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I have a pair of Scratch BC's and was thinking about getting an AT setup, but I don't know a whole lot about it. I was looking at the Fritschi Freeride because I want something similar to regular alpine bindings. As for boots, would it be totally imperitive to get a pair of AT boots or could I get by with my downhill boots if I wasn't on any super long tours? Appreciate any advice.
The freeride will work with alpine boots. If you plan on hiking most things, alpine boots will work. However, if you plan on skinning alot, a pair of AT boots can help alot. You do lose some skiing performance though.
It's not imperative but AT boots are lot lighter and have a walk mode which allows some ankle flex for hikng/walking. Plus the vibram soles give you traction on rocks.
But you can use alpine boots. Also check out the naxo21 bindings...similar alpine design.
And do some searching on here. They're have been lots of discussions on this.
Keep in mind that you should have all your avy gear in order and have taken a class before you'd want to use the AT bindings.
Both the naxo and the fritschi can be adjusted for downhill boots, which will be heavier, stiffer (most likely), and may not have a walk mode. This makes for more uncomfortable hiking.
my rule is simple, if its lift accessed sidecountry, say, emigrant peak off of kirkwood, I'm in alpine boots with AT bindings, or alpine boots with trekkers and alpine bindings if I'm going to be hucking. Anything that involves more than a hour skin, you'll be much happier in AT boots. If you're just venturing a little bit OB, trekkers might be the best option. And as mmcpheet said, get some knowledge before you get yourself or someone else killed by accident.
Good point........I've done a lot of skiing on the backside of alpine when it's closed and skinned back over the saddle to the lift in alpine boots.Quote:
Originally Posted by soul_skier
I did kill someone back there once but it was intentional and only possilbe because of my extensive bc knowledge.
Alpine boots in Freerides is what I've done the magority of my touring in. Granted they have vibram on them and a rockered sole. But they are very stiff and have no walk mode. If I don't have to hike to far they are my weapon of choice. When skinng they don't make much difference. It's only when hiking.
I am lucky in thet my alpine boots are light. If your are not then this would be a factor. - Alpines Richlee F1 Pro's with Vibram - At Lowa Struka Evo's with 4th clip added. Very different animals for walking and brute forcing skis. But for anything else ther ain't much in it.
A lot depends on the comfort and weight of your DH boots. Mostly, the comfort. As long as you can walk around in them, for most situations, you're fine.
Some DH boots are lighter than touring boots and really comfortable as well.