Navigating the backcountry on skis demands reliable gear, and ski touring skins are paramount for efficient uphill travel. Choosing the right skins can significantly impact your experience, affecting glide, grip, weight, and packability. Our experts have rigorously tested a range of ski touring skins to provide you with this Contour Guide, helping you select the ideal companion for your ascents.
Expert Insights on Top Performing Skins
Paul, a seasoned backcountry enthusiast, highlights the Pomoca Race Pro 2.0 as a standout performer. “The Pomoca Race Pro 2.0 is my favorite skin of the current options I’ve tried,” he asserts, praising its exceptional glide and ample grip, even on wider skis. He further emphasizes the skin’s simple, durable, and well-designed hardware, coupled with the best adhesive he’s encountered. However, Paul notes a limitation: the Race Pro 2.0’s limited width availability (~100mm), making it less suitable for wider skis.
Alt text: Close-up of Pomoca Race Pro 2.0 ski touring skin texture, showcasing its lightweight and glide-focused construction.
Paul contrasts his current favorite with past preferences. “I was a big fan of various Black Diamond and G3 skins for many years but the Pomoca Race Pro 2.0 is excellent.” He also acknowledges the Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide, but ultimately favors the Race Pro 2.0 for its superior glide and lighter weight, outweighing the Climb Pro’s slight advantages in durability and grip. Given the choice, Race Pro 2.0s would be his go-to skin for all his skis. Looking ahead, Paul expresses interest in the G3 Minimist Glide and particularly the full-mohair Minimist Speed version, aligning with his preference for maximum-glide mohair skins. He also acknowledges the Black Diamond UltraLite Mix’s long-standing appeal due to its glide, suppleness, and weight, but concludes that the Pomoca Race 2.0 and G3 Minimist (pending tail hook improvements) now surpass it in his preference.
Luke echoes Paul’s positive assessment of recent ski skin advancements but offers a slightly broader perspective. “I guess I have less conclusive thoughts than Paul — mostly, I’ve just been really impressed by all the recent skins I’ve used.” He concurs with Paul’s high regard for the Race Pro 2.0, deeming it the top choice for narrower skis. For wider skis, Luke suggests the Pomoca Free Pro 2.0, prioritizing its wider and longer options, as well as its enhanced packability, despite a minor compromise in glide. However, Luke emphasizes that the Free Pro 2.0 remains remarkably grippy and glides nearly as well as pure-mohair skins he’s used. He also praises Pomoca’s reliable hardware and exceptional adhesive.
Alt text: Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 ski touring skins demonstrating compact packability, highlighting their lightweight design for backcountry skiers.
Addressing skis with unconventional tip or tail shapes, Luke still appreciates the secure attachment systems offered by G3. Yet, he expresses a preference for less aggressive adhesives. Contour’s Hybrid adhesive earns high praise from Luke, remaining a favorite for its balanced performance across various skis. His only reservation with Contour Hybrid skins is their bulkier profile compared to the Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 and Race Pro 2.0. Despite this, Luke would be content using Contour Hybrid skins on any of his skis, though he acknowledges the need for more diligent cleaning to maintain adhesive tackiness.
Alt text: Contour Hybrid ski touring skins highlighting the unique hybrid adhesive, known for its reliable grip and ease of use in varying snow conditions.
In the more general-purpose category, Luke finds the Pomoca Climb 2.0 and Kohla Vertical Mixmohair to be solid choices. “Neither have any major flaws in my experience, and they’re a bit cheaper than some of the fancier models mentioned here.” His primary desire for these skins is improved glide and packability. Luke sees limited need for full-nylon skins like the Black Diamond Ascension or G3 Alpinist+ Universal, despite their affordability and durability, which reviewer Cy Whitling also appreciated in nylon skins from Big Sky Mountain Products. While acknowledging their value for budget-conscious or novice backcountry skiers, Luke encourages those with more budget flexibility to explore the enhanced glide and packability of mohair/nylon mix skins detailed in this contour guide.
Conclusion: Selecting Your Ideal Skin
Ultimately, the ski skin market offers a diverse range of options, each with its own strengths and intended use. This contour guide aims to illuminate the nuances between different models, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether prioritizing glide, grip, packability, or durability, understanding your needs and preferences is crucial in selecting the best ski touring skins for your backcountry pursuits. We hope this guide assists you in your search for the perfect pair of skins to enhance your next backcountry adventure.
