Tecnica’s new entry into the 1kg class of backcountry ski boots: enter the Zero G Peak.
Tecnica arrives in the 1kg class of boots with their Zero G Peak line of boots; we review the Zero G Peak Carbon, the stiffest boot in the line.
Stated Weight: 990 Grams
ROM: 75 degrees
Sole: Vibram
Size tested: 26.5
I think boots in this weight class probably have the biggest boots to fill. Which means there’s opportunity. With the growing popularity of hauling fatter skis into the backcountry, many people seek a boot that walks well and drives a bigger ski(105mm+) in a variety of conditions. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to ski a lot of lightweight boots trying to meet this coveted sub kilo ski-well walk-well mark: I’ll admit, I still haven’t found it.
A little background on my daily skiing set-ups and terrain: I primarily ski a Zero G Tour Pro in a 25.5 (4 buckle big boot) and a Scarpa F1LT in a 26 (the 1 kg little boot). I typically ski my big boots on days when I’m more focused on the skiing or if I’m less concerned about speed on the ascent. I ski the Zero G Pro with four different skis, the 4FRNT Renegade122, MSP 107, and MSP99. As for my lighter boots, I tend to ski these on bigger days (8-12k vert) or when speed on the ascent is paramount. I also prefer to ski a little boot in terrain where I am mainly hop turning as I find it easier to maneuver the ski with a lightweight boot. I ski the 4FRNT Hoji112, Raven104, and MSP99 with this boot. I live in Cooke city in the winter and my terrain varies from low-angle tree skiing to steep peak skiing when conditions allow.
Here’s a clean shot of the Scarpa F1 LT for comaprison. This boot features a BOA closure on the lower and a velcro power strap on the upper.
I’m a big fan of the F1LT— it walks great and skis pretty well, probably the best a boot ever has in that class in my opinion. I ski the F1LT with a tour wrap but otherwise completely stock. Really the only issues I have with the boot are the ski/walk mechanism and the fact that I still don’t think it skis that great unless you’re on a smaller ski. I know, I know…someone’s going to say these boots aren’t made to ski bigger heavier skis but to be honest I just don’t care about that opinion. I think it’s possible and the Technica Zero G Peak Carbon is why.
My initial response to testing this boot was awe. This translated into me sending Jason random useless texts like “This boot is sick!” and “Sorry F1LT…”
F1 LT (left) and the Zero G Peak (right) showing the rear locking mechanisms engaged.
F1 LT (left) and the Zero G Peak (right) showing the rear locking mechanisms unlocked.
Straight out of the box the Zero G Peak boot looks pretty similar to the F1LT all the way down to the colorway. But it does have a few unique features that make for big improvements.
-The Closure. The lightweight ALU buckles are really sick on this boot and a big improvement to the Boa and velcro on the LT. The closure on the forefoot is tighter and you don’t get any loosening like you do with velcro.
-The Ski/Walk mechanism. My biggest gripe with the LT is the rattle and insecurity of the ski/walk mech. The Peak borrows a similar mechanism to the Tour Pro and it’s infinitely more secure than the LT.
-Power Strap. I’m not a huge fan of velcro on ski boots so I was really psyched to see a proper cam strap power strap.
The stock liner for the Zero G Peak. Photo: Tecnica.
The Zero G Peak uses a Z-Cable closure on the lower and a buckle & power strap combo up top.
Fit:
As stated above I am a 26 in a Scarpa F1LT and a 25.5 in Tour Pro. Both are a tight performance fit. I wear an 8.5/9 in a street shoe. The 26.5 in the Peak Carbon feels optimal for big days and warmer feet, but is maybe slightly bigger than the F1LT in a 26. Tecnica states a 99mm last and for a generally average foot this last works well for me. The stock liner is nice but in complete honesty, after this review, I’ll put in an Intuition power wrap the first chance I have. I’ll have more on this in the final deeper look.
Uphill:
Aside from the ski/walk mechanism, this boot travels uphill on par with the LT which all in all is fantastic, and if you like stock liners, this one is slightly more comfortable overall than the LT liner but is still thin. I’ve done a fair amount of boot backing, scrambling and some ice climbing with the Zero G Peak already and It does all this super well. I do have some concern of how exposed the buckles are to rocks, but so far I haven’t had them break or come undone on the ascent. One small detail but excellent detail on the buckles are the small added tabs to pull the wire onto the catches. At first look, I thought I may take them off, but they have proven to be great for getting an extra tight lock and for releasing a tight boot (photo). One other concern I have is how far the ski/walk mechanism sticks out(photo). Again, no problems yet, but time will tell.
F1 LT (lbottom) and the Zero G Peak (top) — almost a mirror image.
Ski:
Finally! The first day I ripped skins and pointed them downhill I was immediately impressed with how predictable the flex pattern was on these boots and how well they drove a heavy ski(MSP 99 2400g with binding.) I felt confident in an arc and also loosening up the turn into a powerslide in variable snow. The down is truly where this boot shines and I’m a believer that if this is what Tecnica can do on their first try at a boot in this class, all other MFGs may need to bow down…. Since my first ski on the Zero G Peak I’ve taken them on bigger tours, steeper descents, more variable snow, and a couple of lake crossings and I have been continually impressed. The predictability is outstanding and the flex is not overly stiff—maybe similar to the LT but much more progressive and to be honest, it just feels like a ski boot and that’s incredible.
Testing the Zero G Peak’s precision on the climbing wall.
Last thoughts:
Here it comes; this boot is a game-changer in the class and I am excited to continue to test this boot in a variety of conditions and report back with notes on durability and feel as the season comes to an end.
Ben grew up climbing, skiing, and fly-fishing in the Greater Yellowstone
Ecosystem and has been lucky to continue living in this great place. Ben began
guiding fly-fishing at age 18 while attending college at the University of Montana,
where he studied cartography and resource conservation. At age 23, he began a
career as a mountain guide and began work for Exum mountain guides in
Jackson, Wyoming, where he lived for 5 Years. Recently, Ben has moved back to
the mountains of his childhood and now resides in Red Lodge, MT, with his Wife
Leslie and his Dog Cash. He now splits time managing a family fly-fishing
business, ski guiding in Cooke City, and of course, getting into the mountains as
much as possible.