OutdoorGearLab

We consider a full-function AT binding to have adjustable release, adjustable boot sole length, three touring heel levels, and optional brakes. The Atomic Backland Tour &#40;and identical but co-branded, Salomon Mtn&#41; is nearly the lightest binding we have ever tested with all four of these key attributes. Only the co award-winning Marker Alpinist betters the weight of the Atomic. It was easy to grant this our highest award, and it is easy to recommend these bindings to you. 
Now, this choice may be a little intimidating. First, these AT bindings are relatively minimal in appearance. Fear not, as we have tested them thoroughly and have had no major performance or durability issues. Especially when compared to much heavier touring bindings, these award winners are actually more durable and reliable. If anything, the simple construction is its greatest performance and durability attribute. Next, there is no certification of the release values. So-called "DIN" certification is something that alpine skiers are conditioned to look for, and this binding does not have that. Nor does the Marker Alpinist or most other suitable options. To attain that certification, the bindings need to be at least double the weight, and when touring in the backcountry, that additional weight is not worth it. The Atomic Backland bindings release but are not certified in that release by a third party. We feel that if you need certified release to ski as hard as you want, you are likely skiing harder in the backcountry than maybe you should be. The backcountry is a high consequence environment regardless of the certification your bindings have. Nonetheless, if you insist on having high-energy downhill performance and DIN certification, check out the Marker KingPin 13, Fritschi Tecton, Dynafit Rotation ST, Marker Duke PT, or Salomon Shift. 

We consider a full-function AT binding to have adjustable release, adjustable boot sole length, three touring heel levels, and optional brakes. The Atomic Backland Tour &#40;and identical but co-branded, Salomon Mtn&#41; is nearly the lightest binding we have ever tested with all four of these key attributes. Only the co award-winning Marker Alpinist betters the weight of the Atomic. It was easy to grant this our highest award, and it is easy to recommend these bindings to you. 
Now, this choice may be a little intimidating. First, these AT bindings are relatively minimal in appearance. Fear not, as we have tested them thoroughly and have had no major performance or durability issues. Especially when compared to much heavier touring bindings, these award winners are actually more durable and reliable. If anything, the simple construction is its greatest performance and durability attribute. Next, there is no certification of the release values. So-called "DIN" certification is something that alpine skiers are conditioned to look for, and this binding does not have that. Nor does the Marker Alpinist or most other suitable options. To attain that certification, the bindings need to be at least double the weight, and when touring in the backcountry, that additional weight is not worth it. The Atomic Backland bindings release but are not certified in that release by a third party. We feel that if you need certified release to ski as hard as you want, you are likely skiing harder in the backcountry than maybe you should be. The backcountry is a high consequence environment regardless of the certification your bindings have. Nonetheless, if you insist on having high-energy downhill performance and DIN certification, check out the Marker KingPin 13, Fritschi Tecton, Dynafit Rotation ST, Marker Duke PT, or Salomon Shift. 
Read more: Atomic Backland Tour review

Best for Most

amazon.com

bazaarvoice

expert-review

2020-2021 Salomon MTN Pure / Atomic Backland Pure | Blister

Atomic Backland (Salomon MTN) Binding Technical Review - The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

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Upgrade Pick

yotpo

Choose this binding for optimized downhill performance, but do so with caution. As it pertains to inherently compromised backcountry ski bindings, we can seldom make absolute claims. However, we can definitely assert that the Marker Duke PT is the best skiing binding that can also tour. Aside from minor points, the Duke PT skis as well as basic to above average resort bindings. We can say that about few to no other backcountry products. 
That, though, is where the applause ends. To get that downhill performance, the Duke PT is too heavy and complicated to compete on any level with actual touring bindings. The Duke PT is literally 7x the weight of the lightest binding we tested &#40;and 12x the weight of lightest options on the market!&#41; For all that weight, you might get downhill performance that is 2x the light options. That's tough math to reconcile. Basically, these bindings are for resort &#40;or other mechanized ascent, i.e., helicopter or snowcat&#41; skiing that may involve only short ascents. "Regular" backcountry skiing is best done with regular and much lighter backcountry ski bindings. 

Budget Pick

stamped

Marker Duke Ski Binding - Review and History - The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

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The recently discontinued Dynafit Speed Turn 2.0 is the best deal available for a tech-style binding, costing much less than most other models. If you can find some, you will be psyched. In the meantime, stay tuned here for upcoming thoughts on newer budget alternatives. We leave our review here intact, as the Speed Turn is definitely the best deal, even with the recent discontinuation.
With its tried-and-true yet straightforward design, the Dynafit Speed Turn is built to last, and we wouldn't hesitate to use it on remote trips. However, because of its brakeless design, it takes more skill to deal with the nuances of backcountry skiing with no brakes. The Dynafit Speed Turn 2.0 is the result of a few very incremental upgrades and refinements over 30 years of development. Speed Turn bindings don't look much different than the Dynafit tech bindings of the early 1990s; this is a good thing. 
Read more: Dynafit Speed Turn 2.0 review

2020-2021 Dynafit TLT Speed | Blister

The Marker Alpinist shares this award, in this category, with the excellent Atomic Backland Tour. &#40;Incidentally, these two have to share the same award with the otherwise untested Salomon MTN binding. The Salomon MTN and Atomic Backland are identical in design, function and construction.&#41; The Marker Alpinist is newer than the Atomic/Salomon, lighter, and offers a slightly improved downhill skiing function. Both hit the sweet spot for weight to performance ratio and offer all the basic features we look for in a touring binding. You wouldn't be wrong to flip a coin in your choice for an all-around AT binding for human-powered backcountry skiing, as the Atomic and Marker award winners are both that good and that close in scoring. 
We now have a couple of full seasons on them and only reinforce our findings with ongoing testing. We'll keep hammering on them but are confident they will hold up. These AT bindings are marketed as "ultralight" ski bindings, implying a specialized niche. We beg to differ. The Alpinist is capable of virtually all your human-powered skiing needs. For resort use, the Alpinist is indeed "ultralight", with all the caveats that label implies. If you wish to ride the same equipment in bounds and out, first check yourself. Is that really a compromise you are willing to make? Human-powered skiing is our focus, and the Marker Alpinist does all you need to do in that environment. Others are lighter but far less featured. Others offer at least a couple more downhill skiing attributes and benefits but are way, way heavier. We are confident that you will dig the Marker Alpinist bindings for all your backcountry skiing. 

The Marker Alpinist shares this award, in this category, with the excellent Atomic Backland Tour. &#40;Incidentally, these two have to share the same award with the otherwise untested Salomon MTN binding. The Salomon MTN and Atomic Backland are identical in design, function and construction.&#41; The Marker Alpinist is newer than the Atomic/Salomon, lighter, and offers a slightly improved downhill skiing function. Both hit the sweet spot for weight to performance ratio and offer all the basic features we look for in a touring binding. You wouldn't be wrong to flip a coin in your choice for an all-around AT binding for human-powered backcountry skiing, as the Atomic and Marker award winners are both that good and that close in scoring. 
We now have a couple of full seasons on them and only reinforce our findings with ongoing testing. We'll keep hammering on them but are confident they will hold up. These AT bindings are marketed as "ultralight" ski bindings, implying a specialized niche. We beg to differ. The Alpinist is capable of virtually all your human-powered skiing needs. For resort use, the Alpinist is indeed "ultralight", with all the caveats that label implies. If you wish to ride the same equipment in bounds and out, first check yourself. Is that really a compromise you are willing to make? Human-powered skiing is our focus, and the Marker Alpinist does all you need to do in that environment. Others are lighter but far less featured. Others offer at least a couple more downhill skiing attributes and benefits but are way, way heavier. We are confident that you will dig the Marker Alpinist bindings for all your backcountry skiing. 
Read more: Marker Alpinist review

Ski Binding Comparison