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Other backcountry skiers are in it for untracked powder鈥攖hey head out of the resort鈥檚 backcountry gates to ski and skin lap after lap of pristine snow just beyond the resort boundaries. These skiers don鈥檛 care so much about how light their equipment is so long as it crushes the downhill. It鈥檚 for this type of skier that the hybrid backcountry boot category was born.

Hybrid boots bridge the gap between the downhill performance of alpine boots, and the uphill performance of alpine touring boots. They may also feature tech inserts in the toe and walk-modes with an acceptable range of motion for longer tours, but they tend to be heavier because they鈥檙e made with burlier plastics and materials that increase downhill performance. These boots also often feature GripWalk or Multi Norm Compatible (MNC) soles that may be compatible with the bindings mounted on your resort skis, meaning they can be great one-boot quiver options that you can ski in and out of the resort.

Because we all have different backcountry agendas, we鈥檝e included 2024鈥檚 best backcountry boot options in both the hybrid and alpine touring categories. If you鈥檙e looking for one boot to use inbounds and in the backcountry, peruse our top-rated hybrid options. If you鈥檙e a dedicated backcountry skier who鈥檚 looking to shave grams to make big backcountry missions more doable, check out the boots labeled under the 鈥淎lpine Touring鈥� category. Whatever you choose, make sure you carefully consider and research your boot/binding compatibility.

How We Test

Our test starts in the back of the boot room, where we strip and examine each boot and assess the features and biomechanics of the shell and liner. Then we determine which tester would best fit each boot out of the box and send it to them to ski. We ski each boot for a minimum of three full days with our own custom footbeds and then make any necessary adjustments and ski it for a final day. For backcountry boots, we climbed and skied at least 6,000 vertical feet per boot.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Jake Stern is a freelance writer and professional bootfitter based in Mammoth Lakes, California. , the shop where he fits, has been a leader in custom bootfitting for four decades. Working with flipper-footed Angelenos who haven鈥檛 worn a closed-toed shoe in their lives, he understands the importance of comfort as well as performance when it comes to finding the right boot. Stern has been testing skis and boots professionally for four years.

The Reviews: The Best Hybrid Resort/Backcountry Ski Boots of 2024

Editor鈥檚 Choice: Dynafit Tigard 130 ($899)

Flex: 130
Last (mm): 101
Volume: Medium
Weight (per boot in grams): 1,590 (26.5)
ISO: 23223 (GripWalk with Dynafit inserts)
Size range: 25.0-31.5
Gender: Unisex

Pros:

• Amazing downhill performance for a boot with walk-mode
• 70-degree range of motion is more generous than what you find in other hybrid/all-mountain boots

Cons:

• Fit can be tricky for skiers with low-volume feet

Let鈥檚 get this out of the way at the top: Dynafit鈥檚 Tigard 130 is the most impressive hybrid boot we鈥檝e ever tried. In a category defined by compromise, this model seems to operate in a different plane of reality. The Tigard 130 is the hardest-skiing boot with a walk mode we鈥檝e ever had the pleasure of stepping into; it鈥檚 also the best walking boot we鈥檝e ever been able to put into an alpine binding. This model has replaceable GripWalk soles and could be perfectly happy never seeing a skintrack. Or a chairlift.

The Tigard, Dynafit鈥檚 imaginary tiger/leopard combo, stalks the skintrack and pounces on untracked powder, perfect corn, and manky mogul lines right under the chair. While the fit can be a little tricky for lower-volume feet, it鈥檚 a godsend for folks with high insteps who want a single boot to charge inbounds and seek adventure in the great beyond.

Read more testing feedback in our deep-dive review here.

Flex: 115
Last (mm): 98
Volume: Low
Weight (per boot in grams): 1,630 (24.5)
ISO: 23223 (GripWalk with tech inserts)
Size range: 22.5-27.5
Gender: 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚

Pros:

• A BOA boot that actually achieves a high-performance fit
• A solid option for narrow-footed skiers

Cons:

• Range of fore-aft motion is restricted by stiffness of the cuff, resulting in less comfortable touring

Atomic turned heads this year when it unveiled the only new H+i1 BOA boot in a low-volume last. For aggressive skiers who want a super-snug do-it-all boot, the new Hawx Ultra XTD 115 W is a panacea in polyurethane. While other brands conceived their BOA boots as a one-size-fits-all solution for medium- to wide-volume feet, Atomic saw an opportunity to crank down on an already snug last to give experts an even higher-performance fit on one of its most popular boots. Our testers in Washington ski a lot of bad snow, and they were pleased to report that this boot ate up refrozen death cookies, windstripped chutes, and 鈥渓umpy terrain in complete whiteout.鈥� If you鈥檙e a strong expert skier who craves a low-volume fit without a lot of wiggle room and you鈥檙e interested in short hikes or sidecountry tours, you should definitely swing by your local shop and check out the Hawx Ultra XTD 115 W. Atomic really knocked this boot out of the park; it鈥檚 confidence-inspiring and skis inbounds incredibly well.

Flex: 130
Last (mm): 102
Volume: High
Weight (per boot in grams): 1,850 (26.5)
ISO: 23223 (GripWalk with tech inserts)
Size range: 22.5-30.5
Gender: Unisex

Pros:

• Finally, a high-volume version of this popular boot for those with high-volume feet
• New mold uses mostly recycled materials, a big win in the world of ski boots

Cons:

• Skews more towards resort skiing than getting after it in the backcountry

We couldn鈥檛 have been more thrilled this year when we found out Tecnica was building a high-volume version of the Cochise, its venerable freeride touring boot. This offering stays true to the brand鈥檚 nature: fit-focused, downhill-oriented, and built with as little compromise against skiing capability as possible. The best part? Tecnica accomplished all of this in a brand-new mold that incorporates recycled materials. The Cochise HV 130 is an alpine boot with a nice walk mode, and for a large and ever-increasing number of skiers this option fills the niche. Want to walk five days a year? Great! Ski a Cochise. Did Alta open the Baldy Chutes and the booter is in? Perfect. This is an ideal boot for the skier who wants just one pair and is curious about backcountry powder, but not willing to commit to a featherweight backcountry model. With a new high-volume fit that will attract skiers looking for comfort and performance, the Cochise HV 130 checks all the boxes.

K2 Mindbender 130 BOA ($1,000)

Flex: 130
Last (mm): 97 to 104
Volume: Low to Medium (K2 MultiFit)
Weight (per boot in grams): 1,945 (27.5)
ISO: 23223 (GripWalk with tech inserts)
Size range: 24.5-30.5
Gender: Unisex

Pros:

• A solid resort-meets-backcountry boot option for skiers who split their time evenly and do it one boot
• Roomy fit above the midfoot makes it a good choice for skiers with high insteps

Cons:

• You really have to crank the BOA dial to get this boot to fit a lower volume foot

The all-new Mindbender 130 BOA is a versatile 50/50 option for skiers who don鈥檛 want to think about their setup before heading into the mountains. Equally at home on the skintrack as it is riding chairs, this boot is also a perfect travel option for ski trips without a set itinerary. Skiers with a high instep, rejoice! The Mindbender 130 BOA has a ton of room atop where the second buckle would traditionally sit. Because of the room in the heel pocket, we鈥檙e a little skeptical of K2鈥檚 MultiFit Last cranking all the way down to 97 millimeters, but our low-volume testers were able to ski this boot as hard as they wanted with the BOA spun down. The walk mode, while not delivering an astonishing range of motion, felt smooth and frictionless, and we were able to put in big days with minimal fatigue. The Mindbender 130 BOA is a solid quiver of one for the advanced, backcountry-curious skier.

Rossignol Alltrack Pro 130 LT MV ($849)

Flex: 130
Last (mm): 100
Volume: Medium
Weight (per boot in grams): 1,830 (26.5)
ISO: 23223 (GripWalk with tech inserts)
Size range: 24.0-29.5
Gender: Unisex

Pros:

• Familiar alpine boot feel
• Deluxe comfort features

Cons:

• Walk-mode range of motion is limited and better suited to quick sidecountry skins than backcountry tours

Rossignol鈥檚 ever-popular Alltrack Pro remains one of the most comfortable downhill-oriented hybrid boots on the market. The polyether Dual Core scaffo (lower shell) provides true alpine suspension and rebound, while the polyolefin cuff lightens the total package to keep you fresh in the sidecountry. Our tester loved the new double-sided power strap: It allows you to slot it under the cuff and to easily tweak the tension for hiking. The Alltrack Pro 130 MV is the most resort-focused boot we tested in the Hybrid category. There is almost no perceptible play in walk mode, keeping the spine of the boot stable and dependable. We felt the walk mode was more of a 鈥減erformance-lodge mode鈥� that wasn鈥檛 the most efficient for tours longer than an hour. But for an inbounds bootpack or quick sidecountry hits, it was more than adequate. The Alltrack Pro 130 MV is a versatile option for advanced skiers who want deluxe comfort features from a boot that doesn鈥檛 shy away from aggressive skiing.

The Reviews: The Best Alpine Touring Ski Boots of 2024

Flex: 95
Last (mm): 100
Volume: Medium
Weight (per boot in grams): 1,145 (27)
ISO: 9523 (Touring)
Size range: 23.0-31.5
Gender: Unisex

Pros:

• For a lightweight AT boot, it drives a heavier ski exceptionally well
• Surprisingly warm for a minimalist boot

Cons:

• Not quite burly enough to handle variable conditions with confidence

If your vision of spring skiing includes pre-dawn starts, steep couloirs, and booting thousands of feet to the top of your line with enough gas left in your tank to enjoy the descent, Scarpa鈥檚 brand-new F1 XT could be the boot of your dreams. The scaffo (lower shell) of the boot has a nice low-volume fit that doesn鈥檛 feel crushing for those with a medium to high instep, thanks to the tall waterproof gaiter. The upper cuff is nice and tight, with no play at all, allowing for easy power transfer to the ski. We tested the F1 XT in the biggest winter鈥攁nd longest spring鈥攖he Eastern Sierra has ever seen. That means we put it through the paces skinning steep, icy slopes, crossing raging streams, booting impossibly long chutes, and skiing back to the sagebrush. This boot blew our minds with both its blissful walking abilities and its capacity to drive any ski we threw at it.

Flex: 130
Last (mm): 100
Volume: Medium
Weight (per boot in grams): 1,280 (26.5)
ISO: 9523 (Touring)
Size range: 24.5-30.5
Gender: Unisex

Pros:

• Stiffness inspires confidence at speed and in technical terrain
• Exceptional weight-to-performance ratio

Cons:

• Lack of rearward flexion makes skinning on flat approaches a bit cumbersome

Latching the ski mechanism on Fischer鈥檚 new Transalp Carbon Pro at the top of a very big line was one of the more confidence-inspiring feelings our tester has had in the backcountry. There aren鈥檛 a lot of sub-1,300-gram boots that have the progressive flex and stiffness of this one. We tested this boot on several routes with greater than 6,000 feet of vertical and were repeatedly impressed with its ability to drive the hell out of a big ski in big terrain. It doesn鈥檛 have the best rearward flexion while walking, which can feel cumbersome on flats, but is much more stable and secure when booting steep sections than a model with no friction in its walk mode. If you鈥檙e looking for an option that skis astoundingly well for its weight, and you don鈥檛 care that it doesn鈥檛 walk like a pure skimo machine, then the Transalp Carbon Pro is a sure bet in the medium-volume category.

Flex: 130
Last (mm): 99
Volume: Medium
Weight (per boot in grams): 1,450 (26.5)
Gender: Unisex
ISO: 9523 (Touring)
Size range: 24.5-29.5

Pros:

• Incredible walking range-of-motion that feels more generous than advertised
• Burly Vibram outsole stands up to even the toughest scrambling

Cons:

• Sacrifice in stiffness in the name of shaving weight

Lange was never going to make a really light touring boot until it knew it could do it right. Each winter for the past three years, it鈥檚 released a touring boot that skis just as well as the last, while weighing less and less. This year, the brand has again shaved some grams from the XT3 Tour Pro and is introducing the XT3 Tour Light. This all-new construction keeps what we loved about the Tour Pro and adds an enormous Vibram outsole while dropping weight with lighter buckles. Lange鈥檚 ethos has put downhill performance above all else, and with its Dual Core Light Grilamid mix we felt the pop and suspension the company is known for, albeit in a breezier package. We would recommend this boot for big days in the spring, overnight missions (or longer), or powder-chasing far from the trailhead. Maybe Lange wanted a downhill weapon, but it created an uphill monster that can ski anything you have the gall to boot to the top of.

Scarpa Maestrale RS ($949)

Flex: 125
Last (mm): 102
Volume: Medium-high
Weight (per boot in grams): 1,470 (27)
ISO:
Size range:

Pros:

• Expanded forefoot improves comfort fit and warmth
• Built-in versatility makes it a do-it-all AT boot

Cons:

• Flex isn鈥檛 quite as smooth as other boots in this category

Scarpa redesigned its beefiest touring boot this year, optimizing for comfort and fit. Still using industry-leading bioplastics, the Italian brand expanded the forefoot of its flagship free-touring boot to increase warmth and ease for long days in the backcountry. We put about 20,000 vertical feet on this boot in the Eastern Sierra and were impressed by its versatility as a do-it-all AT tool. The cuff rotation felt fluid and efficient on the skintrack, with a 61-degree range of motion. The rockered Vibram sole performed solidly while scrambling up scree-choked gullies, and we appreciated the wider toe box for punching steep booters in firm snow with boot crampons. The three-piece Pebax Rnew tongue delivered a linear flex that didn鈥檛 feel quite as smooth as its more progressive competitors, but in sun-cupped and slushy snow this boot provided dependable power transfer and a stable ride. If you鈥檙e looking for a more comfortable fit for longer days or are used to cabrio-style alpine boots, the Maestrale RS will feel like home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my ski boot size?

Ski boots use mondopoint sizing, typically ranging from 22/22.5 to 29/29.5 for adults. Your appropriate mondopoint indicates the shell size you should be in, but there are other measurements that also factor into finding the right ski boot size for your foot. You need to know your foot sole length, the width of your foot, and your instep height, among other things. To determine your ski boot size and get the best ski boot fit, go see a bootfitter. A professional will be able to take all kinds of foot measurements to find the right ski boot size for your foot and your style of skiing.听.

What is ski boot flex?

• Ski boots come in a variety of flex points, from 60-130
• Ski boot flex ratings vary across ski boot brands
• The higher the flex rating, the stiffer the boot; the lower the flex rating, the softer the boot

Flex refers to how easily you can distort the ski boot鈥攈ow much force it takes to drive your shin forward. That鈥檚 based on what type of skier you are (beginner, intermediate, or expert) as well as your physical stature. Ski boots come in a variety of flex points, generally along a spectrum of 60 to 130, where 60 is considered soft and 130 considered very stiff.听.

What is ski boot volume?

Volume refers to how much space there is between the floor and ceiling in the instep of the boot, as well as how much space there is in the toe box. Most brands now make boots that come in three volume options: low volume (LV), ranging between a 97-99mm last; mid-volume (MV), between 99-101mm; and high volume (HV), between 100-104mm.听.

More from the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The Best Backcountry Skis of 2024
The Best New Bindings of the Year
The Best Powder Skis of 2024

The post The Best Backcountry Touring Ski Boots of 2024 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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Because we all have different backcountry agendas, we鈥檝e included 2023鈥檚 best women鈥檚 backcountry boot options in both the hybrid and alpine touring categories. If you鈥檙e looking for one boot to use inbounds and in the backcountry, peruse our top-rated hybrid options. If you鈥檙e a dedicated backcountry skier who鈥檚 looking to shave grams to make big backcountry missions more doable, check out the Atomic Backland Pro UL, the dedicated alpine touring boot on this list. Whatever you choose, make sure you carefully consider and research your .

Related: These moves will help prevent tight muscles after skiing

Reviews: The best women鈥檚 backcountry ski boots

K2 Dispatch LT W ($950)

Category: Hybrid
Flex: 115
Last: 100mm
Weight: 1,390 grams
Size range: 22.5-27.5
Binding compatibility: Multi-norm compatible (MNC)
Best for: Advanced and expert skiers who spend more days aggressively charging the backcountry than at the resort

The all-new K2 Dispatch LT W was built for big missions and technical descents, a lightweight freeride touring boot for advanced to expert female skiers looking to charge. At 1,390 grams, it鈥檚 remarkably light for a four-buckle touring boot; while it鈥檚 not burly enough to smash resort laps, it鈥檚 about as performance-oriented as you can get for the backcountry and the occasional inbounds day without jumping way out of the weight class. With a flex of 115, the Dispatch LT W is slightly stiffer and about 1,000 grams lighter than K2鈥檚 other new Dispatch, which is a softer and more approachable 105-flex boot. Testers appreciated the large external walk-mode lever, which is easy to use with gloves on, and the 60-degree range of motion feels on par with other freeride touring boots like the Tecnica Zero G W and the Atomic Hawx Ultra. Fit-wise, the Dispatch LT W features a pretty wide box and a 100mm last, so skiers with a low-volume foot might want to look elsewhere.

Fischer Ranger 115 GW DYN ($750)

Flex: 115
Last: 99mm
Weight: 1,590 grams
Size range: 22.5-27.5
Binding compatibility: MNC, GripWalk (GW)
Category: Hybrid
Best for: Resort skiers in search of a boot that can also hang on short backcountry tours

A charging boot that鈥檚 down to earn a few turns, the updated Ranger 115 GW DYN is an ideal everyday boot for female resort skiers who occasionally take a few backside laps. Thanks to a 115 flex and redesigned TPU cuff and shell, it鈥檚 strong and capable while railing icy groomers or jockeying for a rope drop on a powder day. Tech fittings, Gripwalk soles, and a decent range of motion make bootpacks and sidecountry hot laps a breeze. At first glance, the Ranger 115 W doesn鈥檛 look like a touring boot at all; the walk-mode lever is tucked away next to the top buckle, preventing pant legs from getting snagged on an external mechanism. For what it is, this boot walks pretty well, but it鈥檚 definitely a better choice for those who prioritize the ski down and prefer to smell the roses on the way up.

Lange XT3 Tour Pro W ($900)

Flex: 115
Last: 99mm
Weight: 1,380 grams
Size range: 22/22.5-27/27.5
Binding compatibility: MNC
Category: Hybrid
Best for: Backcountry skiers who occasionally ride the resort and are looking for a good balance of uphill and downhill performance

For decades, Lange has proven to skiers that their boots don鈥檛 mess around when it comes to powering downhill, but it wasn鈥檛 until recently that their touring boots found a seat at the table among hardcore backcountry skiers. The new XT3 Tour Pro W strikes an impressive balance between downhill and uphill capabilities, with a stiff 115 flex, a lightweight Grilamid shell, tech inserts, and Vibram soles. Testers who had skied on past versions of the XT3 and XT Free touring boots were impressed with the 53-degree range of motion on the women鈥檚-specific XT3 Tour Pro W. This new range allows you to glide through strides smoothly, but the cuff can still be cinched down at the summit for a compromise-free descent. The walk-mode lever is manageable with gloves on, although not quite as easy to manipulate as a large external lever, which testers felt was the only big drawback in user-friendliness in this boot.

Atomic Backland Pro UL W ($975)

Flex: N/A
Last: 98mm
Weight: 936 grams
Size range: 22/22.5.5-27/27.5
Binding compatibility: Tour Light Tech (TLT) pin bindings only
Category: Alpine Touring
Best for: Dedicated backcountry skiers with big missions on the agenda

For adventures that are more about the walking than the skiing鈥攁dmit it, we鈥檝e all had them鈥攖he updated Backland Pro UL W makes skinning a heck of a lot smoother. On the up, it feels like a hiking boot. The 74-degree range of motion allows for more movement than most human ankles can physically flex, and the polyamide shell and cuff keep things light on the skintrack. At the summit, it鈥檚 a breeze to lock things up: The external walk-mode lever, Speed Strap buckle, and BOA Fit System system cinch the boot quickly, making for efficient transitions on fitness laps and alpine missions alike. A soft boot like this requires a fair amount of balance and technique, so unless you鈥檙e hippie-wiggling in low-angle pow, you can鈥檛 put this one on cruise control. For this reason, it鈥檚 a great option for advanced female skiers with their sights set on long pushes in the wilderness. Like the other Backland boots, it鈥檚 incredibly low volume, and a few testers had to go up a whole size to find a comfortable fit.

The post The Best 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Backcountry Boots of 2023 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Depending on your perspective, you may think 国产吃瓜黑料 editors are either computer-shackled employees, or reckless adventure seekers. The reality is we鈥檙e a combination of both. Whatever the case may be, we all like getting outdoors and doing it in our own way. Here鈥檚 what we used to accomplish that in February.

Outdoor Research Tundra Aerogel Booties ($89)

I went on a couple of hut trips this month, and my most prized gear was not my skis or skins, but my insulated booties. I splurged on them before going on a seven-day traverse of Colorado鈥檚 Sneffels Range after a friend convinced me I needed a pair for walking around huts and visiting outhouses. At 9.3 ounces, they didn鈥檛 add a significant amount of weight or take up much room in my 45 liter pack, and I was so happy to see them each time we reached a hut. They kept my feet toasty even when venturing outside to split wood or collect snow to melt for water, and they cinch at the ankle so even post-holing wasn鈥檛 a big deal. They鈥檙e coming with me on all my multi-day backcountry adventures from now on for ultimate base camp coziness. 鈥擫uke Whelan, senior editor

Zwift ($15 a month)

I have a love/hate relationship with , the world鈥檚 largest multiplayer online virtual cycling platform. The downside: I hate that it has made riding indoors鈥攁nd not out in the wonders of nature鈥攖olerable, and even fun. The nine hyper-realistic听virtual worlds and dozens of racecourses听trick me into believing that I鈥檓 actually riding a bicycle across the lush Yorkshire countryside or through a soaring Japanese city, and not just pedaling away on a stationary trainer in my cramped spare room. Occasionally, while riding, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the window and the unflattering sight jars me out of virtual reality. These moments cause me serious internal conflict, as I have always held a staunchly luddite attitude toward physical activity.听But my love of the platform鈥檚 plethora of virtual race events has overridden my derision of its mental trickery: every day I can compete against other cyclists from around the globe. You simply download the companion app to your phone and sign up for these events, free of charge. This is an immense boon for me, as I still think of myself as a bike racer despite the glaring fact that I rarely have the time or freedom to actually compete at in-person events. (In 2021 I participated in two actual bike races; during that same year I completed several dozen virtual competitions.) So, while my feelings around virtual reality are still negative, my love of virtual racing is concrete, and I have Zwift to thank for that. 鈥擣red Dreier, articles editor

Gear Up Give Back (free!)

This month I got rid of some gear instead of acquiring something new. It felt damn good to purge some unused items from my ski closet, with the hope that someone else will be stoked to use them. Cairn鈥檚 program (which is part of 国产吃瓜黑料 Inc., our parent company) makes donating products you鈥檙e done with easy: just print a free label, box it up, and ship it off to Gear Fix, a repair and consignment shop in Oregon. They shine it all up and resell it. The best part? All the revenue goes to a great cause: , a new nonprofit educational community dedicated to outdoor allyship. 鈥擪ristin Hostetter, head of sustainability and community partnerships

Dissent Pro Fit Compression Nano Tour听($55)

I dipped a toe into skimo racing this winter and found I need socks that mitigate moisture and chafing as well as possible while I鈥檓 maxing out my heart rate in ski boots. Thankfully, I still have the same pair of that won a ski sock test I conducted for 国产吃瓜黑料 three years ago. The compression it still so good that they remain hard to get on even after over 100 uses. While I struggle to slip into these socks during a few skimo workouts each week, I have nothing but praise for them once they鈥檙e on. They are wicked thin so I feel uber-connected to my boots and I have not experienced so much as the start of a blister鈥攅ven during the 7.7 mile, 3,494 foot I finished a few weeks back. 鈥擩oe Jackson, Gear Guy

Atlas 国产吃瓜黑料 Camera Backpack ($440)

I鈥檝e been searching for the right camera pack for years. , I schlep a lot of camera gear around in the outdoors, and I had yet to find a pack that both carried well and had enough room for video equipment (most quality camera packs are designed for photographers). The latest version of the 听has been my go-to for the last couple of months, and it is hands-down the best camera pack I鈥檝e ever used. We鈥檝e covered its smaller sibling before, but the 60-liter 国产吃瓜黑料 has been updated with a new internal organizational system, smaller dimensions to help it fit in overhead compartments, and helpful features like MOLLE loops and other exterior attachment points that are super useful for skiers and snowboarders. A lot of other bags make you feel like you鈥檙e wearing a box on your back, but this one truly feels like an extension of your body. The 国产吃瓜黑料 allows me to carry my fully built, along with other lenses and accessories, and not feel wrecked at the end of a long day of shooting on skis or bikes. The best part is the adjustable padded divider that allows multiple configurations for various camera bodies and trips. Plus, you also get up to 44 liters of space for non-camera gear (60 total), which is particularly helpful for overnight or winter trips when you need to pack a lot more gear. 鈥擝ryan Rogala, contributing writer

Fischer Transalp Pro Ski Boot ($900)

Ski touring boots have really come a long way, and are a great example of where technology is currently. While wearing them during a ski tour in February, I couldn鈥檛 help but think: 鈥淲here the hell do we go from here?鈥� The Transalps are so dialed that, though I tried, I couldn鈥檛 think of any improvements. They have an impressive 80 degrees of cuff movement, so they climb like hiking boots. In ski mode, they have something close to a 130 forward flex and were solid enough to drive a burly ski through deep snow on steep terrain. Each boot weighs just under three pounds, so they were also light enough for extended tours. I would want a more robust boot with a true 130 flex if I was ripping inbounds turns all day, but they鈥檙e a great option for anything I can think of here in the New Mexico backcountry. 鈥擩akob Schiller, contributing writer

Smartwool X Jiberish Beanie ($35)

I have approximately 56 beanies in my garage, but has remained on my head all winter for two reasons. First, the merino wool and polyester blend make it ultra soft but still resilient enough to keep shape even after months of wear. Second, the styling and design are simple yet functional. It鈥檚 a traditional fisherman style beanie but has a deep enough cut that it easily covers the ears on my extra-long head. It looks so good, people won鈥檛 stop asking me about it. 鈥擩.S.

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In 2017 I almost gave up skiing. The boots I鈥檇 loved for three solid years had failed me almost overnight. I鈥檇 hop off the chairlift and five minutes later, my feet would cramp, my toes would go numb, and pain would shoot up my arches. Blues felt like blacks. I was bailing after lunch. Embarrassment aside, the discomfort was excruciating. The longer I skied and the steeper the terrain, the worse it got.

So I sought out two of the best ski-boot fitters in New England: Lyndall Heyer and Carol Beale, two skiers with 50 combined years of experience fitting boots. They can shred鈥擧eyer was on the U.S. Ski Team in the 1970s鈥攁nd they can listen, which, in boot fitting, is half the battle. Having fitted at a dozen ski shops, Beale is now a medical athletic footwear specialist. They taught me that a boot out of the box is only a blank canvas for the perfect vacuum-seal fit, because every foot is different.

Ski boots are the most important component of your setup, so it鈥檚 worth taking the time to get it right. 鈥淢any people don鈥檛 even know boot fitting exists or how intricate it can be. They think you鈥檙e in a plastic cast so of course your feet will hurt. Not true,鈥� says Beale. But getting fitted for the first time can be an intimidating experience. Here鈥檚 how to be sure you鈥檝e found a good fitter and the questions you should keep in mind when you go so you can ski comfortably.

Swap Stories

• There are a lot of factors that inform the ideal fit鈥攖alk with your boot fitter and give plenty of context.
• If you need help finding a good boot fitter, ask your community for leads.

If a boot fitter puts you in a measuring device the minute you walk through the door, pump the brakes and talk. 鈥淚 need to figure out who my customer is, and make sure we have a solid, trusting relationship,鈥� says Beale. She鈥檒l always ask for your ski story. Your level, ski goals, size, previous injuries, other sports, and current skis and boots will all inform the ideal fit.

The customer should know the boot fitter too. The credible ones, like Beale and Heyer, have taken multiple courses from Masterfit University, which sets the standard for their profession. (It鈥檚 important to remember that a single certification is not proof you鈥檙e getting a caring and skilled boot fitter.) Beale takes it a step further: at BalanceWorks in Rutland, Vermont, she鈥檚 a pedorthist, trained to modify therapeutic footwear and orthotics to support your feet and lower limbs. In this field, experience is your friend. If you need help finding a reliable boot fitter in the first place, ask around and check in with your community for good leads.

Get All Your Measurements

• A boot fitter should take five measurements.
• Make sure the fitter measures both of your feet.

After five measurements鈥攈eel to toe, heel to the ball of the foot, instep, forefoot width, and calf鈥擨 learned that for six years I鈥檇 been wearing ski boots an entire size too big. According to Beale, this is not uncommon. It鈥檚 easy to talk yourself out of a tight fit when you鈥檙e trying on a boot in the store. But remember, as your liners pack out, your boots will only get bigger from the moment you first try them on.

Boots are sized from heel to big toe in centimeters via . Mondo conversions are complicated, though. A would have a woman who wears a size eight street shoe in a 25. Beale would put her in a 24, though. But one 国产吃瓜黑料 editor who likes a performance fit comfortably sizes down two mondo sizes from her recommended. All this to say: try on a few sizes, and talk to your bootfitter about what makes sense for your anatomy and ski style. And don鈥檛 forget, despite what some will try to sell you, there are no half-size ski boots, only thicker liners.

Most of us have a dominant side, and therefore a stronger turn side on the hill. This can create varying muscle strength and shape, and many of us are just born with two different size feet, so make sure your boot fitter measures both feet. Beale and Heyer have accommodated mismatched bony protrusions, lengths, widths, hammertoes and curves, claw toes, injuries, and birth defects. 鈥淥ne woman was born with a 23 on one foot and a 25 on the other, so she buys two sets of boots for two different skis,鈥� says Beale.

Ask to Be Liner Fit and Shell Fit

• Look for a half-inch gap between the shell and the back of your foot.
• If your liner is too tight, your boot fitter might be able to stretch it.

At Inner Bootworks in Stowe, Heyer removed the liner to 鈥渟hell fit鈥� me in three boots. Good boot fitters won鈥檛 need make you try on a dozen pairs: they should already have an idea of what boots to pull, based on your feet and ability. And if you try on too many, you might overthink the fit. I climbed in the shell and slid my toes to the front to ensure no more than a half-inch gap occurred between my heel and the back of the boot鈥攁 ski racer should have less. Generally, the more advanced the skier, the closer the fit. If expert skiers wear their boots too loose, their exact movements won鈥檛 transfer to their skis at aggressive speeds. They may overcompensate by buckling too tightly, putting unnecessary, painful pressure on their feet.

While boot fitters don鈥檛 always 鈥渓iner fit鈥� too, Beale is all for fitting both the shell and liner. When liner fitting, with the liner out of the shell, step in to ensure a snug but comfortable fit: the artery along your instep shouldn鈥檛 be too compressed, and the liner should securely grip the back of your heel. If the liner is too tight, the boot fitter can stretch it to prevent loss of circulation in your foot.

Before you try on the whole setup, a good boot fitter will tell you what to expect: a ramp pushing your toes forward that makes the boot feel short until it鈥檚 buckled. When you flex forward, the instep buckle and ramp will push your toes back and your heels should reach the back of the boot. In my new Nordica Promachine 95鈥攖he first boot Heyer instinctively pulled for me鈥攎y narrow foot felt snug, as it should, especially after my old clunky boots. Perfect for skiing on my Black Pearls again when I鈥檓 finally out of pain.

Get Fit Right

• A custom footbed enhances performance and comfort.
• If you have balance troubles, you may need canting.

Ski boots are some of the tightest footwear you鈥檒l ever step into. The right fit will feel painted on. 鈥淓verything should feel like it鈥檚 an extension of your leg and your foot,鈥� says Beale.

Your boot fitter has a big bag of tricks to help dial in your fit. It鈥檚 worth it to spring for a custom footbed, which will help neutralize any imbalances from the shape of your foot or your range of motion. Mine eliminates the gap between my arch and the boot, providing great support.

Canting can help align your boot with the natural side-to-side angle of your lower leg. In some cases, this can be accomplished with by simply adjusting the screws on either side of your boot at the ankle. This is especially helpful if you鈥檙e bowlegged or knock-kneed. Other solutions include adding foam or plastic pieces to help fill space in your boot and neutralize the position of your foot.

Understand Your Range of Motion

• Your boot fitter should test your range of motion.
• Your leg and foot shapes matter.

We鈥檙e born with varying foot mobility on three planes of motion, and our boots should accommodate all of them so we can ski in a neutral stance without a fight. Limited mobility in your frontal plane, which allows your foot to move from side to side, can cause pain in your knees on the hill. If you can鈥檛 fully rotate your foot toward and away from the center of the body, along what鈥檚 known as the transverse plane, you may have balance problems while skiing. But the most important one for boot fitting is the sagittal plane: the forward flexion of your ankle joint. 鈥淚f your joint can鈥檛 flex, it locks up at a certain point, so when you bend your knee, your heels come up,鈥� says Beale.

Ski boots have varying degrees of forward lean, and you should buy one that aligns with your range of motion. If you are an intermediate skier who lacks dorsiflexion, you鈥檒l likely be happier in a more upright boot. As boots get higher-performance, that forward angle gets more aggressive. If you prefer expert-level equipment but have limited range of motion, your boot fitter can adjust the ramp at the base of your foot to better match your natural mobility.

Consider Height鈥攁nd Flex

• If you鈥檙e a woman with long legs, you may need a men鈥檚 boot.
• For newer high-quality plastics, go for a flex rating of 80 or 90 or above.

There鈥檚 a sweet spot where boots should hit on the shin and calf. Men鈥檚 boots typically have taller cuffs than women鈥檚 boots. The thinking behind this is that women鈥檚 legs are typically shorter, and they also tend to have a greater curve in their lower leg due to their calf muscles. A shorter cuff may help if you find your calf muscles are being squeezed uncomfortably, and a taller one might be ideal if you鈥檙e long-legged and want more control while you ski. Beale wears a men鈥檚 boot and encourages similarly long-legged women to consider the option. 鈥淪o many women come in with bloody shins because they鈥檙e in a women鈥檚 boot and they鈥檙e taller than me,鈥� says Beale. Typically, though, women benefit from the lower cuff and snugger heel of women鈥檚 boots.

Flex rating, which inconveniently isn鈥檛 standard across boot brands, ranges for recreational boots from 60 to 130 and higher for racing boots. 鈥淭he truest flex ratings for high-quality boots with good plastics should start at 80 for women and 90 for men,鈥� says Beale. 鈥淎void boots under those numbers.鈥� If your flex rating is too low, your knees will fall forward. The boot won鈥檛 bounce back coming out of one turn to prepare you for the next, causing your midfoot to bow or the tail of your skis to skid out. If your flex rating is too high, the stiffness will force your backside to drop behind your feet, into the 鈥渂ackseat鈥� position. You鈥檒l see your skis chatter, or vibrate off the snow, and you鈥檒l lose your edge and ski out of control. 鈥淓xceptions aside, the more aggressive the skier, the higher the flex, the thicker the shell, and the denser the liner,鈥� says Beale. When you鈥檙e trying on boots in the shop, bend your knees deeply a few times and get a sense for how much support and resistance feels right for you.

Afterward

If you鈥檙e in pain after you鈥檝e gotten your new boots, speak up, but before you get all Princess and the Pea, ski in your boots for three days in the thinnest, longest ski socks you can find, and graduate to thicker socks as your liner packs out over time. Since the process involves some trial and error, work with a boot fitter near you who can continue to modify the boot later if necessary. (Some ski shops include the fitting with the cost of your boots.) In the end, if something still doesn鈥檛 feel right, go back and ask about it. After all, as Beale likes to say: 鈥淏oot fitting is an art, it鈥檚听a science, and a little voodoo.鈥�

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Boots may be the most important part of your ski kit鈥攁nd the hardest to get right. Poor fit, or a profile that鈥檚 too soft or too stiff, can ruin a day very quickly. In our 2022 Winter Buyer鈥檚 Guide, we rounded up the six best alpine ski boots for various kinds of riders. But there were two other great boots that narrowly missed the cut and still deserve recognition.

Lange RX 130 ($900)

Here鈥檚 the mid-volume, 100-millimeter lasted boot for skiers who want Lange鈥檚 performance pedigree minus its vice-like fit. The liner locks down the heels and provides a comfortably snug wrap everywhere else and a new tongue made of honeycomb-molded polyurethane gives the boot a snappy, responsive feel. The dual injection shell sandwiches softer plastic between harder layers so that the boot becomes progressively stiffer as it flexes. This means the RX 130 earned props as an all-day, everywhere boot for hard-charging skiers. Why didn鈥檛 it make the cut? Each boot weighs 4.7 pounds.鈥�Kelly Bastone, alpine boots test manager

Salomon S/Max 120 W ($700)

This year鈥檚 S/Max gives women better traction from a GripWalk sole, and more power thanks to fiberglass reinforcements in the shell that improve lateral stability for better energy transmission at higher speeds. Weighing just over 3.5 pounds per boot, it鈥檚 light enough for all-day shralping and bootpacking to distant powder stashes. And testers loved how the bump-absorbing flex softened landings and helped them stay balanced through crud. 鈥擪.B.

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Pro skiers and 听teamed up with听听and听听to break down听gear basics for听backcountry ski touring. In this video, they cover bindings, boots, skis, poles, skins, backpacks, and safety necessities听to help you make informed decisions when purchasing equipment to get started.

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Pro skiers听听and听听teamed up with听听and听听for a ten-part series to help introduce newcomers to the backcountry. In this episode, they break down how to use climbing skins, various touring bindings,听boots with uphill options, and more, to ensure听you have a successful and enjoyable first trip.

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Backcountry boots are stiffer and more powerful than ever.

Salomon S/Lab X-Alp ($1,000)

The Arc鈥檛eryx Procline was the first boot with side-to-side flex in touring mode. Now there鈥檚 the X-Alp as well, which gets 23 degrees of inward flex and 13 degrees of outward, to help you skin across angled terrain. The biggest difference between this Salomon and the Arc鈥檛eryx is that the X-Alp is stiffer, better for driving a big ski. 2.9 lbs

Lange 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 XT Freetour听110 LV ($750)

A 110 flex might sound a little soft, but all of our testers raved about the Freetour鈥檚 power. 鈥淶ero loss of energy laterally and forward,鈥� one said. That power comes from a light but stiff Grilamid-injected shell. We also love the uphill-specific Dynafit insert and Ultra Grip sole. The gripe: not enough range in the 43-degree walk mode. 3.8 lbs听

Scarpa 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Gea RS ($795)

The Gea, sister of the men鈥檚 Maestrale, has long been the bestselling AT boot for women. This year, Scarpa used a carbon-infused plastic closure system to create a stiffer 125 flex, and we dig it. Thankfully, Scarpa also significantly increased the walk-mode range of motion from a pathetic 27 degrees to an easy-striding 60 degrees. 2.8 lbs

Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 ($950)

With the Hawx Ultra XTD 130, Atomic tried to create the perfect mash-up of a strong alpine boot and a flexy backcountry slipper. They came awfully close. Thanks to a 54-degree range of motion and a thinned-out but strategically reinforced polyurethane shell, the boot tours exceptionally well, considering how burly it is on the descents. 3.4 lbs

Tecnica 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Zero G Guide ($840)

New-boot pain, begone! Tecnica specifically designed the lower back cuff to fit around a woman鈥檚 calf, which is often wider and lower than a man鈥檚. And 115 flex got high marks for being just powerful enough. The main downside: the 44-degree range of motion limited this boot鈥檚 capability for long tours. 3.3 lbs

Scott Cosmos III ($750)

The 125-flex Cosmos III is the least expensive four-buckle boot for men in this category. Some testers thought its flex might be over颅sold, but for 90 percent of our skiers, the Cosmos provided the performance they needed to run mid-width to fat skis, in- and out-of-bounds, with confidence. 3.4 lbs

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REI's Labor Day sale is one of the best ways to score huge deals on ski gear. Take advantage of it and start preparing for the upcoming season now. (Sale prices listed.)听

Atomic Vantage 90 CTI Skis ($420)

These skis hold a solid edge on hardpack snow but a little rocker in the tip helps them float when the snow gets deeper making them a versatile all-mountain option.

Giro Balance Goggles ($80)

The spherical Zeiss lenses in these goggles offer a wide, precise field of vision and block out 100 percent of harmful UV rays.听

鈥�

Smith Variance Helmet ($115)

This helmet is all about comfort. Removable ear pads, 18 vents, and a Boa fit system all help dial in the perfect fit.听

鈥�

Dakine Heli Pro Snow Pack ($55)

The original ski pack, it was updated last year with more women鈥檚 specific features, like narrower, S-shaped shoulder straps for a better fit. It has a diagonal ski carry, 20 liters of carrying capacity, and a fleece-lined goggle pocket. 听

Atomic Backland Carbon Boots ($525)

These backcountry touring boots offer听74 degrees of movement in walk mode making them ultra comfortable on the up. A thick plastic听shell and carbon spine let them rip on the down.听

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It鈥檚 still dumping snow in places like Lake Tahoe and Jackson Hole, but winter will be over before we know it. When temperatures rise, you鈥檒l need to stow your gear. Remember: there鈥檚 a right and wrong way to do this. What follows are some tips I鈥檝e learned over the years to make my gear last for many seasons, plus tips from friends Saylor Flett and Rick Stock, who run and maintain a fleet of skis and boots.

Skis

Wax Them Before Storing

After your last run, brush and scrape the bases of your skis to remove any old wax, and then coat them with a thick coat of hot wax. Use two to three times the amount you鈥檇 apply for a normal wax job during the season. This wax layer will keep the bases from drying out during summer and prevent the edges from rusting. When next season starts, you鈥檒l need to scrape everything off鈥攂e especially careful around the edges. Bonus: you鈥檒l have freshly waxed skis ready to rip when you鈥檙e done.

Strap Them Together Carefully

Keep your skis strapped together during summer with something like a to keep the edges from rubbing against each other and dulling out. This also helps prevent skis from scissoring and falling to the ground. A strong warning: do not strap your skis in a way that compresses the camber or rocker. This can cause warping. I wrap a strap around the area where the skis naturally meet, being careful not to yank on the strap.

Store Them Indoors, But Not in a Ski Bag

A ski bag with any leftover moisture in it could rust your skis鈥� edges. I recommend storing skis indoors so they鈥檙e out of the elements, but you don鈥檛 have to store them in a perfectly climate-controlled closet. Your garage is fine as long as the skis aren鈥檛 near leaks or in a crawl space that heats up more than a normal room.

Sharpen Edges and Fix Any Core Shots

It鈥檚 better to get this stuff done at the end of the season so you can avoid long waits in November. But don鈥檛 wait too long. Most ski shops and places like REI put away their ski tools once bike season gets going. Ask the shop so you know your deadline.

Clothing

Wash Synthetic Base Layers with a Base Layer Wash

During the season, it鈥檚 fine to wash your synthetic base layers with regular soap鈥攜ou鈥檙e just going to stink them up again next weekend. But at the end of the season, I recommend a special wash like from Nikwax, which gives a deeper clean so the stank doesn鈥檛 fester in your closet all summer.

Wash and Re-DWR Outerwear

You should wash your shell at least once a season (more if it鈥檚 really dirty). Accumulated oil and dirt interferes with the shell membrane鈥檚 ability to repel water and vent moisture. I like the designed specifically for technical jackets. Once you鈥檙e done washing, reapply a , which makes water bead up and roll off your jacket鈥檚 outer layer before it reaches the membrane.

Let Insulation Breathe

Do not shove your down or synthetic puffy into the back of the closet, and then smoosh it back there with all your other clothes. These layers create warmth by trapping air in their fibers, and those fibers need to be lofty and uncompressed to work. It鈥檚 the same principle as a sleeping bag. It鈥檚 fine to cram a puffy into a bag when you鈥檙e on a trip, but it needs to hang freely when stored.

Let Everything Dry for Longer Than You Think

Things dry quickly if you live in New Mexico or Colorado. Not so in the Pacific Northwest. After your last ski day, let all your gear dry for a silly long time to make sure every last drop of funk-inducing moisture is gone. Put it out on the clothesline if it鈥檚 a warm sunny day, and don鈥檛 be afraid to run dryer-approved clothing through an extra cycle. I know people who put rice inside their gloves, but if you follow their lead, make sure to store the gloves where mice and rats can鈥檛 get to them.

Store Everything in One Place

Once everything is clean and dry, store it in one spot so you鈥檒l be ready to go during next fall鈥檚 first big storm.

Ski Boots

Dry the Liners

I鈥檓 sounding like a broken record, but this one is important and something you might forget since boot liners hide in the shell. It鈥檚 actually good practice to dry your liners every night after skiing to fight funk and extend the life of the material. A boot dryer like this one from makes it easy. If you don鈥檛 want to invest in a dryer, pull the liners out to air dry, and make sure they鈥檙e dry before they go back in.

Buckle Your Boots

Boots can lose their shape if you leave them unbuckled for an extended period of time. Before storing them, make sure they鈥檙e clasped and locked on the loosest setting.

Backcountry Gear

Remove the Batteries from Your Beacon

Do this for two reasons. First, you don鈥檛 want the batteries to corrode and ruin your beacon. Second, you always want to start the season with fresh batteries. Many people suggest tossing batteries even if they鈥檙e at 75 or 50 percent to ensure you never run out of power on the trail. Pro tip: check if you need to replace your old beacon with an updated, safer design. Here鈥檚 that will help you determine if it鈥檚 time.

Dry Your Skins and Store Them with Skin Savers

Don鈥檛 dry your skins in the hot sun, which can ruin the glue. Do dry them thoroughly. I don鈥檛 store my skins with the skin savers during the season because it鈥檚 a pain to keep track of that extra material, but it is important to use the savers over the summer. If you leave skins folded together for months without the savers, you might tear the glue off certain spots when they come apart for the first time in the fall. (Heads up: Pamoca skins don鈥檛 need to be stored with skin savers.) Just like your skis, keep skins away from hot areas of the garage.

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