Dynafit

As of August 6, the stp description still describes this as a ski for "nordic racing" but it is actually designed for randonnee / ski mountaineering races. As such, it is absurdly light, yet capable of difficult descents. Just don't expect any float from the narrow profile in unconsolidated snow. The ski is designed for Dynafit bindings (of course) and the tip notch can accept either custom Dynafit skins or custom-designed tip attachments.

Although marketed as a women's ski, this is still a fairly stiff ski, so perfectly fine for anyone comfortable with the 169cm length. At 145 lbs, this ski never felt short for me despite the 169cm length. Also, although the graphics are somewhat pastel in color, the "W" is fairly subtle, so if you're a guy, don't worry about being seen on "women's" skis! Only drawback is that it could be a bit lighter . . . which is why Dynafit makes the Mustagh Ata version.

As of August 6, the stp description still reads "(For Women)" but this is incorrect: Dynafit has always made this boot as a unisex model. Anyway, the boot is ultralight and walk/hikes/climbs even better than the weight indicates because the sole is sculpted to eliminate any excess in the toe and heel lugs. This means it can't be used in any binding other than Dynafit (or the current Silvretta 500, or older 300/400/404/505), but then again, why would anyone want to use a boot like this in a binding other than Dynafit? (Still compatible with all crampons, even fully automatic.) With the upper buckle and power strap cranked all the way, the boot still has enough power to handle steep descents, as long as the ski choice is kept relatively narrow & light.

Dynafit rando race boot is absurdly light, yet still provides descent stiffness. The tradeoff is that the cuff height is fairly low. The boot also walks/hikes/climbs even better than the weight indicates because the sole is sculpted to eliminate any excess in the toe and heel lugs. This means it can't be used in any binding other than Dynafit (or the current Silvretta 500, or older 300/400/404/505), but then again, why would anyone want to use a boot like this in a binding other than Dynafit? (Still compatible with all crampons, even fully automatic.) The skin/ski "switch" is a very clever design that essentially lacks any moving parts, and is very quick. Couple with a light race ski, steep descents are still possible, but the main point is on the ascent. A great boot for racing or just long tours when ascent speed matters and taking a little extra time & care on the descent are okay.