Atomic

Backland Alpine Touring Boot

Atomic is quickly making a name for itself in the infinitely growing backcountry scene, and the Backland Alpine Touring Boot is a big part it. Although not as light as its carbon brethren in the Backland line, this Grilamid option comes at a clean price and is still exceptionally light with a stiff feel that will charge on challenging descents.

The Backland comes with a 98mm last, making it a true low-volume touring boot. Borrowing technologies from Atomic's more dedicated alpine boots, the Backland features Atomic's Memory Fit shell technology, which allows the shell and cuff to be custom fit to the skier's feet to ensure top-shelf comfort and performance. Another detail that may catch your eye is the external Free/Lock 2.0 walk mode; a simple switch that switches between ski and walk modes and eliminates the chance of things going haywire on really cold days.

Even if you're busting your lungs on an unfathomably long approach, your comfortable feet will make up for it thanks to the supportive, heat-moldable Platinum liner. The breathable bottom keeps feet cool on the up and warm and dry during the descent, and they can be washed—so you oughta give them a proper cleaning after that stuffy yurt trip last weekend. These boots feature an impressive 74-degree cuff rotation, a frictionless pivot, and removable tongue for a feel more akin to a pair of hiking boots than a pair of ski boots. When it's time to buckle these boots down for the descent, throw the Quick Click tongue in, fasten down the two aluminum buckles and Cross Lace system, then toss a couple pole whacks and send it off the summit.