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What are most people using for boots for touring these days? A dedicated touring boot or something that is cross-compatible with an alpine binding?
I'm moving out west next year and plan to do a lot of touring (while still some resort skiing). I also need new alpine boots. Do I get a boot that is capable of both touring and alpine skiing, or will I want a dedicated touring boot?
This is always a hard question. How much touring are you planning on doing? Where are you moving? What bindings are you planning on using?
For most folks just getting into it / testing the waters to see if they want to be a backcountry skier, a frame binding and alpine boots aren't a bad idea. It gives you a taste of what backcountry skiing can be, at a low price point, and it will ski just like you're used to, so there's less of a learning curve. From there, you can go whatever direction you want.
However, if you're planning on throwing down for a dedicated backcountry setup with tech bindings, then yes, a full tech setup will be a lot more fun over long days, and is so much easier to walk with than a frame binding.
Most importantly, take an avy class. Gear is great, education is more important. I'd rather take an Avy 1 and end up bootpacking because I have no money left over for touring gear, than buy a full tech setup and go out and endanger myself and others.
cydwhitThis is always a hard question. How much touring are you planning on doing? Where are you moving? What bindings are you planning on using?For most folks just getting into it / testing the waters to see if they want to be a backcountry skier, a frame binding and alpine boots aren't a bad idea. It gives you a taste of what backcountry skiing can be, at a low price point, and it will ski just like you're used to, so there's less of a learning curve. From there, you can go whatever direction you want.
However, if you're planning on throwing down for a dedicated backcountry setup with tech bindings, then yes, a full tech setup will be a lot more fun over long days, and is so much easier to walk with than a frame binding.
Most importantly, take an avy class. Gear is great, education is more important. I'd rather take an Avy 1 and end up bootpacking because I have no money left over for touring gear, than buy a full tech setup and go out and endanger myself and others.
Likely going to be moving to Salt Lake. Hoping to go on tours like 1-2 times/week, so about 50% of my skiing. I am pretty sure I will end up loving touring and buying a dedicated set up eventually.
And yes, avy 1 is on the agenda for spring break!
Based on that, what do you think? An alpine boot with frame bindings? Or something that is compatible with both?
Crispy.Likely going to be moving to Salt Lake. Hoping to go on tours like 1-2 times/week, so about 50% of my skiing. I am pretty sure I will end up loving touring and buying a dedicated set up eventually.And yes, avy 1 is on the agenda for spring break!
Based on that, what do you think? An alpine boot with frame bindings? Or something that is compatible with both?
There are plenty of options that are compatible with both, but all of those have some sort of compromise. So go to a boot fitter and figure out what sort of foot you have. Once you know that I would say you should either buy the burliest/most alpine boot with tech fittings that you fit, or buy a pair of alpine boots that fit and have CAST throw tech toes in them and then get the Shift binding.
I'd suggest getting a good touring boot first, and if it succeeds at giving you enough for skiing inbounds on, then awesome.
Only if it's not enough for you would I recommend investing in a specific in-bounds boot.
Just be aware that many touring boots have a very rockered sole, and will not be compatible with older bindings that require din-standard soles.
Especially now there are tons of great crossover options on the market. If you are going for tech bindings, then maybe going for the full touring route might be smart if you can swing it. Theres tons of great options out there, narrow it down by fit. I can definitely say I have only heard extremely great things about the Atomic Hawx Ultra from many people. Definitely what I will buy in the future.
I have Lange Freetour LV 130s which is as "crossover?" as you can get in my opinion. Exchangeable alpine and touring soles, both WTR and grip walk. And for me personally, I've never used an alpine boot as stiff as that one...it rips.
If you're just getting started and figuring out what you will actually ski, then probably best to start with a hybrid boot. There are other factors to skiing backcountry like scheduling other ppl's availability to ski with you in the BC, weather, snow conditions, etc. I think most ppl end up getting out to the BC less than they plan or hope to.
Realistically, my ski season usually ends up being 25% touring and 75% in-bounds/sidecountry. I also do a couple volcano climbs at the end of the season. I love my Dalbello Lupo boots. They're a bit heavier than a straight up touring boot but I'm always happy to have them for in-bounds and sidecountry skiing. Kinda the perfect hybrid boot for what I ski.
One more thing to think about. I have a couple friends who own 100% touring boots that feel like they're too soft and light for skiing in-bounds and sidecountry terrain. They just dont get the DH performance. They beat me to the summit but I always enjoy the ski down way more than them.
postal_slimeI have Lange Freetour LV 130s which is as "crossover?" as you can get in my opinion. Exchangeable alpine and touring soles, both WTR and grip walk. And for me personally, I've never used an alpine boot as stiff as that one...it rips.
Yeah, the Technica Cochise, Fischer Ranger Free, K2 Pinnacle, Scarpa Freedom, Atomic Hawx XTD, Salomon QST, and so many more work amazing as a 1-boot-quiver.
I legit only use my Nordica Dobermans now if i'm using my alpine-only bindings that are incompatible with the rockered soles.
For resort I'm skiing a Fischer Ranger Free and as a dedicated touring boot a Scarpa Maestrale.
As has already been said, figure out how much touring you're going to be doing and decide whether or not investing in a dedicated AT boot will be worth it to you. An alpine boot with tech inserts will likely be good enough as something for both touring and resort until you get yourself into a dedicated pair of AT boots.