Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    Tailgate Industries
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2024-2025
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2023-2024
        • Gear of the Year Archives
      • Best New Summer Gear
        • Best New Summer Gear 2023
        • Best New Summer Gear 2024
        • Best New Summer Gear 2022
        • Best New Summer Gear 2021
        • Best New Summer Gear 2020
      • Holiday Gift Guide
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2024
          • Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Base Layers
          • MSR Explore Revo Snowshoes
          • Fieldsheer Backcountry Heated Jacket
          • Fieldsheer Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks
          • MEC Hut Booties and Slippers
          • Arc’teryx Kopec GTX Shoe
          • Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach Shoes
          • Gregory Verte 18 Backpack
          • Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boot
          • MEC Northern Light Vest
          • Montec-Scope-Ski-Goggles
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Airshell Hoody
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Alloy Crew
          • Arcade Atlas Belt
          • Dynafit Ridge Dynastretch Jacket
          • Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
          • Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear
          • Bootdoc Foot Warmer
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
          • DPS LastBag
          • DPS PHANTOM Glide At-Home Kit
          • DPS Mission Quiver Roller
          • Dragon Amped sunglasses
          • Dragon DX3 Plus OTG photochromic goggle
          • Fuse Lenses Anclote Flashback
          • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire Watch
          • Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30
          • Hotronic Boot Dryer
          • MEC Aluminum Pot Set
          • Gnara Go There Pants
          • Grundens Shackleton 2.0 Duffel
          • Jones Deeper 19L Backpack
          • Le Bent Core Midweight Crew base layer
          • Leatherman ARC
          • Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell Jacket and Pants
          • Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
          • Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
          • Montec Fawk Ski Jacket
          • Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 Skins
          • Rab Glaceon Pro Down Jacket
          • Rab Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Ski Jacket & Pants
          • Smith Squad MAG Goggles
          • Stellar Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0
          • Stellar Ultralight Down Hood 2.0
          • Arms of Andes Alpaca Half Zip & Wool Leggings
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag
          • Giro Taggert Mips Helmet
          • Loonr Hi Flyer Boots
          • Paka Mountain Crew
          • Roll Recovery SUPERPLUSH Classic Shoes
          • Smartwool Smartloft Hooded Jacket and Pants
          • Ortovox Switchback 32 Ski Touring Backpack
          • Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack
          • Giro Sagen Ski Goggle
          • Icebreaker Ski+ Over the Calf Socks
          • MEC-Fireside-Fleece-Snap-Pullover
          • Montec Roast Mittens
          • Mountain-Hardware-Sunblocker-Hoody
          • MSR Titan Kettle 900 ml
          • Tailgate-Industries-The Gondom-Goggle-Cover
          • Wild Country Rope Tarp
          • Bootdoc Race Merino PFI 50 Socks
          • Remind Soles Destin Impact Insoles
          • Kari Traa Rose Baselayer Half Zip Top and Pants
          • Le Bent Midweight Quarter Zip
          • Ombraz Dolomite Sunglasses
          • Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody
          • Ortovox Merino Thermovent Base Layer
          • Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Half Zip
          • Suunto Wing Bone Conduction headphones
          • Sweet Protection Adapter Mips Helmet
          • Sweet Protection Connor Rig Reflect Goggles
          • Zeal Optics Selkirk Glacier Glasses
          • Norrona more flex1 Pants
          • Norrona Octa Zip Hood
          • Norrona Lyngen Alpha100 Zip Hood
          • MEC Deluxe Pillow
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2023
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2022
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2021
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2019
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2018
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2017
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2016
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Backcountry Store Offline
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
      • Holiday Gift Guide
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Backcountry Store Offline
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    Newsletter Signup

    TOP VIDEOS

      HOTTEST REVIEWS


      Hagan Boost 99 POW Skis Garmin inReach Plus Scarpa 4-Quattro Pro 130+ Top Ski Reviews Ortovox Ravine Jacket Scarpa Maestrale RS Boots

      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      Search
      • Home
      • »
      • REVIEWS
      • »
      • Ski Gear
      • »
      • Boots
      • »
      • 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

      buy backcountry skiing gear


      Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

      Leave a Comment:

      Back to the rest of the reviews.


      We strive to have the most accurate and up-to-date information in all our reviews but products change constantly and personal requirements are user-specific so we recommend using certified technicians that can set up your gear to your personal needs and specifications.  
      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy

      Copyright © 2023-24 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.