Touring skins

Touring skins provide uphill grip and dependable glide for ski touring. This category includes mohair, nylon and mohair-mix options, in cut-to-fit and ... Read more

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Touring skins are fabric strips that stick to the ski base to enable efficient uphill travel. The fibers grip when you push and glide when you slide back, balancing traction and speed for varied terrain and snow.

Material matters. Mohair skins are light and supple with excellent glide, ideal for longer tours and cold, dry snow. Nylon skins emphasize durability and grip, suited to frequent use and steeper tracks. Mohair-mix blends aim for a balanced compromise of glide, grip and lifespan.

Correct sizing is essential. Pick a skin width that covers the ski base without fully covering the steel edges; many skiers choose a width close to the ski’s tip width, then trim. Length should match the running length, with a tail clip adjustment range to fine-tune fit. Pre-shaped skins fit specific ski models; cut-to-fit skins offer broad compatibility.

Attachment systems keep skins secure. Common solutions use a tip loop, hook or split-finger tip piece, combined with a tail clip for tension. Ensure the tip hardware sits cleanly on your ski’s shovel, and that the tail strap adjusts easily with gloves. Twin-tip and flat-tail skis may need different tail hardware styles.

Adhesives vary. Traditional hot-melt glue offers dependable stick across temperatures when kept clean and covered. Hybrid systems simplify handling and can be easier to peel, while still holding well if surfaces are dry. Use skin savers or release foil for storage, and keep glue away from dirt, pine needles and wax residue.

Care extends performance. Dry skins in ventilated, moderate warmth away from direct heat. Brush off ice and snow before packing. Clean bases periodically and refresh waterproofing as needed. Re-gluing or replacing adhesive sheets can restore grip. Store with mesh separators, flat or loosely rolled, in a cool, dry place.

Match skins to your plans. For big mileage and firm tracks, prioritize glide with mohair or balanced mohair-mix. For variable snow or steep approaches, a durable nylon or grippy mix can help. Consider weight, pack size, and tail system convenience for transitions in cold conditions.

At OutdoorXL you will find a broad selection of touring skins in multiple materials, widths and lengths, plus trimming tools and spare parts such as tip loops, tail clips and skin savers. Filter by ski length, width and attachment style to locate a reliable setup for your ski touring season.