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Climbing Skins

The best climbing skins, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.

In order to show you the most useful information, we have omitted some unreviewed products.

Recent Climbing Skin Reviews

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Åsnes X-Skin 58mm Mohair

A lightweight, short skin that integrates with Åsnes skis via dependable locking system. Gives a solid kick and moderate climbing power while still allowing some glide on easy terrain, at 1/4 to 1/3 the weight of a full-length skin. Small enough to fit a pair in a chest pocket. Ideal for hut-to-hut trips, and good skiers can take them to the summits. As backcountry or mountaineering skis have gotten bigger, skins have followed along. My full-length skins for my biggest skis, G3 Finder 107s, weigh… Full review

rated 3 of 5 stars
G3 Expedition Skins

Decent traction but a bit less glide than other brands. Tip metal loops need RIVETING to stay attached! Tail clips are fine. My G3 Expedition skins are 10 years old but still work OK even though getting worn down a bit and needing seasonal re-applications of glue. My gripe is that the metal loops (which must be sized for your wide or narrow ski tips) tend to let go when the self-glued skin that doubles back to hold them lets go. I had to rivet my loops in place. Newer style "tip pockets" may be… Full review

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins

Reliable, dependable, and well constructed skins that climb exceptionally well. I highly recommend them to anyone who backcountry skis. Black Diamond Ascension STS skins are a staple up here in Northern New Hampshire. The tip and tail attachments are universal and will fit securely to any type of ski. Over the years I have used my set I have never worried about the skins detaching from the skis. The glue holds up well against the variable conditions I see which includes not only different snow conditions… Full review

rated 3 of 5 stars
K2 CoomBack/GotBack Skins

Decent for interior snow but not so great for coastal skiing. I live in the Pacific Northwest and have tried these in the Rockies as well. They worked fairly well in the dry Rockies but accumulate a lot of snow between the skin and the ski and don't glide well in coastal conditions. The fastening system works well and even with half the glue covered in snow they still climb well. The con of the fastening system is that when removing them while still wearing the skis the tip clip comes out easily… Full review

Other Types of Alpine Touring Gear

Find more alpine touring gear reviewed in these related categories:

Alpine Touring/Telemark Skis

Alpine Touring Boots

Alpine Touring Bindings

+2 more types