Climbing Skins
Top Picks
How we choose: The best climbing skins highlighted here were selected based on 8 reviews of 4 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.
If you've used a climbing skin that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.
Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.
Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins
(1 review)
Reviewed
by Jim51111
Reliable, dependable, and well constructed skins that climb exceptionally well. I highly recommend them to anyone who backcountry skis.
Reasons to Buy
- Universal tip and tail attachments
- Long lasting glue
- Great on the climb
Reasons to Avoid
- Glide could be improved
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 but also sticks, pine needles, and leaves. I truly appreciate that I have yet to have glue failure. While climbing these skins are able to tackle any angle the skier is will to attempt.
Read more: Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins review (1)
Åsnes X-Skin 58mm Mohair
(1 review)
Reviewed
by BigRed
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.
Reasons to Buy
- Big weight and effort savings compared to full-length skins
- Climbs well on firm snow, notably corn
- Glue still holds if skins get a little wet
Reasons to Avoid
- Åsnes skis only
- Don't climb well in deep powder
- Should come with skin savers to protect glue
As backcountry or mountaineering skis have gotten bigger, skins have followed along. My full-length skins for my biggest skis, G3 Finder 107s, weigh about 300 g each. Add that to the weight of boot, binding and ski (3.8 kg) and you’ve got 4.1 kg (9 lb) per foot to haul uphill with every step (the good news is that you can slide, not lift). Then that skin weight goes in your pack on the way down. For skiing steep slopes or in demanding snow, that is more or less necessary if you want to maximize the FQ (fun quotient)—fat skis perform better in a wide range of snow conditions, and for climbing and especially traversing on steep slopes, full skin coverage is needed to prevent backslipping.
Read more: Åsnes X-Skin 58mm Mohair review (1)
More Reviews of Climbing Skins
Trailspace reviewers have shared 8 reviews of 4 different climbing skins.
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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
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