Tag: Atomic Backland

First Look: Atomic Backland XTD 120 

First Look: Atomic Backland XTD 120 

Written by | Dec 8, 2023

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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Atomic Backland Carbon Review

Atomic Backland Carbon Review

Written by | Dec 4, 2023

The general design goal as I see it for a two-buckle boot is to squeeze the most downhill performance out of ~1000-1400g of materials* while minimizing friction in the boot’s ankle’s range-of-motion. The Atomic Backland Carbon is a ~1200g boot and can be compared more directly with boots such as the Scarpa F1 XT, the Salomon MTN Summit, or the La Sportiva Skorpius CR II. It adds ~200g compared to the lighterweight side of two-buckle boots at ~1000g. Though heavier than the ultralight category, the Backland doesn’t have as much heft as two-buckle-plus 1400g boot category (ex. Fischer Transalp Carbon Pro or Atomic Backland XTD). At ~1200g, it sits in a middle ground of the two-buckle boot category, finding balance with weight and functionality.

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