AT gear question

nope downhill boots work fine. though they're heavier and not as forgiving uphill.

just loosen the top buckles. I liked the bottom two to remain tight for stability while hiking.

though some/most AT boots wont work with downhill bindings

Thanks!!

yes as said above. it will work. if you got full tilts you are a lucky kid because they are light and due to the tongue system you can hike with them pretty well (if you loosen the top buckles and you dont tight your power strap ;) ) you can trust me - i own full tilts and you dont need new touring boots if you dont hike that much. it works pretty well and they are not that heavy. skiing down will be amazing too because you are used to the boots you wear. (touring boots always felt kinda akward to me)

Just watch out for the onyx touring binder. You can tour with alpine boots for the most part. Down side is weight and angle of the boot while walking. Check out black diamond's hybrid boot and the new Salomon Quest series, they are essentially alpine boots you can tour in.

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191256&highlight=salomon+quest

I know you're not asking about AT boots but in response to GYPSYSLAYER I would have to recommend not trying to buy an AT that ski's like a "downhill" boot.

I've done it in the past and they're just too heavy and don't do well in the backcountry.

The technology has definitely come along way and AT boots are available that are just as stiff and powerful as a downhill boot. In my opinion, its just a selling point to market a boot that's both downhill/AT.

The reason I stopped using my downhill boots for touring was because of the Vibram soles on most AT boots. I do a lot of climbing and scrambling with them as well and needed that rubber sole.  Oh and did I mention the soles are rockered! makes walking/hiking a dream.

my 2 cents

Thanks for all the input. I am just getting into back country skiing and want to get some touring gear but is so expensive I can't get it all right now. I am thinking I can start with AT bindings and skins and use my downhill boots and skis. I splurged on a new pair of downhill boots last season and can't afford a whole new AT set up. Any advice on bindings??

good deal! The way I looked at buying my AT gear was that I would be spending a whole lot less on lift tickets.

Fritchi Freerides is what I use on my Moment Comi's. They do really well except for sidehill touring on hardpack (because of ski width).

They came out with many new binders this year. Marker improved upon their weight (F10-F12) but you still have to get out of the binding to go from AT/downhill modes. Which can be annoying in high-risk or deep snow areas.

Sounds like you won't be interested in Dynafit.

Fritschi is a good, reliable binding unless you're charging AK lines.

People here will recommend the barons or dukes. You don't need it. They're fucking heavy. If I wanted "downhill" performance I would just get trekkors.

I'm 6'4'' 210lbs and my Fritchi's hold up to everything I throw at them. I've done up to 25' drops with them holding up.

indeed AT gear is damm expensive. still scrapping money together to get everything together for the comming season.

it sounds like you would be much more geared toward gettgin a trekker (sp?) system going allowing you to use your full slpine setup and then just clipping the trekkers in when need be.

it sounds like you would be much more geared toward gettgin a trekker (sp?) system going allowing you to use your full slpine setup and then just clipping the trekkers in when need be.

The fritschi freerides. I've taken some gnarly falls over the handle bars and had them release perfectly. Also done some cliffs up to 25' and they held up fine.