Backcountry tours involve repeated climbing, walking, and skiing. The further you go and the more you walk, the more new fields you'll discover, and the higher you climb, the more exciting the skiing becomes. Skins make this possible. Skins are essential for moving freely in the backcountry, and depending on how you look at it, they may be the most important piece of BC gear. The STEEP editorial team has picked out some noteworthy models for the 2022-2023 season
【mix】
BCA ｜BCA HYBRID SKINS
BCA's only skin features a Contour hybrid construction that's easy to remove and maintains its adhesiveness even after repeated use in cold weather. Simply wipe off the adhesive layer to restore adhesion. It offers excellent grip, glide, and versatile performance in a variety of conditions, plus it's easy to trim and store. It's a skin that delivers everything you need
The hybrid glue tail hook is adjustable and comes with a convenient cleaning wipe to wipe the glue surface to restore its stickiness, as well as a storage bag
Black Diamond | Glide Lite Mix FL
This model is made of a mix of mohair and nylon. It's lightweight and offers excellent glide, making it ideal for long tours.
Updated for the 2022-23 season, the STS tail attachment is now lighter and thinner than ever before, and can now be folded inward for improved storage. The adjustment range per size has been extended. The gold label adhesive provides strong adhesion, allowing for repeated reapplication even in tough environments. An offset trim tool is included for easy side cutting. Available in four sizes, 110mm and 130mm widths.
Mixed
mohair 65%, nylon 35%
Width: 110・130mm
Length:
S=151-168cm, M=159-176cm
L=167-184cm, XL=175-193cm
¥30,800 (110mm) ¥33,000 (135mm)
◆Official website is here
CONTOUR｜HYBRID MIX
This model offers excellent durability and glide. It absorbs less water on wet snow, making it ideal for the spring season. The adhesive surfaces can be attached together and folded, eliminating the need for a sheet, making it easy to handle. The non-sticky adhesive leaves no marks on the base, and removing it requires little force. The flexible fabric also makes it easy to store
Mixed
mohair 65%, nylon 35%
Width: 115~135mm
Length: XS (145cm) ~ XXL (~195cm)
¥27,775 (135mm) ¥26,455 (115mm)
◆Official website is here
POMOCA | CLIMB PRO S-GLIDE
These quick-drying skins for experts offer better glide and grip than the CLIMB 2.0. The adhesive can be bonded to itself, eliminating the need for cheat sheets. Their all-around versatility is appealing. They're also popular among backcountry guides and professional skiers
Mixed
mohair 70%, nylon 30%
Width: 100-140mm
Length: XS (145) - XL (200)
¥26,400 - ¥30,800
◆Official website is here
POMOCA｜CLIMB 2.0
The adhesive surfaces can be stuck together, so no cheat sheet is needed. It is lightweight, folds compactly, and is easy to carry. Its ease of use has made it popular with a wide range of skiers, from beginner BC users to experts
Mixed
mohair 70%, nylon 30%
Width: 100-140mm
Length: XS (145) - XL (200)
¥23,100 - ¥29,700
【mohair】
Black Diamond | Glidelite Pure STS
This model is made of a mix of mohair and nylon. It's lightweight and offers excellent glide, making it ideal for long tours.
Updated for the 2022-23 season, the STS tail attachment is now lighter and thinner than ever before, and can now be folded inward for improved storage. The adjustment range per size has been extended. The gold label adhesive provides strong adhesion, allowing for repeated reapplication even in tough environments. An offset trim tool is included for easy side cutting. Available in four sizes, 110mm and 130mm widths.
Mixed
mohair 65%, nylon 35%
Width: 110・130mm
Length:
S=151-168cm, M=159-176cm
L=167-184cm, XL=175-193cm
¥30,800 (110mm) ¥33,000 (135mm)
POMOCA｜CLIMB PRO MOHAIR
Mohair has excellent glide performance. It glides well, providing good propulsion and shortening climbing times. It also performs well in extremely cold conditions and powder snow
100% mohair
Width: 120mm
Length: XS (145) - XL (200)
￥27,500
◆Official website is here
CONTOUR｜HYBRID PURE
It uses only mohair to achieve excellent glide performance. Its unique design reduces the amount of material used, resulting in a lightweight design. The adhesive surfaces can be bonded together, eliminating the need for cheat sheets
100% Mohair
Width: 115-135mm
Length: XS(142)~XXL(195)
¥27,775 (115mm) ¥30,525 (135mm)
◆Official website is here
【nylon】
Black Diamond | Ascension Skin
Made from 100% nylon for excellent climbing performance and durability, it's lighter and more compact. The tip attachment is compatible with a variety of ski tip shapes. The bikini cut on the top and tail prevents snow from getting into the ski surface and peeling off the skin
100% nylon
Width: 133mm
Length: 157-192cm
￥28,600
◆Official website is here
G3 | Alpinist+ Universal
The skins are designed to effectively cover only the areas where your weight is applied, eliminating excess fabric and making the skis lighter. The nose is designed to prevent snow from getting between the skins and the base, making them easy to use even for beginners
Nylon
width: 100~145cm
Length: 150~199cm
¥21,450 (100mm) / ¥22,550 (115mm) / ¥23,650 (130mm) / ¥24,750 (145mm)
◆Official website is here
G3 | Alpinist+ Grip 115mm
The most grippy model in the Alpinist lineup. High maneuverability on steep slopes and in icy conditions. Durable and versatile
Nylon
width: 100~145cm
Length: 150~199cm
¥21,450 (100mm) / ¥22,550 (115mm) / ¥23,650 (130mm) / ¥24,750 (145mm)
◆Official website is here