I got the 188 cm version, I am 196cm/6’5” tall, ~175 lbs and usually my pack is around 7-11kg /15-25lbs. Low intermediate skier.
First off: these are light! Unbelievably light for such a big ski. In fact, if you look, you’ll see that it’s even lighter than the 95, despite being wider and longer (in each relative size).
I find edge hold on firm/icy snow extremely good, but have to say, I am comparing to generally looser, more rockered and tapered skis, like my inbounds QST 98.
(Both with freshly sharpened edges).
Of course, in soft chop inbounds they got bounced around a lot, simply due to the light weight.
Conversely, in more consistent snow they are plenty stable for me.
Most of my skiing on them has been on corn. Of our we, most everything skis well on good corn.
Two days in deep low angle, powder they were ok. Enough float and loosened to turn and plane up a bit at slower speeds.
In deep spring slush they were a handful. Slightly shorter, more rockered skis, beefier boots and better skills would have helped there.
Atomic Backland 100 Ski
Long noted for manufacturing durable skis with reliable performance, Atomic has stepped up its powder-touring offerings with the Backland 100. With a touch more rocker than its little brother the Backland 95, but plenty of camber for long days on the skin track, the Backland 100 brings a refined take on the rocker-camber-rocker profile. Up front, Atomic's unique HRZN Tech tips make entering turns a breeze with their upturned sides, while the rounded tail makes for easy turn release even in the densest of spring snow. Compared with the 95, Atomic has opted for a rounder flex with the Backland 100, making short-radius turns a breeze without losing the top-end speed that has long made the Backland series a favorite of fast descenders on both sides of the Atlantic. Pressed into service on hard snow, the Backland's heritage in the Alps quickly comes to the fore, and the skis don't balk at hard edging and inconsistent crust. With many ski tourers across western North America looking for a versatile board in the 100-underfoot category, the Backland 100 is sure to show its talents all the way from Arizona to Alberta.
- HRZN Tech tip shaping increases flotation in deep snow, and decreases deflection in less-than-ideal conditions.
- Carbon backbone provides the right amount of stiffness for a responsive but supple ride.
- Atomic's Powder Rocker profile yields easy turns in powder and crud alike.
- Full sidewall construction increases durability and creates solid edge hold.
Update 2021/22: Topsheet update.
Update 2022/23: Atomic made the topsheet even more stylish.
Update 2023/24: Same lovely ski with a new paint job.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 164, 172, 180, 188 |
|
Weight |
1165g [164] 1230g [172] 1325g [180] 1430g [188] |
| Weight (pair) | 2330g [164] 2460g [172] 2650g [180] 2860g [188] |
|
|
127.5-98-118 [164] 128.5-99-119 [172] 129.5-100-120 [180] 130.5-101-121 [188] |
|
Turn |
14.6m [164] 17.0m [172] 19.2m [180] 21.6m [188] |
|
Skin |
Semi-round tip and tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Rockered tip and tail (20%/10%), light camber underfoot (70%) |
|
|
HRZN Tech tip, medium radius, roundish tail |
|
|
HRZN Tech, Carbon Backbone with Ultra Power woodcore |
|
|
Carbon fiber and Karuba wood |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Ski touring in soft snow and mixed conditions |
| Notes | HRZN Tech spoon on a rockered tip is a powder slayers dream |
| Bottom Line | Above average performance in all categories |
| Compare to other High-fat Skis | |
Related Products
Questions & Reviews
Comment on this review:
5/6/2023
Hey mountain people. Just curious if for my medium build 175@70kg the backlands in 180 would be easily manageable in all conditions other than powder (easy stuff). Of course, their low weight/rockers is a plus but all my other/directional pairs of waist up to 96 come to the 170s...
I know it could be an opportunity to upgrade my skills but are these forgivable enough?
Was also (out of fear) considering the locators 96 for similar weight, capabilities and fun. Thoughts?
I know it could be an opportunity to upgrade my skills but are these forgivable enough?
Was also (out of fear) considering the locators 96 for similar weight, capabilities and fun. Thoughts?
5/6/2023
Simon- The short answer is yes you could easily ski 180 at your height and weight. Given that this ski is very friendly and easy to ski this should not be a problem. With that said, if you ski all your other skis in the 170s range I would strongly suggest the 172 in a backcountry ski. The Locator is a much stiffer, solid ski that demands more attention and rewards a stronger skier more than other skis.
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3/17/2023
Hi, I think I found the ski Im looking for, I’m 6’2” 205, intermediate at BC. See that there is a 180 last years model. Would this be too small for me?
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
3/17/2023
Ryan,
Ski size is certainly a personal choice, but from what you mention I think the 180cm would be just fine. A longer ski will give you more stability at speed and more float in the deep stuff, but as long as your keeping the speedometer in check and don't mind skiing just a touch lower in the powder this is a nice match.
Ski size is certainly a personal choice, but from what you mention I think the 180cm would be just fine. A longer ski will give you more stability at speed and more float in the deep stuff, but as long as your keeping the speedometer in check and don't mind skiing just a touch lower in the powder this is a nice match.
Answer this question:
3/3/2023
Hello
I am looking for a fun Ski that can handle windpressed and heavy snow well. While providing enough float to enjoy more than a feet of fresh snow.
Currently I am mostly using a Backland 95 in 178cm length. I like it a lot for being so agile and versatile.
I own a Backland 107 in 189 too. It is great in skiing difficult snow conditions and deep powder. But I miss the fast transitions. It feels like I get much less feedback from the ski.
Is it worth to give the 100 a try? Or is it very similiar to the 107? Which length would you recommend? I am 6'2 and 165.
I am looking for a fun Ski that can handle windpressed and heavy snow well. While providing enough float to enjoy more than a feet of fresh snow.
Currently I am mostly using a Backland 95 in 178cm length. I like it a lot for being so agile and versatile.
I own a Backland 107 in 189 too. It is great in skiing difficult snow conditions and deep powder. But I miss the fast transitions. It feels like I get much less feedback from the ski.
Is it worth to give the 100 a try? Or is it very similiar to the 107? Which length would you recommend? I am 6'2 and 165.
3/3/2023
Hi Fabs, the Backland 100 splits the difference between the 95 and 107. It's a tad wider than the 95, but has more tip and tail rocker, which will lend itself better to flotation and softer conditions. At your height and weight, the 180 will provide a good mix of uphill and downhill performance.
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2/17/2023
Hello, I'm torn between the Backland 100 and the 95. I'm from Austria and mostly tour throughout the season in the pre-alpine regions with more tame terrain and one to two week-trips with some challenging tours in the central alps. I'd also like to use the skis in the resort, although I only ski piste if it's necessary; I'm really looking for a do it all kind of ski. Which one would you recommend?
I'm 6'4, I think I'd choose them in 180cm for more maneuverability uphill and I'll be pairing them with shift bindings.
Thank you!
I'm 6'4, I think I'd choose them in 180cm for more maneuverability uphill and I'll be pairing them with shift bindings.
Thank you!
2/18/2023
Hi Phillip, the Backland 100 here has a little more rocker and tip rise than the 95 and will lend itself slightly better to softer conditions, whereas the Backland 95 would be better geared towards your do-it-all criteria.
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2/9/2023
Looking at these and dynastar m tour 99 as a one ski quiver for the mammoth lakes area, any suggestions on which would be better? Also question on size, I'm 6'3" 175 seem to be kinda caught between on the backlands. I ski 186cm enforcers in the resort.
2/9/2023
Hi Nick, you've narrowed it down well! The M-Tours are a bit damper with better edging on hard snow. The 100s are looser and can be more fun in powder. It might be OK to pick based on available lengths in this case! I would go shorter than your resort length for a one-ski BC quiver, however, just for practicality.
Answer this question:
12/12/2022
How do these compare to the Backland 107? I love how the 107 skis, but am looking for a narrower ski for better performance in firmer snow conditions.
12/12/2022
Hi Taylor,
The 100 will give you faster edge-to-edge and slight weight savings. Basically, you'll be able to end one turn and go into the next easier. The 107 will float better, of course. For firm snow, the 100 will have the edge for agility and control. However, keep in mind that they are essentially the same ski. The only difference is the width! So if you're really looking for a ski for crud and firm snow, maybe have a look at the Dynastar M-Tour 99 F-Team.
The 100 will give you faster edge-to-edge and slight weight savings. Basically, you'll be able to end one turn and go into the next easier. The 107 will float better, of course. For firm snow, the 100 will have the edge for agility and control. However, keep in mind that they are essentially the same ski. The only difference is the width! So if you're really looking for a ski for crud and firm snow, maybe have a look at the Dynastar M-Tour 99 F-Team.
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11/14/2022
How do the backland 100 ski compared to the Salomon mtn 95? It will be my quiver of one, rarely inbounds, and mainly for steeps in the alps late spring. I like the edge hold and float of the mtn 95 (widest I ever skied) and ski with pins/scarpa f1
11/15/2022
Hi Enruk,
Two great skis! The Salomon MTN 95 is heavier than the Backland 100, with a more forgiving construction. The added weight of the MTN 95 makes it damper in more variable snow, and it will be easier to initiate a turn on these skis.
In contrast, the Backland 100 will hold an edge better in firm snow, and has a longer turn radius. Also, as a lighter ski it will be better for the way up, at the expense of some dampening. If you are looking for a spring specific ski, you could probably go lighter and narrower than either of these ski options. I would put both the MTN 95 and the Backland 100 solidly in the quiver of one covers all conditions category.
If you would like to chat more ski options, feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co!
Two great skis! The Salomon MTN 95 is heavier than the Backland 100, with a more forgiving construction. The added weight of the MTN 95 makes it damper in more variable snow, and it will be easier to initiate a turn on these skis.
In contrast, the Backland 100 will hold an edge better in firm snow, and has a longer turn radius. Also, as a lighter ski it will be better for the way up, at the expense of some dampening. If you are looking for a spring specific ski, you could probably go lighter and narrower than either of these ski options. I would put both the MTN 95 and the Backland 100 solidly in the quiver of one covers all conditions category.
If you would like to chat more ski options, feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co!
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11/5/2022
Good afternoon Skimoco Team -
I have been doing 90% of of my Wasatch/Canada tours for the past several years on a pair of Alp Tracks LT 94s. Love them for the most part and they are holding up OK. I am wanting to shift this pair to a rock/spring/alpine role and get something new. Boots are an older pair of Spitfire 2.1s that I will upgrade this year too.
The LT 94s, for myself at least, require that I stay 'on it' when skiing them, and if I relax to much I find myself having to ski pretty defensively (and aggressively forward) to recover.
It sounds as though the Backlands 100 are about the same genre, but perhaps a bit more on the 'kinder/gentler' side of the skiability spectrum (if that makes sense).
So curious if I am thinking correctly, or if I should just stick with what I know and get another pair of Movements. Thanks!
I have been doing 90% of of my Wasatch/Canada tours for the past several years on a pair of Alp Tracks LT 94s. Love them for the most part and they are holding up OK. I am wanting to shift this pair to a rock/spring/alpine role and get something new. Boots are an older pair of Spitfire 2.1s that I will upgrade this year too.
The LT 94s, for myself at least, require that I stay 'on it' when skiing them, and if I relax to much I find myself having to ski pretty defensively (and aggressively forward) to recover.
It sounds as though the Backlands 100 are about the same genre, but perhaps a bit more on the 'kinder/gentler' side of the skiability spectrum (if that makes sense).
So curious if I am thinking correctly, or if I should just stick with what I know and get another pair of Movements. Thanks!
11/7/2022
Hi Drew,
The Alp Tracks 94 is a great ski.
As for the next quiver slot, the Backland 100 is very versatile. It is fairly stiff and supportive underfoot. However, it is relatively easy to initiate turns with, and the medium turn radius is by no means unwieldy. I even find the tails are pretty easy to smear, despite how flat and supportive they are. 100mm underfoot is more than enough for deeper conditions. I skied the Backland 100 in variable snow inbounds, and found them to be adept in those conditions as well. This ski does not possess a ton of energy when exiting the turn, but it makes up for it in its ability to handle a wide range of conditions. If you are looking to cover your bases, but maybe want a ski that is easier to handle than your current Alp Tracks 94, the Backland 100 would be a good place to start.
The Alp Tracks 94 is a great ski.
As for the next quiver slot, the Backland 100 is very versatile. It is fairly stiff and supportive underfoot. However, it is relatively easy to initiate turns with, and the medium turn radius is by no means unwieldy. I even find the tails are pretty easy to smear, despite how flat and supportive they are. 100mm underfoot is more than enough for deeper conditions. I skied the Backland 100 in variable snow inbounds, and found them to be adept in those conditions as well. This ski does not possess a ton of energy when exiting the turn, but it makes up for it in its ability to handle a wide range of conditions. If you are looking to cover your bases, but maybe want a ski that is easier to handle than your current Alp Tracks 94, the Backland 100 would be a good place to start.
Answer this question:
10/26/2022
How would you compare these to the Wayback 106 that I ski in 186 cm currently?
(6’5”, 175lbs intermediate at best), and the M-Tour 99?
Especially wondering about float, looseness and pivoting in low angle powder, for midwinter safe skiing?
(6’5”, 175lbs intermediate at best), and the M-Tour 99?
Especially wondering about float, looseness and pivoting in low angle powder, for midwinter safe skiing?
10/26/2022
Hi Slim,
The Backland 100 is a great, neutral ski. It has a relatively early rocker, meaning it will pivot easily, and overall a great choice for low-angle powder skiing.
The Wayback 106 is the most playful of the three skis you mentioned. An early rocker as well as a little bit of extra width makes it float nicely in powder and pivot fairly easily. It's also going to have a decent amount of power underfoot.
The M-tour 99 is the most powerful, traditional ski of the three you mentioned. It has less of an early rocker than the other two, so it won't pivot as easily. That said, it will still turn fairly quickly in powder thanks to a wide shovel, but it won't pivot quite as well as the Wayback or Backland.
The Backland 100 is a great, neutral ski. It has a relatively early rocker, meaning it will pivot easily, and overall a great choice for low-angle powder skiing.
The Wayback 106 is the most playful of the three skis you mentioned. An early rocker as well as a little bit of extra width makes it float nicely in powder and pivot fairly easily. It's also going to have a decent amount of power underfoot.
The M-tour 99 is the most powerful, traditional ski of the three you mentioned. It has less of an early rocker than the other two, so it won't pivot as easily. That said, it will still turn fairly quickly in powder thanks to a wide shovel, but it won't pivot quite as well as the Wayback or Backland.
Answer this question:
10/24/2022
Hey Skimo team,
I'm 6', 185lbs, intermediate skier in the Pacific Northwest (mostly Mt. Hood area). I plan to use them as my only backcountry ski for everything from trees, to volcanos, to the occasional hut trip. Am I off track considering the 172" instead of 180"? Afraid I might regret it down the road but the weight savings and shorter turn radius is definitely appealing... let me know what you all think!
I'm 6', 185lbs, intermediate skier in the Pacific Northwest (mostly Mt. Hood area). I plan to use them as my only backcountry ski for everything from trees, to volcanos, to the occasional hut trip. Am I off track considering the 172" instead of 180"? Afraid I might regret it down the road but the weight savings and shorter turn radius is definitely appealing... let me know what you all think!
10/24/2022
Hi Brian,
Ski length can be pretty preferential. The 172cm length will be more maneuverable in restricted terrain, easier to kick turn, and lighter weight.
In contrast, the 180cm length will favor stability at speed, and more ability to punch through crud.
If you put a premium on ripping GS turns on an open face at the expense of maneuverability in the trees, I would go with the longer length. If you primarily find yourself making controlled turns in the trees or tight terrain, and favor efficiency on the skin track, go with the 172cm length.
If you have further ski questions, feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co!
Ski length can be pretty preferential. The 172cm length will be more maneuverable in restricted terrain, easier to kick turn, and lighter weight.
In contrast, the 180cm length will favor stability at speed, and more ability to punch through crud.
If you put a premium on ripping GS turns on an open face at the expense of maneuverability in the trees, I would go with the longer length. If you primarily find yourself making controlled turns in the trees or tight terrain, and favor efficiency on the skin track, go with the 172cm length.
If you have further ski questions, feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co!
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7/5/2022
Hey guys, a question about which length to go for on these Backland 100s....I currently ride a 180cm pair of Rossignol Soul7 - brilliantly light and playful. I haven't owned a touring setup before as have usually rented or borrowed kit (toured approx 15 days and an advanced backcountry skier). I am 176cm (5ft 9") and 70kg (154lbs) - I am tempted to size down to the 172cm Backlands for a bit more manoeuvrability in the trees and ease for kick turns on the uphills, or would I be better sticking to the 180cm length? Based in Europe and ski approx 30 days a season and would hope for 10 of those to be touring days so would add a Shift binding.
7/5/2022
Tom, These skis are more of a Powder ski and as such, the 180cm will be better. You can go with the the 172cm if you generally skiing less then a foot of fresh snow and more maneuverability. I would not recommend this ski with a Shift and for use in resorts. The Backland 95 would be the better all mountain ski and on Piste performance.
Answer this question:
These skis are some of the lightest 100mm wide skis available, and most skimo-co customers would probably consider that a pow-ski size. If you're using these skis for powder or really any soft snow, they are fantastic. Great float and very stable for their weight. The tips don't get hung up on dense snow and crusts as much as most other touring skis I've used. They are extremely maneuverable in tight spaces, making jump turns, chutes, and brushy exits easier.
My one complaint is that these skis don't hold an edge very well and have a hard time gripping firm snow. With a good tune this isn't as much of an issue, but I'm not the kind of person who tunes my skis regularly and I haven't had issues with edge grip on my other skis. I kind of think this issue is inherent to the Atomic 100mm shape. I have demoed the Bentchetler 100 and Maverick 100 ti, which both share a very similar shape to the Backland 100, and all 3 skis struggled on firm snow. I know the Bentchetler 100 has a lot of fans, so if you like that ski and want a lighter touring version that doesn't sacrifice too much performance you will love the Backland 100. I know a lot of us on this website have narrower skis for firm snow, if that is you then the Backland 100 is a great lightweight powder tool.
My one complaint is that these skis don't hold an edge very well and have a hard time gripping firm snow. With a good tune this isn't as much of an issue, but I'm not the kind of person who tunes my skis regularly and I haven't had issues with edge grip on my other skis. I kind of think this issue is inherent to the Atomic 100mm shape. I have demoed the Bentchetler 100 and Maverick 100 ti, which both share a very similar shape to the Backland 100, and all 3 skis struggled on firm snow. I know the Bentchetler 100 has a lot of fans, so if you like that ski and want a lighter touring version that doesn't sacrifice too much performance you will love the Backland 100. I know a lot of us on this website have narrower skis for firm snow, if that is you then the Backland 100 is a great lightweight powder tool.
Comment on this review:
3/24/2022
Hi,
Curious for recommendations on mount point for 100% backcountry use? Generally ski more forward, so thinking of going a ways back from centre. Also heard these have a stiff tail to manage... Any thoughts?
Curious for recommendations on mount point for 100% backcountry use? Generally ski more forward, so thinking of going a ways back from centre. Also heard these have a stiff tail to manage... Any thoughts?
3/25/2022
Drew, Skimo's shop techs pretty much always recommend mounting on the recommended mounting point. The Backland 100 does not have a stiff tail, which may be confused with the Backland 95. As the description says, these have a more rounded flex that the 95 and favor Powder. Center mount skis quite nicely.
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2/7/2022
Hi, I'm 5' 9 and weigh 160lbs, intermediate skier, torn between 180 or going shorter to 172, any advice?
Mostly 60/40 resort/backcountry, would the Backland be a good choice? Any other recommandations would be appreciated.
Thanks
Mostly 60/40 resort/backcountry, would the Backland be a good choice? Any other recommandations would be appreciated.
Thanks
2/7/2022
Hey Maxime, I would stick with the 172cm if you are thinking you are skiing at an intermediate level. Especially for backcountry skiing, we can afford to go a bit shorter in length. It depends also a bit on what length you are used to skiing though, so if you are used to some longer lengths that could work out too!
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12/15/2021
Looking into buying the Backland 100 as my first official touring ski. I've been using old 1080s 169cm for a couple years with scout bindings. I'm 5'8" 175lbs, thinking about getting the 164cm for the North East wooded backcountry, but I'm afraid it might be too short. Am I better off with the 172?
12/15/2021
Hi Vince,
The Atomic Backland 100 is a solid option for daily driver! When it comes to the length, the 164cm will certainly be maneuverable. Also, they will be easier to kick turn, as well as lighter. The 100mm underfoot is more than enough for the snowpack in the White Mountains or elsewhere in the east coast. If you want something a little more stable at speed, maybe go for the 172cm length.
The Atomic Backland 100 is a solid option for daily driver! When it comes to the length, the 164cm will certainly be maneuverable. Also, they will be easier to kick turn, as well as lighter. The 100mm underfoot is more than enough for the snowpack in the White Mountains or elsewhere in the east coast. If you want something a little more stable at speed, maybe go for the 172cm length.
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10/26/2021
Would you have a “straight tape pull” measurement for the Backland 100 in the 188 size? Concerned about kick turns and going too long in the 188 length. Thanks a ton, Skimo!
10/27/2021
Doug,
Thanks for the question! Tip to tail "straight tape pull" measured out at 185.5cm. Hope this helps!
Thanks for the question! Tip to tail "straight tape pull" measured out at 185.5cm. Hope this helps!
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10/24/2021
Has anyone skied both the Backland 100 and 95? Comparisons? I'm currently skiing a fat (112 waist), soft powder ski and a pair of old K2 Wayback 88s. It's time to replace the K2s and I'm looking for a do-everything ski for everything but the deep powder days. Including some occasional inbounds (25%?). I'm not looking for an ultra stiff ski, but easy, fun (but still stiff enough and carry enough for hard snow).
The 95 waist is appealing, but the 100s get some quite positive reviews. Any opinions?
The 95 waist is appealing, but the 100s get some quite positive reviews. Any opinions?
10/24/2021
Hey, Phil thanks for the question! I will start off by saying I haven't had the opportunity to ski both skis but here are a few opinions on the matter. Overall I would say the Backland 100 will have just a tad more tip and tail rocker with less camber than the Atomic Backland 95 making it slightly more playful and an easier turning ski. The Backland 95 will have a flatter tail and be a bit more directional ski and slightly less forgiving than the Backland 100, and along with the tip notch on Backland 95 would be an excellent choice for more firm and less than confidence-inspiring conditions. Both skis tend to be a bit more on the damper side of the spectrum when it comes to lighter weight touring skis and will perform quite well in a wide variety of conditions. Let us know if you have any more questions!
10/25/2021
Hi Phil, I've skied both and Zak is pretty spot on. Since you have a 112, I would lean towards the 95 as a more versatile ski, performing better on hard snow than the 100. I love the tip rip as well. Hard to beat the 100 as a one-ski quiver though!
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10/3/2021
Took a pair of these last year with a Shift as an in/out resort set-up (skiing in Switzerland). I am not making multi-day tours so the weight of the Shifts was not a big deal for me - but I understand for others putting a Shift on such a light ski might seem strange.. I am 5'11 and 165 -170 lbs and ski the 180cm. In the end due to the amount of time I got on snow last season I ended up in-resort most of the time, but still wanted to give them a good number of days. On piste these were a revelation (even if not what I bought them for), not a match for my Stockli front side skis of course, but for the weight and waist their ability to get on edge and hold was a revelation. Easy to cruise with comfort, feeling stable/safe at up to 50mph in good conditions and a really nice radius length for me. In the powder on the few times I got to have a blast the float was good and control felt great. I did think with the tail profile they might be a bit more tricky in the trees making shorter turns, but at the 180 length this was not a problem. Looking forward to testing them more in uphill mode this season!
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5/30/2021
Wondering how you think these would work in New England? Mix of resort and backcountry. Athletic intermediate skier. Salomon shift bindings. Thanks!
6/1/2021
Hey Dan, the Atomic Backland 100's would work fairly well as 50/50 backcountry to resort ski definitely compared to some other skis in the category. One thing to keep in mind is that the Backland 100 is still a fairly lightweight ski and in tricky conditions or at higher speeds on hardpack, the ski might not be as desirable compared to an on piste oriented ski. Feel free to shoot us an email at help@skimo.co if you have any other ski-related questions!
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