BACKLINE test magazine 2021

Ski touring is booming, and the reasons are manifold. The closure of many ski resorts last winter gave this long-running development an additional strong push.

The equipment industry recognised the trend years ago and now serves the different styles of ski touring with ever more targeted and mature product development. Never before has there been such a diverse and specialised choice of gear for beginners and seasoned experts alike. Individual ability, physical constitution and the intended range of use are the main cornerstones to consider when looking for the optimal personal setup.

We count ourselves lucky to have run the BACKLINE Gear Test for skis, airbag backpacks and poles in March in Splügen, Switzerland, in excellent conditions with 13 experienced testers — six women and seven men. The test methodology and the testing focus are explained in detail within each test category. In addition, this magazine presents comparative data on avalanche transceivers, probes, shovels, touring bindings, boots and helmets. We hope this makes buying decisions easier.

Our sincere thanks go to all testers who evaluated the many products with great fun and the appropriate seriousness. We also thank all our industry partners as well as the Splügen tourism board and the Hotel Alte Herberge Weiss Kreuz for their support during the BACKLINE Gear Test 2021.