#4 on this list
Backland Tour
Atomic
Sharing fundamental architecture with its platform siblings, the Atomic Backland Tour is aimed at backcountry tourers who want a stout, reliable pin binding without the bulk of freeride mechanisms. Weighing in at approximately 796 grams per pair, this unit targets the sweet spot for day-in, day-out touring setups. Testers frequently praise it for its bombproof field record, straightforward operation, and predictable downhill hold. The Backland Tour features an expansive base plate that anchors firmly into wider skis, reducing the dead spot beneath the foot and maximizing edge grip across icy sidehills. Its climbing risers are among the easiest to deploy in the category: you simply flip the flaps forward or back with a pole basket to choose between climbing heights, skipping the hassle of rotating the heel assembly mid-stride. Power transfer is crisp, providing sufficient feedback for technical terrain and variable snowpacks. Because it shares its design with minimalist traditional tech bindings, it relies on swappable heel forks rather than an independent spring screw to adjust vertical release. While it provides solid retention for aggressive uphill and downhill touring, it lacks the deep elasticity of heavier hybrid bindings, meaning high-speed chatter will transmit directly into your legs. For tourers wanting a dependable balance of weight and ruggedness, it remains a proven staple. **Highlights** - Published weight of roughly 796 grams per pair - Flip-style climbing risers operate quickly via ski pole basket - Broad mount pattern stabilizes skis over 90mm underfoot - Sturdy aluminum and steel construction resists trail abuse - Built-in alignment pegs guide boot pins for fast step-in **Watch-outs** - Vertical release adjustments require physically swapping U-springs - Minimal elastic travel produces a stiff ride on hardpack snow - Factory packaging often defaults to leashes over ski brakes
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#5 on this list
Backland Summit 12 BR
Atomic
The Atomic Backland Summit 12 BR addresses the classic shortcomings of tech bindings by integrating modern release ergonomics and functional brakes into a lightweight frame. Designed for backcountry skiers who demand certified lateral and vertical release scales alongside true downhill retention, this binding weighs about 1 pound 13 ounces per pair with brakes included. It has earned strong recommendations from reviewers who want a complete, modern backcountry interface without stepping up to hybrid freeride weight. The centerpiece of the Backland Summit is its adjustable release mechanism, which allows users to dial in release values at the heel across a standard range without swapping internal parts. An integrated auto-locking brake system stays tucked out of the way while skinning and deploys automatically upon switching into ski mode. Crucially, Atomic engineered an elastic track into the heel to maintain consistent release values as the ski arcs and bends during high-load turns. While downhill dampening is notably improved over minimalist models, it remains a dedicated tech binding with rigid pin interfaces at the toe. It will not deliver the elastic forgiveness of a dedicated resort clamp. The brake mechanism, while functional, adds some mechanical complexity to keep clear of packed ice. For tourers seeking modern safety engineering in an authentic backcountry package, the Summit 12 hits the brief. **Highlights** - Published weight of roughly 1 pound 13 ounces per pair with brakes - Calibrated lateral and vertical release adjustments at the heel - Longitudinal heel elasticity compensates for active ski deflection - Integrated auto-locking ski brakes - Easy-to-use climbing risers for variable slope angles **Watch-outs** - Noticeably heavier than minimalist mountaineering bindings - Mechanical brake housing requires vigilance against ice buildup - Toe pins lack downhill elastic travel found in alpine models
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Backland Tour | Backland Summit 12 BR |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 796 g per pair | — |
| Category | Pin / Tech Touring | — |
| Price | Around $680 | — |
| Mounting Pattern | Wide screw pattern | — |
| Climbing System | Dual flip-over risers | — |
| Materials | Forged aluminum and steel | — |
| Binding Type | — | Pin-tech touring binding |
| Weight per Pair | — | 1 lb. 13 oz. (with brakes) |
| Release Range | — | Adjustable up to 12 (lateral and vertical) |
| Elastic Travel | — | Longitudinal heel track compensation |
| Brake System | — | Integrated auto-locking ski brakes |
| MSRP | — | Approximately $725 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Backland Tour
- Clean flip-style climbing risers deploy quickly with a pole basket
- Generous mount pattern improves edge grip on mid-fat backcountry skis
- Sturdy metal construction resists long-term wear and impact
- Integrated toe alignment pegs simplify boot step-in
- Vertical release requires manually swapping physical heel U-springs
- Minimal suspension travel leads to a harsh ride on firm chatter
- Ski brakes are not always included in the base package
Backland Summit 12 BR
- Independent lateral and vertical release adjustments up to 12
- Longitudinal heel track compensates for ski flex to prevent pre-release
- Reliable auto-locking brake mechanism streamlines transitions
- Competitive weight profile for a fully featured touring binding
- Rigid toe interface transmits chatter on hardpack snow
- Brake housing and heel track are prone to packing with wet snow
- High price point sits at the top end of the tech binding market
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.