Backcountry Skiing Setup

If you had to put together the most ideal backcountry skiing setup, and money was no object, what boot/binding/ski setup would you use?

Need a lot more information about what type of snow you expect, how much weight matters, etc...

But I just did a lot of research for an upcoming trip to Japan (very deep snow, hiking and lift-served skiing) and decided on:

• Rossignol Super 7
• Fritschi-Swiss Diamir Vipec 12 Binding
• Scarpa Maestrale RS (almost got Scarpa Freedom SL)

Lot of options now days though.

Mostly dry, powdery untracked snow deep backcountry. Weight isn't a huge concern but the lighter the better without compromising performance. I would be mostly skinning with some downhill. 100 to 120 flex in the boot would be ideal.

I've been looking at the Vipecs and they look incredible. I had the chance to play with them a bit in the store and they're very minimalist but with full release capabilities if I'm not mistaken.

Has anyone had experience with the Voile skinless skis? I saw a guy with a pair a couple of weeks ago but never had the chance to ask him about how they handled. He was skinning up some pretty steep terrain with what looked like glorified X Country skis.

-Ultima Thule Outfitter's stripped down Piper PA-18 Super Cub
-Dynafit Denali Skis
-TLT 5 boots
-Billygoat Plates and BD Neve Crampons

im liking the blizzard zeroG skis this season, DPS 112 wailers are also quite awesome.

scarpa maestrale is never a bad choice, or tlt/khion boots for more technical climbing oriented. But dang, i love the TLT5.

my dream binding setup would be Marker kingpins, quiver killers in the heels that you can switch to a speed superlite heel for going lighter weight, depending on your objective. G3 ions are a favorite tech binding right now.

im not a fan of the vipec, lots of play in the heels, too much plastic. there is a new version coming out next season. they are fully DIN certified (like alpine bindings) and have the elastic travel similar to alpine bindings. I've found that i don't need that stuff, but could be nice for some people.

next years BD skis are made by blizzard and look like they are going to be real nice.

POMOCA skins all the way!

OH YEAH AND A PIPER SUPER CUB!!!!

the voile scaled skis are cool, but definitely a quiver ski. gotta have the right conditions to go up anything steeper that 15 or so degrees.

So nice to see that Cub! At an airshow years ago, one of the performers grabbed a Cub to show off its unique capabilities. In only a light wind, he actually had it "flying" backwards!

Like climbing shoes, etc, you'll never have just one...but for CO conditions that I'm usually in, something like a voile v6 or v8 ski, dynafit radical 2 or G3 ions, and a scarpa maestrale or dynafit tlt6.

Go to a bootfitter at a store with a wide selection and get something in the tlt6, spitfire, backland, mnt explore class for boots...ie light but stiff two buckles boots. I have the tlt6p and it is more then enough boot for untracked powder even without the add on tongue (but with intuition liners and a booster strap).

I have and love the voile chargers without the fishscales. I wouldn't hesitate to try the BC version of that or the similar vector and may actually pickup the v6 BC at some point for a more Turney/playful ski that could do more cross country style tours. More money will get you lighter skis (Dps, Dynafit etc) but the voiles ski really well, are quite durable and made in the USA.

Bindings, I'd go as light as you're comfortable with. I'm still running old verticals but the new speed superlight 2.0 or some full on race binding are a lot lighter for most of the same function and the cheep/light speed turn etc is a proven, durable design. I do like having a heel lift for breaking trail and may pick up a pair of Kruezpitze race heels with lifts from skimo.co to swap with my vertical heels to lighten my setup.

The vipecs ability to go from ski to tour would be interesting on voile BC skis but they are still changing the design to deal with various issues and I wouldn't trust them far in the backcountry. Plus they aren't that light.

After two-three months of research 4 seasons ago, I bought Rossi S3s, BD Primes, and Dynafit TLT Vertical ST bindings. I don't know what models have replaced these. Rockered skis should be sized longer. 5' 11"/165lbs and I selected 186cm.

After telemarking BC for decades, I was surprised at how easily the AT setup skied on flat-rolling valley approaches.

For lift skiing, the S3 is stable at high speed GS turns, but nimble and quick. They always hold an edge on hard pack and ice.

In powder, after being stuck in the short radius mode forever with the older ski technologies, I broke free into higher speed GS turns.

If I were to get a dedicated lift ski-Rossi Experience 88 after demoing it. The same day I demoed the Rossi S7-definitely a big mountain charger, very stable.

Dry deep untracked powder?? That's easy.. A splitboard

My set up is BD quadrants, fritschi free ride bindings, and volkl nautaqs for skiis. Light but not where it compromises performance in our out of bounds ( I'm 6'4" 180lb and ski expert terrain). I opted for 184 or 186 cm.

Appreciate all the replies. I'm just getting into BC skiing and have done enough already to realize that my setup is lacking. I'm skiing Rossi Soul 7a 180 cm (6'0", 150) with marker duke bindings and Head Venture FR130s for boots. I never realized how much I would enjoy ski touring so I never bought a binding that was good for that purpose. The boots are great, just not the right size (I have a 25.5 and I believe I would do better in a 26). I would not change a thing about the skis; skiing them resort and BC they do great in both places. As for the Dukes..they're good for short tours but my calfs really take a beating if I use them all day.

Dave Schultz wrote: To answer your first iteration of the question: Boots: I would go light, super light. I currently have TLT5s that have been stripped of laces, power strap, and the tongue. They weigh in at around 1224g. I would LOVE to get a pair of DY.N.A EVO or Dynafit PDG boots, but they don't make them in my size (assholes). These boots would shave between 230g and 300g, and that would be amazing. These are race boots for sure, but for backcountry touring they work just the same as any other boot and are ridiculously light. As someone said above, a super light two-buckle boot less than 1000g is the way to go. Bindings: Again, light and simple. I have La Sportiva RT bindings, which, when they came out a while ago, were one of (if not the only) releasable tech binding (but also able to lock down completely for skinning and for skiing no-fall terrain). They are very light, and very simple. I have not done much research as of late, but I think there are other releasable tech bindings available. The releasable aspect on non-no-fall terrain is, IMO, an important avalanche safety measure. You probably cannot go wrong with any of the simple, light, tech bindings out there. This is definitely an area where less is more, and the simplest design that works is what I would go with. Skis: Again, light is right. I have in my quiver five La Sportivas (RSR @ 160, RST @ 167, GT @ 177, GT @ 184, High 5 @ 188) and two DPS (Lotus 120 @ 190 and the Spoon @ 190). The conditions dictate what ski I bring, usually the lightest that I can get away with. My historical workhorse and most reliable ski is the GT @ 184cm (would likely actually be my GT @ 177, but I have not gotten around to mounting it yet); although recent history would trend that my RST @ 167cm is my favorite (I find that I can get away with more stuff than originally though with this lighter, smaller ski). If you are looking to have a wider ski (it will cost you weight, but likely is worth it, over a narrower ski), I would look at the La Sportiva or DPS skis. Skins: Not yet brought up here. I started with Nylon because they are nearly indestructible, and ventured into the Mohair/Nylon Mix once I felt good about my ability to take care of the skins. I have 100% Pure Mohair for racing and for my large powder skis because the weight savings from mix to pure is not noticeable for my smaller skis, but it is noticeable for my larger skis. The pure mohair is needed for racing, and the mix is what I use on longer climbing/touring routes with my small skis. I rarely (ever) use nylon skins anymore. I use Black Diamond, but I do have one set of Pomoca skins with no complaints. Lastly, I use Quiver Killer ski inserts on all my skis. It ultimately was the result of my desire to have both tele bindings and AT (I started with tele, and two seasons ago I added the Telemark Tech Binding System). Now it means I can add an entire ski setup for only the cost of the skis and skins, and do not need to buy extra bindings. I admit it may have gotten a little out of control, but you can always find good skis on sale at the end of the season and boom, now you've got that sick powder or race ski you've always wanted ... This also allow you to pack more skis into a ski bag (just yesterday I packed 8 pairs into a single ski bag meant for two pairs of skis), the bindings can be stored elsewhere (and keep them safe). Another advantage of Quiver Killers are their higher pull out strength compared to a regular wood screw. One downsides to Quiver Killers are that they can be problematic to install, but there is usually someone close-by who is good at the process (if you are in the PNW or NE I can give you some recommendations). There are other brands besides Quiver Killer, but I have no personal experience, they are likely adequate; I trust and will continue to use Quiver Killers, though.

You'll get more informed opinions on a skiing site. That being said I respectfully disagree with some of Dave's recommendations.

Honestly, what type of tours will you be doing? Most new BC skiers won't start with huge traverses and big alpine lines. You need to work your way into these objectives.

I think light gear is awesome and I would generally trend to light gear, but I would avoid the gear in the randonee race category if you're starting out. Lots of pretty damn light gear out there that still skis well.

Boots. Sounds like you're fairly new to the backcountry. DyNA EVO and PDGs are randonee race boots. They will be colder than more typical AT boots and will not be nearly as supportive for variable snow. We all look for pow and perfect corn but you're bound to cross variable snow on nearly every tour - warm mush, wind funk/sastrugi, frozen crust etc. These boots are way too specialized and are not aimed at general touring. If you want something really light that can still ski well you can look at the Dynafit TLT6/Sportiva Spitfire/Atomic Backland Carbon class of boots. For a little more weight something in the Dynafit Vulcan/Khion/Scarpa Maestrale RS/Sportiva Spectre/Salomon MTN class will suit most backcountry skiers just fine. If you find yourself getting into rando racing or long traverses you'll get lighter gear. First rule - get what fits.

Any of the above boots will be light years better than what you have now.

Bindings - definitely get tech bindings. No frame bindings - period. Brakes aren't needed and a brakeless binding is a good way to save weight. Dynafit Speed Turn, Speed Radical, or G3 Ion LT are what I would recommend. Radical heel lifters will be easier to manipulate than the speed turns. B&D stretchy leashes are awesome. Recommended.I would avoid rando race bindings if you're a beginner. Poorer release characteristics, lack of higher heel risers, lack of BSL adjustability. Again, race bindings are specialized gear and not great for beginners.

Skis. Tons of options. You live in WY? For someone out west, I think something around 100 mm is a perfect 1 ski quiver. If you plan on owning more than 1 ski then something fatter for powder (105-110 - I wouldn't go much bigger) and narrower (90-95) for spring corn is a perfect 2 ski quiver. All around skis leaning to pow skis - K2 Coomback 104, BD Carbon Convert, G3 Synapse 101, Blizzard Zero G 108, DPS Wailer 99, Volkl BMT 109, Fischer Hannibal 100, Movement Shift & COnquest. All pretty light and reasonably versatile. . I think having versatility is important b/c you'll always come across variable snow and you need to be prepared. Skinnier spring skis - Volkl BMT 94, Fischer Hannibal 94, Blizzard Zero G 95, Salomon MNT explore 95, Dynafit Cho Oyu, Movement Response X, etc. Go light but again, skis in the rando race category give up a lot of skiing performance. Super skinny (80 mm and less IMO) skis are quiver skis for mountaineering but will not be nearly as enjoyable in soft snow. They will be a lot more work in softer snow.

Skins. Agree that mohair and mohair mix are nice. Pomoca climb pro glide is a great mix of grip/glide/weight. That being said most beginners won't notice a huge difference in performance between various skins. G3 alpinist and BD nylon are durable workhorses that do well for a lot of skiers. Your skins won't be the single thing holding you back from that big line...

Quiver killers are fine but much more work to install and maintain. they are much less tolerant of mismounts. Tech binding mounts have little room for error. I've done it (inserts) in the past and won't go back. Too much work to swap bindings and always make sure the screws are tight. Just get 'em mounted the old fashioned way.

I would also avoid scaled skis to start. Unless everyone in your group has them they don't make sense. they're fine in rolly polly terrain but for regular BC skiing I don't see a huge advantage. A quiver ski for sure, not an all arounder.

take your soul7's

put some dynafit speed turns on them

Get the green tlt6 and BD momix skins.

would be a good intro to the world of ski touring.

I really love my Scarpa Maestrale boots. I ski raced for a long time, and the performance on them is quite adequate, and they are super comfortable.

Bindings and skis, that all depends. I would recommend not getting anything that much fatter that 110 underfoot though, it starts to get slippery and tiring on sidehill skintracks, and most of the time that will be plenty of float. If you are thinking about getting Dukes or some heavy frame binding because you want performance, look into the CAST system. Dynafit toes on the way up, alpine toes on way down. Just got them this year and they are a huge improvement on my old Dukes.

I liked my old G3 Alpinist skins better than my new BD ascensions skins. They performed the same but packed down smaller. Tail clips are way better on the BD ones though

I agree with pretty much everything Mike said up above. When I started BC skiing (and pretty much skiing in general) I did a marker baron binding and heavy boot combo...worked great in resorts and short tours. As I got more dedicated to touring and ski mountaineering, I made the switch to dynafit radicals, tlt6 boots, and a lighter ski. Still kept the first setup for resort/sidecountry.

Let fit and the terrain you plan to ski dictate your setup...if you dig charging hard on the downhill, there are BC setups that do that well and still tour well (some of the beefier boots and pin/tech bindings). If you wanna get into long tours and ski mountaineering, it pays to lighten it a bit, although I personally wouldn't go skimo racing light.

Good luck, have fun, and play safe!

I'm starting to see the merits of tech bindings.. I've noticed how clunky and awkward the frame bindings are, not to mention comparing weight of tech bindings to the Dukes I'm currently using. I could easily shave almost two pounds by switching to a pair of Dynafits.

Boots? Let's just say I'm making a trip to SLC to get fitted and figure out what works for me. My feet are toast after a 6 mile tour this morning. I think once I dial the fit I'll be much happier.

Skins didn't seem important at the time but I'm using BCA Magic Carpet skins. 100% nylon if I'm not mistaken. No complaints except the glue does not work very well in cold temps. The temp hovered around 0 today and I was having a bit of a problem keeping them in place. Glad I had a Voile strap.

Keep the replies coming, I like hearing about all this new gear.

For what you mention, there is no reason to consider frame bindings. Whenever someone mentions 'deep backcountry,' that means efficiency is going to be key. If money was no object, I'd go for a light but fat ski - maybe a DPS Wailer in 105 or 112 depending on snowpack and other skis in your quiver. Mount it with a burly tech binding - my current favorite is the G3 Ion, but I also have and use Dynafits. The current Vipec seems a bit fiddly, but I have friends that like them. The new (2016) model is supposed to have corrected some of the present issues. As for boots, I'm primarily in the backcountry to ski (as opposed to people who like to tour long distances or primarily ski to approach alpine/ice climbs) so I like a boot that focuses on that aspect. I'm also a big dude and I ski bigger skis, so something stiff is in order. I'm currently on Maestrale RS and have literally zero complaints. Awesome boot if they fit you. For a lighter flex go with the regular Maestrale.

Also - go to a bootfitter. Boots that don't fit suck.

Skins are important too. I really like G3 skins, I use the regular Alpinist. I think they have better tip and tail attachments than BD skins, but those are also nice.

IMO stiff boots for a pure bc setup are overrated. At 5 ft 20 and 250 lbs, skiing g3 empires, I have no issue driving the ski with my maestrale. Point being, get what fits

Without a doubt, I would buy the 4frnt Hoji with the FT 2.0 Radical Dynafit binders. I have been using this set up for 3 seasons and it is unmatched by any other ski I've tried in the backcountry. As for boots...depends on what you are doing. Lots of SkiMo? --> Dynafit TLT 6 Performance (AMAZING boot for climbing on snow/rocks)
Just skiing backcountry pow and doing shorter tours? --> Dynafit Vulcan or the New MTN LAB (probably sold out EVERYWHERE already -- The ppl have spoken and they love this boot)

The Hoji is seriously so kick ass...amazing daily driver. Crushes corn, pow and variable snow. The reverse camber paired with Dynafit bindings and softer boots makes for an unbelieveable ski, once you're accustomed to it.