Vega is among the brightest stars we can see from Earth, and a worthy namesake for the Vega Alpine Touring Boots, which shine bright both on the skin track and in the white room. Since backcountry touring usually involves more time on the uphill than doing the fun stuff, cuff rotation and fit are important features in a boot. Among its class, the Vega boasts a larger than normal range of motion, with an impressive 60-degrees of travel in the cuff. Combine this with the EZ Flex instep and roomy 102 last, and uphill travel becomes decidedly less sloggish. And worry not, once you're ready to ride the ride, snap the boot back into ski mode and enjoy the rigid performance of a carbon-reinforced spine.