First Look: Atomic Backland 86 UL

Skis on the small and light end of the spectrum generally fall into two categories whose Venn diagrams seem to almost always overlap to some degree. On one side of the spectrum, we have very traditional models like the Dynastar M-Tour 88 or the Blizzard Zero G 85: Firm-snow weapons with pretty minimal capability in soft or more variable snow. On the other side of this spectrum, we have skis like the ZAG Adret 85 and our latest review ski, the Atomic Backland 86 UL. These skis have some tip rocker (not a lot in the grand scheme of things) and promise more versatility and friendly performance, often at the cost of maximal effective edge and firm snow performance. Of course, in the year 2025, even these “traditional” skis sport a bit of rocker, so we are doing what we do best here at The High Route and splitting hairs. 

Relative to most Teton skiers, I’ve spent a good bit of time on sub-90mm skis over the years; perhaps this is due to enjoying long, late-season tours, in part due to dog walks, and, in part, occasional psych to try to walk quickly and unencumbered. From the Zero G 85 and Adret 85 to the Salomon X-Alp, M-Tour 88, and Black Crows Orb, I’ve been lucky to try out many of the most beloved small-waisted touring skis out there. The Backland 86 UL and all its previous iterations seem to be on the all-time favorite list for many folks who spend most of their time on these more slim skis, so I’m excited to see what they are all about. 

For most of my other small skis, I’ve opted for a length around 170cm. For the Backland, I am trying out a 165cm. If short is good, shorter is better, maybe? One thing is for sure, the 1000g on the nose weight sure feels nice for walking. 

The Backland 86 UL was updated in the last year or two with more wood and less carbon, similar to the bigger Backland skis we’ve been enjoying. Also similar to the larger Backlands, it features the HRZN tip, which seems a little gimmicky but adds a bit of a spoon shape to improve float. 

I’ve got the Backlands set up with a fixed mount for my La Sportiva Stratos Hybrid boots, although, conveniently, they will also work with my Kilo XTRs, though the XTR seems like significantly too much boot for this light, little ski. 

With our weird early season and slow start to winter near the valley here in the Tetons, I have mostly used the Backlands for dog walking and some fitness touring on Teton Pass. I’m looking forward to seeing how things go in steeper terrain and on some long days I have in mind, where race skis may be nice, but the added skiability and durability of an 86mm footprint ski could be the difference between fun, confident skiing and careful, nervous skiing. It’ll be interesting to see how the Backland compares to the Dynastar M-Tour 88 in both firm (where I reckon the Dynastar will have a leg up) and variable snow (where I expect the Atomic to win out). 

Specs 

Available lengths (cm): 157, 165, 172, 179

Weight: 1005g [165]

Dimensions (mm): 118.5-85-106.5 [165]

Turn radius (m): 15.2m [165]

Core: Poplar/Caruba

Build Comments: Full length Carbon Backbone, HRZN Tip, mini sidewall underfoot

Shape: Short turn radius, abrupt (but relatively small) tip rocker, soft closing but high camber

Recommended Mount Point (cm from center): -12cm

Drill size: 4.1x9mm 

Similar Models: ZAG Adret 85, Blizzard Zero G 88, Salomon MTN 86Price: $749.95