Backcountry skiing offers a unique experience. It’s a blend of adventure, exercise, and nature. To enjoy it fully, you need the right gear. One crucial piece of equipment is your bindings. Bindings connect your boots to your skis. They affect your safety, performance, and comfort. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best backcountry bindings. We’ll consider factors like weight, durability, ease of use, and features. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
1. Dynafit ST Rotation 12
Overview
The Dynafit ST Rotation 12 is a top choice for many backcountry skiers. It offers a blend of performance and reliability.
Features
- DIN Range: 5-12
- Weight: 599 grams per binding
- Toe Piece: Rotational toe piece for better release
- Heel Piece: Step-in heel with lateral release
Performance
The rotational toe piece ensures a safe release in falls. The step-in heel piece makes transitions quick and easy. The binding’s construction is robust, offering durability in harsh conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Safe and reliable release mechanism
- Durable construction
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than some other options
- Higher price point
Ideal For
This binding is ideal for skiers who prioritize safety and durability. It’s suitable for all skill levels.
2. Marker Kingpin 13
Overview
The Marker Kingpin 13 is known for its innovative design. It combines the best of tech and alpine bindings.
Features
- DIN Range: 6-13
- Weight: 730 grams per binding
- Toe Piece: Tech toe
- Heel Piece: Alpine-style heel
Performance
The tech toe offers efficient uphill performance. The alpine-style heel provides solid downhill performance. The binding’s power transfer is excellent, making it a favorite among aggressive skiers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent power transfer
- Great downhill performance
- Reliable and durable
Cons:
- Heavier than some other bindings
- More complex to use
Ideal For
This binding is ideal for advanced skiers who want a binding that performs well both uphill and downhill.
3. G3 ION 12
Overview
The G3 ION 12 is a versatile binding that balances weight and performance.
Features
- DIN Range: 5-12
- Weight: 585 grams per binding
- Toe Piece: Easy step-in tech toe
- Heel Piece: Adjustable heel lift
Performance
The easy step-in toe piece simplifies transitions. The adjustable heel lift is useful for steep climbs. The binding’s design focuses on reducing weight without compromising performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Versatile
Cons:
- Less robust than some other options
- Higher price
Ideal For
This binding is ideal for skiers who want a lightweight, easy-to-use binding for a variety of conditions.
4. Salomon S/LAB Shift MNC
Overview
The Salomon S/LAB Shift MNC is a revolutionary binding. It offers the versatility of a tech binding and the performance of an alpine binding.
Features
- DIN Range: 6-13
- Weight: 865 grams per binding
- Toe Piece: Hybrid toe piece
- Heel Piece: Alpine-style heel
Performance
The hybrid toe piece allows for both tech and alpine boot compatibility. The alpine-style heel offers solid downhill performance. The binding’s construction is robust, ensuring durability in various conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile
- Excellent downhill performance
- Durable
Cons:
- Heavy
- Complex to use
Ideal For
This binding is ideal for skiers who want the best of both worlds – tech and alpine binding features.
5. Fritschi Tecton 12
Overview
The Fritschi Tecton 12 is known for its innovative safety features and performance.
Features
- DIN Range: 5-12
- Weight: 550 grams per binding
- Toe Piece: Tech toe with lateral release
- Heel Piece: Alpine-style heel with lateral release
Performance
The lateral release at both the toe and heel enhances safety. The tech toe ensures efficient uphill performance. The binding is lightweight, making it suitable for long tours.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enhanced safety features
- Lightweight
- Efficient uphill performance
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as robust as some other options
Ideal For
This binding is ideal for skiers who prioritize safety and weight for long tours.
6. Atomic Backland Tour
Overview
The Atomic Backland Tour is a lightweight binding designed for efficiency.
Features
- DIN Range: 4-10
- Weight: 398 grams per binding
- Toe Piece: Simple tech toe
- Heel Piece: Adjustable heel lift
Performance
The simple tech toe makes for easy step-ins. The adjustable heel lift aids in climbing. The binding’s lightweight design is perfect for long tours.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Easy to use
- Efficient for long tours
Cons:
- Lower DIN range
- Less robust
Ideal For
This binding is ideal for skiers who prioritize weight and efficiency over robustness.
7. Plum Guide
Overview
The Plum Guide is a minimalist binding known for its simplicity and reliability.
Features
- DIN Range: 5-12
- Weight: 345 grams per binding
- Toe Piece: Simple tech toe
- Heel Piece: Fixed heel with lateral release
Performance
The simple design ensures reliability. The fixed heel provides solid performance. The binding is lightweight, making it ideal for long tours.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Reliable
- Simple design
Cons:
- Limited adjustability
- Less robust
Ideal For
This binding is ideal for minimalist skiers who value reliability and weight.
8. Hagan Core 12
Overview
The Hagan Core 12 is a versatile binding offering a blend of performance and weight savings.
Features
- DIN Range: 5-12
- Weight: 350 grams per binding
- Toe Piece: Tech toe with easy step-in
- Heel Piece: Adjustable heel lift
Performance
The easy step-in toe simplifies transitions. The adjustable heel lift aids in climbing. The binding’s lightweight design makes it suitable for long tours.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Versatile
Cons:
- Less robust than some other options
- Higher price
Ideal For
This binding is ideal for skiers who want a lightweight, easy-to-use binding for varied conditions.
9. G3 ZED 12
Overview
The G3 ZED 12 is designed for lightweight performance without sacrificing durability.
Features
- DIN Range: 5-12
- Weight: 345 grams per binding
- Toe Piece: Easy step-in tech toe
- Heel Piece: Adjustable heel lift
Performance
The easy step-in toe simplifies use. The adjustable heel lift aids in climbing. The binding’s construction focuses on durability while keeping weight low.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Durable
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Higher price
- Less robust than some options
Ideal For
This binding is ideal for skiers who want a durable, lightweight binding for long tours.
10. Black Diamond Helio 200
Overview
The Black Diamond Helio 200 is an ultralight binding designed for efficiency and performance.
Features
- DIN Range: 5-10
- Weight: 175 grams per binding
- Toe Piece: Simple tech toe
- Heel Piece: Fixed heel with lateral release
Performance
The simple design ensures reliability. The fixed heel provides solid performance. The binding’s ultralight weight is perfect for long tours and fast ascents.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Reliable
- Efficient for long tours
Cons:
- Lower DIN range
- Less robust
Ideal For
This binding is ideal for skiers who prioritize ultralight weight and efficiency for long tours.
See Also: The 5 Best All-Mountain Snowboards for Women
Conclusion
Choosing the right backcountry bindings is crucial. Consider your skiing style and terrain. The Dynafit ST Rotation 10 is great for safety. The Marker Kingpin 13 offers versatility. Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC combines tech and alpine features. Each binding has its pros and cons. Choose wisely for an enhanced backcountry experience.