First Look: Plum R170 Binding
Plum’s R170 binding is an industry benchmark that has stood the test of time and seen iterative updates over the years. Simple, adjustable and rock solid; there isn’t much more to ask of a sub 200g binding.
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Author: Gavin Hess
First Look: Atomic Backland XTD 120
Big changes are afoot in the Atomic touring boot range. Previously, the 1kg(+) Backland and the 4 buckle Hawx XTD were categorical choices— beefy freeride boot or lightweight touring. For 2023/2024, the Hawx XTD gets a category bump into 50/50 territory with ~1800g weights and a full PU construction. Meanwhile, Atomic literally and figuratively mixed the Backland and Hawx XTD platforms to create the Backland XTD, a whole new model to fit into the newly coined “2+ Buckle” category.
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Strafe Cham Kit Review
Strafe’s premier touring kit, the Cham, has been through several fabrics and iterations over the years. The Cham kit began with the excellent Polartec Neoshell, then moved to a proprietary fabric, and is now settling with Schoeller Aerobrane. The common threads through each iteration prioritize breathability over absolute waterproofness, a baggier “freeride” fit, and minimalist designs to keep things lightweight. We tested the current lineup throughout winter 2022/2023.
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First Look: Fischer Transalp Pro 92 CTi
Using a similar shaped metal plate to both the Ranger freeride skis, and the wider Transalp Skis like the 105 CTi (Link to first look), the 92 CTi feels like a robust tool that will be a great comparison to skis like the Ski Trab Neve and Blizzard Zero G 95.
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Salomon QST Echo 106 Ski Review
Salomon jumps into the modern freeride touring ski game with a weight-tuned edition of the QST 106. The Echo is versatile and damp, but remains on the heavy side for a dedicated touring ski.
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