Winter is coming, or so they say. Temps are dropping, days are shortening, and Jackson Hole already got dusted. Soon Instagram will be saturated with ski porn, from big spray turns to steep, ugly couloirs. To get ahead of the hype, we鈥檝e put together an admittedly early guide to the best backcountry ski gear on the market鈥攕tuff that helps you catch a better edge, stay safe on remote missions, and lay down a solid skin track.
The backcountry market is growing fast. With waves of skiers leaving chairlifts for the allure of off-piste freedom, gear companies are trying to adapt quickly. Every year old products are getting fresh upgrades, and new technologies seem to roll out steadily, each ostensibly better than the last at taking on the mixed conditions of the backcountry. With dozens of companies and hundreds of new products each season, it can be hard to sort through and find the good stuff鈥攖he true聽game changers.
For years you had a couple of options: fast and light on the uphill, or rigid and fun on the way down. Anything that promised both was questionable at best, until now. Materials are lighter, bindings and boots are versatile, and new technology helps you enjoy the entire experience of backcountry skiing. It took聽us years of testing and regular聽use to find the gear that stands above the rest; we hope this guide saves you a little time.
Faction Prime 2.0 Ski ($1,149)
Designed for both in-bounds and out, the is billed as the ultimate do-everything pair of sticks鈥攁nd it delivers. At 98 millimeters wide and only 1,550 grams, it鈥檚聽among the lighter skis on the market, yet where the Prime excels is on its edge. A hybrid core with a carbon case and an innovate profile combine for a lightweight yet surprisingly responsive and stiff ski. Nimble and reasonably stable at high speeds (you can鈥檛 have it all), the Prime 2.0 is鈥攆eel free to quote us on this鈥攖he best ski we鈥檝e ever used in the backcountry.
Marker Kingpin 13聽Bindings ($470)
There are smart places to cut ounces and your bindings are not one of them. 聽isn鈥檛 the lightest tech binding on the market but it鈥檚 the best by a good margin. Since its launch a couple seasons ago, the Kingpin has forced every other manufacturer to rethink ease of use and downhill power. Its unique toe and heel design blurs聽the line between AT bindings and downhill setups, making the uphills still feel easy and the downhill a lot more fun.
Salomon S/Lab Mtn Alpine Touring聽Boots ($800)
Now on its second iteration, the continues to push the industry forward with its lightweight yet surprisingly sturdy design. The S/Lab boot provides precise control without loading you down with extraneous weight鈥攁 sweet spot very few other ski boots have figured out. Best fit with a burly tech binding (see the Kingpin above), this boot will keep you warm, solid, and off to the races.
POC Obex SPIN Helmet听($200)
We put a premium on adaptable products, things that can be used in a variety of weather conditions and ski trips. 聽is just that鈥攍ightweight, well ventilated, comfortable, and warm enough for almost any occasion. Perfect for both frontcountry and backcountry, this helmet is an investment that鈥檒l set you up for all your winter adventures.
G3 Alpinist+ Universal Skins ($175)
贰惫别谤测辞苍别鈥檚 just got a little better. G3 updated its entire suite of skins this year, cutting weight and improving durability. The Universal is our favorite, sufficient for any location and all conditions. It鈥檚 the ideal balance of grip, slide, and weight鈥攆it for deep powder, icy sheets, and long slogs up a PNW volcano.
Garmin聽inReach Mini聽GPS ($350)
Last but not least, the new Mini. has long been the go-to off-the-grid communication device, and the recently launched Mini takes it even further, offering the same reliable connection in a notably smaller and lighter package. The Mini lets you send and receive texts, will track your route, and has a built-in SOS alert to keep you safe globally if needed.