Climbing skins can make or break your day in the backcountry. This may sound dramatic, but it’s true. Skins, strips of material strapped to the bottom of your skis to help you “ski” uphill, are a piece of gear you quickly forget about when they’re silently doing their job. But, when they’re failing and you’re slipping backward, you immediately notice.

　　We’ve thoroughly tested five of the best climbing skins to give you a deep dive into all the important details, including grip, glide, durability, glue, packability, and terrain/use.Whether you’re seeking the overall performance of the Contour Guide Pure or the value of the Black Diamond Ascension Nylon, we have you covered.

　　Lead tester Ryan Kempfer, a ski tech and an avid skier who’s skinned over 100+ days per year for the past decade, put these skins through the wringer. With help from GearJunkie editor Chris Kassar (also a huge backcountry enthusiast), we tested these skins throughout Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and Wyoming’s Teton Range to see how they stacked up when pushed to the limits in varied snow, weather, and terrain.  

　　After perusing our selections, check out ourcomparison chart,buyer’s guide,andFAQsfor a comprehensive look at everything you’ll want to know when considering a new pair of climbing skins.

　　The Best Climbing Skins of 2024-2025 Best Overall Climbing Skins: Contour Guide Pure Best Budget Climbing Skins: Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Best Hybrid Climbing Skins: Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide Best Overall Climbing Skins Contour Guide Pure Specs Materials 100% Mohair Width 115, 135 mm Weight 8 oz.

　　Pros Lightweight Glue-based means they stick to skis well Packable Performed well in all kinds of snow conditions, from cold ice to spring slush Cons Tail attachment rips off after many uses Ryan Kempfer Kick. Glide. Kick. Glide. Repeat. Thats the experience you’ll have when you choose the Contour Guide Pure ($200-220) as your daily magic carpet. These glue-based skins made of 100% mohair offer the perfect balance between grip and glide, so we can go further more efficiently. As our go-to skin for almost every day in the mountains over the past 5 years, we’ve tested these in deep cold smoke pow of the Sawatch Range to the super steep switchbacks of the always intimidating Teton Range. And, regardless of the temp, weather, or terrain, these skins always kept us on point for our summit goal.

　　Though these skins are the most lightweight on our list, we were surprised at their overall durability. Even though we skinned over ice, slush, debris, and mud (yep – we’re those people who are so antsy for winter that we start skinning in October), and we threw them in a truck bed filled with dog hair, we didn’t notice any unusual tears or impact on stickiness. Because of their pliable material and minimalist hardware, these skins pack away and roll into a compact package that can be stowed inside a jacket pocket. This is perfect if you’re just doing a quick, pack-less dawn patrol lap at your local ski hill or if, like us, you stick your skins in your jacket to keep them warm in between multiple backcountry laps.

　　Of course, theyre not perfect. The tail attachments could use a little attention. Contour uses a “heat weld” method of attaching the tailpiece instead of installing a rivet or sewing it to the skin. Heat welding saves on weight, but it compromises durability. More than once over the past few years, we’ve pulled the tail attachment fully off the skin when transitioning. In fairness, this has happened after extended use, but it’s pretty inconvenient and usually means the end of the day or switching to the backup skins we usually have in our packs. We have modified the Contours to avoid this issue by adding our own rivets.

　　However, we would love it if Contour would address this at a company level. One other note: the carpet (the colored part that touches the snow) of 100% mohair skins will not last as long as 100% nylon versions or even hybrid options, so if you don’t mind compromising on glide for a skin that will last longer than you, try the Black Diamond Ascension Nylon.

　　As the first company to use mohair in climbing skins, Contour is certainly an expert in the field and is known for creating high-quality products. If you’re looking for a daily climbing skin that performs well on lengthy, demanding tours and won’t fail regardless of the conditions, the Guide Pure is a valuable piece of gear to add to your backcountry quiver.

　　$140 at AmazonCHECK PRICE AT CAMP Best Budget Climbing Skins Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Specs Materials Nylon Width 133 mm Weight 1 lb. 10 oz. (169-180 cm)

　　Pros Glue-based for ultimate stickiness to skis even in super cold temps Riveted tail attachments for durability Heavy-duty hardware means worry-free fun Tried and true/the skin that started it all Cons Heavy Bulky Ryan Kempfer The legend continues with the skins that started it all, the Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins ($190) from Black Diamond. These durable, heavy-duty skins, which offer maximum grip on the climb and a solid amount of glide, are a favorite of many backcountry enthusiasts, and for good reason.

　　Made of 100% nylon, these glue-based skins work well in all weather conditions.  We’ve used them in ice storms, rain, hail, single-digit temps, and feet of fresh powder, and the Ascensions have never failed us. Even when we used them daily during a Wyoming cold snap (it went down to -10), they stuck to our skis and kept “snow creep” at bay. They even endured a few rips on those frigid days and kept sticking. Plus, the durable riveted tip and tail attachments are easy to use and will endure years of wear and tear.  

　　This reliability is part of what sets the BDs apart. Other options like the Contour Hybrid Mix start to lose their stickiness when the mercury drops to single digits, and they certainly won’t endure more than one rip at those temps. Others have tip and tail attachments that we have ripped apart during normal use and, therefore, can’t totally trust.  When we’re miles into the backcountry, we need to know our skins will work no matter what the weather, snow conditions or terrain. This proven reliability is why we carry a pair of the BD Ascensions in our pack as a backup on every big ski tour we take (if they’re not on our skis!).

　　Our only real complaints about these skins come as a result of their durability and grip. Their mega grip means you can climb up steeper terrain, but there is a bit less glide, decreasing our efficiency over the long haul. Their durable nylon is bulkier and heavier than less husky nylons. We couldn’t roll these up and shove them in our jacket pocket like we could with Contour Guide Pure.  Another complaint you’ll hear among users is that they are very challenging to rip apart during transitions. Again, this is because of the bomber glue that makes them so reliable.

　　If you’re a backcountry lover with a “one-skin does-it-all mentality,” then the BD Ascensions are ideal. Those who are hard on gear and prioritize durability and grip over going light and fast should look no further than the truest, tested climbing skin in the game. The Ascensions will perform when you need them most and they’ll deliver years and years of hard-charging days in the mountains and are sure to outlast your aging knees.

　　$190 at Black Diamond Equipment$190 at REI Best Hybrid Climbing Skins Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide Specs Materials 70 % Mohair, 30 % Nylon Width 120 mm Weight 8.9 oz.

　　Pros Perfect combination of grip and glide Moisture barrier keep skins from getting soaked through Stick very well to your skis even in the cold Cons Tail attachment durability is questionable Harder to find Ryan Kempfer With the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glides ($220-240) perfect blend of mohair and nylon, glue-based backing, and a working moisture barrier, these climbing skins are taking the market by snowstorm. Hybrid skins combine mohair and nylon to maximize grip, durability, water resistance, and glide, and these perform on all counts.

　　Even on steep terrain, they grip the snow well with minimal slippage, so we could navigate to places other skins wont go. Though they glide a little less freely than the Contour Guide Pure, we still moved across the snow steadily and only noticed a difference on the longest of days where efficiency is critical.

　　The S-Glides are heavy-duty skin in a lightweight, packable package. And, they come with a thin rubber moisture barrier to boot. We’ve taken these skins touring in nailing-biting temperatures and variable conditions and they haven’t failed us (in terms of not sticking to our skis) yet. Still, we noticed the magic of the moisture barrier most on our long springtime ascents; for example, one day in April on Mount Shavano (a Colorado fourteener), the snow got heavy and wet much earlier in the morning than we expected. Our climbing partners had major snow buildup under their skis, and their skins were soaked through with moisture, while ours didn’t have any buildup, and our skins didn’t soak up as much moisture as the competitors. This made for much more skinning and less slogging.

　　Our only real issue during testing was the tail attachment ripping out after a short use time. Similar to the Contour Guide Pure, there can be an issue when brands focus on saving weight here. In this case, Pomoca sews the attachment on, which doesn’t provide the strength to create a durable attachment point that will last hundreds of rips. (We have ultimately put our own rivets through most climbing skins so that we dont rip off the tail attachments, which is an option for you, too).

　　The S-Glide Pro is a reliable, performance-driven addition to Pomocas rainbow of colors. It’s glue-based adhesive, combo of grip and glide, and reliability leave you with nothing more to worry about than how you’ll rip the descent. Perfect if you’re a casual uphiller who does a couple of laps on the ski hill or if you’re an adrenaline junkie skiing the highest peaks around.

　　$210 at evo$180 at REI Best of the Rest G3 Alpinist + Glide Specs Materials 70 % Mohair, 30 % Nylon Width 100-145 mm depending on length Weight 9.3 oz.-12.3 oz. (172 -188 cm)

　　Pros Ultimate grip and durability Innovative tip to offer minimal snow creep Elongated rubber tail attachments for ease of ripping and maximum strength and longevity Range of length and width available at purchase offering minimal waste Cons New plastic tip attachment adds excessive bulk Concerned over the cold brittle feel of the tip attachment on chilly days Top sheet mounted tail connectors don’t last Ryan Kempfer Simple, yet innovative; that’s how we describe the G3 Alpinist + Glide ($211-229) in a nutshell. These heavy-duty, durable climbing skins grip incredibly well and have a few interesting innovations that make them unique.

　　At first glance, some of these innovations make the skin look odd. For example, the innovative plastic tip attachment resembles a fishtail at the top of your skin. Despite its weird appearance, it greatly minimizes “snow creep” (snow working its way under your skin and eventually undermining its ability to stick to your skis) as you glide through deep powder. Unfortunately, the chunk of stiff plastic also makes the skin very bulky and decreases packability.

　　The elongated tail attachment is made of rubber, which is better in the cold than plastic and offers an increased grip for pulling your skin off during transitions. So far, the tip and tail attachments have performed well and stayed attached, but we will continue testing this season to determine longevity. One place we did have an issue, however, was the top sheet-mounted tail connectors. Though a great concept in theory, we snapped the plastic attachment after the first few cold days of us, rendering it completely useless. (Hey, ski manufacturers! Stop using plastic. It’s cold outside.)

　　We have had trouble with G3 skin glue in the past, but this glue performs well. After many uses in all conditions and temps, these skins stay attached to our ski bases with no slippage or glue residue issues.

　　As their name suggests, G3 markets these skins as “optimized for glide.” However, we definitely didn’t feel this during any of our tours. They’re extremely powerful on the uphill; it almost feels like you have four-wheel drive and can go anywhere. But, this amount of grip compromises our ability to glide forward. Our ability to glide in the Alpinist + Glide feels more comparable to the 100 % nylon Black Diamond Ascensions than other hybrid skins.

　　Overall, the G3 Alpinist + Glide climbing skins are a good option for recreational skiers looking for an innovative design that is durable and will propel them over a range of terrain.

　　CHECK PRICE AT BACKCOUNTRYcheck price at Genuine Guide Gear Contour Hybrid Mix Specs Materials 65% Mohair / 35% Nylon Width 115, 135 mm Weight 1 lb. 6 oz (115 mm)

　　Pros Easy to handle and rip Lightweight Packable Great glide Easy to clean and refresh Cons Skins lose stickiness/slip off at cold temps or after multiple rips in the same day Require extra care and vigilance when putting on skis Ryan Kempfer Rip with ease when you choose a pair of the Contour Hybrid Mix Climbing Skins ($200 -220). Unlike other skins, the Contour Hybrids don’t stick together like crazy, and it’s also incredibly easy to rip them off your skis.

　　So, what’s different? With this hybrid technology, Contour moves away from the traditional glue-based adhesive and replaces it with a proprietary blend that combines two types of adhesives: one on the outside that sticks the skin to the ski and another behind it that adheres that outward-facing glue layer to the skin itself.

　　Contour released this hybrid technology in 2012, so it’s not new, but we’ve only seen these skins widely available in the US for a few years. This hybrid adhesive makes skins easier to remove from your skis and easier to pull apart between uses, making transitions quick and effortless and appealing to users of all abilities and experience levels.

　　This also means easier cleaning and refreshes. If you’ve ever scraped dog hair, tree sap, or pine needles off a glue-based skin, you know it’s almost impossible. Well, scrape no more. Simply wash these at home using soap and warm water (or Contour’s cleaning solution) to remove debris and refresh stickiness. Other than the glue, there’s not much that’s unique about this model. They use the same tip and tail attachment as most other leading Contour models with that “heat weld” technology securing the adjustable tail attachment.

　　But, if they don’t stick to each other or your skis, how well will they actually perform? Unfortunately, during our testing, they failed often and early. In temps above 25, they stuck well. But, anything colder, especially single digits and lower, the skins didn’t stick well. Sometimes, the lack of stickiness allowed snow to creep in, while other times, the adhesive completely detached, and our skin fell off mid-climb. Even in warmer temps, when we did multiple laps, the adhesive would get less and less secure with each rip. It’s not fun to be on pins and needles in the backcountry wondering if your skins are going to get you to the next rise, and this is often how we felt.

　　If you do use these, be extra vigilant about keeping them, and your bases, snow and ice-free. We also recommend bringing a pair of backup skins just in case.

　　After years of testing the Contour Hybrid Mix, we’ve decided these are best for the laid-back skier who enjoys a casual fair-weather tour with friends. They’re easy to handle, packable, and offer a good amount of glide, but they aren’t grippy enough for steeper terrain and can’t be relied on for long adventures or in stormy or cold weather (when we most want to be skiing).

　　$220 at evochceck price at backcountry Climbing Skins Comparison Chart

　　Lead tester Ryan Kempfer shows off his pick for best overall climbing skin, the Contour Guide Pure; (photo/Elk Raven Photography) How We Tested Climbing Skins As backcountry addicts, we completely understand the varied demands of backcountry skiing. We also know that your boots are perhaps the most important piece of gear (other than your avy and safety gear) you’ll take with you. If they don’t fit or perform well, an epic pow day can turn into a terrible one pretty fast. We put in months and months of time in the best backcountry ski boots on the market so you don’t have to. Our recommendations take out the guesswork so you can get on the snow faster and with less effort.

　　Our Expert Testers At 18, Ryan Kempfer moved from Wisconsin to Steamboat Springs, where the mountains — and skiing — captured his heart. Since then, the places he’s traveled — from Grand Teton to Great Sand Dunes National Park and many spots in between — have brought great adventures on skis, bikes, and by foot. For over two decades, Ryan worked in the ski industry, first working his way up to a base services manager at a ski resort and then as a boot fitter and a ski tech in a backcountry-focused ski shop where he helped people find the perfect gear for their adventures.

　　Now, he works as a wildlife guide in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. But, when hes not out guiding or writing about the latest outdoor gear, he’s out using it. He skis over 100 days yearly, mainly in the backcountry, so he knows what works and what doesn’t. And, he loves hucking off of rocks, dropping into steep couloirs, and pushing his limits by skiing hard.

　　GearJunkie editor Chris Kassar, a backcountry skier who first started on telemark gear over 20 years ago and reluctantly (but gratefully) transitioned to AT 4 years ago, also assisted in testing. She, however, is a bit more of a tentative skier who really loves the uphill part and appreciates powder days and mellow slopes. Having two wildly different perspectives and ski styles helps give our reviews a wide perspective sure to help skiers from beginners to experts. 

　　We put in miles and miles of ski touring to bring you the best climbing skins for the winter season; (photo/Elk Raven Photography) Our Testing Grounds Process We’ve put these climbing skins to the test by heading into the backcountry — a ton. We went uphill and down in every type of terrain and all snow (and ice) conditions that nature could throw our way. From skinning up mellow open glades to climbing steep couloirs, from skinning in feet of fresh powder to climbing up pure ice, from the Tetons to the Rockies, and everything in between, we gave it a go with these skins to get all the info you need to decide which ones will work best for you.

　　These climbing skins carried us through steep uphill dawn patrols at Monarch Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain, long, all-day tours in the Tetons, remote hut trips in the Colorado Rockies, and up a few peak summit missions in the Sawatch Range.

　　While testing the best climbing skins, we considered grip, glide, packability, durability and more. We thought about what type of skier and conditions are best for each skin.

　　We pushed these skins (and will continue to do so over the next couple of seasons) to further evaluate their durability and their ability to weather wear and tear. We used them in a range of temperatures, from 20 below freezing in January to warm spring days in May and June.  Once you find the ideal climbing skin for your needs, be sure to consult our guides to the best backcountry ski boots, best backcountry ski bindings and best backcountry skis to round out your setup.

　　Climbing skins are a critical piece of gear for backcountry adventures; (photo/Elk Raven Photography) Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Climbing Skins Which skin you choose will depend on your priorities, the type of skiing you do, and the kind of terrain you tackle. It’s important to consider grip, glide, glue type, durability, packability, and value

　　Grip You can ski uphill (also called skinning) because the tiny hairs of the skin (aka plush or carpet) grip the snow as you glide your ski across it. Grip varies based on the material type used and the fibers length. Skins are commonly made of nylon, mohair, or a blend of both in varying amounts. Mohair has shorter fibers so it glides better and grips less. Nylon has longer fibers, so it grips better but glides less easily. Typically, skins that offer the best grip don’t glide as well. However, the compromise may be worth it if you often tackle steep or icy terrain.

　　How grippy your skins are will determine how you set your skin track. If you’re in steeper terrain, grip will help you determine how far you can go without carrying your skis while post-holing in a boot pack. Grip, along with glide, also determines your efficiency. Because if you keep backsliding, you’ll be less efficient. If grip is most important to you, choose a skin made of 100% nylon, like the Black Diamond Ascension Nylon skins.

　　If youll be setting the skin track in steep terrain, grip is incredibly important; (photo/Elk Raven Photography) Glide Being able to cruise through mountains efficiently in winter is one of the most amazing parts of ski touring. To fully enjoy it, glide is important. As they say, “the quicker the glide, the more efficient the stride.” The material comprising the plush of the skin you choose, will change the glide. More mohair means better glide. More nylon means less glide. Glide helps skin more efficiently on both flat and steep terrain. Sliding your ski across the snow as you move forward (rather than lifting your feet as if you are walking) conserves critical energy on backcountry missions. Choose 100% mohair like the Contour Guide Pure for the smoothest glide.

　　Choose a blend like the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide for a skin that falls in the middle of both grip and glide. No product nails them both perfectly, and so the search for the holy grail, a skin that delivers the ultimate balance between grip and glide continues.

　　Even in fresh snow, the Contour Guide Pure glides easily, allowing you to conserve energy and have more fun on long days; (photo/Elk Raven Photography) Packability As mentioned earlier, it is not only about the plush that you choose for your skin. The tip and tail attachments also play a role in how small your skins can pack down. A 100% nylon skin with riveted attachments will give you years of use and amazing grip, but it folds and rolls poorly. Softer skins like a mohair/nylon blend will better roll or fold into a smaller package. However, even a blend like the G3 Alpinist + Glide with bulky attachments will not be extremely packable.

　　If packability is extremely important, consider a different type of skin. The most packable we tested are the Contour Guide Pure and the Contour Hybrid Mix. However, again this is in part due to the fact that Contour heat welds their tail attachments, which is a brilliant idea when it comes to packability, but not the most durable option. Think of consistently pulling on a strap in cold weather and it will inevitably come off your skin. And, we don’t know about you, but as backcountry skiers, durability always plays a bigger part than weight and packability because if your skins fail when you’re way out in the mountains, you’ll have a bigger problem than a couple extra ounces.

　　The Contour Hybrid Mix is extremely packable, but its adhesive only performs consistently on warm spring tours like this one up Mt. Aetna (13,745) near Salida, CO; (photo/Elk Raven Photography) Glue Type Ability to Stick to Skis An adhesive applied to the non-plush side of your skins make the skins stick to your skis. Some adhesives are glue-based and some are silicone-based. Glue-based adhesives will work better in a wider range of temperatures so they will stick to your skis when it’s frigid. They’re also more forgiving if there is a little ice or snow on your ski base when you put your skins on. (Note: you should always try to clean your skis as well as possible before putting skins on). Our top 4 picks, the Contour Guide Prue, Pomoca Pro S-Glide, Black Diamond Ascensions and the G3 Alpinist + Glide are all glue-based for these reasons. These are solid choices if you like to ski in cold temps, stormy conditions and fresh pow. (Duh! Who doesn’t want to ski in these conditions?)

　　Non-glue adhesives, like those in the Contour Hybrid Mix, are much more temperamental. In fact, not many skins on the market are made with non-glue adhesives, most likely because of their unreliability. They can fail in colder temperatures, leaving you stranded or, at the very least, frustrated.

　　Regardless of type, skin adhesive changes over time. Some skins become less sticky, while others develop little balls of gummy glue. As skins ages, it may also begin to leave glue behind on your skin. Some of these changes involve time and use, but storage and treatment are also important. Try to keep skins clean and away from debris like pine needles, dog hair, and dust that can build up on skins and impact the glue. Also, consider how skins impact your skis; multiple rips of glue-based skins will require a lot more ski maintenance (i.e., waxing) because glue pulls wax out of your skis, whereas a non-glue adhesive won’t do that.

　　Pomoca Pro S-Glide climbing skins rock a reliable glue-based adhesive. They stick to your skis even in cold, snowy conditions (photo/Elk Raven Photography) Durability Consider the material of the plush, the hardware used to connect the tip and tail to the ski, and the durability of the glue (see above). Nylon fibers offer ultimate durability, while mohair fibers are finer and lighter. And, therefore, more delicate and less durable. The thickness of plush can also vary from skin to skin. Those with thicker plush tend to be more durable and longer lasting than thinner plush.

　　If every ounce matters, you’re probably going to have a less durable skin. Black Diamond skins stand out because they use metal clips and a rivet to secure attachments at tip and tail. This makes skins like the BD Ascension Nylon much more durable than others who sew or weld with hot glue. The more you pull your tail clip (i.e. multiple rips), the more likely it will come off when not riveted. We experienced this exact issue with the Contour Hybrid Mix, which is the least durable skin we reviewed overall.

　　Tip and tail attachment durability are important to consider; (photo/Elk Raven Photography) Frequently Asked Questions How do I care for my climbing skins? Before you attach your skins to your skis, wipe down your ski bases. Make sure they are completely free of snow, ice, and dirt. Apply your skins from tip to tail, ensuring that the tail doesn’t come in contact with anything, like snow. Make sure the skins stick evenly to the entire ski surface. Once completely attached to the base, press the skins down to make sure they stick well. While skiing, keep an eye on your skins to make sure you don’t kick your tails off. Be sure no snow is getting under the skin (known as snow creep). A properly cut skin should minimize this problem. When you remove the skins at the top of your run, keep them as snow-free as possible.

　　Fold each skin glue-to-glue. Keep them as centered and lined up as possible so that no glue is exposed. Otherwise, it will collect lint, dog hair, or snow. Store them in your jacket, pocket, or pack while skiing down.

　　When you get home, with the skins still folded in half (glue to glue), drape them over a chair or hook. Allow to dry for a couple of hours at room temperature (away from any open heat source). If youre going to use them the next day, leave them as they are. If you’re putting your skins away for longer, let them dry. Pull them apart. Put the skin saver back in, and fold them back glue to glue with the skin saver now in between, creating a barrier between the glue. Roll them up and keep them stored at room temperature.

　　Its important to care for all skins, which includes folding them properly in between laps like Ryan is demonstrating here with the Contour Guide Prue climbing skin; (photo/Elk Raven Photography) What is the best material for a climbing skin? When choosing climbing skins, consider the balance between mohair and nylon. Mohair provides excellent glide in dry conditions but lacks durability. Nylon offers superior grip and durability in variable or wet snow. Blended skins, combining mohair and nylon, aim to offer a compromise between the two. Its essential to prioritize your specific backcountry skiing needs and preferences when selecting the best material for climbing skins.

　　What width climbing skins do I need? Measure the widest part of your skis, usually at the shovel (tip). The skins should be equal to or slightly wider than this measurement for full coverage and maximum traction. Most manufacturers offer skins in various widths, and many can be trimmed to fit the exact shape of your ski. Choose a width that covers the entire ski at its widest point and can be trimmed for a precise fit.

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