Atomic Backland Carbon Boot
Atomic keeps refining the Backland series of boots, and the Backland Carbon still sits atop the list. Dropping the BOA system in favor of a Cross Lace instep buckle, the updated version is more reliable and can close tighter on your foot. The Backland Carbon is still one of the best walking boots in this class, with 74 degrees of motion around serviceable Frictionless Pivots. The liner gets an update but still has breathable zones and is washable so you can sweat in this boot all spring and not worry about the stank. An upgraded 40mm power strap adds ski performance when locked into ski mode using the smooth-operating Free/Lock mech. The Atomic Backland Carbon is a well-rounded ski touring boot with an easy fit.
- Frictionless Pivots make for smooth articulation and can be replaced.
- Free/Lock 4.0 ski/walk mechanism is easy to flip and has a reliable lock mode.
- Dry Fit foam in the liner has breathable zones and can be washed.
- Cross Lace 2.0 closure system over the forefoot locks you in.
- Gaiter over the lower keeps snow out and your feet dry.
- Carbon-infused memory shell can be heat molded.
- Three different forward leans to choose from.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
1195g [27/27.5] |
| Weight (pair) | 2390g [27/27.5] |
|
|
2 + 40mm Cam Strap |
|
Boot Sole |
268mm [24/24.5] 278mm [25/25.5] 288mm [26/26.5] 298mm [27/27.5] 308mm [28/28.5] 318mm [29/29.5] 328mm [30/30.5] |
|
Binding |
Tech only |
|
Cuff |
74° |
|
Forward |
13°, 15°, 17° |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Carbon infused polyamide shell, carbon cuff |
|
|
3D Platinum Tour |
|
|
Skywalk |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Classic touring |
| Notes | Breathable & washable liner |
| Bottom Line | A nice upgrade to the Backland Carbon |
| Compare to other Touring Boots | |
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Questions & Reviews
3/1/2025
Do you think I could replace liner with XTD 3D Platinum to get tighter fit? For regular 3d tour liner I needed to add some padding.
3/1/2025
Mariusz , This Backland boot comes stock with the XTD 3D Platinum liner. Sounds like you are looking for a thicker liner.
3/2/2025
Hmm I think the stock liner is 3D Platinum Tour. I was thinking to replace this one with XTD liner which should be thicker but I'm not sure if that would fit or how thicker would it be
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1/23/2025
I am on my second season with the Atomic Backland Carbon. I love the range of motion and I think the downhill performance is exceptional for a boot this light. I am having pain on top of both the inside and outside ankle bones with both boots while touring. I think the pain location lines up roughly with the top rivets attaching the integrated stretch gaiter to the shell. I’ve tried foam donuts and they increase the pain/pressure. I tried the intuition liners out of my old school (2015) Scarpa F1’s but they were too thick and I couldn’t buckle the top buckle. Do you have any suggestions on how I can minimize feeling crippled by the end of my skin up? Thanks!
1/24/2025
Hi Trevor! Sorry for the boot-fitting struggles! Your ankles likely require more volume than the boot is currently providing, so creating space in this area should be the goal. You could create more volume with an aggressive liner mold, localizing the focus on the ankles. A thinner liner may also work, but this will likely change the fit throughout the rest of the boot. This should only be considered if you can afford more space throughout without negatively affecting fit. These boots are pretty boot-fitter-friendly by comparison, and a shell punch could address your problem. If the ankles fall directly on the pivot point, you may run into trouble, but otherwise, this is often the best way to add volume to a boot. If you'd like to dive further into the details, email us at help@skimo.co. Thanks!
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I got these to replace my old Alien RS boots, which I loved. My only issue with the Alien RS was that I couldn't get the boa forefoot to tighten enough to feel comfortable in variable conditions. I was optimistic that this boot, with a lower buckle instead of boa, would remedy that issue and be a little more downhill oriented. Unfortunately, for my foot, this boot just falls flat in the fit department. And since it doesn't fit my low-volume, narrow foot, the performance isn't right either.
From a purely function and build perspective, this boot is great. I love the cam buckle booster strap. The cuff and lower buckles work great. The locking mechanism has worked flawlessly. Range of motion while touring felt really good for a boot in this weight category. Materials, design, and construction get 5 stars.
If I could get my heel to lock down on both the up and down, I'd probably love this boot. But it just isn't the right boot for me because I get significant heel lift while touring and skiing (with a shim and custom footbed). I have a number of friends that love this boot, and I can see why. For me, someone that's enjoyed and done well in the Scarpa Alien RS and Alien 1.1, this boot just doesn't work. I will likely try the Scarpa F1 XT to see if I can get that Scarpa fit that has worked well for me in the past, and in a package that is a little beefier than the old Alien RS.
From a purely function and build perspective, this boot is great. I love the cam buckle booster strap. The cuff and lower buckles work great. The locking mechanism has worked flawlessly. Range of motion while touring felt really good for a boot in this weight category. Materials, design, and construction get 5 stars.
If I could get my heel to lock down on both the up and down, I'd probably love this boot. But it just isn't the right boot for me because I get significant heel lift while touring and skiing (with a shim and custom footbed). I have a number of friends that love this boot, and I can see why. For me, someone that's enjoyed and done well in the Scarpa Alien RS and Alien 1.1, this boot just doesn't work. I will likely try the Scarpa F1 XT to see if I can get that Scarpa fit that has worked well for me in the past, and in a package that is a little beefier than the old Alien RS.
2/20/2025
Hey Samuel, would you mind reporting back with an update if you find your way into a new boot? By your description, it sounds like we're similar foot shape and noticed that we're exact same height, weight and shoe size. Also a similar skier type. I'm looking for a new pair of boots in this weight class and am torn between the Backland and XT, plus open to a wild card if low volume and narrow heel pocket.
Comment on this review:
2/8/2024
Hello,
I just bought a pair of backland carbon and consider to pair them with either a backland 85 UL or backland 89 SL for long courses (>1500 m) in the Alps. I'm 1.92 m / 92 kg, expert skier, and already have nordica enforcer 104 unlimited for powder touring. Would you rather go for one or the other appart for the width difference?
I just bought a pair of backland carbon and consider to pair them with either a backland 85 UL or backland 89 SL for long courses (>1500 m) in the Alps. I'm 1.92 m / 92 kg, expert skier, and already have nordica enforcer 104 unlimited for powder touring. Would you rather go for one or the other appart for the width difference?
2/8/2024
Hi Luke, we prefer the UL construction from Atomic in terms of ski-fun. We skied the 89 SL and decided not to carry it; it's not a very exciting ski, but probably could get you through a traverse.
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1/11/2024
I have the 2021 Backland Carbon. The liner fit great initially, but started to feel sloppy before the year was out (maybe 20-30k feet of climbing) and I put in the factory-supplied shim. By the third year (maybe 140k total), I'm up to THREE shims and the liner is falling apart... Not super impressed with the durability of this liner.
Can I source a different liner for this boot? What would you recommend? I'd like something more durable and more stiff, but still good for touring (this boot is dedicated for touring). Shell size is 27.5.
Can I source a different liner for this boot? What would you recommend? I'd like something more durable and more stiff, but still good for touring (this boot is dedicated for touring). Shell size is 27.5.
1/11/2024
Hi Leo,
Sounds like you are at the end of the stock liner's life! Generally around 80-100 days is about the useful lifetime of a stock liner in a touring boot, depending on how much you sweat and how high quality the stock liner is. The Palau Tour Lite Evo MV would make a great replacement for the stock liner that would function pretty similarly in terms of walk mode, with maybe a bit more substance on the downhill. A more downhill-oriented option would be an Intuition Tour Tongue in the low-volume (9mm) thickness.
Sounds like you are at the end of the stock liner's life! Generally around 80-100 days is about the useful lifetime of a stock liner in a touring boot, depending on how much you sweat and how high quality the stock liner is. The Palau Tour Lite Evo MV would make a great replacement for the stock liner that would function pretty similarly in terms of walk mode, with maybe a bit more substance on the downhill. A more downhill-oriented option would be an Intuition Tour Tongue in the low-volume (9mm) thickness.
1/11/2024
Agree I've gone past the life expectancy of this liner, but it was feeling sloppy after half a season / 15 days. I'd like my next liner to hold a good fit longer if possible, even if that means a tighter fit initially.
Would you expect the Palau Tour Lite Evo MV or the Intuition Tour Tongue to hold up better? Which size should I order for my 27.5 boot? Thanks!
Would you expect the Palau Tour Lite Evo MV or the Intuition Tour Tongue to hold up better? Which size should I order for my 27.5 boot? Thanks!
1/12/2024
Hi Leo,
For the best long-term durability, I would go with the Intuition. They will both be better than stock, but Intuition foam is super dense and holds its shape really well. You can order a 27 for your boot. With an Intuition liner, it is important to heat mold it in order to get the best fit - they don't wear in super well from just normal wear, because of how dense the foam is, but they mold exceptionally.
For the best long-term durability, I would go with the Intuition. They will both be better than stock, but Intuition foam is super dense and holds its shape really well. You can order a 27 for your boot. With an Intuition liner, it is important to heat mold it in order to get the best fit - they don't wear in super well from just normal wear, because of how dense the foam is, but they mold exceptionally.
1/17/2024
Got the Intuition liners yesterday. Thanks Carlos! They fit in the boot well. Slight concern about the fit on my foot--it's a little tight in the calf, but not at all tight on the foot. I assume heat molding would fix the calf problem. Would you recommend I heat mold only the calf and leave the foot as is? Anything you would recommend to take up a little volume around the foot (particularly around the heel)?
1/18/2024
Hi Leo,
You can get a bit more room out of the calf area with a heat mold, but not as much as the other parts of the boot. I would still heat mold the whole liner, it won't pack it out any more than it naturally will after 5-10 days of skiing, and you will get better contouring of the heel and ankle that way. Just don't buckle it down tight and you won't compress the foam too much. By the same token, buckling the calf more will give you more pack-out there.
Did you have a loose heel in the stock liners as well? I can compare a few different options to see what the volume is like in the heel area, but unfortunately if we go up to a thicker Intuition liner I think it will be too much in the calf area (if the LV is bothering you). One option would be the Patriot liner sleeves, which add some material around the heel to tighten up the fit there.
You can get a bit more room out of the calf area with a heat mold, but not as much as the other parts of the boot. I would still heat mold the whole liner, it won't pack it out any more than it naturally will after 5-10 days of skiing, and you will get better contouring of the heel and ankle that way. Just don't buckle it down tight and you won't compress the foam too much. By the same token, buckling the calf more will give you more pack-out there.
Did you have a loose heel in the stock liners as well? I can compare a few different options to see what the volume is like in the heel area, but unfortunately if we go up to a thicker Intuition liner I think it will be too much in the calf area (if the LV is bothering you). One option would be the Patriot liner sleeves, which add some material around the heel to tighten up the fit there.
1/18/2024
Heel fit was notably better in the stock liner. Those liners have some kind of extra padding around the achilles which seems to take up volume. You can see it just looking down into the liner.
The Patriot sleeves sound promising. Should I affix those before heat molding?
The Patriot sleeves sound promising. Should I affix those before heat molding?
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1/7/2024
Hello,
how do you compare these with Scarpa F1 XT. Iam looking for light (more uphill orientated) touring boots with flex that is progresive and that can handle Backland 95 skis downhill. I tried both of them and the fit is similar (Backland is little bit roomier). I found that walk mode on Backland is really smooth and frictionless. Scarpa is also good but there is some little resistance and some creaky sound of liner (maybe It will disapear after some trips). Also found the scarpa build quality is top noch and is a bit stiffer. What is your opinion? Thank a lot for answer. Have a nice day
how do you compare these with Scarpa F1 XT. Iam looking for light (more uphill orientated) touring boots with flex that is progresive and that can handle Backland 95 skis downhill. I tried both of them and the fit is similar (Backland is little bit roomier). I found that walk mode on Backland is really smooth and frictionless. Scarpa is also good but there is some little resistance and some creaky sound of liner (maybe It will disapear after some trips). Also found the scarpa build quality is top noch and is a bit stiffer. What is your opinion? Thank a lot for answer. Have a nice day
1/8/2024
Hi Lubo,
My answers pretty much parallel your observations! The fit is a little different, they are both relatively narrow to start off with (the Backland Carbon is heat moldable and can become wider) but the Backland has more volume over the instep and top of the foot. The Scarpa is stiffer in ski mode and will be a bit more powerful. To really reach the potential of the walk mode, the XT must be fully loosened first (cuff buckle and powerstrap). The same is true for the Backland. Once that is done, I would estimate that they will both go uphill quite well. Either would pair well with the Backland 95! I would go with the Scarpa if you have a lower-volume instep and want a stiffer boot.
My answers pretty much parallel your observations! The fit is a little different, they are both relatively narrow to start off with (the Backland Carbon is heat moldable and can become wider) but the Backland has more volume over the instep and top of the foot. The Scarpa is stiffer in ski mode and will be a bit more powerful. To really reach the potential of the walk mode, the XT must be fully loosened first (cuff buckle and powerstrap). The same is true for the Backland. Once that is done, I would estimate that they will both go uphill quite well. Either would pair well with the Backland 95! I would go with the Scarpa if you have a lower-volume instep and want a stiffer boot.
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12/5/2023
Do these fit similarly to the Atomic Backland 120 XTDs? I picked up some 120 XTDs and I'm happy with the fit so far. I'm considering a lighter 1000-1200 g boot for spring missions, and these would fit the bill if the fit is similar. Thanks.
12/6/2023
Hi Michael, no the fit is quite different. The Backland XTD is a roomier overall fit. Please fill out our Boot Fitter and we'd be happy to find a boot that'll work for you!
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11/24/2023
Think these would push a Salomon echo in crunky conditions?
11/24/2023
Hi Dave, that might be a bit much to ask of this model. The Backland XTD Carbons would do better with that ski. In this weight class, the Zero G Peaks or F1 LTs have a better chance of holding up.
1/6/2024
Hello,
how do you compare these with Scarpa F1 XT. Iam looking for light (more uphill orientated) touring boots with flex that is progresive and that can handle Backland 95 skis downhill. I tried both of them and the fit is similar (Backland is little bit roomier). I found that walk mode on Backland is really smooth and frictionless. Scarpa is also good but there is some little resistance and some creaky sound of liner (maybe It will disapear after some trips). Also found the scarpa build quality is top noch and is a bit stiffer. What is your opinion? Thank a lot for answer. Have a nice day
how do you compare these with Scarpa F1 XT. Iam looking for light (more uphill orientated) touring boots with flex that is progresive and that can handle Backland 95 skis downhill. I tried both of them and the fit is similar (Backland is little bit roomier). I found that walk mode on Backland is really smooth and frictionless. Scarpa is also good but there is some little resistance and some creaky sound of liner (maybe It will disapear after some trips). Also found the scarpa build quality is top noch and is a bit stiffer. What is your opinion? Thank a lot for answer. Have a nice day
Answer this question:
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