Hi guys, I'm interested in the Backland95 and I'm not sure which size is right for me. I'm an expert skier but not that advanced with ski touring yet (getting there).
I'm 158lbs and 5'11'' (72kg and 180cm).
I'm thinking of getting the 185 version, what do you think?
thanks, happy skiing
Atomic Backland 95 Ski - 2022/23
Rare is the time we sacrifice peak-bagging prowess for pure power on the descent, but luckily with the Backland 95, you don’t have to. Borrowing geometry cues from Atomic’s larger powder skis and core construction secrets from its lighter-weight brethren, the Backland 95 is a big mountain ski put on a substantial diet. Or maybe a mountaineering ski that was put on a fattening diet? We're not certain. What is certain though is the Backland 95 brings substantial influence from both free-ride touring and ski mountaineering to create a ski that is capable of it all. A free-rider's spring ski, a mountaineer's powder ski, maybe your only ski. At any rate, the lightweight Poplar and Caruba core keeps things light and powerful while a full-length sidewall increases durability and edge-hold. The tip is spooned on the sides to make turning a breeze. The Backland 95 is Atomics' contender for the quiver-of-one.
- AT Tip 2.0 is shaped to reduce hooky tips in challenging snow, allowing you to ski the way you want to no matter the conditions.
- HRZN Tech is a lateral tip rocker (think of a spoon) that increases effective surface area in the tip for increased flotation, decreased deflection, and easy turn-initiation.
- Carbon Backbone increases power transfer, dampens vibrations, and keeps the ski light.
- Full sidewall increases edge grip in steep, firm snow while reducing chatter and vibrations at high speed.
- Ultra-Light Woodcore is the Poplar and Caruba backbone in the Backland 95.
Update 2021/22: Atomic has updated the topsheet to keep it fresh.
Update 2023/24: This Backland 95 has been replaced by a redesigned version, which can be found here.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 169, 177, 185 |
|
Weight |
1255g [169] 1350g [177] 1455g [185] |
| Weight (pair) | 2510g [169] 2700g [177] 2910g [185] |
|
|
125-95-113.5 [169] 126.5-95-115 [177] 128-95-116.5 [185] |
|
Turn |
17m [169] 18m [177] 19m [185] |
|
Skin |
Tip notch, flat tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Rocker tip 15%, camber 85% |
|
|
AT Tip 2.0, tapered tail |
|
|
HRZN Tech, Carbon Backbone |
|
|
Poplar and Caruba wood core |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Powder hunting, quiver of one |
| Notes | Tip is spooned laterally to ease turn-initiation |
| Bottom Line | Easy to ski, all-around confidence inspiring |
| Compare to other High-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
3/16/2021
3/17/2021
Hey Marino, with touring skis most people size down a little as that generally saves some weight and also is easier to maneuver for the uphill. We usually suggest a ski length that is somewhere between your nose and the top of your head. My suggestion for you would be to choose a ski length just a bit shorter than you normally would for your alpine ski.
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12/13/2020
How do the atomic Backland 95 Skis measure in reality, vs the stated length? To be more precise, how long is the 177cm, measured with a straight tape pull?
Thanks a lot,
Priy
Thanks a lot,
Priy
12/14/2020
Hey Priy, we don't currently have the 177cm in stock but I did measure the 169cm and it measured spot on. You could then concur that the 177cm would hopefully be spot on too.
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10/13/2020
Do you guys know when you'll get the 177CM length in stock? I'm looking at a pair of these for a mid-winter to spring ski that will complement my Backland UL 85's 169CM. I use the 85's primarily for ski mountaineering and want something that will do better in both powder and variable conditions. For reference I'm 5'10" 175lbs.
10/13/2020
Hi Josh, we are expecting more next week! I think they are a great ski for that usage, and sufficiently differentiated from the 85s.
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3/25/2020
Are you definitely out of 177 cm length? Based on reviews above, I think I would best fit into this length but appears only 185 cm length available.
Currently I ski on Volkl Katana 177 cm length with 112 cm underfoot for the backcountry and want to get into a lighter ski for spring time and all around use. I'm 170 lbs, 6', and expert bc skier. Also would skis go well with Scarpa F1 boot?
Currently I ski on Volkl Katana 177 cm length with 112 cm underfoot for the backcountry and want to get into a lighter ski for spring time and all around use. I'm 170 lbs, 6', and expert bc skier. Also would skis go well with Scarpa F1 boot?
3/25/2020
Hi Peter, unfortunately we are out of the 177cm Backland 95 for the season! If you're coming from the Katana it would be worth looking at our new arrival Volkl BMT 90, which will share that classic Volkl hard-charging feel. Another ski in the category that likes to go fast and plow through cruddy snow is the Elan Ibex 94, which is a little easier to ski than the BMT (and 16g lighter!)
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3/11/2020
I have been skiing the circa 2015 K2 Coombacks, 189cm with much enjoyment, but need to lighten up for the backcountry these days. I'd also like a little quicker edge to edge experience. I friend that I very much trust told me I should check out the the Backland 95. I am 5'11"" and these days weigh about 185-190 during the winter. I am torn between the 177 and 185 sizes, leaning towards the 185, but never have skied on anything shorter than these Coombacks. I am trying to optimize these skiis for backcountry tour-in-to-ski mutliday trips and am in a quandry with the "lose weight for touring/higher performance skiiing" balance. Any thoughts as to what length you think might sound best? p.s. Love the Atomic Hawx 130 boots you sold me a few weeks back. I am pretty sure that these will remain my boots of choice for future trips. Just back from a trip in the Idaho Sawtooths and they were steller both touring up and then sliding down.
3/11/2020
Hey Tom, thanks for reaching out and glad you are liking your boots! The Coomback was a cool ski and I think you'd find a lot of the same attributes in the Backland 95. The additional sidewall on the Backland helps with stability and edge hold, and you'll likely find that the more modern rocker/camber shape is helpful in variable snow. The Backland 95 is a pretty solid-feeling ski underfoot so I don't think you'd find the shorter length (177) to be nervous or skittering. The 185 would be a nice length as a pure-powder rig for the midwinter but would definitely give up some versatility later in the season. If long tours are in your future then a shorter ski that can kick-turn easily and maneuver through tricky steeps will be a great choice!
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2/23/2020
Hello. Are you selling the 18/19 version of this ski or the 19/20 version?
I broke a single ski during traveling (damn airlines) of the 19/20 version (black and green top sheet) and would rather replace it with a ski of the same top sheet.
I broke a single ski during traveling (damn airlines) of the 19/20 version (black and green top sheet) and would rather replace it with a ski of the same top sheet.
2/23/2020
Hi Michael, we only have the 2019/20 version. Photo should be updated, thanks!
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1/13/2020
would these be a comparable replacement for some dps wailer 99’s? Just wrecked a pair that were just mounted with ski trab vario.2’s that I got from you guys (best binding yet)
1/13/2020
Hey Scott, I wouldn't necessarily point you in the direction of the Backland 95 unless you were looking for a much more directional, powerful, and traditionally-cambered ski than your Wailer 99 banana-boats! The Voile Hyper V6 is probably the closest competitor to the Wailer's playful, surf-able demeanor. Or, if you wanted to go a little bit more traditional and gain some edging ability without losing DPS' smooth flex, you could consider the Cassiar 95.
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1/7/2020
Hi
I'm 6" and 230 pounds (183cm / 105kg) looking for a new touring ski. I will only be used for touring with an light pin binding, ATK HR 2.0 or Dynafit Superlight and some TLT6P.
I have about 20-25 days of touring each season and about the same amount of inbound days (with other skis)
The backland 95 have caught my eye and i really like everything when i look at the technical spec.
I would like to go for the 177 length to save some weight and a bit easier handling in kick-turns etc.
BUT I'm a bit afraid that my weight will be a problem if i choose the shorter length.
Do you guys have an opinion regarding the 177 vs 185 ?
Best regards
I'm 6" and 230 pounds (183cm / 105kg) looking for a new touring ski. I will only be used for touring with an light pin binding, ATK HR 2.0 or Dynafit Superlight and some TLT6P.
I have about 20-25 days of touring each season and about the same amount of inbound days (with other skis)
The backland 95 have caught my eye and i really like everything when i look at the technical spec.
I would like to go for the 177 length to save some weight and a bit easier handling in kick-turns etc.
BUT I'm a bit afraid that my weight will be a problem if i choose the shorter length.
Do you guys have an opinion regarding the 177 vs 185 ?
Best regards
1/7/2020
Hi Robin, thanks for reaching out! Great choice on the Backland 95s, they are a blast to ski. I would say that the 185cm is your ski if you like hunting for deep snow, frequently break trail, and enjoy skiing downhill at inadvisably high speeds. Meanwhile, the 177 would slot in better if this is going to be your skiing-off-of-summits, long objectives, technical descents choice. Just as you say, a shorter ski will be quicker into and out of kick turns, and much easier to put on your pack during bootpacks. You'll also have more facility in tight turning situations and when jump-turning. Since the Backland 95 has a pretty stiff tail, I don't think your weight would rule out the 177 as an option. You can't go wrong either way -- just depends on your intended usage! Don't hesitate to hit us up at help@skimo.co for a more detailed conversation.
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3/6/2019
Is the ATOMIC BACKLAND 95 ski bottom surface seamless, one peace from tail to tip? Thank you, Joe.
3/7/2019
Joe- There is a seam across the ski about where the rocker starts. So not one piece.
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10/26/2018
Can these skis be mounted with telemark bindings, and how do they perform on tele?
10/26/2018
Hey Alan! I definitely haven't heard of a restriction. I haven't skied them tele, but they are a medium-stiff ski with a ton of camber, so they are definitely very poppy.
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4/2/2018
Hi- which skins does atomic make for these skis and what do you think of them. Thanks
4/3/2018
Hi Al T, Atomic is sourcing their skins through Contour. The precut skins for this ski are a high quality mohair featuring the Hybrid adhesive. They are very nice.
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3/26/2018
Hi- any idea how this ski stacks up against the volkl bmt 94? I'm on the 94s and really like them, but these are lighter and I'd be interested if they skied as well at less weight. I like the mid 90s size for a daily driver all arounder. Thanks
3/27/2018
Hi AI T, I can't say exactly the differences between this ski and the BMT 94 but I will tell you that this ski has been universally well liked by everyone we have put it on. It's one of the best skiing 95mm touring skis out there, regardless of weight class.
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3/22/2018
Robert
(downright abused product)
Quiver-killer skis that are easy to skin or carry uphill, and that are ear-to-ear grin fun and confidence inspiring on the way back down any slope.
In Powder: The tips of this ski never dive or deflect, and the ample camber provides excellent rebound for finishing each turn and initiating the next.
On Hardpack: Tenacious edge grip allows for high angle, high speed, hip-dragging carves.
On Refrozen Death Chunder: The ski absorbs rough icy snow extremely well, the camber and light-weight make it easy to quickly move from edge to edge, and the rockered and horizon-shaped tips don't easily snag on frozen snow goblins.
On Corn: Sublime
On the Steep Slopes: The sidecut and flex profile provide such a stable platform, that I honestly forget how steep a couloir is until I hit the mellow apron. This ski allows for aggressive turns on steep and firm slopes with excellent grip and the right amount of stiffness for support from tip to tail.
In wet heavy snow, or when skiing low density powder during low tide conditions, I prefer a fatter ski with more tail rocker to float and slash on the surface, but in those conditions the Backland 95 still offers excellent performance.
I am 5'7", 170lbs, ski almost daily, and ski the 177cm length paired with the Atomic Backland Tour bindings and Movement Alp Tracks Performance boot.
In Powder: The tips of this ski never dive or deflect, and the ample camber provides excellent rebound for finishing each turn and initiating the next.
On Hardpack: Tenacious edge grip allows for high angle, high speed, hip-dragging carves.
On Refrozen Death Chunder: The ski absorbs rough icy snow extremely well, the camber and light-weight make it easy to quickly move from edge to edge, and the rockered and horizon-shaped tips don't easily snag on frozen snow goblins.
On Corn: Sublime
On the Steep Slopes: The sidecut and flex profile provide such a stable platform, that I honestly forget how steep a couloir is until I hit the mellow apron. This ski allows for aggressive turns on steep and firm slopes with excellent grip and the right amount of stiffness for support from tip to tail.
In wet heavy snow, or when skiing low density powder during low tide conditions, I prefer a fatter ski with more tail rocker to float and slash on the surface, but in those conditions the Backland 95 still offers excellent performance.
I am 5'7", 170lbs, ski almost daily, and ski the 177cm length paired with the Atomic Backland Tour bindings and Movement Alp Tracks Performance boot.
4/20/2019
where did you mount? on the line (-11cm of true centre) or forward. -11 on a 177cm is veryyyy directional.
4/24/2019
Michael C,
I mounted on the line, and in soft snow I need to keep my posture low and aggressive to keep the skis afloat in grabby snow.
I mounted on the line, and in soft snow I need to keep my posture low and aggressive to keep the skis afloat in grabby snow.
10/5/2019
How do you like those Movement Alp Tracks boots? I’m considering the free tour boot but can’t find much info or reviews...
Comment on this review:
2/20/2018
How would you compare this ski between Salomon MTN 95?
2/21/2018
Hey Matt! The Backland 95 seems more like a powerful bruiser and the MTN Explore 95 is more of a technique-based steep or powder ski. If you wanna go fast and charge, the Backland 95 is probably your ticket. If you want to go fast in soft snow and like to execute some technical turns on hard snow, the MTN Explore 95 is probably more up your alley.
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2/20/2018
What about Skins and the HRZN tech tips?
Doesn't do this tech a way for snow to slide in between skin ant tip?
Doesn't do this tech a way for snow to slide in between skin ant tip?
2/20/2018
Hi Pablo, good thought. The uplifted tips are off to the side and not underneath the skin material when using the race-notch. If you adapt other skins, I suppose it depends on how you cut them, but I would not leave any material way out on the red part of the tips.
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