Backcountry Ski Boots buying guide

Want to enjoy the adrenaline-pumping thrill in skiing? Then you have to explore the world of backcountry skiing. In the sport, you will enjoy new tricks and a whole lot of thrilling slides. To enjoy the activity with full comfort and safety, you have to invest in proper backcountry ski boots.

The boots allow you to enjoy various tricks while you are ascending or moving downhill on a slope. They provide you with the utmost comfort and safety. All you need is to look for the right fit.

While selecting a suitable pair, you have to look into various elements. You have to look into its size, weight, flex, comfort, and many other additional properties. Gathering information on these metrics needs time. You have to look into various sources. But there is no guarantee that you will get all the correct details.

On the contrary, if you get access to a comprehensive buying guide, you will get all the correct facts on all the metrics at a single stop. You can analyze them with your requirements and funnel down the best product for your feet.

Having a clear picture of the product is also imperative. So, let us go through a quick introduction and then move further into the guide.

What do you mean by Backcountry Ski Boots? Why do you need them?

Backcountry skiing is an activity that is an adventure and sport on its own. But to enjoy it, you must ensure you equip yourself with all the gear to guarantee your safety.

Among the gears you need, the backcountry ski boots is one of them. They are boots that not only keep cold off your feet but also offer you to maintain your balance on the snow as you race downhill or ascend to the top.

You need to ensure the boots have a proper foothold and insulation to the cold while not weighing too much at the same time.

Why should you read this buying guide before selecting appropriate backcountry ski boots?

Several brands in the market present their models. You cannot blindly invest your money in any product. You have to study every element to select the best option.

In this guide, you will get all the information at your disposal. You get correct answers to all the common questions and queries. The guide saves you from the unnecessary hassle of looking into various sources for collecting all the essential details.

So, without any further delay, let us dive into this immense pool of information.

Categories of Backcountry Ski Boots

The backcountry ski boots are of the following categories.

1. Ultralight

The ultralight has a design mainly for ski mountaineering or uphill journeys through the deep backcountry. The make is such that it is lightweight with a completely minimalist build.

The ski boots, being lightweight, can be beneficial when you go on multi-day travel. If the shoe is heavy, it will, in turn, cause you exhaustion from carrying extra weight.

Being lightweight in comparison with other backcountry Ski Boots, and thus it allows free movement with these boots. Hence it mainly is for long uphill journeys or long travels.

You cannot use this for skiing or traveling on icy terrain because of its minimalistic build. Of the many significant ultralight boots known, Arc'teryx Procline AR Carbon and also the Salomon S/Lab X-Alp are known to be prominent.

2. Sidecountry

Sidecountry are those to be of use for skiing at terrains, less uphill than those in the backcountry. Hence the name sidecountry, which shows it to be less intense in comparison.

These are terrains in the sidecountry that require less travel uphill and accessible by the resort easily. The sidecountry boots have bulkier designs with four buckles and an increase in weight. Like the alpine boots, these boots provide downhill stability than the uphill comfort.

Lange XT Free LV and the Rossignol Alltrack Elite both belong to the side country of the backcountry ski boots categories.

3. All-Around

Also known as alpine touring, the all-around boots are as its name suggests. You can use it for all purposes - be it extreme ski mountaineering or for the sidecountry terrains.

The all-around or the alpine touring boots are such that it provides you both lightweight to ascend uphill and more gripping and build to ski downhill too. Hence, as its name shows, the all-around boots can be of use for both uphill and downhill travels.

The alpine touring boots are pricey because of its build that supports for flexible use. The Scarpa Maestrale RS is an all-around boot that you can use for both instances.

Things to deem about while selecting appropriate Backcountry Ski Boots

Weight

Weight matters a lot in backcountry ski boots. You must always carefully consider what particular terrain you need the ski boot for.

It alone can influence the comforts and ease of movability in the snow. If it were to be too heavy, it can exhaust you in no time and hinder your travel ultimately. But if it were to be too lightweight, then it poses its share of problems.

The average weight of the backcountry ski boots is 7 pounds. The alpine ski boots weigh 11 pounds, which is the upper limit, whereas the lowest is 3 pounds.

If you need to travel short distances, then ski boots weighing about 8 pounds would be the best. Whereas for an uphill trip, the ideal weight of the ski boots would range between 5 to 7 pounds, ensuring the entire journey, both uphill and downhill, is comfortable.

Flex rating

Flex rating is a critical factor while skiing. It means the amount of pressure you have to apply to flex the boot forward.

The lower the flex rating is, the softer the backcountry ski boots are. A boot with a higher number would mean the vice versa, meaning that the boot is stiffer. A 70 flex rating would mean that the ski boot is super soft for a beginner alpine boot, while a 130+ of flex rating for a ski boot is the flex rating for the expert model.

A beginner's best choice is to choose a soft ski boot with a lower flex rating. In contrast, the advanced skiers decide upon the ski boot with a higher flex rating and stiffer. Ski boots with fewer flex ratings are the best choice for people with lighter body builds.

The flex rating preferred for a beginner is around 70-90, intermediate has been 90-110, and advanced is 100-120. But for an expert, the flex rating goes 120+.

Mondopoint

Mondopoint refers to your feet' length in centimeters - this enables you to determine your ski boots size. Size is equally important, as any other factor, because a ski boot of the wrong size will either cause you discomfort or hindrance.

You can easily map out your mondo point or mono size on your own with ease. Place the back of your foot towards the wall, while your toes are sticking out. Now measure the distance from the foot against the wall to the toes in centimeters.

The measurements you get can approximately consider it being your mondo size. But despite the ease of knowing your mondo measurements, it is still better to ask an expert to find the right fit.

Last

Unlike the mondo point or mondo size, which is the measurement of your length of the foot, the last is the measurements that correspond to the foot's width. The last measurement is in millimeters instead of centimeters.

Just like the mondo size, it is equally important to determine the perfect fit of last. While choosing a size that fits you properly, the last or in a general sense, your foot's width is also important.

For wider feet, a last of 100 millimeters and above best, while for narrow feet, a range between 95 and 98 millimeters is optimal. But just as the mondo point, it is best to consult a professional in the matter of choosing a ski boot that has to fit you properly.

Walk mode/ cuff rotation

Skiing in the backcountry deals with moving both uphill and downhill. Hence all the backcountry ski boots have designs for both walk mode and ski mode.

For the walk mode, the ski boot must have an increased mobility range for an uphill journey. In contrast, the ski mode of the ski boots means to have significant support within while being stiff for descending downhill.

Each ski boot has an option to switch to and forth from ski mode and walk mode. This is usually present as a lever that changes the mode by flipping this.

Cuff rotation depends upon the materials used in the making. A ski boot with higher cuff rotation proves to be comfortable for long ascents.

Buckles

The buckles present on the backcountry ski boots are anywhere from two buckles to four buckles. In contrast, the alpine boots have four buckles.

The number of buckles depends on the uphill and downhill travel performance needed. Fewer buckles mean that there is a decrease in rigidity and power. For skiers aiming for uphill travels, fewer straps will just do. But for those who want to descend downhill, three or four buckles are better.

Most ski boots now offer power straps. These are removable and hence make it easier to accommodate both scenarios by adding a little support for the downhill. While going uphill, you can remove these, since it only adds on as extra weight and of no use.

Most buckles are of aluminum make, which includes a ladder along with a catch bail. Few ski boots also offer buckle closure, but it is still better practice buckling.

Soles

As the weight and size fit, the soles of the ski boots are important. The Boot sole determines which bindings will fit the ski boots.

The alpine type ski boot sole is just flat on the bottom, making it compatible with the frame style binding. With the bottom having a sticky rubber while the sole is like that of a boat, it is easy to walk in snow.

While there are some which are only compatible with the tech bindings type. These are the types where the bottom sole is kind of rockered as opposed to that of alpine boots, which are just flat.

Hence, in recent years, a third alternative came to be. These are the WTR and GripWalk technologies, which allow supporting both the frame bindings and tech bindings too.

Binding type and compatibility

There are two major binding types in backcountry ski boots, namely tech binding and frame binding. Depending on the style of ski boot you decide, the binding compatible with it is under the same influence.

The tech bindings, also known as pin bindings, have metal prongs at the toes. This inserts into small holes at the front side of the boot. The heel locks in during the downhill part of the travel, while during the uphill journey, it remains free. These bindings are lightweight and thus offer less power.

Frame bindings are downhill bindings that attach to the rail. This extends from heel to toe. The rail can attach and detach from the heel and thus making it accessible for both the uphill and downhill part of the journey. Though the tech bindings provide more power, it also is bulky and heavier too.

The frame bindings are comparatively cheaper than the tech bindings. But a majority of the ski mountaineers choose tech bindings over the frame bindings. People who select frame bindings are mostly beginners or those who travel downhill mainly.

The tech bindings are only compatible with boots made for it in particular. Otherwise, the tech bindings won't fit at all. But now more of the ski boots compatible with the tech bindings are available.

Whereas the frame bindings already have a wide range of ski boots that are compatible with it. The frame bindings can be compatible with some meant for tech bindings too.

Boot liners

The backcountry ski boots comprises both an inner liner and an outer shell. The liner is for providing comfort and warmth. While the outer shell is for offering strength during the downhill ascend.

The most frequent type of boot liners is the slip-on, while some have the lace closure as additional support with it. The slip-on also comes with a forward tongue, but for some liners, there is no tongue present.

Depending on how secure and degree of its adjustable, you need to choose the liner. The foam in-between the outer shell and inner liner can be open-cell foam designs. These are budget-friendly and comfortable but become dry after time. Some premium closed-cell foam liners are present, which are expensive and better than the cheap foam.

Place of Skiing

The place of skiing is a crucial factor to consider before going skiing. This is because the location of skiing determines the proper gear and equipment you will need. You need to know if the place of skiing you have chosen demands you to equip with gears to provide either uphill or downhill performance.

If you decide on the backcountry as your place, then you will need to choose ski boots that offer you excellent mobility and for long walks. For people who want to get the best out of both, then you will have to opt for ski shoes that can efficiently balance the uphill and downhill performance.

If you want to go long distances or multi-day travels, it is best to go for ski boots, offering you great comfort. Make sure it is not heavier than the amount. Even the slightest weight addition can make a tremendous difference over a long journey.

Skier Type

A skier type helps you decide upon for what purpose will you require the ski boots? And based on this, what type of ski boots should it be, along with the binding type needed.

It also depends if you are new to skiing, a beginner or an advanced or maybe even an expert skier. Depending on all such factors of what type of skier type you are, you find a ski boot fitting you.

If you are a beginner and new to skiing, you should look for a ski boot that gives you great comfort and fit. If it does not fit you correctly and if you find it too uncomfortable, then your chances of going skiing are slim. Hence you must choose the best-fit ski boot for you.

Intermediate and the advanced skiers can go along with the regular ski boots based on the place and what you want to do. They have a wide range of options available for them that balances comfort and powerful performance.

Many backcountry ski boots are available, which can balance both uphill and downhill performance. They also provide a considerable amount of comfort during the entire trip.

The expert skiers opt for ski boots that give them the best power output. They mainly focus on the performance they receive from the ski boots for their travels.

Women's Shoes

Despite most of the ski boots meant for all, there are some dedicated for women. There is not much of a difference between some regular ski boots and ski boots just meant for women.

The major key features of the ski boots for women is that they mostly come in smaller sizes. They are also more graphical to make it look more attractive. The most important thing is that the women's ski boots have a low flex rating - meaning they are a lot softer.

But since this is all made under the assumption that this would just fit them, though it does mostly, sometimes it has not. Like this, you can find a pair of ski boots in the regular section meant for unisex.

Making of ski boots dedicated to just women may or may not have implied successfully. But it still provides more choices to choose from.

Steps To Fit a Backcountry Ski Boots

Step 1

When you are trying the boot for the first time, replace the liners with your own insoles. Put your foot in the shell such that it is just enough for your toes to touch the front. Put a finger at the back of each calf. If you can rattle your finger around, then its performance fits, else if you can barely rattle around, then its race fits. If you cannot stick your finger, then it's too small.

Step 2

Stand in a ski stance wearing both the boots and check how the calf lines up. It is equidistant in a neutral stance, and the soles should sit on the ground flat.

Step 3

After ensuring the shell fits perfectly along with the cuff adjustments, spend some time to feel for any other things. Then buckle the ski boots and check for any issues you might face after you spend some time wearing it.

FAQs

1. Do I have to purchase different boots for ski touring?

No, there is no need to purchase any special boots for the activity. You can use your normal bindings as long as they fit your boots.

2. Can I use the frame bindings for side country and uphill climbing?

Yes, they are the best bindings to pair with your boots. These allow you to enjoy backcountry skiing and provides full comfort during uphill climbing.

3. Can I pair my boots with any bindings?

No, all the bindings are not compatible with all the models of boots. You have to for different elements and select the one that fits your pair.

Typically, most of the downhill shoes are compatible with all the downhill bindings. However, you must look carefully before selecting the appropriate option.

Summing Up

With all this information under your possession, what are you waiting for? All you need is to do is select the right pair for your feet.

Here in this extensive guide, you will get all the necessary details that will aid you in sorting out the best option. Having the right pair allows you to enjoy the activity comfortably and safely. So, have a quick look at all the pointers and select an ultimate pair for your trip.