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    • Atomic Backland Carbon Boots

    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots

    Atomic’s 2022/23 touring boot line is separated into two categories: ‘Fast and Light’ and ‘All-Round’. The main difference is that the Fast and Light boots retain the BOA closure over the forefoot which helps reduce weight, while the All-Round boots have foregone the BOA system in favour of a traditional buckle and Z cable which Atomic calls their Cross Lace 2.0 Closure System. While this new system adds to the boot’s overall weight it also provides increased fit by using a buckle that tightens a cable that crosses the forefoot in a ‘Z’ pattern. This is similar in nature to the buckle systems found on the La Sportiva Skorpius CR Boots, Scarpa Maestrale XT Boots, Dalbello Quantum Free 110 Boots, Scott Cosmos Tour Boots and the La Sportiva Vanguard Boots. Of all the boots we’ve reviewed recently only the Scarpa F1 LT Alpine Touring Boots and Dalbello Quantum Asolo Boots have the BOA closure system and there are even rumours that Scarpa will replace the BOA with a Z-buckle system for next season.

    Atomic uses the same 98mm chassis for the new 2022/23 Backland Carbon Boots and everything else remains pretty much the same other than the aforementioned BOA system going bye-bye and a new and improved liner being added. Read the rest of the review below for more on this as well as my thoughts on how the Backland Carbon Boots perform.

    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
    The new 2022/23 Atomic Backland Carbon Boots look very similar to their previous brethren but have a few changes that make them even better.
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots

    Atomic kept what worked from the previous Backland Carbon Boots and integrated it into the new 2022/23 version, namely the Free/Lock 4.0 ski/walk mechanism and Frictionless Pivot which allow for 74°range of motion. The 98mm last, carbon construction and overall lightweight design for comfortable walking on the up and power skiing on the down is also still in there. What did change is the liner and the aforementioned BOA System which have both been replaced.

    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots

    In order to provide a more secure fit, Atomic removed the BOA system over the forefoot and replaced it with a buckle and integrated Z cable system which they call the Cross Lace 2.0 Closure System. This new closure system more effectively wraps your foot thanks to the leveraged buckle design and three-point anchor system of the cable that wraps over the boot's forefoot in a Z pattern.

    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots

    In addition to this Atomic also beefed up the Backland Carbon Boot Liners with new 3D Platinum liners made with Dry Fit Foam. This new material provides a longer-lasting fit with an improved foothold. The liner’s added cushioning provides more comfort and warmth for those that get cold feet while built-in breathable zones allow excess heat to escape, helping to keep your feet drier and warmer. A thicker tongue and plastic around the outer-upper cuff make for a more rigid fit with added support. This new liner construction will prove to be more durable over time as well as provide a better fit straight out of the box for most. As well, a new gaiter on the Backland shell uses Stretch Guard which makes it much easier to enter and exit the boot.

    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots

    The product line for the Backland Boots offers a dizzying array of options, six in the ‘Fast and Light’ category and six more ‘All-Round’ Backland options. Here’s the rundown on the prices you can expect to see when they are all released for sale in the fall of 2022:
    Fast And Light (BOA System)
    Backland Ultimate - $1000CAN / $1100US
    Backland Carbon UL - $950CAN/ $1100US
    Backland Pro UL - $850CAN/ $975US
    Backland Expert UL - $750CAN/ $850US
    Backland Pro UL W - $850CAN/ $975US
    Backland Expert UL W - $750CAN/ $850US

    All- Around (Cross Lace 2.0 Closure System)
    Backland Carbon - $950 CAN/$975US
    Backland Pro - $850 CAN/ $850US
    Backland Expert - $800CAN/ $725US
    Backland Pro W - $850 CAN/ $850US
    Backland Expert W $800 CAN/ $725US

    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots

    Features:

    • Frictionless Pivot
    • Carbon construction
    • 3D liner made with Dry Fit Foam
    • Cross Lace 2.0 Closure System
    • Skywalk soles
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
    Other features include an adjustable power strap with a cam locking mechanism.
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
    A buckle hanger so that you can easily open the top buckle without having it bounce around or lose your preferred setting.
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
    The top buckle also folds back and out of the way when fully open so that it does not interfere with your ski pants.
    Atomic Backland Carbon Boots

    Verdict:

    Overall the new 2022/23 Atomic Backland Carbon Boots are more of an evolution rather than a revolution. With the major changes being the forefoot closure system and liners most other features have remained the same, but what has changed is a huge improvement in my opinion. When I first reviewed the Backland Carbon Boots in 2016 and again in 2019 my main complaints were that the BOA system just didn’t allow me to tighten the boots enough to provide optimal foothold and that the liners were cold. Atomic addresses both of these issues (thanks Atomic!) with their new Cross Lace 2.0 Closure System and the new 3D liners.

    To say that the Cross Lace 2.0 Closure System is an upgrade is putting it mildly. With the previous Backland Carbon Boots, I could never get my heel to seat properly due to the lack of holding force the BOA system could apply across my forefoot. I was not alone with this issue and it seems Atomic listened to its customers and now offers a much more aggressive buckle system with an integrated Z cable. This makes it really easy to tighten the Backland Carbon Boots as much as you need and force your foot down and back into the heel of the boot which goes a long way to increasing performance. It seems that Atomic came full circle on this feature as the initial Backland Carbon Boots came with a similar albeit not as robust forefoot buckle and cable system. After only three years with the BOA system, it has now been removed from half of the boots in the Backland lineup. 

    The new 3D liners found in the Backland Carbon Boots also definitely help improve overall comfort and performance as they provide a supportive upper cuff and breathable zones that help dissipate excess heat. The Dry Fit Foam that makes up the liners seems to be thicker, warmer and more supportive when compared to the previous thin and cold liners. I personally create a lot of heat when backcountry skiing and breaking trail so I don’t want a full alpine liner in my touring boots and find this new liner to be a great compromise in comfort, warmth and support.

    The previous Backland Carbon Boots weighed in at 2,188g and the new 2022/23 versions are slightly heavier at 2,324g. This works out to a gain of about 136g which is pretty minimal when you consider the additional benefit that the new buckles system and liners bring to the equation.  

    You will notice below that there is no stated flex rating for the Backland Carbon boots, in fact none of the Backland Boots come with a standardized flex rating this time around and Atomic tells me this is due to the fact that the shells are constructed with varying materials and closure systems. I find this a little odd but if I had to guesstimate what the flex rating is for the Backland Carbon Boots relative to other similar boots dedicated touring boots I would place the Backland Carbon Boots at 110 flex—and this is being generous.

    Overall Atomic maintained the performance of the original Backland Carbon Boots while not messing with the cuff rotation, weight or flex—making a great touring boot even better. They performed well over the course of my testing this winter season, providing a solid (stiff enough) ski and an impressively light and comfortable climbing experience. Read my review of the previous Backland Carbon Boots here for all the details on their performance and skiability as these apply to the new 2022/23 version as well.

    PROS:

    • BOA is replaced with a buckle for a tighter more secure fit.
    • Warmer liners than previous version.
    • Light with huge cuff rotation.
    • Comfortable.

    CONS:

    • No lock on the ski/walk mechanism.
    • Fairly soft flex—to be expected from such a lightweight boot.
    • Narrow last but large volume, so some boot fitting may be required.

    SPECS:

    Price: $949.99CAN / $975US
    Weight: 2,324g / 5.12lb (per pair size 26.5)
    Sizes: 24- 35.5
    Cuff Rotation: 74°
    Flex Rating: TBD
    Last: 98mm
    Forward Lean: 13-17°
    Buckles: Two

    RATING: 8.5/10
    Fit/Comfort      1.5/2
    Cuff Rotation    2/2
    Function           1.5/2
    Weight              2/2
    Quality / Price   1.5/2

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