Still enjoying my Head Raptor RD 130's but am looking for an uphill setup to both avoid chairlifts/gondolas and also use for winter climbing approaches and general touring. Normally I ski the heavy West Coast snow but am currently based in the Canadian Rockies. Started nordic skiing last winter which besides being a great workout was an excellent way to keep moving during Covid lockdowns and got me thinking a little more about touring as a way to escape lift lines until the Covid thing settles.
I'm hoping to find a boot that will respond to PMTS but that is reasonably comfortable for day tours. It doesn't need to be super lightweight as long as it walks reasonably well (i.e. should not result in injuries, frostbite etc.!). I've just started trying out boots and to date found the best fit in the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130. It's a 98mm last boot and reasonably low volume. Length is similar to my Raptors and the shell fit seems pretty good. It walks well and is lightweight but that means the plastic is quite thin compared to my Raptors. The flex doesn't quite seem like 130 but at my weight (160 lbs) should be workable. Forward lean isn't as bad as some boots but from memory isn't quite as upright as my Raptors. Without a doubt the thinner plastic will result in less lateral power transfer but this might be a compromise I can live with if more of my day will be walking and climbing than descending.
Another interesting looking boot is the Lange XT3 130 LV alpine touring. Heavier and with more of a downhill focus. Don't know where I can try one locally and I would like the help of a good bootfitter. But I could always travel to find it though not across the border with current restrictions (my Raptor was fitted in Dumont and adjusted at camp, those were the days!
My go-to alpine skis are the Kastle MX78 and Head Rock N Roll with the former getting skied a lot more than the latter. Undecided on my AT setup yet but may add a couple of skis, something light and wider and something that I can use for uphill days at the resort/sidecountry. The latter might be a Blossom White Out with a Salomon Shift which would allow me to also use it in the resort with my Raptors.
OK, I'll leave it that for now.
As always, any and all comments welcome!
Cheers,
Mike