Yes, that makes sense. What is the difference in touring boots v. regular alpine boots? Just range of movement? I am unlikely to do any serious backcountry stuff, but at what point to do you really need avy beacon/shovel, whatever? A friend of mine is in same boat as me and would probably join me, but he is equally as clueless.
So many options here...
First off, I am a BIG fan of the skinny ski. I know I'm in the minority here, but stay with me. Most of your time touring is spent going uphill. Conservatively, let's call it 80%. In reality, it's more like 95%. Weight plays a huge factor. Fatter the ski, heavier the set-up. Secondly, I like to shorten it up. If you normally ski a 175-ish ski, go 165. Again, I might be losing some of you, but believe me, there are good reasons! Experienced BC guys make LOTS and LOTS of kick turns. Only the young and the restless skin straight up. Kick turns are your best friend. Longer skis = harder kick turns. Longer skis = more weight. BOOOOOO. BC conditions tend to be highly variable, you want that maneuverability. You want to lose that weight. The key is to keep your skis on as long as possible. So, when you see bros bootpacking, lots of time it's because they don't have the skills / gear to execute kick turns. I may not float like a butterfly on those deep dump days, but for the majority of the season, I am cruising just fine.
I believe firmly in a dedicated kit, so renting first is huge. Sucks to shell out all that cash only to find out you hate it. Alpine bindings, boots, skis. Something else to consider is crampon compatibility with your skis. Again, per the above, ski crampons make a huge difference. Sometimes it's firm, sometimes steep, sometimes you are just sketched out. Ski crampons don't work in rondonee bindings or some AT bindings. Good to get that dialed in.
Another reason for AT bindings? simpler. Simple is better. You break something in the woods you want to be able to fix it easily.
Boots. Again a fan of dedicated only because of weight savings. It is hard to convey how tired you get breaking trail and how quickly that weight adds up. I was able to get my skis, skins, crampons, bindings under 8 lbs this season and it makes the day so much better. Last season I was pushing 12 lbs and would be gassed (Rondonee, 95mm ski).
If you want to have monster days (5k vert) you want low weight, good maneuverability skis, boots, bindings.
Finally. And I can't stress this enough. Take the damn avy class. You and your buddy are beginners. We all start there. My partner is friends with world class guides / athletes; spends countless days in the mountains, more experience than most would get in two lifetimes. Will not tour with someone who does not have their Avy 1. It is a must full stop. We are all nerdy here, and the snow science alone should be enough to get you excited. But in reality, trying to teach yourself how to search, probe, dig in a manner that saves your partner's life in under 7 minutes is just crazy. Take the class. Learn the power of veto. Learn the reports. Learn to say not today devil. After you take the class, hire a guide. Practice with your beacon at the start of every season. My partner and I compete for bragging rights but compete for beer. It is so important to know how to react in a burial situation and how your gear works. Can't stress this enough. I've seen the dumbest sh*t in the mountains that is just begging for death/injury (myself included. Hello poor skinning skills!). People on big dump days just sending lines because "It never slides" or "Oh, I don't have my beacon, we won't need it", "Shovel is in the car". BC is the most wonderful skiing in the world, and in many ways, safer than the resorts. But w/out the foundational knowledge, things fall apart quick.
I'll get off my education soapbox, and back to skinny skis. Do it. Your legs will thank me later
