Imagine this: You’re standing at the base of a silent, snow-covered mountain. The sun is just starting to peek over the peaks, promising a perfect day of backcountry adventure. You’ve got your skis, your boots, and your pack. But before you can even think about the exhilarating descent, there’s the climb. And that climb hinges on one crucial piece of gear: your alpine touring skins.
Choosing the right skins can feel like a puzzle. There are so many types, materials, and lengths to consider. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and worry about picking the wrong ones. Will they grip well on the uphill? Will they glide smoothly on the flats? Will they even stay attached when you need them most? These are the questions that can make even the most seasoned skier pause.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down everything you need to know about alpine touring skins. You’ll learn what makes a good skin, how to choose the perfect pair for your adventures, and how to care for them so they last. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to conquer any ascent.
Our Top 5 Alpine Touring Skins Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Alpine Touring Skins Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK DIAMOND Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins for Backcountry Skiing
Rating: 9.3/10
Heading into the backcountry? The BLACK DIAMOND Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins, at 169 cm, are your trusty companions for conquering snowy slopes. These skins from Utah-based Black Diamond, a name trusted since 1957, give you the grip you need to climb and the glide to descend with ease.
What We Like:
- The durable nylon plush material offers excellent climbing power and smooth gliding.
- They pack down small, making them easy to carry.
- The STS adjustable tail gives you 10 cm of wiggle room for a perfect fit.
- The adjustable tip loop fits lots of different ski tips.
- Pre-attached tip and tail pieces mean you can get them on your skis faster.
- Black Diamond backs these skins with a solid 2-year warranty.
- They come in fixed lengths, so you can find the perfect match for your skis, including options for 157-168cm, 163-174cm, 169-180cm, 175-186cm, and 181-192cm.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, the fixed length options mean you need to choose carefully to get the best fit.
- The nylon material, while durable, might not offer the absolute fastest glide compared to some synthetic blends.
These BLACK DIAMOND Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins are a reliable choice for backcountry skiers. They offer a great balance of climbing grip and gliding performance, all backed by a brand known for quality.
2. BLACK DIAMOND Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins for Backcountry Skiing
Rating: 9.2/10
Hit the backcountry with confidence on your next ski adventure with the BLACK DIAMOND Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins. These skins are built tough by Black Diamond, a company that has been making great outdoor gear since 1957. They offer a reliable way to get uphill so you can enjoy the downhill. The 163 cm length is designed to fit skis in that general size range, and they come with a solid 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Durable nylon material gives you excellent grip when climbing uphill and slides smoothly on the way down.
- The STS adjustable tail lets you fine-tune the length by 10 cm, making them fit your skis just right.
- The adjustable tip loop works with many different ski tip shapes, so you don’t have to worry about a poor fit.
- They come with the tip and tail attachments already on them, saving you a step.
- The nylon plush is easy to pack away when you’re not using it.
- Black Diamond offers these skins in several fixed lengths to match different ski lengths.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they offer a good range of fixed lengths, you need to choose the correct one for your skis.
- The fixed lengths mean you can’t just get one size to fit all your skis if you have a variety.
These Black Diamond Ascension skins are a solid choice for any backcountry skier looking for dependable performance. They provide the grip and glide you need to explore beyond the resort.
3. POMOCA Climb Pro Mohair Ready 2 Climb Climbing Skin for Backcountry Touring and Ski Mountaineering – 140mm – X-Small
Rating: 9.3/10
Conquer the backcountry with the POMOCA Climb Pro Mohair Ready 2 Climb Climbing Skin. This skin is your ticket to thrilling ski tours and exciting ski mountaineering adventures. It’s designed to help you climb uphill with confidence. The 140mm size and X-Small fit make it suitable for smaller skis. Get ready for your next mountain journey!
What We Like:
- The Ready2Climb system makes sizing super easy. You can quickly adjust the skin to fit almost any ski.
- Mohair fabric offers excellent grip on the snow. This means you can climb hills without slipping.
- The skins are built to last. They handle tough conditions in the mountains.
- They are lightweight. You won’t feel weighed down carrying them.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the Ready2Climb system is great, some users might prefer a more precise, pre-cut option for their specific skis.
- The X-Small size, while good for certain skis, might not fit a wide range of ski lengths.
These POMOCA Climb Pro skins are a solid choice for anyone hitting the backcountry. They offer a good balance of grip and durability for your ascents.
4. POMOCA Tour Pro Climbing Skin – Ultralight
Rating: 9.1/10
The POMOCA Tour Pro Climbing Skin is a fantastic choice for backcountry skiers. This skin is designed to help you climb uphill with ease. It’s super light and built tough for long trips. You can trust it to work well, even on challenging tours.
What We Like:
- It’s made with a tough build for durability.
- It reliably stops snow from sticking to it.
- The new tail clip and tip attachment are strong and fit many skis.
- The mohair mix gives you good grip and smooth gliding.
- It has a special treatment to keep snow from building up.
- It comes pre-cut and ready to use right away.
- It’s very lightweight, making your climbs easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific size 100mm width isn’t listed in the available sizes, which might be confusing.
- The exact weight for the 100mm width is not provided.
The POMOCA Tour Pro Climbing Skin is a top-notch upgrade for any backcountry adventure. It offers a great balance of performance and convenience for serious ski tourers.
5. 1 Roll Ski Board Protective Mesh-118.1″ x 5.9″ Cuttable Snowboard Skin Mesh Protector-Black Ski Skins Net for Prevent Snow and Ice from Sticking or Freezing
Rating: 8.6/10
Say goodbye to sticky snow and frustrating ice with this 1 Roll Ski Board Protective Mesh. This black ski skin protector is designed to keep your snowboards and skis in top shape, no matter the weather. It’s a simple yet effective way to make your winter adventures smoother and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- The upgraded plastic material is flexible and soft, working well even in cold weather. It won’t hurt your fingers or your skis.
- Its special grid design stops snow and ice from sticking to your gear.
- It helps prevent your skis from icing up, which can make them last longer and improve your skiing.
- You can cut the mesh to the exact size you need, and it’s reusable.
- This is a practical accessory that offers great protection for your ski equipment.
- It’s easy to use and a must-have for any skier or snowboarder.
What Could Be Improved:
- The roll size, while generous, might require careful planning for very large or multiple pairs of skis.
- While it prevents sticking, it doesn’t offer protection against scratches or impacts.
This ski board protective mesh is a smart investment for any winter sports enthusiast. It keeps your gear ready for action and helps you focus on the fun of the slopes.
Your Guide to Awesome Alpine Touring Skins
Alpine touring (AT) skins are your secret weapon for climbing up snowy mountains on skis. They stick to the bottom of your skis and help you grip the snow so you don’t slide backward. When you reach the top, you peel them off and ski down! Choosing the right skins makes your uphill climbs easier and more fun.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for AT skins, keep these important things in mind:
Grip
Good skins grab the snow well. This means you won’t slip when you push off with your ski. Some skins have a pattern that helps them grip better.
Glide
You also want your skis to slide forward smoothly. Skins that glide well let you move forward with less effort. This makes your climbs faster and less tiring.
Durability
Tough skins last longer. They can handle rough snow and rocky patches without tearing. This saves you money in the long run.
Weight
Lighter skins are better for long climbs. They make your legs feel less tired. But sometimes, lighter skins might not be as durable.
Attachment System
How the skins attach to your skis is important. Most skins have a tip loop that goes around the front of your ski and a tail clip that hooks onto the back. Make sure the clips fit your skis well.
Important Materials
AT skins are usually made from one of two main materials:
Nylon
Nylon skins are very durable and offer great grip. They are also usually less expensive. However, they can be a bit heavier and don’t glide as smoothly as mohair.
Mohair
Mohair comes from goat hair. It’s known for its excellent glide. Mohair skins are lighter and feel faster on the uphill. They are also more expensive and can wear out faster than nylon.
Plush/Fiber Blend
Some skins mix nylon and mohair. These skins try to give you the best of both worlds: good glide from the mohair and durability from the nylon.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make skins better or worse:
Adhesive (Glue)
The sticky stuff on the back of the skins is called adhesive. Good adhesive sticks well even in cold and wet conditions. It also peels off easily without leaving a mess on your skis. Some adhesives are stronger than others.
Skin Construction
How the fibers are woven together matters. Tightly woven fibers are usually stronger and last longer. The way the skin is attached to the backing material also affects its quality.
Water Repellency
When skins get wet, they can get heavy and stop gripping. Good skins have a treatment that repels water, keeping them lighter and working better.
Care and Maintenance
Taking care of your skins will make them last longer. This includes cleaning them and storing them properly. Not taking care of them can quickly reduce their quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your skins:
Beginner Touring
If you’re new to AT, you might want durable and easy-to-use nylon skins. They offer good grip and are forgiving if you make mistakes.
Long Climbs and Races
For long days in the mountains or if you’re into ski racing, lighter mohair or blend skins are a great choice. Their smooth glide saves energy.
All-Around Touring
Most skiers will find a blend of nylon and mohair to be the best option. These skins give you a good balance of grip, glide, and durability for most conditions.
Ski Type
Consider the width of your skis. Skins need to be cut to match your ski’s shape. Some skins come pre-cut, while others you cut yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main job of alpine touring skins?
A: The main job of alpine touring skins is to help you climb uphill on your skis by giving you grip on the snow.
Q: What are the two main materials used for AT skins?
A: The two main materials are nylon and mohair.
Q: Which material offers better glide?
A: Mohair offers better glide.
Q: Which material is usually more durable?
A: Nylon is usually more durable.
Q: What makes the skins stick to the skis?
A: An adhesive, or glue, on the back of the skins makes them stick.
Q: Do I need to cut the skins myself?
A: Sometimes you cut them yourself, and sometimes they come pre-cut to fit specific skis.
Q: What happens if my skins get wet?
A: Wet skins can get heavy and lose their grip.
Q: How often should I clean my skins?
A: It’s a good idea to clean them when they look dirty or aren’t sticking well.
Q: Can I use the same skins for all types of snow?
A: Different skins work better in different snow conditions, but many are good for general use.
Q: What should I do to make my skins last longer?
A: You should store them properly and keep them clean.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.