By Liam Anderson
Atomic Backland 86 sl
Who it’s for and what it is
The Backland 86 SL is a lightweight touring ski aiming to blend efficient climbs with trustworthy descents. At roughly 1,030–1,150 g per ski, it saves energy on big vert days, while a Carbon Backbone and Dura Cap sidewalls add bite and torsional hold. The 86 mm waist targets real‑world conditions: spring corn, chalk, wind buff, and the shallow powder most tourers actually find. A flat, skin‑friendly tail and HRZN‑style tip round out a modern, directional tool. If you value quick transitions and predictable handling, this ski hits a compelling sweet spot.
Uphill efficiency and handling
On the skin track the ski feels light, neutral, and composed. The Ultra Light Woodcore (poplar + karuba) maintains a natural cadence on steep climbs, and the low swing weight helps with tight kick turns. The HRZN 3D tip adds surface area without mass, reducing tip dive in softer snow and smoothing over ruts. The flat tail offers reliable support for traverses and anchors. Paired with a lightweight pin binding, it’s a set‑and‑forget approach: efficient, quiet, and confidence‑building for long tours and fitness‑focused missions.
Hard‑snow grip and speed limit
On firm snow, the All‑Mountain Rocker 15/85/0 provides solid edge hold, with long camber contact and a predictable, directional feel. The moderate sidecut radius (about 16–17 m depending on length) encourages controlled medium turns and speed modulation. There is a speed ceiling: the low mass damps less, so on demanding, icy descents you may feel some vibration. Compared with a Zero G 85 it’s friendlier but less surgical; versus an MTN 86 Carbon it’s lighter and a touch less damp; an Orb Freebird brings more backbone but adds weight.
Float, stability, and snow versatility
In soft or mixed snow, the HRZN tip helps with float and composure, especially in boot‑to‑knee‑deep powder or wind buff. At 86 mm underfoot, it stays on top in “typical tour day” depths but will require more input in true storm totals than wider platforms. The flat tail preserves effective edge length for reliability in variable snow and steeper terrain. Heavier skiers or loaded packs may find it deflects in breakable crust; a Transalp 86 Carbon or Blacklight 88 can feel slightly calmer at higher speeds.
Sizing, specs, and comparisons
The specs work together logically. Rocker 15/85/0 means early tip rise for initiation and camber for grip, with a flat tail for traction and skin utility. Tip/waist/tail numbers guide float, agility, and bite: narrower turns quicker, wider carries better. Radius (about 14–17 m by length) predicts turn shape; weight (≈1,030–1,150 g) dictates uphill efficiency and damping. Lengths 157/165/172/179 cover most skiers; size up for stability, down for quickness. Published measurements vary slightly by year; confirm your ski’s sheet for exact mounting‑critical figures.
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