Skiing 101: AT Boots & Bindings
Ski touring is increasingly popular, but the expanding range of "AT" boots and bindings and new standards is increasingly confusing. This 101 piece will help you navigate the backcountry landscape.
Paul Forward
2018-2019 Atomic Backland Carbon Boot
The Atomic Backland Carbon offers the best uphill performance of any boot we’ve reviewed, while still providing impressive power on the descent.
Dynafit Vulcan vs. Salomon MTN Lab
Here it is, a direct comparison of two of the best touring boots we’ve ever skied: the Dynafit Vulcan and the Salomon MTN Lab.
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Deep Dive: Black Diamond Carbon Convert vs. Blizzard Zero G 108 vs. vs. Volkl V-Werks BMT 109
We compare three popular touring skis in the 105mm-110mm width range.
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2015-2016 Climbing Skins Comparisons
More and more people are getting into ski touring, so we’ve compared some of our favorite climbing skins, and offer notes on their relative strengths and weaknesses.
Deep Dive: Powder Ski Comparisons
If all this talk of an El Nino winter has you thinking of deep pow & fat skis, then check out our overview of more than a dozen pow skis, including the DPS Lotus 120 Spoon, Salomon Rocker2 122, Volkl Two and Shiro, and more.
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Mountain Equipment Firefox Jacket
We've put over 80 days in the Mountain Equipment Firefox jacket and it's still the best multi-season shell we've tested. Our review also answers the question: What’s the difference between Gore-Tex Active and Gore-Tex Pro?
Tecnica Cochise Pro 130 vs. Lange XT 130
The Cochise Pro has been the undisputed king of burlier alpine boots with a walk mode. But the new and improved Lange XT 130 is now a serious challenger.
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Patagonia Refugitive Jacket
Gore-Tex has a new technology called C-Knit, and it has been put to very good use in the Patagonia Refugitive Jacket
2017-2018 Salomon MTN Lab
The Salomon MTN Lab AT boot is one of the most impressive products we've ever reviewed.
2015-2016 Salomon X Max 130
Salomon calls the X Max 130 their “top level race boot,” but we discuss both its on-piste and off-piste performance.
2020-2021 Volkl V-Werks BMT 109
The Volkl V-Werks BMT 109 isn’t the lightest touring ski we’ve tested, nor the best in firm crud or deep pow. But it is the best all-around performer in its class.
Dynafit Vulcan
The Dynafit Vulcan set the current standard for high-performance AT boots. So before we discuss some new challengers, here is our very detailed review of the Vulcan.
Douchebag Ski Bag
The Douchebag is one of the lightest roller ski bags we’ve seen, and it is by far the most compressible / stowable bag we’ve tested.
Black Diamond Halo 28 JetForce Airbag Pack
Update: The JetForce Airbag technology is a game changer, but see our update regarding the BD recall and make sure your pack is good to go.
Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket and Bibs
The updated Patagonia PowSlayer kit might be some of the best freeride-oriented outerwear for resort and backcountry use.
La Sportiva Spectre
Update: the La Sportiva Spectre has stood as one of the most adjustable and best values in AT boots—and it's been updated to provide a better fit.
2017-2018 Whitedot Redeemer CarbonLite
The Whitedot Skis Redeemer sits favorably in the growing class of ~8 lb-per-pair powder skis, and should be on the radar of anyone who tours for untracked snow, or who just prefers lighter pow skis.
Dynafit Beast 14 AT Binding
"Overall, these are the most versatile and functional bindings I’ve clicked into for all around use."
Outdoor Research Vanguard Jacket
The Outdoor Research Vanguard is a good resort jacket for those who want the feel of a soft shell and storm protection of a hard shell.