The Backland UL CTD Helmet is a multi-certified brain protector with some integrated sensor technology.
Atomic, a division of the goliath Amer Sports, has some resources to play when it comes to R & D. Kudos to them for investing in tech is perhaps the most overlooked but mandatory safety gear: the helmet.
A few weeks ago, we posted a story on avalanche bag use. One of the comments, rightfully so, called us out for not mentioning the helmet in the timeworn safety trifecta of beacon, probe, shovel. Add a helmet to that list.
When speeds are higher or obstacles in the foreground (trees), wearing helmets on the downhill are the obvious times to wear a lid. On the up-track, often, we see helmets secured in the helmet carry: helmets can be overly hot under exertion, making them uncomfortable and even intolerable.
Safety First: Helmets
The Atomic Backland helmets are “multi-normed” meaning they are certified for skiing (EN1077:2007) ASTM F2040, climbing (EN 12492:2021), and … cycling (EN 1078:2012, CPSC 1203). For those eye-rolling the cycling cert, Atomic has a point. Many skiers are approaching spring lines via bike, frequently in the dark. A cycling certified helmet does add a margin of safety for those of us, this writer included, who don a lightweight climbing helmet under those circumstances. And, there are burlier cats out there like @cascadeconnections, who cycle all winter long here in the PNW chasing snow. I know he wears a helmet, but honestly, it’s usually dark outside when I see him approaching or returning, so I have no clue what his lid go-to is.
The Atomic Backland helmet may be suitable for those looking to save money and buy a single helmet for their adventures.
The helmet line comes in three models; the Backland (the all-arounder), the Backland UL CTD featuring Shocksense system/SOS, and the Backland UL (gram-counters). Features include Atomic’s version of MIPS called the AMID system, a removable and washable ski liner, a similar but less insulating “skimo” liner (also washable), clamps to secure a headlamp, and minimalist and detachable straps for those affixing goggles. The fit adjusts with a headband and includes an up and down adjustment to tilt the helmet on your head.
The helmet innards.
Lastly, Atomic adds a little bit of high-tech to the UL CTD helmet. This helmet features an integrated “Shocksense” sensor (run by a small battery) and connects to a proprietary app that can track and detect impacts and the severity of those impacts. Lastly, an SOS alert function is part of the sensor system. Atomic says if an impact exceeds a certain threshold, the app automatically sends an SOS alert, including GPS coordinates, to specific contacts.
According to Atomic, the emergency SOS feature is activated in the app and can be toggled on and off. The app must also be on to record impacts and send out the SOS.
Specs:
Backland – $310, 350g
Backland CTD – $410, 370g
Backland UL – $260, 340g
Backland UL CTD – $360, 360g.
You can find the product safety guidelines for the Shocksense feature here.
Atomic Boots
The 2022-2023 Atomic Backland Carbon.
Helmets, as noted, are essential, but you likely clicked here for the boots.
The boot line splits into the Backland UL series, for the light and fast among us, and the straight-up Backland for the more downhill oriented skier. (Just a reminder, we have only set eyes on these boots through videos and images.)
The Backland’s chassis is unchanged, and it remains a 98mm last, with 74 degrees ROM, with a refined locking mechanism in the rear. The lower closure is an iteration of a Z-cable system called “Cross Lace 2.0.” (No more BOA for the Backlands). The Backland Carbon also gets a reboot on the liner; according to Atomic, the liner is constructed with a more durable and better fitting (out of the box) foam than earlier models. This liner includes a thicker tongue and plastic around the outer-upper cuff for rigidity. Atomic uses a new gaiter/seal called Stretch Guard, which, they claim, makes it easier to enter and exit the boot.
Here’s a convenient chart to compare specs between the Backland boot series.
Here’s a WildSnow review of the 2020 Backland Carbon.
Backland UL Series
The Backland UL line uses a BOA closure for the lower and a Stretch Guard weatherproof sealer, similar to the Backland series. The lasts are also 98mm.
The 2022-2023 Atomic Backland Carbon UL.
The new Backland Carbon UL liner shares a similar lower to the Backland liner with more flexibility in the cuff area. The cuffs make the 74-degree range of motion more likely to be achieved. The cuffs close with what Atomic calls a speed strap – a combo of a traditional upper buckle and a power strap.
Here’s a comparison chart for the UL series.
While most of the WildSnow backcountry skiing blog posts are best attributed to a single author, some work well as done by the group.
12 comments
I’m glad they’ve scrapped the BOA. It does next to nothing and once broken can’t be fixed easily. A voile strap around the boot did much more than the BOA.
BOAs are still on the lighter weight boots. I’ve got Backlands with the BOA closures and like them after a couple of dozen outings. I have failed to break them. Since the BOAs are on top of the boots they are less likely to get smashed by rocks. The new buckles are in a more vulnerable position.
Getting into the Backlands is easy. Until I discovered the trick, getting out was very painful and difficult. The trick is to remove the liner with your foot in it. The liner protects your foot from the “jaws of death”.
Snaps for Atomic’s iterative design with the backland series:
– they tried the BOA system in 19/20
– it didn’t work/wasn’t durable enough so they learned from it and moved forward
– they improved the cable buckle system from the 18/19 backland and get extra credit for adding a more robust cuff strap
What dilutes the series IMO is the complex product line…too many models
Yes, somewhat confusing having so many models. But they are not alone. Look at the 22/23 Dalbello Quantum line up. Or Scarpa’s 22/23 F1…
I think there are some clear business forces driving this:
Ski touring sales are booming, so the market is huge. At the same time, shell molds are the biggest investment for a brand, so milking that, and offering slightly different boot options without having to invest in new molds is an easy way to try and capture some more market share. As you can see on this thread alone, some people like Boa’s some don’t.
I think the group being squeezed by this is the retailers. Customers come and shop for a boot, but the shop didn’t stock the version they want.
I wish there was a slightly heavier and stiffer version of the Backland carbon, personally. It’s a good boot (I have the old tongue version and the newer version with the BOA), walks great but is fairly soft. I’ve been impressed with the durability, My old ones are still holding up despite sloppy cuffs, but I’ve heard of the shell lowers cracking. I’d like a boot that can walk like the Backland but ski like my MTN explores at under 1400g, asking too much??
The new Backland Carbon is not going to ski like your MTN Explore, but seems like it should be better than the previous Backland Carbon iterations in terms of power. Not only is the retention system notably better, but the liner has been completely redeveloped according to the guy that I talked to and that has added more power to the boot as well.
As I said in the Technica thread, the new Backland Carbon (non-UL version) is on my list for possible boot upgrades for next season for a “light-ish” touring boot. I’ve got the Technica ZeroG Pro Tour that I love, but the retention system of the new Technica G Peak seems to rob the boot of power, so unless the Carbon version has some significant upgrades to the performance relative to the boot I was able to carpet-test, I think that is out of the running for me. I am looking for something similar to you, but maybe a touch lighter – I’d love something at about 1200g that can drive a Black Crows Solis in rubbish snow and can walk like any of the great sub-1000g boots out there. If you look at the engineering of what should allow that to happen, it doesn’t seem like an insurmountable ask. But, at this time, it seems like this “sweet spot” of boots for me will lose out to the sub-1000g category, and to the 1400-ish freeride boots.
Yeah, good poitns. Actually I don’t think the weight is as important as the walk mode smoothness and range of motion. I would sacrifice a little weight for durability and better skiing and keep a good walking action.
As would I; but if it’s a dream boot, I say dream big…
Those helmet prices are absurd by the way.
Splitboarder here that uses the backland pros with boa. I have well over 100 days on mine and besides the “waterproof” sealer thing being ripped to shreds and the liner being completely worn through I’ve had zero issues. My first pair were the older (2017?) blue and orange ones and I broke the cuff and then both lower buckles when postholing some crust. So I’m happy to see the boa retained on the UL. Also very happy to see that 80 flex rating. It’s interesting that they let phantom use their shells when they clearly have the resources to make their own splitboard boot and could knock it out of the park with minimal r&d. Also props to the shoutout to @cascadeconnections aka Stratton Matteson. This guy is the real deal, unmatched stoke, unworldly fitness and pro level skill. Definitely someone to watch and a damn nice guy to boot!
fwiw, the new BCA helmet seems to match stats with these atomic helmets at a much lower price point. It’ll be interesting to find a shop that gets them both in stock to try a fit test.
A few years ago K2 (parent of BCA) brought an ultralight helmet to market (barely, it was scrapped quickly) one reason it was so light is bc it was so tiny. Didn’t fit most adult sized heads.
Will the new instep buckle (vs the Boa) make the Backland carbon workable for low instep folks?