Backland 85 w review

Overview

The Backland 85 W is the narrowest ski in Atomic's 26-27 women's Backland touring range. Atomic describes it as an all-round touring ski for ambitious women that combines low weight, efficient climbing and solid downhill performance on piste and in powder. It comes in 149, 157 and 165 cm, measures 117-84.5-105 mm with a 14.2 m radius at 157 cm, and Atomic lists 1130 g per ski at that length. The build is a poplar Light Woodcore with fiberglass, Dura Cap Sidewall, an HRZN 3D shovel and Atomic's All-Terrain Profile. Atomic also says the eco-design cuts CO2-equivalent emissions by 30% compared with the 2021 Backland 85, based on a life-cycle assessment, by using more poplar and less fiberglass and resin.

On-snow performance

On paper the Backland 85 W is a classic all-round tourer: light enough for long ascents, with a shape that still carves on a piste descent. The All Mountain Rocker 15/85/0 profile puts rocker only in the first 15% of the ski, with camber over the remaining length and no tail rocker. That points to secure edge grip on firm, icy traverses and a solid tail when you push off it, while the early tip rise helps the ski find the surface in soft snow. The HRZN 3D shovel is a perforated, angled tip insert that Atomic uses to add float in powder without extra weight. Radii of 13.2, 14.2 and 15.2 m across the three lengths suggest short to medium turns that suit tight couloirs and tree descents as well as wider slopes. At 84.5 mm underfoot it will not float like the 101 W or 108 W in deep snow, but it should feel quicker and easier on hard spring snow and when skinning across slopes.

Construction & specs explained

• Core: Light Woodcore made of poplar, for low weight with damping and stability.
• Laminate: fiberglass layers for a stable, lively and light ride.
• Sidewall: Dura Cap Sidewall, running from base to topsheet for edge grip and durability.
• Tip: HRZN 3D, a perforated, thin and light shovel material with an angled shape for float.
• Shape: All-Terrain Profile with extra torsional stiffness and an improved flex pattern.
• Profile: All Mountain Rocker 15/85/0.
• Dimensions: 115-84-103 mm (149 cm), 117-84.5-105 mm (157 cm), 118.5-85-106.5 mm (165 cm).
• Radius: 13.2 m (149), 14.2 m (157), 15.2 m (165).
• Weight: 1130 g per ski at 157 cm.
• Edge angles: 1.0° base, 87° side.

Who it's for & comparisons

The Backland 85 W is for women who tour on mixed snow and want one light ski for both spring tours and mid-winter days. Atomic recommends its PreFit skin to complete the set-up. If you want a little more width with the same build, the Backland 88 W sits next to it; taller skiers can look at the unisex Atomic Backland 85, which runs from 158 to 179 cm. Against rivals, the Blizzard Zero g 085 w is a carbon-heavy option at a similar weight with a stiffer, more demanding character; the Elan Ripstick tour 88 w is a little wider at 88 mm and close in weight, with 1210 g at 156 cm; and the Scott Explorair 88 womens is a slightly heavier all-round tourer with 1260 g at 157 cm.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• 1130 g per ski at 157 cm keeps long ascents easy.
• Camber over most of the length grips well on firm traverses and spring snow.
• HRZN 3D shovel adds float in soft snow without extra weight.
• Per-length radii from 13.2 to 15.2 m keep turns short and controllable.

Cons

• Only three lengths, with 165 cm the longest.
• An 84.5 mm waist limits float in deep powder.
• No tail rocker, so the tail is less forgiving in tight, deep trees.
• A light touring build gives up damping at speed on hard or rough snow.

Verdict: The Backland 85 W is a light, grippy all-round tourer for women who spend more time on firm and mixed snow than in deep powder. Choose the Backland 88 W or 101 W if powder days are the main goal.