Next Season's Gear Sneak Peek: Salomon Goes Backcountry Big Time!
Salomon has always been a big player in the ski industry especially in the alpine market and in recent years has been expanding to offer alpine touring gear for us backcountry skiers. Skis such as the Salomon Q98 and Q105 and alpine touring boots such as the Salomon Quest Max 120, Salomon Quest Max 120 BC and the new Salomon Quest Pro TR 110. After testing some of Salomon’s new backcountry products at the recent SIA show in Denver a few weeks back we are now super excited for what's about to come. Salomon recently signed on Greg Hill and along with others they are redefining Salomon as a true backcountry player.
Greg’s baby is the new Salomon MTN LAB Boot. This is a lightweight 2 buckle touring boot that skis like a alpine boot but tours like a pure AT boot. Weighing in at only 1576 grams per boot with a 120 flex and 47 ° range of motion it offers up feature such as Sensifit Shell, Motion Flex Technologies, Surelock Mechanism, My Custom Fit 3D full thermo liner and a full length Contragrip rubber sole. There is also the Salomon MTN LAB Explore Boot which weighs in at 1462 grams (115 grams less than the LAB) and is aimed at the light and fast backcountry skier whose committed to big days and longer distances. The Salomon MTN LAB Boot performed well when we skied it at Copper Mountain Resort, handling everything from compact icy groomers to choppy powder.
The Salomon MTN LAB Boot.
The Salomon MTN LAB Explore Boot.
Event the “Custom Fit 3D full thermo liner” has been designed from the ground up.
On the ski side Salomon will release the Salomon MTN Explore 95 and MTN Explore 88 skis in the fall, again designed specifically for ski touring. We are currently reviewing the Salomon Q BC Lab Skis which are the fattest in the line up with dimensions of 140 / 114 / 128mm at weighing in at 3600 grams/pair. The MTN Explore 95 features Spaceframe 2.0 design, a 3D core for stability and control while limiting weight, CFX Superfiber, MTN Rocker, G-Spot Technology for secure climbing and skin compatible construction. The Salomon MTN Explore 95 will retail for $850 and weight just 2800 grams/pair. Having already skied the MTN Explore 95, I can say it’s a winner!
Combine the MTN Explore 95 Skis with a pair of Salomon’s new Pomoca glueless pre-cut skins and you’ve got the ultimate light weight ski touring set up.
Another new product from Salomon thats peaked my interest is the Salomon MTN LAB Helmet. Retailing for $200 the MTN LAB Helmet is the one helmet for everything, from skiing the resort to lapping the backcountry. Its lightweight design and extreme breathability allow you to take in on backcountry tours and even leave it on while you climb. It uses EPS 4D Construction which absorbs 30% more shock then required. The MTN LAB helmet is the lightest helmet that meets both alpine and climbing safety standards weighing in at just under 300 grams. Features include a liner that uses AdvancedSkin ActiveDry with Merino Wool, a head lamp holders a custom dial for fit and comes with a backcountry backpack helmet bag.
Salomon has also upped their game in the clothing department toning down their traditional flashy alpine looking gear for a more traditional and functional backcountry feel. The Salomon S-Lab X Alp Pro Jacket is a GoreTex Pro shell that is light, durable and simple in its design. It will retail for $500 and of course utilize Salomon’s MOTIONfit technology for ease of movement, all this at under 350 grams. Salomon didn’t stop at the shell layer either they have a full line of clothes including a funky new base layer as you can see below.
All of these mouth watering products will be available in Fall 2015 and having already tested them at the SIA Show in early February we have our orders already placed so stay tuned for our full review of each of these new innovative products. I can already tell you that you will be very impressed!