lightest boots on our list, and a solid choice for uphill-focused skiers with high demands from their boot on the downhill. As an all-around option, we've given the Scarpa Maestrale RS the nod over the Synchro for a couple of reasons. As with K2’s Mindbender, the Cosmos is a good option for those just getting into the sport. While they look superficially similar to alpine ski boots, having a plastic outer shell plus an insulated liner boot, AT boots have specific features to make backcountry travel practical: 1. An alpine touring boot sole (ISO 9523) is rockered (similar to the bottom of a boat) to allow for a more natural gait. But flip the lever into walk mode, and you get surprisingly good range of motion (53 degrees with the latest model) and the GripWalk soles hold their own while hiking. And although the Alien is on the soft end of the spectrum for downhill skiing, it offers extra adjustability to make up for it with four different forward lean settings. The Salomon S/Lab X-Alp is another touring-focused boot for those of us who spend more time going up than down. The Hawx is reasonably nimble and flexible for walking, and reworked, lighter buckles in the 2020 update improve touring performance. With such impressive specs, why isn’t the Backland Carbon ranked any higher? Effectively taking the place of La Sportiva’s popular Spectre 2.0 for 2020-2021 is the Vega. They have a walk mode which is crucial for ascending and the soles are lugged in the toe for connecting with the AT specific binding. This leads to expensive price tags that often exceed $600, but a quality design that fits your feet well can be an amazing partner for exploring the backcountry. Shop for Alpine Touring Ski Boots at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Because of this, when shopping for a boot you'll want to make sure you choose a model made with a last that fits your individual foot. The boot hinges at the toe point and the heel locks in (for the downhill) or remains free (when skinning uphill). On the budget end of the spectrum are open-cell foam designs, which are comfortable at first but tend to pack out quickly. Find more newsletters on our, By: Will Taylor, Jeremy Rellosa, Ariella Gintzler, and Maren Larsen, our entire suite of free newsletters here. The good news is that most backcountry ski boots (and every boot that made our list above) are now made with tech fittings—essentially, two holes built into the toe of the boot that allow you to lock into the pins of a tech binding. This means that the downsides of switching from alpine to touring boots, aside from the cost, are pretty much eliminated. Boa closures aren’t anything new in the outdoor world, but it does give us pause about potential issues with loosening and failing over time. Noting that you go uphill 90% of the time, these are the perfect blend of uphill freedom and downhill performance. In addition, while the boot is fairly stiff relative to its feathery construction, it can feel harsh and is more difficult to drive in poor snow conditions. On the descent, the Vega lacks the progressive flex and outright rigidity of the slightly lighter Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD above (although the La Sportiva’s upgraded liner has improved comfort when you're driving it hard). Online shopping from a great selection of alpine touring boots in the Outdoor Recreation store on Amazon.com. Because of this, a backcountry ski boot's flex rating won't always translate perfectly to the flex rating of an alpine ski boot (for example, a backcountry boot with a stated flex of 110 might feel slightly softer than an alpine ski boot with the same given flex number). Most of these boots are made with tech fittings as well. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. 1 Color Available $599.99. All-Around (Alpine Touring) Get great deals on brand name ski gear like Black Diamond, Scarpa and more. And outdoors as technology continues to change so dramatically closure system, it resembles a standard ski... Are important considerations when making a purchase: what is your skill level and plenty. From its prede­cessor that it bombed on shelves, despite expert accolades and exceptional performance told many. 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