About this product
Atomic Backland Carbon UL Alpine Touring Boot
The Atomic Backland Carbon UL is a ski mountaineering boot for skiers chasing vertical, where every gram on the foot is paid for on every step. A carbon loaded PA shell under a full carbon fiber cuff holds a usable flex at 982 g per boot in a 26/26.5, and the 98 mm last runs narrow and low volume for a locked-in fit. With 74 degrees of cuff rotation and the Free/Lock 5.0 mechanism, the Backland Carbon UL is built for big ascents and controlled descents rather than for driving a wide ski.
Is This the Right Boot for You?
CCBB Boot Ratings
Rating scale: 5 = top of its class, 4 = excellent, 3 = good, 2 = specialized or below average, and 1 = limited.
CCBB Fit Profile
Why We Like It
- At 982 g per boot in a 26/26.5 the Backland Carbon UL is 184 g lighter per boot than the Backland Pro on the same 98 mm last.
- A full carbon fiber cuff over a carbon loaded PA shell holds flex at a weight where most boots give it up entirely.
- 74 degrees of cuff rotation matches the heavier Backland boots, so nothing is traded away in stride to reach the weight.
- The Free/Lock 5.0 mechanism is external, so it clears ice and throws in one motion with a pole tip at a cold transition.
Best Uses
- Ski mountaineering and high-vertical days
- Spring missions, traverses, and technical objectives
- Skis under 100 mm underfoot
- Narrow, low-volume feet on a 98 mm last
- Pin binding setups only
Bootfitter's Advice
The Backland Carbon UL runs a 98 mm last, narrow and low volume, with a regular-height cuff and a ramp angle of 4 degrees. This is a performance fit and it is not the boot for a wide forefoot or a high instep. Confirm size with a shell fit, and use the included size adjuster, liner laces, and liner spoiler before considering shell work.
Fit work is the real constraint here. The shell is carbon loaded PA and the cuff is carbon fiber, so the material that would normally accept a punch is minimal and the cuff accepts none. We can do modest work on the forefoot and we mold the 3D Platinum Tour UL liner, but a foot needing significant shell work belongs in the Backland Pro instead.
Fit profile reviewed by CCBB bootfitters. Final sizing should be confirmed with a shell fit whenever possible.
Fit and Construction
Features and Compatibility
Compare the Atomic Backland Carbon UL
Backland Carbon UL vs. Atomic Backland Carbon
Both run a 98 mm last and a non-norm sole. The Atomic Backland Carbon weighs 1,179 g per boot and closes with a cam strap and aluminum buckles. The Backland Carbon UL strips 197 g per boot with a carbon fiber cuff and an Ultimate Strap. The Carbon skis better, the UL climbs better.
Shop the Atomic Backland CarbonBackland Carbon UL vs. Scarpa F1 LT
Both are sub-1,000 g boots built for high-vertical days on pin bindings. The Scarpa F1 LT uses a BOA forefoot closure and a different last shape. The Atomic Backland Carbon UL runs a 98 mm last with a cable closure and 74 degrees of rotation. Fit decides this one.
Shop the Scarpa F1 LTBackland Carbon UL vs. Tecnica Zero G Peak
The Tecnica Zero G Peak is the other serious option in the sub-1,000 g class, on a 99 mm last with a single-lever walk mechanism. The Atomic Backland Carbon UL runs a narrower 98 mm last and 74 degrees of rotation. Both are pin-only boots, so the choice is fit and flex feel.
Shop the Tecnica Zero G PeakCommon Questions
Who should buy the Atomic Backland Carbon UL?Our Verdict
Description supplied by Cripple Creek Backcountry through its current Shopify listing. Product, performance, and health claims are the seller’s and have not been independently verified by StorkScout.
