The world of classic ski touring features a huge selection of bindings, and the latest season brings many new features.
This boils down to products like ATK's RT 11 Evo (which we considered sat more appropriately in the Light class last year) or the Crest, which are both great all-rounders for less demanding usage cases. They have all the features you need, but are decidedly no-frills to keep weight down: ski brakes, adjustable release values (Evo also at the toe), heel pieces capable of withstanding aggressive loadings, including well above that required by the average Tour binding. They come in at just over 300 g, or even less, yet include everything you need. If, however, you want the peace of mind of a heftier model more akin to a step-in, check out the Marker Cruise 12 and the new Dynafit Ridge. At around 400 to 500 g, they are just as reliable and practical to use, and sometimes sport features to make life easier, such as the wings on the Ridge heel piece that cut down friction when rotating the tower.
It comes down to personal preference. Even here there are lighter models, perhaps to be paired with boots that cross over into other realms, but not necessarily regarding their functionality or how they respond to heavier loads. Certainly hybrid bindings and models that convert to step-ins for the ascent have no place in this category: these we would reserve for pairing with skis in the Free class. The sole exception to this is the Ski Trab TR1, which would make sense for skiers used to tackling committing lines and mounted on a ski like the Navis for example.
Share this article
Materials are evolving, which is increasing the opportunities for pushing the boundaries of mountaineering splitboarding. It’s no longer just about easy tours, a few jumps and a beer. Thanks to innovative new setups and growing knowledge within the community, long ascents and steep terrain no longer intimidate.
Weighing from less than 100 grams to nearly a kilo, the common denominator are the pins into which you stick your boots and that enable you to climb. From the revolution of the pin binding to the latest hybrids for freeriding, here are all the best bindings the skimo market has to offer.
Probably The most accurate ski test out there.
