Quick Facts
- Weight: 1,030g (Men’s 26.5) / 930g (Women’s 24.5) — a true 1kg-class contender.
- Range of Motion: 60 degrees of frictionless rotation for natural striding.
- Last Width: 101mm, providing 15% more forefoot volume than typical 98mm "race-fit" boots.
- Transition System: Ultra Lock 5.0 single-lever system for simultaneous cuff-closure and walk/ski mode engagement.
- Best For: Speed touring, technical ski mountaineering, and long-distance backcountry objectives.
Settling into the Rhythm of the Skin Track
The air at the trailhead of Teton Pass was the kind of cold that bites through a base layer, the kind that makes you question why you didn’t just stay in the van with a second cup of coffee. But as I clicked into my pins and started the first few kick turns, that familiar rhythm took over. In the world of backcountry skiing, we often talk about the "flow state"—that moment where the gear disappears, and it’s just your breath, the glide of the skins, and the mountain.
For years, the Dynafit TLT series has been the benchmark for that feeling. From the legendary TLT 5 to the somewhat polarizing TLT 7 and 8, Dynafit has been chasing the perfect balance of "up" and "down." With the release of the Dynafit TLT X, they haven't just iterated; they’ve refined the formula for the modern speed-focused tourer. This isn't just a boot for the "fast and light" crowd; it’s a boot for anyone who realizes that 90% of their day is spent going uphill.
Uphill Performance: Effortless Vertical and Minimal Resistance
If you’re looking at a 1kg boot, you care about the climb. During my testing on high-mileage days in the Sawatch Range, the uphill efficiency of the TLT X was nothing short of staggering. The boot offers a 60-degree range of motion with virtually no resistance in walk mode, providing a natural, hiking-boot-like feel on steep skin tracks and technical scrambles.
While some boots claim high ROM (Range of Motion) numbers, they often have a "catch" or friction at the end of the stroke. The TLT X is buttery smooth. Whether I was lengthening my stride on flat valley floors or punching up a 35-degree headwall, the ankle moved without fighting the plastic of the shell.
When comparing the Dynafit TLT X vs. Scarpa F1 LT, the feel is distinct. The Scarpa feels slightly more "techy" and rigid in its ROM, whereas the TLT X feels more organic. For technical scrambles where I had to ditch the skis and boot-pack over frozen scree, the low-profile toe and the flexible walk mode made me feel significantly more agile than I have in heavier 1,200g or 1,400g boots.
Ease of Use: The Ultra Lock 5.0 & Twistfit Advantage
One of the biggest pain points in backcountry skiing is the transition. When you're standing on a windswept ridge with a 30mph gust trying to steal your gloves, the last thing you want to do is fiddle with three different buckles and a power strap.
What makes the Dynafit TLT X transitions so fast? The TLT X features the Ultra Lock 5.0 system, which uses a single lever to simultaneously secure the cuff and engage the ski/walk mode, eliminating the need for multi-buckle adjustments. It is, quite literally, one motion. Flip the lever down, and you are locked in. Flip it up, and you are in a free-pivot walk mode.
Complementing this is the Twistfit closure system. Instead of a traditional lower buckle that can create pressure points, Dynafit uses a cable system adjusted by a dial.
- Precision: It allows you to fine-tune the tension over your midfoot with millimeter precision.
- Glove-Friendly: You can easily crank it down or loosen it without taking off your mitts.
- Security: Once set, it holds your heel firmly into the pocket, which is crucial for preventing blisters on long climbs.
Downhill Performance: Stability Beyond the Scale
The question everyone asks about a 1,000-gram boot is: "How does it handle the descent?" You don't buy the TLT X to huck 20-foot cliffs or drive a 115mm-waisted powder ski at Mach 1. However, for a boot this light, the lateral stiffness is impressive.
The Grilamid construction provides a progressive flex that doesn't feel like a "brick wall" but rather a supportive brace. In soft powder or consistent corn, the TLT X is a dream. It’s nimble, allowing for quick direction changes in tight trees. When things get "sporty"—think sun-crust, frozen chunder, or heavy maritime cement—you do have to be a more active pilot. You can’t just lean on the front of the boot and expect it to do the work for you; you have to stay centered and drive from the midfoot.
Editor’s Tip: The TLT X performs best when paired with skis in the 80mm to 95mm underfoot range. While I’ve pushed them on 105mm skis in soft snow, you start to lose the leverage needed to edge on hardpack once the skis get too wide.
Fit, Comfort, and the "Hobbit Foot" Factor
Historically, ultralight touring boots have been notoriously narrow, catering to the "skimo racer" foot profile. Dynafit broke that mold here. The 101mm last of the Dynafit TLT X provides approximately 15% more forefoot volume than standard 98mm precision-fit ultralight boots, making it a top choice for wide-footed backcountry skiers.
I have what my bootfitter affectionately calls "Hobbit feet"—wide at the forefoot with a high instep. In previous TLT models, I usually had to spend hours getting the shells punched. With the TLT X, I felt an immediate sense of relief. There is actual room for your toes to wiggle, which is vital for maintaining circulation and warmth on those sub-zero mornings.
| Feature | Dynafit TLT X | Scarpa F1 LT | Atomic Backland Carbon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (per boot) | 1030g | 990g | 1090g |
| Last Width | 101mm (Roomy) | 100mm (Medium) | 98mm (Narrow) |
| ROM | 60° | 72° | 74° |
| Transition | One-Lever (Ultra Lock 5.0) | Lever + Power Strap | Lever + Boa |
| Best For | Comfort & Speed | Technical Steep Skiing | Narrow Feet / Max ROM |
The Verdict: Who is the Dynafit TLT X For?
After 20,000 feet of vertical testing, the conclusion is clear: the TLT X is the new king of the "long day." It strikes a balance that few other boots hit—it's light enough for 5,000-foot dawn patrols but comfortable enough that you aren't racing to take them off at the car.
How much does the Dynafit TLT X weigh? The Dynafit TLT X is a premier 1kg-class boot, weighing approximately 1030g for the men's version and 930g for the women's version, designed specifically for speed and long-distance efficiency. While it may not be the stiffest boot on the market, its lateral stability and incredible ease of use make it a top-tier choice for the dedicated backcountry traveler.
Buy the TLT X if:
- You prioritize uphill speed and efficiency.
- You have a medium-to-wide foot and find other "speed" boots too painful.
- You want the fastest transition system in the game.
Skip the TLT X if:
- You primarily ski at the resort or do short side-country laps.
- You prefer a very stiff, "plug-boot" feel on the descent.
- You have an exceptionally narrow, low-volume foot.
FAQ
Q: Are the Dynafit TLT X boots compatible with all bindings? A: No. Like most boots in this category, the TLT X is designed for tech (pin) bindings only. It does not have the lug shape required for traditional alpine or "frame" bindings.
Q: How does the durability of the Twistfit dial hold up? A: In my testing, the dial and cables held up well against ice and rock strikes. However, as with any cable-based system, it’s a good idea to keep it clean and avoid smashing it directly into granite whenever possible.
Q: Is the liner warm enough for mid-winter touring? A: The Dynafit Dynafitter 5 liner is surprisingly warm for its weight, but it is thin. If you are prone to cold feet and touring in -10°F or colder, you may want to look into aftermarket footbeds or heated socks.
Looking to upgrade the rest of your kit? Check out my recent guide on the [Best Lightweight Technical Bindings of 2024] to pair with your new boots. See you on the skin track
