Evaluation: Arc'teryx Procline Carbon Pack Backpack

The Arc'teryx Procline Carbon Support, a ski mountaineering boot, has been making waves in the backcountry community. Designed for both backcountry skiing and technical alpine mountaineering, this boot offers a unique blend of performance and comfort.

One of the standout features of the Procline Carbon Support is its 360° Rotating Cuff, which allows for exceptional range of movement in walk mode. This design ensures a smooth transition between walking and skiing, making it an ideal choice for those long tours.

The boot's technical bindings, compatible with Dynafit-style bindings primarily manufactured by Dynafit itself and other notable makers such as ATK Bindings, Black Diamond, and Fritschi, further enhance its versatility.

In ski mode, the Procline Carbon Support provides stability thanks to its stiff carbon cuff, Cam Lock power strap, an upper buckle, and a lower buckle. The stiff lower shell, made of lightweight Grilamid, also contributes to this stability. Despite its lightweight build, the boot performs well during downhill performance, offering a flex rating of approximately 100.

The Procline Carbon Support excels in uphill performance as well. In fact, the author found it to be the best touring boot they've ever worn. The boot's durable dual-compound Vibram soles provide traction on both ice and rock, making it a reliable choice for mountaineering and exploring.

The Procline Carbon Support is designed for comfort, with a thermoformable EVA liner that is comfortable, flexible, and supportive. The lacing system, while slightly confusing out of the box, provides ample tension and is free of pressure points. With minimal need for punches or liners to be molded, the boot can be worn for up to 15 hours straight without significant blistering, hotspot issues, or bruising from pressure points.

The Procline Support's ankle support seems to work quite well, holding the ankle in place without too much movement or play while in walk mode. The High Density Cordura gaiter keeps snow and moisture out of the boot during long days in knee-deep powder.

However, the Procline Support's fit and comfort have been an issue for some users, particularly in the toe box, and may require punching out to accommodate wider feet. The lower buckle can also be difficult to loosen without gloves that have superior dexterity.

It's worth noting that the Procline Carbon Support is not compatible with the author's Marker Kingpin bindings. The boot is crampon compatible with most step-in automatic or semi-automatic models.

After approximately 30 ski days, the Procline Carbon Support's build quality and durability have been able to withstand the rigors of the backcountry. Overall, the Arc'teryx Procline Carbon Support is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile, high-performing, and comfortable ski mountaineering boot.