Sometimes in ski touring, less is more and old school becomes new school. That is certainly the case with the Atomic Backland Tour + Brake Ski Bindings, a new design that makes use of the "U" shaped heel pin found in the original tech bindings and still in use for virtually all race bindings today. With the Backland Tour, the heel top plate remains stationary while the heel pin and housing rotate, meaning the climbing lifters are always forward facing. Three different U springs are available, with release values appropriate for "Women," "Men," and "Expert" skiers. While this isn't a pure, sub-150 gram race binding, the simplicity of design is admirable, as is the wider 40 mm toe mount pattern and the 30 mm of heel length adjustment (nice for those who own more than one pair of tech boots). The binding can be rotated 90˚ to enable a flat touring position.