Child ski touring adapter: test of the CAMP Startup Touring

Child ski touring adapter: test of the Startup Touring by ALPINSTORE

We tested the CAMP child ski touring adapter. The principle is simple and clever: allowing young people to discover touring without changing all their equipment. We speak the truth, no bullshit: if you already have alpine skis at home, this adapter transforms the binding to accommodate the boot and ascend smoothly.

Why is this important? Because access to the practice sometimes hinges on small details: cost, ease of installation, safety. With this adapter, you avoid the purchase of a complete set for a small size, gain versatility, and minimize the impact on the budget. And for the little tester, the sensation remains natural both uphill and downhill.

The setup is smooth. You fit the boot into the adapter, clip in as usual, and the heel piece is free for the ascent. When it comes to the descent, you simply remove the adapter and switch back to the classic alpine binding. It's intuitive. No complicated tinkering. And it reassures parents: simplicity rhymes with safety.

Flora, 11 years old, made her first outing with these adapters on skis that were not designed for touring. Her boots were DALBELLO size 24 mondopoint and the skis were ATOMIC piste skis. On a short outing around Courchevel, she discovered skinning, effort management, and the pleasure of shifting weight. Result: smiles, and the desire to do it again.

The adapter is compatible with soles ranging from 245 to 305 mm, covering a wide range for children. A concrete benefit: you don't have to buy new boots right away. You can transform your family ski into an initiation tool, then invest later if the desire for touring becomes a real family virus.

In terms of safety, the integrated ascent wedge is a real plus. It facilitates steeper slopes and avoids positioning hassles when the younger ones get tired. It's a technical detail that changes life on the ground: less effort, better grip, more physical and moral comfort.

Technical and practical: the adapter holds the boot firmly and the energy transfer remains satisfactory. You won't quite get the feeling of an ultra-light dedicated pair, but for initiation and family outings, it's excellent. You also gain versatility: returning to the resort, touring in the forest, small local summits, everything is possible without changing equipment.

If you want to organize your gear before the season, think about choosing coherent equipment: some opt for choosing a ski + binding pack for a turnkey solution, while others prefer to mix and match. The adapter provides just this flexibility: you can test touring without committing to a massive purchase.

Budget point: the sale price of the adapters remains reasonable compared to buying a complete kit. For those looking for cheap touring skis, this option allows you to stagger expenses and choose the right moment to invest. At ALPINSTORE, we focus on pragmatic solutions tested on the ground.

What to think about compatibility with your existing equipment? The adapter plays its role on a large number of systems, but always check the sole length and binding model. If you plan on regular and committed use, you may need to switch to a real pair of nordic touring skis later to gain in lightness and performance.

On the material side, we remain vigilant: this adapter complements your ski touring gear without replacing it. It's an entry-level solution, smart for initiation and versatility. And if the practice becomes regular, the transition to dedicated skis and bindings will be natural.

• advantages: quick installation, integrated ascent wedge, moderate cost
• limits: slightly heavier than a dedicated pair, compatibility to verify

For parents wondering what else to buy for a first season, here are some practical recommendations. Think about skins, a pair of suitable poles, and a secure outfit. We also advise you to prepare the child well: gestures, placements, and how to secure the binding locks safely.

More concretely, before heading out, we suggest checking and learning how to choose ski touring poles with an adjustment suited to height and type of progression. Lighter and adjustable poles offer more comfort and efficiency. They are also an essential balance tool for young people discovering the practice.

Another important point: the outfit. A good technical outfit for ski touring changes everything: breathability, freedom of movement, well-thought-out layers. We opt for clothing that wicks moisture, protects from the wind, and allows the necessary mobility to learn without constraints.

We remain attentive to the environment: the ALPINSTORE philosophy is to equip without wasting. Extending the use of a piste ski via an adapter reduces unnecessary purchases and promotes a more sustainable practice. It's also a simple way to open touring to more people, especially families.

• for whom: curious parents, ski schools, clubs wanting to test junior touring
• to verify: sole length, binding compatibility, total weight

In summary, the CAMP child ski touring adapter is a real gateway: simple, reassuring, and effective. It does not replace a dedicated pair for regular practitioners, but it opens the doors of touring to an audience that was still hesitant. If you want to make your first outings without breaking the bank, it's a solution to consider.

If tomorrow you want to go further, think about researching ski touring bindings, comparing solutions, and testing on the ground. And if the virus takes hold, you will then move on to a nordic touring ski and a dedicated binding, with equipment chosen for performance and weight.

At ALPINSTORE, we equip, test, and advise. We talk to you like friends in the climbing party: pragmatic, passionate, and ready to help you prepare for your first child touring outing without a headache.

price noted at the test: 83.25 €: a smart investment to initiate without breaking the bank.

want to discuss it with an advisor? We are here, on the ground, to help you make the right choice.