Are you trying to find alpine touring equipment among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling alpine touring equipment on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 13 hours of research and did 38 alpine touring equipment tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best alpine touring equipment you can buy today
- GO LIGHTER: Every part, mechanism, and screw of the ZED has been evolved to create a fully featured binding at the lightest weight possible – Single screw for full adjustment + lateral release, simple minimal Boot Stop, streamlined shape and profile
- GO FURTHER: Made for backcountry skiers, the ZED is loaded with a full yet simplistic feature set that saves valuable weight and reliably has your back when you’re deep in the mountains – QuickFlick heel lifts, Single tool simplicity (Pozi #3)
- GO HARD: The ZED truly stands confident in a league of its own with all the power and performance of a much heavier modern touring binding, but it packs into a super light, simple package – Wide freeride mount, optimal toe elasticity
- SIMPLE AND INTUITIVE: The ZED trims down the materials and design while still outperforming durability standards and expectations. Ideal for skiers looking to trim even more weight with the option to add or remove brakes as needed
- NUTS AND BOLTS: (ZED 9) Long carbon fiber reinforced nylon toe chassis, release values as low as 3, calibrated toe lever is easy to open and close, add-on brake is easy to install + remove, 30mm length adjustment, 3-9 RV, 24oz total weight (pair)
- Velcro Power Strap & Buckle Microregulation
- Flex-Tongue
- HOJI Single Lock
- Quick Step In
- UNI EN ISO 9523 & Lifetime Guarantee
- For Backcountry Skiers Who Don’t Compromise | Stiff yet lightweight, the Maestrale RS combines the efficiency you need for long backcountry tours with impressive ski-ability on the descent.
- Carbon Grilamid LFT Shell & Grilamid Bio Evo V-Frame Cuff | The lightweight carbon and Grilamid shell optimizes power transfer, while the planet-friendly bio-based cuff adds torsional rigidity on the descent and increased range of motion in walk mode.
- Speed Lock XT Ski/Walk Mode | The lever is easy to use, even with gloves on and reduces the likelihood of snow and ice buildup for fast, fuss-free transitions.
- Thermoformable Liner | SCARPA’s Pro Flex Performance liner is both warm and customizable for a precise fit and all-day comfort in cold conditions.
- Specs | [Weight] 3 lbs 3.1 oz (½ pair, size 27); [Last] 101 mm; [Flex] 125; [Range of Motion] 60°; [Binding Compatibility] TLT, AT; [Forward Lean] 16° ∓ 2°
- The perfect light touring or beginning backcountry ski boots
- Synthetic uppers provide ample support for light backcountry use
- Anatomic foot bed provides good support and stiff midsole procides needed ski control
- Rottefella NNN-BC sole works in all NNN-BC system bindings, manual or automatic
- Thinsulate brand insulation for added warmth
- The ultimate alpine draw
- Equipped with two Photon Wire carabiners
- Versatile and lightweight 10 mm x 60 cm Dyneema runner
- Velcro Power Strap & Flex Tongue
- Buckle Microregulation & HOJI Single Lock
- Quick Step In
- UNI EN ISO 9530
- Lifetime Guarantee
- BUILT FOR MOUNTAINS AND SNOW: Designed to be put on with your feet (and crampons and skis) firmly on the ground, the ALTITUDE boasts a feature set that makes it a great fit for most ski and mountaineering objectives.
- DISAPPEARS WHEN WORN: Petzl’s WIREFRAME technology helps the harness feel weightless and breathable, allowing you to focus on the climb.
- SUPPORTIVE AND FLEXIBLE: Individual strands of high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) spread pressure out over the entire shape of the harness, keeping it comfortable and supportive without impeding your movement in any way.
- CARRIES YOUR ALPINE GEAR: Two traditional gear loops, vertical loops for extra capacity, and ice screw keepers on the leg loops mean that you can carry all the gear you need for the mountains.
- TRULY PACKABLE: Includes a protective carry bag, and a foam-free design helps the ALTITUDE fold down to smaller than a water bottle.
- Backcountry Benchmark | A lightweight backcountry touring ski boot that balances stiffness and responsiveness on the descent with comfort and range of motion for the climb.
- Grilamid & Carbon Core Shell | The lightweight carbon and Grilamid shell optimizes power transfer and prioritizes stiffness for technical performance.
- Intuition Pro Flex Evo WMN Liner | This customizable, anatomical women’s-specific liner offers plush comfort at a low weight.
- BOA Fit System | Lightweight dials and durable aircraft-grade stainless steel laces ensure a secure, customized performance fit.
- Specs | [Weight] 2 lbs 6.1 oz (½ pair, size 25); [Last] 102 mm; [Flex] 95; [Range of Motion] 62°; [Binding Compatibility] TLT
- Shell Material: C.A.S, carbon fiber, Grilamid
- Flex: 120
- Last Width: 99mm
- Buckles: 4
- Buckle Material: magnesium
- DESIGNED FOR: The Tour Rider 28-liter by-volume backpack is a technical all-mountain backpack for men and women with shorter back lengths perfect for long ski touring and freeriding. It is equipped with enough space to carry and easily access high alpine essentials like a wide ski fastener, shovel, probe, and emergency avalanche equipment all carried comfortably, and securely on your back around every turn. PFC-free and Climate Neutral product.
- SHORT BACK SYSTEM: The S-backpacks, (short back systems, 36 – 44cm) are specially designed for women and men with shorter backs lengths to comfortably carry a pack load. They feature shoulder straps that are thinner and shorter and have a pronounced s-shape; the hip fins are shorter and conically formed for balanced weight distribution over lengthy periods.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: 33.5 ounces in total weight, this lightweight all-mountain backpack is ideal for long day tours. (Short back length 36 – 44 cm, W x L x H: 31 x 51 x19)
- EASY ACCESS STORAGE: Offers practical access to the main compartment from front and back, making your equipment always readily available. Separate shovel and probe compartment stows away from your back for greater comfort while remaining easily accessible.
- FEATURES: 7 compartments, load control cords, wide ski fastener (max. 150mm), holder for safety equipment, ice axe and hiking pole fastening, compression strap, snowboard/snowshoe attachment, hip pocket, chest strap with signal whistle, integrated helmet net storage, hydration system compatible (hydration bladder not included), key holder, map compartment, and emergency card.
How to choose a good alpine touring equipment
Does the idea of finding a fantastic alpine touring equipment make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in alpine touring equipment. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top alpine touring equipment products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top alpine touring equipment on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top alpine touring equipment brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top alpine touring equipment based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the alpine touring equipment were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good alpine touring equipment, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your alpine touring equipment.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting alpine touring equipment for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our alpine touring equipment. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what alpine touring equipment should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on alpine touring equipment.
