Demystifying Backcountry Bindings

If you’re just getting into backcountry skiing, you’re probably finding there’s a high barrier to entry.

While purchasing backcountry bindings is just one piece of the process, it can one of the most challenging. There are so many options with so many features, it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s right for you, not to mention how to work the damn things once you have them.

There are no sexy photos of bindings anywhere on the internet.

That’s what we’re here for—and to make the best skis on the planet to put them on, of course. We’ll break down the two best options below (we’re omitting the frame binding category, simply because we think hybrid bindings are better), but which kind is right for you will ultimately come down to a single question: Do you prize lightness or downhill performance?

Tech Bindings

Tech or pin bindings are minimalist, with four small pins that connect to the tech inserts in backcountry boots. This probably goes without saying, but you cannot use these bindings with a regular alpine boot. The rear part of the binding rotates to keep your heels free for going uphill, and then rotates back to lock your heels in for the descent.

The biggest upside to this type of binding is that it’s lighter, which makes going uphill easier. There’s a saying that 1 pound on your foot equals 5 in your pack, which may not be scientifically accurate, but for anyone who’s ever toured with a heavy setup, it feels about right. Tech bindings are also easy to transition without even taking off your skis, which, if you’re standing on a windy ridge in a blizzard, can make a difference in morale and overall comfort. 

You can buy the Salomon T MTN binding (a pin binding) through Wagner Custom. Photo: Kane Scheidegger

The downsides to tech bindings are that they don’t feel as beefy or confident on the descent. They don’t have as much power transmission, either, which can be problematic in variable snow for intermediate skiers. And, because there are only four metal pins keeping your boot attached, they have a tendency to pre-release easily, especially in crud. 

Hybrid Bindings

There are many types of hybrid bindings, all of which are designed to be lightweight enough to tour in yet with better skiability for the descents. The most common types are the Marker Kingpin and the Fritschi Tecton, which has a tech toe piece and a traditional alpine heel piece that adds stability and power transmission, and the Salomon Shift, which has toe pieces that function like tech bindings for the uphill but convert to a traditional toe piece for the descent. The Shift can also be used for resort skiing with alpine boots when it’s in descent mode.

The entire point, of course, is to get powder like this all to yourself. Photo: Jay Goodrich

These bindings are great for big-mountain skiers who want to ski aggressive backcountry lines, and for skiers who have only one setup for resort and backcountry. The downside is that they’re heavier than tech bindings, so they aren’t ideal for long adventures or high summits. They can also be a little challenging to use, with more complicated features that will take some education to figure out. So, back to the original question, what binding is right for you?

If you prize lightness above all else, opt for a tech binding. If you prize skiability, opt for a hybrid. Happy trails!

--

Article by Kimberly Beekman
Kimberly Beekman is the former editor-in-chief of the late, great Skiing Magazine (RIP), and a longtime editor of SKI Magazine before that. She currently uses the title of “freelancer” as a beard to ski powder all over the world. She lives in Steamboat, Colorado, with her wonderful daughter and terrible cat.