Climbing Skins

Recent Climbing Skin Reviews

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

Black Diamond Ascension STS 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

G3 Alpinist High Traction Splitboard Climbing Skins

These are great skins. They stick well to the snow whether it be deep powder or a compact, polished skin track. Love the nose and tail clips and also the glue is great. As I said, these are great skins, probably the best I have ever owned. They fit great on my split board, come with an excellent trimming tool which takes off the right amount off skin. The nose and tail clips work great, although the attachment points of the little hands that hold the clip to the edge do look a little flimsy but… Full review

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