OUR REVIEW OF THE ATOMIC BACKLAND CARBON UL
Our complete Atomic Backland Carbon UL ski touring boot review is based on extensive on-snow testing in a variety of backcountry conditions. Discover our detailed analysis of uphill performance, range of motion, comfort, fit, transitions, downhill performance, stiffness, strengths, weaknesses and our full verdict in Ski Rando Magazine.
PRESENTATION OF THE ATOMIC BACKLAND CARBON UL
An ultralight ski touring boot under one kilo
New to Atomic’s 2026/2027 range, the Atomic Backland Carbon UL becomes the lightest model in the Backland family. At just 982 g per boot in size 26/26.5, it comes in below the symbolic one-kilo mark and is aimed at ski tourers prioritising uphill efficiency, long tours and big vertical days, while retaining a carbon construction.
Carbon construction at just 982 g
To achieve this weight, Atomic combines a carbon-loaded polyamide shell with a carbon fibre cuff. The Prolite construction concentrates material in key areas to create a lightweight structure. The Backland Carbon UL also retains Investment Cast Tech Inserts and Memory Fit technology for shell customisation.
74° range of motion and new Free/Lock 5.0
For the ascent, the Backland Carbon UL offers a generous 74° range of motion. It differs from the standard Backland Carbon through its Free/Lock 5.0 ski/walk mechanism, combined with the Frictionless Pivot. Forward lean can be adjusted to 13°, 15° or 17°, with 15° as the standard setting.
The lower shell is secured by the Cross Lace 2.0 system, while the cuff features an Ultimate Strap. Atomic also equips this UL version with a specific 3D Platinum Tour UL liner, featuring a breathable construction, Dry Fit foam, Dura Shield reinforcement and a washable design.
A narrow 98 mm fit
Like the Backland Carbon, the Carbon UL uses Atomic’s 98 mm Touring Last, classified as Narrow / Low Volume. It is therefore designed around a relatively close and precise fit. Available sizes range from 24/24.5 to 30/30.5.
With its 982 g stated weight, carbon fibre cuff and 74° range of motion, the Atomic Backland Carbon UL is, on paper, clearly focused on uphill performance and lightweight ski touring. It saves almost 200 g per boot compared with the standard Backland Carbon, stated at 1,179 g, while retaining the same 98 mm last and 74° range of motion.
FEATURES
■ Flex: 100
■ Fastening: 1 BUCKLE + BOA
■ Interchangeable soles: NO
■ Metatarsal width: 98mm
■ Weight: 2042g
■ Price: 799€
WHERE TO BUY THIS BOOT?
AUTRES TESTS ATOMIC
OUR TEST OF THE ATOMIC BACKLAND CARBON SHOE MANUFACTURER’S REVIEW The stiffest touring shoe in the Backland series, the Atomic Backland Carbon is the high-end versatile shoe that offers the ideal balance between lightness and uphill efficiency, with a secure fit for superior downhill performance. Designed for skiers seeking downhill …
OUR TEST OF THE ATOMIC BACKLAND PRO SHOE MANUFACTURER’S REVIEW The Atomic Backland Pro model offers the best value for money in our entire Backland range. Its Prolite technology lightens the entire structure while its Tongue Stabilizer provides the necessary rigidity for your stability, giving you full confidence with every …
OUR TEST OF THE ATOMIC BACKLAND XTD CARBON 120 SHOE MANUFACTURER’S REVIEW Atomic now offers its famous Backland shoe in an XTD version, which stands out for its improved downhill performance while maintaining appreciable comfort and lightness during ascents. With a width of 100 mm (compared to 98 mm for …
The Atomic Hawx Magna XTD 130 BOA is the high-volume freeride touring version of the Hawx XTD family. It is designed for skiers who seek the performance and support of an alpine boot while benefiting from a walk mode for approaches and ski touring outings. Its flex of 130 clearly …
The Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 BOA is the highest-performing version of the Hawx Prime XTD range, designed for skiers who prioritize power and precision on the descent, while maintaining a true walk mode for approaches and ski touring. With its 130 flex and intermediate fit, it clearly positions itself …
TEST ATOMIC HAWX ULTRA XTD 130 BOA MANUFACTURER’S REVIEW Here is the Hawx Ultra XTD 130 CT GW from Atomic. Featuring a Prolite construction with reinforcements in the right places. It provides you with the legendary feel, skiing power, and mountain capabilities of the Hawx Ultra with the epic natural …
OUR TEST OF THE ATOMIC BACKLAND EXPERT UL SHOE MANUFACTURER’S REVIEW Designed for fast and light ski touring, the Atomic Backland Expert UL is a touring shoe equipped with the Frictionless Pivot system and a fiberglass-loaded shell for stability, speed, and efficiency. The durable Boa® Fit System ensures a precise …
OUR TEST OF THE ATOMIC BACKLAND EXPERT SHOE MANUFACTURER’S OPINION The perfect choice for the touring skier looking for the ideal balance between uphill efficiency and downhill reliability, the Atomic Backland Expert does it all. Built with Prolite, featuring a frictionless pivot and a fiberglass shell, this shoe is also …
OUR TEST OF THE ATOMIC BACKLAND PRO UL SHOE MANUFACTURER’S REVIEW The Backland Pro UL from Atomic is simply the best value among all the shoes in the Backland UL family, fast and light. The carbon-loaded shell offers solid alpine skiing performance, and the Frictionless Pivot and Free / Lock …
OUR TEST OF THE ATOMIC BACKLAND PRO SL SHOE MANUFACTURER’S REVIEW Combining the best features of the Backland UL with those of the Backland, Atomic’s Backland Pro SL offers powerful downhill performance while allowing for quick transitions. Equipped with the Speed Strap collar closure system that integrates the buckle and …
