Scarpa Alien RS 2019 – 2020 Boot | Review
Flex: 95 (approx)
Last: 99 mm
Cuff Range: 72˚
Forward Lean: 7˚, 9˚, 11˚ or 13˚
BSL: 294 mm
Binding Compatibility: Tech (pin) bindings only
Weight (per boot): 890g (27.0)
Price: £600
Website: scarpa.co.uk
Why we chose the Scarpa Alien RS: Plucky little boot.
See the Scarpa Alien RS as the Jackie Chan of the ski boot world, extremely small and lightweight yet more than capable of punching way above its weight.
Coming in at a ridiculously featherweight 890 grams (by far the lightest weight you’ll find in our ski boot reviews), this boot carries an impressively ‘ard man flex. The Scarpa Alien RS is one to consider for your ambitious days in the backcountry – say, 1000 metre plus ascent days.
The single motion walk mode lever here is similar in design to the Atomic Free/Lock 2.0 lever. The lever on the Alien RS, however, also unlatches the top cuff buckle, making for extremely fast transitions from ski to walk modes (bit like the Dynafit Hoji Free, in that respect).
Constructed almost entirely from Carbon/Grilamid in both the cuff and lower, a sock-like waterproof gaiter, similar to that found on the Salomon S/Lab X-Alp boot, keeps any unwanted water ingress at bay. This gaiter doesn’t travel as far up the cuff as the S/Lab X-Alp, keeping things nice and breathable when you’re working hard.
That Grilamid shell has been beautifully shaped to provide additional areas of reinforcement in the most needed areas – helping this boot to uphold its decent downhill performance. Pulling the lower together is a BOA closure, similar to that found on the Atomic Backland Carbon.
A trusty Vibram outsole has been used to keep things grippy whilst bootpacking over rocky or icy terrain, while another tried and tested brand – Intuition – have been brought in to make the lightweight liner.
You’re not going to be looking at the Scarpa Alien RS as your single boot quiver – but that goes without saying, I guess. The boot is ideally suited to driving skis up to 90mm in width. Although, saying that, we reckon expert skiers would be able to drive wider skis in these if the conditions were right.
If weight shedding is your top priority in a ski boot, then the Scarpa Alien RS is certainly one to look out for. It may be the lightest item in our roundup of ski boots but, rest assured, it can certainly keep up with the downhill performance of boots in the 1100 – 1150 gram category (i.e. the Salomon S/Lab X-Alp and Atomic Backland Carbon).
Industry Insider
Scarpa Spokesperson
“For advanced active ski tourers who want excellent performance in any situation. Ice, rock or snow, Alien RS represents the perfect balance between lightness and reliability, between walking and skiing. A versatile and comfortable boot for mountain’s professionals, advanced ski mountaineers and also for skimo racers’ training. Alien RS fits perfectly with light skis (max 85mm width) and it is compatible with tech bindings”
Expert’s Verdict
Tom Grant, UIAGM Mountain Guide
WEBSITE: TOMGRANT.GUIDE
“Inspired by the legendary Scarpa Alien rando race boot, the Alien RS is an ingenious addition to the Scarpa line. With the comfort of a slipper, the Alien RS is a beefed up version of the competition weight Alien. It is highly skiable and a great choice for skiers looking for a very lightweight boot that still can handle a real ski.
“The carbon cuff gives great lateral stiffness and a sexy look. The Alien RS provides top end performance for everyday tours as well as being an ideal choice for multi-day adventures and high altitude expeditions.”
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