Help with AT Set Up. Newbie

[ducky]

Hello Divas! I haven't been skiing for the last three years but have the opportunity to start backcountry skiing this winter in the Wind River Range (just south of the Tetons). I did find a pair of boots, Tecnica Zero G W Scout. But, I am looking to cheapen things up with picking up skis and poles at a ski swap. Could use some recommendations been looking at the Atomic Backlands and Voiles. Also could use some pointers for looking over bindings at a ski swap.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

Calling @HuntersEmma57 re the Voiles!

 

[BenchToMountain]

I put together my first touring kit on the cheap last spring so I can share my experience.

I demo’ed the Backlands and loved them- would recommend (but they were so expensive when I was looking). I scoured a lot of used equipment online but found very limited inventory sized for me (5’4). I wound up buying new K2 Waybacks (the women’s version) that I found deeply discounted from Lone Pine.

I already had boots that I’d bought at a demo day, and with enough hunting and patience I found poles, skins, and an ice axe discounted too. The one thing I did not go cheap on were the bindings- I went to a shop that specializes in backcountry so they could recommend and mount the right ones. I ended up with the ATK Crest 10s and love them. Hope this helps!

 

[HuntersEmma57]

Absolutely agree the bindings are the one thing to make sure you get right. Go light. Unfortunately, not all boots work with all bindings, so you may be committed. Voile has incredible well-regarded bindings. And their skis are born and bred for the backcountry. I got great deals direct from their retail shop in SLC (West Valley). They have demos on sale in the spring and sometimes seconds. I got a brand new pair of V6's for $275 that simply had the wrong top sheet. The folks who answer the phone there are friendly and helpful.

I just pulled last year's Fritsche EVO 12 bindings off those V6s as I finally accepted I had aged out of big mountain backcountry after using them only once (also lost local access to prime backcountry terrain). Kicking myself. I also have some high end skins, used once (but trimmed specifically for my skis) - 129-98-110 173cm. Happy to part with both for a nominal fee. (I've already mounted alpine binding on the V6s). DM me if interested.

 

[denifromtheblock]

I put together my first touring kit on the cheap last spring so I can share my experience.

I demo’ed the Backlands and loved them- would recommend (but they were so expensive when I was looking). I scoured a lot of used equipment online but found very limited inventory sized for me (5’4). I wound up buying new K2 Waybacks (the women’s version) that I found deeply discounted from Lone Pine.

I already had boots that I’d bought at a demo day, and with enough hunting and patience I found poles, skins, and an ice axe discounted too. The one thing I did not go cheap on were the bindings- I went to a shop that specializes in backcountry so they could recommend and mount the right ones. I ended up with the ATK Crest 10s and love them. Hope this helps!

Hey what shop did you go to? Curious as more ski shops are now carrying alpine touring equipment in New England.

 

[Briski]

I switch from telemark to AT 5 years ago. Ended up with Elan Ripstick 106 salmon MTN bindings, sand Salomon boots. Very light weight. Some observations about my experience:
- the fatter the ski the heavier the skn.
- there have been problems with the MTN brakes not staying up while skinning (consider brakes vs. leashes). Skinning with one set of brakes down sucks.
- consider the release mechanism of the binding. Heavier bindings such as Marker Dukes have heal and toe release. Then there are the sliding heel piece peg/U string types, and non sliding heel piece of the same. I’ve read the heel and toe release is less likely to produce a boot-top fracture.
- you might choose differently (bindings/brakes) if you want to ski in bounds or very difficult terrain.

 

[BenchToMountain]

Hey what shop did you go to? Curious as more ski shops are now carrying alpine touring equipment in New England.

White Mountain Ski Co!

 

[Rainbow Jenny]

I just pulled last year's Fritsche EVO 12 bindings off those V6s as I finally accepted I had aged out of big mountain backcountry after using them only once (also lost local access to prime backcountry terrain). Kicking myself. I also have some high end skins, used once (but trimmed specifically for my skis) - 129-98-110 173cm. Happy to part with both for a nominal fee. (I've already mounted alpine binding on the V6s). DM me if interested.

Congrats with the V6’s.

Maker and model of those skins?

 

[sraah]

Your Tecnica Zero G boots are great for backcountry. Both Atomic Backlands and Voiles work, just check ski length for your height and terrain. At swaps, inspect bindings for cracks, rust, and brake function, and make sure they fit your boots. Poles are easy, just get the right length.


Hunt for deals, and you can put together a solid kit without breaking the bank. Have fun in the Wind Rivers!

 

[ducky]

I put together my first touring kit on the cheap last spring so I can share my experience.

I demo’ed the Backlands and loved them- would recommend (but they were so expensive when I was looking). I scoured a lot of used equipment online but found very limited inventory sized for me (5’4). I wound up buying new K2 Waybacks (the women’s version) that I found deeply discounted from Lone Pine.

I already had boots that I’d bought at a demo day, and with enough hunting and patience I found poles, skins, and an ice axe discounted too. The one thing I did not go cheap on were the bindings- I went to a shop that specializes in backcountry so they could recommend and mount the right ones. I ended up with the ATK Crest 10s and love them. Hope this helps!

I ended up with the ATK Crest 10s! Thank you!

 

[ducky]

Your Tecnica Zero G boots are great for backcountry. Both Atomic Backlands and Voiles work, just check ski length for your height and terrain. At swaps, inspect bindings for cracks, rust, and brake function, and make sure they fit your boots. Poles are easy, just get the right length.


Hunt for deals, and you can put together a solid kit without breaking the bank. Have fun in the Wind Rivers!

Thank you!

 

[ducky]

For those that might be researching this post. I did not end up getting gear at the ski swap, unfortunately also having a buddy back check me, the gear was overpriced. Ended up going through Skimo out of SLC. They had previous year Voiles on sale for about $130 more than the ski swap skis (unmounted). I think there are some pretty good deals online and just do some research prior to going to a ski swap.
Skis: Voile V6, ATK Crest 10 is what I ended up with, close call between that and backlands and alps movement 106 that were on sale as well.

 

[ducky]

Absolutely agree the bindings are the one thing to make sure you get right. Go light. Unfortunately, not all boots work with all bindings, so you may be committed. Voile has incredible well-regarded bindings. And their skis are born and bred for the backcountry. I got great deals direct from their retail shop in SLC (West Valley). They have demos on sale in the spring and sometimes seconds. I got a brand new pair of V6's for $275 that simply had the wrong top sheet. The folks who answer the phone there are friendly and helpful.

I just pulled last year's Fritsche EVO 12 bindings off those V6s as I finally accepted I had aged out of big mountain backcountry after using them only once (also lost local access to prime backcountry terrain). Kicking myself. I also have some high end skins, used once (but trimmed specifically for my skis) - 129-98-110 173cm. Happy to part with both for a nominal fee. (I've already mounted alpine binding on the V6s). DM me if interested.

I almost went through Voile directly but they looked limited on bindings and went through Skimo, ended up with ATK Crest 10. I ended up landing on the Voile V6, what are your thoughts on the ski? Little nervous if I get into powder above boot pack.

 

[echo_VT]

I have the movement alp tracks 95 and while they are a good ski, the quality is questionable— the edge is coming off the base on one of the skis in the tail and also one of the tip rails. This had happened in the first year I bought the ski. I sent a claim on the warranty and in the U.S. the distributor dropped them bc they were so unresponsive. I’m told they are likely to close down bc the business is tough. I reached out to the European branch / headquarters (Swiss?) and they did not write me back. I called them and left a message. Nothing. I have the name and number of the person I spoke to in the U.S. about it as well as their ideas to get them to action on the issue. When I went to the rather large Canadian store I ordered from they said they are not carrying their skis anymore as well due to the quality issues they saw and non-responsiveness from the company. A bummer. I also have a pair of skis from 2018 from movement that ski great too but there are no quality issues on that pair like I am seeing on the alp tracks.

 

[nkellan]

I mostly stalked online sales for a year to put together my touring setup and was able to get skis, bindings and skins for under $500. I'm on Backland 98s with Solomon MTN bindings (same as Atomic backland bindings) and black diamond skins and it all works well for an intro touring setup. Boots are spendy, but I have a hybrid boot, purchased before, with the plan for resort as well as potential future backcountry, which cut down on cost (and eliminated having to break in another boot, for which I was very grateful on those first couple of tours.)

Skimo, Powder7, Backcountry, Evo and Skimo were where I regularly hunted. I'm always looking for recommendations on where to find gear and sales online.

 

[3beeches]

My story is similar to @nkellan. I needed new ski boots at the same time I started to think about trying AT. I bought a pair of hybrid boots: Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 115. (I love them.) I was able to get a pretty good deal bc I bought them late season. I think I got them from Lone Pine Gear Exchange. About the same time, I bought a pair of Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro 140 poles from the Garage Sale at REI. Last Feb., I took a women's uphill clinic; it was my first time trying AT and it was so much fun. I learned that renting an AT set-up could be a problem (hard to find place that rents & inventory is low) so I thought I'd try to find an inexpensive ski & binding package. I was able to get skis & bindings (Backland 78s with ATK RentMe binding) for under $500 from Lone Pine Gear Exchange. I bought Black Diamond skins that were on sale from SkiMo. @nkellan listed the sites I visit regularly when looking for a deal on gear: Skimo, Powder7, Backcountry, Evo. I would add Lone Pine Gear Exchange, REI (which has a generous return policy) and the REI garage sale.

 

[ducky]

Just following up on this thread... Tecnica Scouts, getting mixed feedback regarding this issue. The downhill the boot feels good, could have a higher heel pocket but not bad. But skinning my foot is popping out of the heel pocket, toes slide forward, and I am ending up with bruised toenails. Bootfitter said length is spot on, try playing with the third buckle up. This didn't help keep the heel in the heel pocket, tried changing stride length and didn't seem to affect it much. Anyone else run into this problem and have a solution? TIA

 

[Aerlind]

I learned that renting an AT set-up could be a problem (hard to find place that rents & inventory is low)

That depends on where you are...there are two shops in Bozeman that rent AT setups for ~$70 (though Montana Ski and Boot fitters only have 165 and up for length.....unsure of what Bangtail has as they're new to the scene, picking up after Uphill Pursuits closed) and one in Driggs, ID. I would assume there's one in Jackson as well but haven't looked as I come down from the Driggs side. I can see how it might be harder on the east coast, but at least in my little micro area of southwest Montana and western Idaho, it's a popular enough sport that there are shops that cater to it.

 

[arbusch]

Just following up on this thread... Tecnica Scouts, getting mixed feedback regarding this issue. The downhill the boot feels good, could have a higher heel pocket but not bad. But skinning my foot is popping out of the heel pocket, toes slide forward, and I am ending up with bruised toenails. Bootfitter said length is spot on, try playing with the third buckle up. This didn't help keep the heel in the heel pocket, tried changing stride length and didn't seem to affect it much. Anyone else run into this problem and have a solution? TIA

I even asked my husband about this. We have been discussing a solution over dinner. If he's getting any heal play when touring he adjust that third buckle either in loosening or tightening depending on what fixes the issue. The other question we had was when this is happening on flat terrain or steep? What risers level are you using? Your skinning technique? Are you sliding the ski forward or picking up your ski like you pick up your feet when walking? This might help us understand a bit more in providing a solution.

 

[Verve]

Just following up on this thread... Tecnica Scouts, getting mixed feedback regarding this issue. The downhill the boot feels good, could have a higher heel pocket but not bad. But skinning my foot is popping out of the heel pocket, toes slide forward, and I am ending up with bruised toenails. Bootfitter said length is spot on, try playing with the third buckle up. This didn't help keep the heel in the heel pocket, tried changing stride length and didn't seem to affect it much. Anyone else run into this problem and have a solution? TIA

As someone with short heel girth (the circumference of my foot from the front of my ankle to the farthest back point of my heel is very small compared to average) who is also very mobile through that joint- heel lift is my nemesis in all boot fits and is a particular hurdle in touring boots. Ultimately, I think you want to work with a good boot fitter to resolve (and play with your buckle microadjustments and form as mentioned) but I wanted to give you some reassurance that you could be in the right boot for you as I tried on every touring boot in my shop and went with the Zero G as having the best out of the box heel hold. That + a custom footbed was all I needed to make the boot work for me. A custom or semi custom footbed can help your foot hold the optimal position inside your liner and shell by taking up the appropriate amount of space under your arch and forefoot.

When I sweat, I can still work my heel up so I am mindful both of seating my heel in the liner and the liner in the boot before starting to skin or ski and resetting it a couple times on the ascent - I'm in VT though so my ups are shorter than yours . Your liners should have come with laces which can also help cinch down the liner around your ankle - I'd rather have the friction be from liner to shell than between my foot/sock and the liner, if that makes sense. I also cinch my power strap down directly on the liner, inside the shell for more hold because I also have skinny calves

Hope you find a good solution! Keep us posted.