Climbing Skins

Think about the snow and how you tour: pure mohair (Angora goat hair) gives the best glide and low weight for racing or light-and-fast powder setups, while pure nylon provides superior grip in hard or icy snow. Hybrids in 65/35 or 70/30 ratios strike a middle ground for most recreational ski tourers.

Measure your ski waist and length first and match it to available widths like 100mm, 120mm, or 140mm, and choose a length sized by ski or board length. Trim-to-fit options and pre-cut models from brands like Black Diamond make getting an exact fit easy for both skis and splitboards.

Glueless skins, such as the Contour Hybrid Mix with cleanable adhesives, are low-maintenance and easy to attach and remove on the go. Traditional glue-on models like the Pomoca Climb Pro S Glide use classic adhesive backing and remain a solid choice if you prefer a tried-and-true attachment method.

Nylon is the most durable option and holds up better to repeated use and abrasive conditions, while pure mohair is lighter but less robust and more prone to wear. Hybrids—like the Black Diamond Glidelite Mix 65/35—combine water-shedding nylon durability with mohair-like glide for good longevity and packability.

If glide is your priority, pure mohair tops the list for slick plush and low weight, but it sacrifices some grip on steep or icy slopes. Hybrids and models like the Pomoca Climb Pro S Glide or Contour Hybrid Mix balance glide and grip for varied terrain, giving reliable uphill traction while still offering decent glide.