Weston Backwoods Splitboard

An open powder face, tight trees and a tracked-out exit: the Backwoods is Weston’s versatile freeride approach to those mixed days. Its wide rockered nose and narrower tail clearly prioritise forward turns.

Is the Weston Backwoods Splitboard 26/27 right for your tours?

For freeride splitters, the standard Backwoods is the natural starting point in this family. You want an enjoyable descent and a setup that handles varied conditions. Saving the final few grams need not matter more than a flex you still enjoy at the end of the tour.

What does the shape offer on the descent?

Its 18 mm taper gives the nose more area than the tail. Camber through the middle is intended to provide support while the raised nose gives a powder emphasis. This differs from a twin for frequent switch landings. Before choosing carbon, ask what flex you actually want to drive; a higher price is not automatically an advantage for your style.

What matters on the ascent?

On a firm track, the complete setup decides how pressure reaches the edge. The relatively broad shape needs lateral support from your boots and a highback that transmits movement. If you use very soft equipment, changing the deck alone will not give the same pressure transfer as a more supportive system.

How do you choose the right size?

Listed sizes are 157, 160, 163 Wide and 167 Wide. Moving from 160 to 163W is therefore a substantial width decision too. Check boot overhang and rider weight before sizing up simply for extra composure.

How do boots, bindings and board work together?

For mixed touring we would choose supportive, well-fitting boots and bindings. Fit and heel hold come before selecting the stiffest binding. Include suitable skins and the required interface in the full setup budget.

Plan the touring setup as a whole: a lighter board offers little benefit if your boot lacks support or excessive width makes every traverse tiring. Choose a suitable board for your descents, then match boots, highback and bindings. Skins also need the right length, width and attachments. Before the first tour, practise a complete transition at home with the actual components you will carry.

Read more about matching your equipment in our Splitboard Gear Guide.

Which of our test experiences help you choose?

We have not yet tested the current version ourselves. Our earlier Backwoods impressed over several tours with functionality, versatility and a durable feel. That helps explain its freeride all-rounder character, but it is not a fresh durability test of today’s construction.

The individual scores on the right belong to the identified earlier test board. They explain our impressions at the time, without claiming unchanged tuning across generations.

Our earlier test reports: Weston Backwoods Split 18-19.

What has changed since the previous season and earlier models?

Weston identifies this version with 26/27. The current product page does not publish a complete list of technical changes from 25/26. A season label alone therefore establishes neither a new shape nor improved riding feel. Compare length, width, construction and hardware of the two actual boards. Moving between standard and carbon versions is a comparison of different builds as well as model years.

25/26 model page.

Which alternatives should you compare?

Compare Weston Backwoods Carbon Splitboard and Weston Gnarnia Splitboard. The differences in riding style and use are discussed above. A useful demo starts with comparable sizes, your own boots and a familiar stance. What matters is whether the board also suits you in tight terrain and after a long climb.

FAQ: What should you know before the first tour?

Standard or Carbon: which Backwoods fits better?

The standard board is the less expensive starting point. Our older experience liked its versatility, while the carbon version we rode felt very stiff. Compare flex and riding style before deciding on weight or price alone.

How do I choose length and width?

Listed sizes are 157, 160, 163 Wide and 167 Wide. Moving from 160 to 163W is therefore a substantial width decision too. Check boot overhang and rider weight before sizing up simply for extra composure.

Have you tested this board yourselves?

We have not yet tested the current version ourselves. Our earlier riding reports are linked in the test section. Their scores apply to the identified earlier boards.

How should I match boots and bindings to the board?

For mixed touring we would choose supportive, well-fitting boots and bindings. Fit and heel hold come before selecting the stiffest binding. Include suitable skins and the required interface in the full setup budget.

What is included in the price and what else do you need?

Budget for suitable skins, bindings and the required interface. Check actual package contents so your price comparison includes the same parts.

What differs from the previous season?

Weston identifies this version with 26/27. The current product page does not publish a complete list of technical changes from 25/26. A season label alone therefore establishes neither a new shape nor improved riding feel. Compare length, width, construction and hardware of the two actual boards. Moving between standard and carbon versions is a comparison of different builds as well as model years.

Which sizes and specifications does the manufacturer list?

The table shows manufacturer specifications, not our own measurements. Sizes in the current model range: 157, 160, 163 Wide, 167 Wide cm.

Where do the information and images come from?

Weston Backwoods Splitboard – manufacturer page. Checked 16 October 2026. Product photographs and size charts come from the manufacturer. Our own test experience is assigned to the ridden board in the test section.