Best Backcountry Ski Bindings of 2024
Published December 22, 2023
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Skiing in the backcountry is ultimately a different sport than resort skiing, which requires a different set of gear—especially ski ski bindings. We looked at nearly all the options on the market for backcountry bindings, and then tested the top models to determine the best backcountry ski bindings for most backcountry skiers.
Backcountry ski bindings are one of the primary pieces of gear that allow us to walk uphill on skis and then make some fun turns on the way back down.
Whether you’re getting your first backcountry-specific setup or you’ve got several seasons under your belt, this review will give you the info you need to find the ski binding that’s right for you and your skiing style.
Disclaimer: Having the right backcountry ski gear is not enough for a frontcountry or backcountry skier to safely travel in avalanche terrain. Learn the risks, invest in education, practice safe decision-making, and take a Level 1 avalanche course approved by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education prior to partaking in risky activities. See our How to Get Started Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Gear List for more info.
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COMPARISON TABLE
| BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDING | TREELINE AWARD | PRICE | TYPE | WEIGHT PER PAIR | RELEASE VALUE | BOOT COMPATIBILITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic Backland Tour | Best overall Read why |
$650 | Pin tech | 796 grams | Low, medium, high | Pin tech toe and heel |
| Daymaker Classic Ski Touring Adapter | Best affordable Read why |
$300 | Adapter | 1440 grams | n/a | Must have heel and toe bale |
| Dynafit Superlite 150 | Best lightweight Read why |
$600 | Pin tech | 300 grams | 4-13 | Pin tech toe and heel |
| G3 Ion 12 | Best user friendly Read why |
$664 | Pin tech | 1158 grams | 5-12 | AT ISO 9523 |
| Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC | Best hybrid Read why |
$550 | Hybrid | 1770 grams | DIN certified 6-13 | Tech toe and heel for uphill, MNC-certified for downhill |
| Marker Alpinist | Best downhill Read why |
$450-$550 | Pin tech | 540 grams | 4-8, 5-10, 6-12 | Tech toe and heel |
THE WINNERS
BEST OVERALL BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS: ATOMIC BACKLAND TOUR
Type: pin tech
Weight: 796 grams (pair)
Release value: 3 release settings - low, medium, and high
Boot compatibility: pin tech toe and heel
What we liked: efficient, light, durable, and easy-to-use binding that performs well on the uphill and the downhill
What we didn’t like: limited release adjustments
If you’re looking for an all-around touring binding for dedicated backcountry skiing, the Atomic Backland Tour is our top pick. Whether you’re chasing low angle powder turns or seeking out big and steep lines deep in the backcountry, this binding will excel at it all while remaining light on the uphill and reliable on the downs. Thanks to a durable design, easy adjustments and transitions, and overall performance, we think this is the best binding for most backcountry tours.
ATOMIC BACKLAND TOUR
The Atomic Backland Tour backcountry ski bindings. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
FEATURES
The Backland Tour is a pin tech binding, designed specifically for backcountry ski touring. This binding does an excellent job of balancing weight, performance, and features. Weighing just under 800 grams (with brakes) for a pair, this binding is very light for being a fully-featured touring binding with release adjustment, heel risers, and boot adjustments. (If you like the binding’s functionality but want to shed some extra grams, it’s available without brakes, too.)
It tours uphill with ease, with heel risers that are functional and uncomplicated. And on the downhill, it holds its own with good responsiveness and reliability for a pin binding. (It’s worth noting that the same parent company owns Atomic and Salomon, and that the Backland Tour binding is identical to the Salomon MTN Pure, aside from branding.)
TOE PIECE AND HEEL RISERS
The toe piece of the Atomic Backland Tour backcountry ski bindings. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
The heel risers of the Atomic Backland Tour backcountry ski bindings. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
The toe piece on the Backland Tour, like most tech toes on the market, has specific ski and tour settings. Step into the toe piece and you’re in ski mode; lock the toe to prevent releases on the uphill, and unlock back to ski mode before descending.
The heel riser options on the Backland are some of the most practical and functional of any we tested. In traditional tour mode with the heel piece twisted, there are two risers and three levels: flat, medium, and high. This is the ideal position for the binding for longer tours, especially when you may encounter long sections of flat road or trail. But, if you want faster transitions and don’t mind sacrificing the flat touring option, you can leave the heel piece forward in ski mode and simply flip the first heel riser down to tour. This gives you two riser levels and makes transitions even simpler. We found ourselves using this often for shorter tours without long and flat approaches.
PERFORMANCE
On the downhill, the Backland Tour has an overall good downhill performance. It does not boast the same power transfer and responsiveness of a traditional alpine binding, but no pin binding does. In our testing, we think that this binding performs better than Dynafit models (like the Radical) and equally as well as the G3 Ion. The stack height is low on this binding, keeping your boot close to the ski, which helps with that downhill performance. Because of the forward pressure, the Marker Alpinist has an edge for downhill performance on other traditional tech bindings we tested, including this one. But the overall performance on both the uphill and downhill of the Backland is hard to beat.
The release settings on the Backland are slightly different than most others we tested. Rather than a numbered range that’s adjusted with a screwdriver, this binding has three different interchangeable springs. We don’t love how Atomic has labeled these settings as “women” for the lowest, “men” for the mid, and “expert” for the highest tension. We prefer to think of them as low, medium, and high tension. Throughout our season on this binding, we used both the low and medium settings and never had issues with pre-release.
It’s worth noting that while there is no “DIN number” value assigned to these, that is not a downside in our book. True pin tech bindings like these (and others like the Alpinist, Ion, Radical, and many others) do not have proper DIN certifications as it is, so these numbers aren’t nearly as meaningful as they are on an alpine binding. If anything, we prefer this system as it does less to mislead customers into believing that a tech binding like this has actual DIN settings (again, it does not). Nonetheless, a shop can help you figure out which setting you should be using with this binding based on all the usual settings of height, weight, boot sole length, age, and skiing ability.
OUR VERDICT
We tested the Atomic Backland Tour over a full season of backcountry touring. We took it on short skins where we made laps in the powder, and used it for long days seeking out bigger lines, with many hours in the skin track. This binding never gave us a single issue over dozens of ski days. It’s reliable, simple, durable, and performs well. For a dedicated touring binding with great all-around performance, we don’t hesitate to recommend the Backland.
BEST AFFORDABLE BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS: DAYMAKER CLASSIC SKI TOURING ADAPTER
Type: adapter
Weight: 1440 grams (pair)
Release value: n/a
Boot compatibility: works with nearly all alpine and touring ski boots (must have heel and toe bale)
What we liked: a truly affordable option that doesn’t require new boots and skis, can work with multiple pairs of skis, gives you full alpine DIN-certified bindings for the downhill
What we didn’t like: heavy, clunky on the uphill, not nearly as efficient as pin bindings
Truth be told, there’s unfortunately not much about backcountry skiing that’s affordable. Ski gear is expensive; ski gear designed for the backcountry is often even more so. That’s especially true of bindings. For the most part, most touring bindings will set you back at least $400, if not significantly more. And that almost always requires that you have a separate ski and a boot that’s compatible with the pin binding. While technically not a binding in itself, Daymaker offers a truly affordable option with their Classic Ski Touring Adapter.
DAYMAKER CLASSIC SKI TOURING ADAPTER
The Daymaker Classic Ski Touring Adapter is heavier and clunkier than tech bindings, but it is at least half the price of other bindings on the market. And, it does not require that you replace your boots or even get new skis. This adapter works with all common alpine bindings and boots on the market. That means you can take the downhill skis and boots you already have and tour with them with this adapter.
If you are a skier who is curious to try out backcountry touring, if you’re on a tight budget, or if you simply prefer the reliability of an alpine binding for the downhill whether you’re at the resort or in the backcountry, the Daymakers make a great choice. It is, however, important to understand the benefits and trade-offs of a system like this.
PROS AND CONS
First, the downside: this setup is inevitably going to be far heavier and less efficient than a dedicated touring setup with pin bindings. There is more weight on your boot and friction in your range of motion, which makes skinning more laborious. After you reach the top, you will need to remove the adapters and stash them in your pack in order to ski down.
But here’s the benefit: there is absolutely no cheaper way to get into the backcountry than with a setup like this (aside from walking your skis up the hill, and no one wants to do that). While some touring-specific bindings may cost less than others, this is the only option we’d consider truly affordable. It makes backcountry skiing more accessible, and we think that’s a net positive, so long as skiers are smart, responsible, and respectful when they go out.
The other main benefit to this binding is that it allows you the performance and reliability of an alpine binding on the downhill. Now, we’ll admit that for the vast majority of backcountry skiers, this is not necessary. Tech bindings perform well when used properly, and most folks should logically ski with more reserve in the backcountry than in the resort. However, if you are one of the rare, hard-charging skiers who need the reliability of a DIN-certified binding for skiing fast and hard and hitting jumps in the backcountry, this provides an excellent option.
DURABILITY
One of our testers has been using this adapter system for several seasons and spends dozens of days each season in the backcountry, both for pleasure and for work. This often includes several hours on the skin track with a pack full of heavy camera gear. He has found these adapters to work well despite the trade-offs and chooses them for the reliability of an alpine binding on the downhill. After many seasons of use, he has not encountered durability issues with the adapters (and this is especially notable coming from a tester known to regularly break skis and even boots).
UPDATES AND OUR VERDICT
As of this season, Daymaker has also released a new adapter called the Tekdapter. This model still clips into an alpine binding like the Classic but utilizes a tech toe instead. This makes for more efficient touring with less resistance while also eliminating the extra weight attached to the boot. We have not yet had a chance to test this, but we think it will be an excellent option for those with tech toe fittings on their boots. It also comes in at the same price as the Classic adapters. Other than the fact that we’ve yet to test this, the primary reason we still recommend the Classic adapters as the most affordable option is because they can be used with any alpine ski boot, even if you don’t have tech fittings on the toe.
Overall, if you’re looking for a truly affordable option to dip your toes into the world of backcountry skiing, there is truly no option that can get you out there for cheaper than by using an adapter, and this is the best one on the market.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS: DYNAFIT SUPERLITE 150
Type: pin tech
Weight: 300 grams (pair)
Release value: 4-13
Boot compatibility: pin tech toe and heel
What we liked: super light and great for the uphill
What we didn’t like: subpar downhill performance, limited adjustment range
If fast and light is your ultimate priority in the backcountry, then you’ll likely want to use a minimal binding that sheds grams wherever possible. Aside from full skimo race-style bindings, you’d be hard-pressed to find a touring binding lighter than the Dynafit Superlite 150. The feature set is slim, but this binding maintains some heel riser settings and at least minimal boot adjustment settings while weighing just 150 grams per binding (a little more with the mounting screws), as the name implies.
DYNAFIT SUPERLITE 150
FEATURES
This binding prioritizes weight savings over just about everything else while still maintaining the basic features that a touring binding should have. The toe piece functions like other tech toes, with a locked out uphill mode and a ski mode. The heel piece does have heel risers and a surprising level of adjustment options for a binding this light. Those adjustments are not as easy to use as others, like the Atomic Backland binding. Accessing all of the riser levels requires twisting the heel piece, which is tedious and not nearly as easy as simply flicking the heel risers with your ski pole.
For other features, the Superlite bindings have an optional heel plate that allows for 20 millimeters of adjustment. This is at least half of what many other touring bindings offer, but it’s still better than race bindings, which typically offer no adjustment at all. There is an option to add a brake with these bindings, which is also unusual with a model this light. However, the brake will greatly increase the weight to the point where it’s likely better to simply opt for a more fully-featured binding. But, if you prefer to ski without brakes in the backcountry, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a lighter binding outside of the race category.
PERFORMANCE
When it comes to downhill performance, this binding does reasonably well for the weight. Because of how minimal the toe piece is, especially, there is next to no vibration dampening, but this binding will still perform far better than a race binding. The release value for the Superlite ranges from 4-13, which is quite impressive for a binding in this weight class. These release values, like many other tech bindings, are not DIN-certified despite the moniker.
The metal construction of the Superlite means this binding is likely to be durable. We have not tested this exact model, but we’ve spent multiple seasons on similar bindings (like the Speed Radical) and have found them to have good durability.
OUR VERDICT
Overall, if you’re looking for a light binding for long days in the backcountry, but don’t want to sacrifice performance by dipping into the category of race bindings, the Superlite 150 should be at the top of your list. This binding offers good features and performance in an impressively lightweight package.
MOST USER-FRIENDLY BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS: G3 ION 12
Type: pin tech
Weight: 1158 grams (pair)
Release value: 5-12
Boot compatibility: pin tech
What we liked: user-friendly, toe piece is super easy to step into and adjust
What we didn’t like: heavy, not as durable as others
Tech bindings can often be finicky. For folks who are new to this type of binding and new to backcountry skiing, getting in and out of your bindings can take some practice. Some bindings are better with this than others, and of all the tech bindings we’ve used over the years, the Ion stands out as the easiest to step in and out of. This is a fully-featured tech binding for backcountry skiing that offers nearly unmatched user-friendliness. If ease of use is your top priority, you’ll want to consider this binding.
G3 ION 12
FEATURES
The Ion 12 functions much like other tech bindings on the market. The toe piece has settings for touring and ski modes, and the heel piece rotates to switch between modes, with a flat touring mode and two heel risers. The toe piece has small plastic guides that help get your boot in just the right place to click in. Many tech bindings don’t have this, and that made this binding easier to step into than any other tech binding we’ve tested. Everything else about this binding is equally intuitive. The heel piece turns in one direction and does not need to be turned further in order to access different heel risers.
PERFORMANCE
This binding tours uphill very well. It is on the heavier end of the spectrum for a pin binding, but the ergonomics for the uphill are excellent. Transitions can also be performed easily, both by removing your skis or while leaving them on. (The heel piece is easy enough for most to rotate back to ski mode without removing skis, but we found the Atomic Backland to be slightly easier for this.)
The Ion performs well on the downhill. It does not sit quite as low as the Backland, but it does not have a particularly tall stack height either. And the power transfer is quite good for a tech binding. The release settings for the Ion 12 range from 5 to 12. There is an Ion 10 that offers lower release values for those who need it, but we prefer the Ion 12 for its more durable construction, thanks to more metal in the makeup. Again, this is not a DIN-certified binding, so these settings are different from those on an alpine binding. That being said, we used the Ion 12 for several seasons and hundreds of days and rarely had issues with pre-release.
OUR VERDICT
When it comes to durability, these bindings don’t hold up quite as well as ones like the Atomic Backland. There is more plastic in the Ion’s construction, making it more susceptible to wear. We skied hard on this binding for several seasons before encountering any durability issues, but we have other testers who encountered issues much sooner.
Overall, this binding is still an excellent choice for folks who want a fully-featured and easy-to-use tech binding. But if durability is a top priority, you may be better off considering a binding with a full metal construction.
BEST HYBRID BINDINGS FOR BACKCOUNTRY AND RESORT SKIING: SALOMON S/LAB SHIFT MNC
Type: Hybrid
Weight: 1770 grams (pair)
Release value: DIN certified 6-13
Boot compatibility: Tech toe and heel for uphill, MNC-certified for downhill
What we liked: Excellent downhill performance, fully MNC and DIN-certified alpine binding that also tours reasonably well
What we didn’t like: Heavy, transitions can be finicky and slow
If you want a versatile binding that you can take in the backcountry and ski hard at the resort, you’ll want to avoid tech bindings altogether. These have their place in the backcountry, but they’re not meant for the resort–opt instead for a hybrid binding. The Salomon Shift binding is the best DIN-certified alpine touring binding on the market. There are trade-offs, but if you want a binding that can truly do it all, choose this one.
The Shift is a hybrid binding, meaning that it uses a combination of pin technology for the uphill, but is a fully capable and certified alpine binding for the downhill. In tour mode, this binding uses pins that you step your toe into, much like you would with a regular pin tech binding (though the transition to get there is more involved). This allows for ergonomic and efficient touring with low resistance. While the binding itself is heavy, none of that weight hangs on the bottom of your boot, which makes the uphill easier.
SALOMON S/LAB SHIFT MNC
PERFORMANCE
In downhill mode, the Shift functions exactly like a true alpine binding. And it does have full DIN certifications and multi-norm certifications for boots with regular alpine soles and grip walk soles. This means that the release values on this binding are tested and certified like all other alpine ski bindings, making it safer and more reliable on the downhill with excellent performance to boot. In fact, we think the Shift performs as well as true alpine bindings on the downhill. DIN settings on the Shift range from 6 to 13.
Weight and transition time are where the Shift struggles. This binding is not nearly as light as true tech bindings, which is to be expected with a binding that boasts this kind of performance. Transitions from skin to ski mode are also more time consuming. While most tech bindings can transition to ski mode without even removing your ski, you must remove the ski and adjust both the toe and heel of this binding to transition to ski mode.
As far as durability goes, the Shift finds itself in a unique category. It’s more durable than some pin tech bindings, but not nearly as durable as true alpine bindings. When treated like a tech binding, the Shift will be durable. If you treat it like a burly alpine binding, you’re more likely to encounter issues.
OUR VERDICT
Our tester has used this binding for a full season of backcountry touring and resort skiing. Aside from slow transitions on the skin track, it has performed very well on the skin track, while making fresh powder turns in the backcountry, and while carving fast down groomers in the resort. If you don’t intend to ski the resort and only want to ski the backcountry with this binding, there are much lighter and faster options. But none of them offer the downhill performance and versatility of the Shift.
Overall, if you want a setup that you can take in the resort and the backcountry, or if you want a backcountry binding with full DIN and MNC certifications, this binding should be your top choice. Of all the hybrid bindings on the market, this one boasts a reasonable weight and excellent performance.
BEST DOWNHILL BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS: MARKER ALPINIST
Type: Pin tech
Weight: 540 grams (pair)
Release value: 4-8, 5-10, 6-12 (depending on model)
Boot compatibility: Tech toe and heel
What we liked: Forward pressure provides great downhill performance, lightweight
What we didn’t like: Heel riser settings are finicky to adjust, not the best brake system
Pin tech bindings are often the best tool for backcountry skiing thanks to their light weight and efficiency for the uphill. After all, you spend most of your time going up when skiing in the backcountry. Many bindings end up sacrificing downhill performance in order to achieve this. The Marker Alpinist binding manages to be an impressively light binding that includes some notable features that make the downhill performance better than most tech bindings like it. If you want a light tech binding that skis particularly well for its category, put this one on the top of your list.
MARKER ALPINIST
FEATURES
The Alpinist has a toe piece similar to most other tech bindings on the market, with a tour and downhill mode. The heel piece has 15 millimeters of adjustment for boot length, which is on the low end but still nice to have in a binding in this weight class.
There are three heel riser level options that are useful. The downside is how to access them. Unlike the Backland, you have to turn the heel piece to access the different levels, which can be tedious when in the skin track. There is an option to add a brake to this binding, but anecdotes from skiers we know who have used this binding show that the brake is finicky compared to other binding models. And given the light weight of the Alpinist without brakes, we’d recommend using it brakeless for the best performance.
PERFORMANCE
The downhill is where the Alpinist shines in comparison to other tech bindings like it. The primary reason for this is in the heel piece, where Marker has employed forward pressure that seeks to emanate the energy transfer and downhill performance of traditional alpine bindings.
Does it ski as well as the Shift? No. And, it notably still does not have true DIN certifications; it’s still a tech binding. But the springs in this binding and the use of forward pressure—paired with a relatively low stack height and reasonable vibration dampening for a light tech binding—do make the Alpinist a standout on the downhill. There are three options for release adjustments on this binding, depending on which model (4-8, 5-10, and 6-12).
OUR VERDICT
Overall, if you’re looking for a tech binding with a unique pairing of light weight and downhill performance, and don’t mind the trade-off of finicky heel risers, this binding is an excellent option for any dedicated backcountry setup for all types of touring.
OTHER BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS WE TESTED
DYNAFIT RADICAL
Type: pin tech
Weight: 520 grams
Release value: 4-10
Boot compatibility: pin tech
What we liked: simple, durable design
What we didn’t like: lack of movement in heel piece causes boot to stick in tour mode at times, downhill performance not quite as good as others
The Dynafit Radical is a fairly straightforward pin binding that is relatively popular among backcountry skiers. This binding doesn’t really have any unique designs or features, and is a simple, reliable, and light option that will serve most skiers well. We tested this binding between two testers over multiple seasons. It is a good overall binding, but others, like the Atomic Backland, offer better features. And many, including the Backland, Alpinist, and Ion, perform better on the downhill.
DYNAFIT RADICAL
Type: pin tech
Weight: 599 grams
Release value: 4-10
Boot compatibility: pin tech
What we liked: innovative toe piece design
What we didn’t like: heavy, hard to step into toe
This is a unique binding from Dynafit, primarily because of the toe piece. Rather than being completely fixed like most tech bindings, it rotates to either side, which is meant to mimic the elasticity found in alpine bindings. While this is somewhat innovative, we think the binding is unnecessarily heavy and hard to step into because of that rotation piece. And while this does add a small amount of extra safety and performance, it is still not a true DIN certification and is still not the same as having the genuine elasticity that alpine bindings have. If this is very important to you, we’d recommend a binding like the Shift. If this is ultimately not crucial, you’ll save a lot of weight and have a much more user-friendly binding with a simpler tech model.
DYNAFIT ST ROTATION 10
Type: hybrid
Weight: 695 grams (for the 10 model)
Release value: 5-10, 6-13
Boot compatibility: alpine with pin inserts
What we liked: heel piece design makes for great downhill performance in a pin binding
What we didn’t like: heavy, still no elasticity or true DIN in the toe
The Marker Kingpin was once one of the more popular bindings on the market for skiers who demanded something a bit more burly than a traditional tech binding. It is a hybrid binding with a tech toe and a heel piece that locks in for the downhill like an alpine binding. This does make for better downhill performance, but it still is not a DIN-certified binding, and there is no elasticity in the toe, where it really matters. If you’re considering this binding, also consider the Shift. It does weigh more, but it is a true alpine binding on the downhill, unlike this one.
MARKER KINGPIN ALPINE TOURING
Type: adapter
Weight: 1060 grams
Release value: n/a
Boot compatibility: alpine with pin inserts
What we liked: affordable, more efficient touring than original adapter
What we didn’t like: not as universally compatible as original adapter, heavy
New for this season, Daymaker has created a binding adapter meant to work with tech toe fittings. This design is lighter and tours much more efficiently than the Classic adapter, but it does require that your boot has the tech toe fittings. At the same price point, we’d recommend this adapter over the Classic for its weight savings and efficiency on the uphill as another excellent budget option.
DAYMAKER TEKDAPTER
Type: hybrid
Weight: 1990 grams
Release value: 6-15
Boot compatibility: alpine with pin tech inserts
What we liked: offers efficient uphill touring while giving you a full alpine binding on the downhill
What we didn’t like: heavy, transitions very finicky
The Look Pivot binding is one of the most popular alpine binding models among dedicated, hard-charging skiers, and for good reason. The folks over at Cast have created a hybrid binding using the Pivot 15 that allows for touring in a pin toe on the uphill and skiing on a full Pivot 15 on the downhill. This works by swapping the toe piece on the binding for the up with a pin toe, then replacing the Pivot toe piece for the downhill. It is what it sounds like: heavy and slow for transitions. But you get one of the top alpine bindings on the market for the ride down.
Notes from testers show that the transitions are quite finicky—you have to have a screwdriver on you to swap the toes, and those parts often have trouble with icing up. Consider this option only if you absolutely need the reliability of the Pivot for the downhill.
CAST FREETOUR PIVOT 15
TYPES OF BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS
TECH BINDINGS
Tech bindings, also called pin bindings or pin tech bindings, are the most commonly used backcountry bindings. These are designed specifically for backcountry touring with uphill efficiency and light weight as a priority, and not designed primarily for downhill alpine skiing. These bindings require tech toe and heel inserts in order to be functional.
In general, tech bindings are not designed in the same way as alpine bindings, and therefore are not tested in the same way and do not hold the same safety certifications. These bindings can be used safely in the backcountry when used properly, but the differences in pin bindings compared to alpine bindings should be taken into account by the user. Still, for long days spent touring in the backcountry and earning your turns, these bindings are almost always the best tool for the job.
HYBRID BINDINGS
Hybrid bindings are a cross between a tech binding and a traditional alpine binding. These bindings have the functionality to tour uphill, but prioritize downhill performance overall. Hybrid bindings are heavier and more cumbersome than pin bindings, but they often have proper certifications for alpine bindings, like true DIN settings and MNC certifications. If you plan to ski in the resort at all with your touring setup, you should consider a hybrid binding.
ADAPTERS
Adapters are meant to clip into an existing alpine downhill binding in order to give them touring capabilities. These are the most affordable and versatile option for skiers on a budget, or for skiers who demand the performance of a true alpine binding for skiing in the backcountry.
Adapters are cumbersome and heavy and need to be stashed in your pack for the downhill. But on the upside, they can be used with just about any downhill alpine ski, binding, and boot combo you already have. And, when it comes to the downhill, you have the reliability of a DIN-certified binding under your foot. (This isn’t necessary for many backcountry skiers, but can be beneficial for those who ski particularly hard, even in the backcountry.)
FRAME BINDINGS
Frame bindings are an older version of touring bindings that don’t involve the use of tech fittings. Instead, the entire binding frame releases from the ski in touring mode, then clicks back in for the downhill. They are not nearly as efficient on the uphill as pin bindings, nor do they perform very well on the downhill. They do have proper DIN release settings like an alpine binding, but they can be very finicky both in uphill and downhill modes.
While not quite obsolete, this type of binding is far less common now, with all of the pin and hybrid options on the market. Yes, frame bindings are more affordable than their tech and hybrid cousins, but we think they perform poorly overall and that an adapter is a better option if budget is a top priority. It’s for these reasons that we have not included any frame bindings in our review.
IMPORTANCE OF BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS
Without backcountry-specific ski bindings, we’d be stuck snowshoeing to the top of the hill, or maybe telemark skiing to get there. Touring bindings enable us skiers to move efficiently uphill before having some fun on the downhill. These bindings are designed specifically for this purpose, often with a priority on weight savings over downhill performance.
While this might sound like a bad trade-off, it’s worth remembering that in the backcountry, the vast majority of time is spent going up and “earning your turns,” and only a small fraction of that time is spent going down, as compared to a resort. If you plan to spend any notable amount of time skiing in the backcountry, you’ll need a touring binding to get you there.
HOW BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS ARE DIFFERENT FROM ALPINE BINDINGS
There are some pretty fundamental and major differences between most touring bindings and alpine bindings, specifically when it comes to pin tech bindings. These differences are important to note, and you should understand the intended use case for these different types of bindings.
Alpine ski bindings are built with safety and downhill performance as a priority. This means that pretty much every alpine ski binding on the market today is going to go through rigorous testing done by third parties and will have certifications for safety that are standardized across the industry. This includes DIN certifications and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications. Some touring bindings do have certs from ISO, but these are not the same as alpine bindings. In general, tech touring bindings are not required to meet the same testing and safety standards as alpine bindings.
Another main difference between alpine and pin bindings comes in what’s called “elasticity.” Elasticity is the amount of movement that your boot can make within the binding before it fully releases. More elasticity generally means a binding that’s safer for your knees and legs, and it also often makes the binding perform better on the downhill. Typical alpine bindings have somewhere around 30-40 millimeters (sometimes more) of elastic travel in the toe. Pin tech bindings, on the other hand, often only have a couple of millimeters of travel.
Because of the different design mechanisms in these two types of bindings, this means that, generally, alpine bindings are much more reliable with their tension and release. Tech bindings simply do not have this level of reliability and performance because you could never have a binding as light and efficient on the uphill while maintaining these standards. That’s why alpine bindings are so much heavier and built completely differently than tech bindings.
This does not mean that tech bindings are unsafe or inherently dangerous; they can be very safe and practical when used properly. But it does mean that alpine bindings are safer and will perform better for downhill skiing. It’s for these reasons that we strongly suggest you never ski tech bindings in the resort. On top of that, alpine bindings are typically more durable than tech bindings. So, not only is it a safety concern to ski tech bindings in the resort, but you’re also putting unnecessary wear and tear on an expensive and specialized piece of gear.
If you’re a dedicated skier—and most backcountry skiers are—we highly recommend having a separate setup for the resort and backcountry. You will get the best performance out of each setup this way. If a one-ski-quiver is truly the only option for you, then use a hybrid binding like the Shift for more safety and better performance.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS
WEIGHT
Weight is one of the most crucial factors to consider with backcountry ski bindings (and backcountry ski gear in general). You will be spending most of your time working hard and going uphill. Saving weight will most likely make your experience more enjoyable overall since you’re not working as hard for the majority of your time out there.
DOWNHILL PERFORMANCE
Most backcountry skiers will agree that sacrificing some downhill performance for significant weight savings in a binding is totally worth it, and we agree. For all but the hardest charging skiers, lightweight pin bindings are the best tool for the job when skiing in the backcountry. But that does not mean you have to sacrifice downhill performance altogether. Many lightweight tech bindings are still very fun to ski, like the Backland, Alpinist, and Ion.
There is a bit of a threshold, though, when you dip into ultralight categories and race-style bindings. At this point you truly are sacrificing a good deal of downhill performance for only moderate weight savings. This is why we think that bindings in the rough range of 500 to 1,000 grams per pair are ideal for all-around touring. They’re plenty light and efficient while still maintaining good performance on the downhill. If you want a binding that performs as well on the downhill as your alpine resort skis, you’re going to have to haul a great deal more weight up the hill. But this will all ultimately come down to personal preference and ability.
Related: read our reviews and verdict for the Best Avalanche Beacons this season.
RELEASE MECHANISM
Consider the release values in your bindings to ensure you’re getting what you need. It’s a good idea to know what level of DIN setting you normally ski with in the resort to help you select. If you ski at the low end, then a binding with a high release value setting is not necessary. But if, for reasons of height, weight, or aggressive skiing style, you ski with a high release value, be sure that the binding will meet your needs.
ISO/DIN CERTIFICATION
Most touring bindings will not have the same ISO and DIN safety and release certifications as alpine bindings because they function in a completely different way. This is a compromise that backcountry skiers are generally willing to make, especially given that it is wise to ski more conservatively in the backcountry than you would in the resort anyway.
If you prefer the peace of mind that comes with an alpine binding, or if you’re a hard-charging skier at a very high level (this is not most of us), then the extra weight of a hybrid binding may be worth it. Or, if you plan to use your setup in the resort at all, sacrifice the weight and opt for a binding with ISO norms and true DIN settings so that you can ski more safely and with a better performing binding when in bounds.
COMPATIBILITY WITH SKIS AND SKI BOOTS
Boot and binding compatibility can be tricky with so many options on the market. But the main thing to note is whether your bindings require your boots to have pin tech fittings in the toe and heel of the boot. (Even many alpine ski boots come outfitted with these now for the sake of versatility.) On the other hand, some boots designed for lightweight touring may not be compatible with alpine bindings. If you’re unsure, check with a local shop before buying.
SKI BRAKES VS LEASHES
Considering brakes versus leashes for backcountry use often comes down to personal preference. Ski resorts require brakes to slow or stop a rogue runaway ski, primarily on groomed runs. Brakes are a lot less effective in powder and other variable backcountry snow conditions. However, without brakes on your skis, you do need to be much more diligent during transitions to ensure you don’t end up with a lost ski and have to post-hole your way back to the trailhead.
Going without brakes does often save a good deal of weight. And if you ski without brakes, then it’s important to have leashes that attach the binding to your boot. Leashes can also be much more effective if you lose a ski in deep powder.
DURABILITY
Durability is a key factor with any ski gear, especially bindings. This is an essential piece of gear that you want to be reliable and functional. As is often true with outdoor gear, weight and durability are usually inversely related. Ultralight bindings will likely be less durable than their heavier counterparts. But overall, when it comes to touring bindings and pin bindings specifically, one of the main things to look for is material. Bindings constructed with more metal are typically more durable than those constructed with a lot of plastic. And, often, simplicity has a leg up here, too. The simpler the binding, the less there is to go wrong.
CLIMBING AIDS
You’ll want to think about how your binding performs on the uphill, and this includes climbing aids. Most all-around touring bindings will have 3 levels for touring on varying degrees of steep slopes. Consider how easy these climbing aids are to use and how much time you want to have to spend switching between them.
TIPS FOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE
PROPER MAINTENANCE PRACTICES TO ENSURE THE LONGEVITY OF BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS
Store your backcountry skis in a dry place away from sunlight. Avoid moisture build-up after you’re done skiing to help prevent wear or damage.
TIPS FOR TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON ISSUES
One of the most common issues with pin tech bindings is having a component–usually the toe–ice up, locking the springs into position. This is usually easy to fix by carefully picking at the ice with the tip of your ski pole. One way to help avoid this is to practice quick transitions and to learn to transition without taking your ski fully off. This minimizes the amount of snow and ice build-up on both your backcountry ski boots and the binding.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PERIODIC CHECKS AND ADJUSTMENTS
It’s always a good idea to give your bindings a once-over at the beginning of the season. You should also do this after a crash, if there are loose pieces in the binding, or if the binding doesn’t feel right when clicked in.
FAQ
HOW DO BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS WORK?
Backcountry ski bindings work by allowing your heel to be free while securing your toe, so that you can walk uphill on your skis, not unlike cross-country skis. They then transition into a downhill mode that locks your heel down so that you can make regular alpine turns. Pin tech bindings do this by using small metal pins that secure into metal divots in the toe and heel of your boot, which are held in place by springs in the bindings.
CAN YOU PUT BACKCOUNTRY BINDINGS ON ANY SKIS?
Technically, yes, you can put backcountry bindings on just about any alpine or touring ski. It is worth considering the weight of the ski itself; remember that when in the backcountry, you’re hauling this weight up the hill with the power of your own two legs.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT BINDINGS I NEED?
You will want to consider multiple factors, including ability, personal preference, skiing style, and boot compatibility in order to determine the right binding for you.
CAN I USE BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS FOR RESORT SKIING, OR ARE THEY ONLY SUITABLE FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY?
While you technically can do this, and it is becoming more common among skiers, we very strongly recommend that you DO NOT do this. While tech bindings can be used safely in the proper circumstances, they are not made to charge hard at the resort. The truth is, alpine bindings are simply safer, perform better, and they’re more fun to ski on.
If you ski at both the resort and in the backcountry, we recommend having a separate setup for each. If you can only have one setup to do both, opt for a hybrid binding that has alpine certifications for downhill safety and performance (like the Shift).
HOW DO I ADJUST THE RELEASE SETTINGS ON BACKCOUNTRY SKI BINDINGS?
Most release settings for backcountry bindings are done with a screwdriver. We strongly recommend that you have a shop do this for you.
HOW WE RESEARCHED AND TESTED
Before writing this story, I spent nearly a decade backcountry skiing on various different bindings, including testing bindings and skis for other outdoor publications. I also worked in a backcountry ski shop, educating customers on the different models and types of bindings. When it came to writing this story, I also researched other outdoor media reviews and talked to dozens of skiers to gain information on how different bindings performed, along with using most of them myself. Multiple testers used the different bindings in this review for several days and often multiple full seasons of skiing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held a WFR cert, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue certifications, and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She’s now a full time freelance writer and editor working primarily in the outdoor recreation realm. Her bylines can be found in Backpacker, 5280, and REI’s Uncommon Path, among others, and she’s been testing and writing about gear for nearly a decade. She is also the managing editor of the new print zine, Trails Magazine.
Stasia has been skiing since she could walk, and after all those years on the slopes she’s stepped into dozens of different ski bindings. She spent some time working in a local ski shop in Breckenridge, Colorado, where she learned the nitty gritty details of ski bindings – from burly alpine bindings to ultralight tech touring ones and all the settings and adjustments that come along with that.
Additionally, she’s been testing and writing about ski gear for over a decade. When she’s not skiing and testing gear for work, you’ll find her out just about every day in the winter making turns in the resort and the backcountry or nerding out at home with a cup of good coffee studying avalanche safety and snow conditions, or listening to an in-depth podcast on ski gear and boot fitting.
