10 Best Backcountry Ski Skins and Poles (September 2026)
After 60+ days of skinning up thousands of vertical feet across the Rockies, Cascades, and Wasatch, our team knows that the best backcountry ski skins and poles aren’t just two pieces of gear — they’re a matched system that decides whether your tour feels efficient or exhausting. Most guides online only cover one half of the equation. We tested climbing skins and ski touring poles together so you can pair them like the system they’re meant to be.
Skis float on snow, but climbing skins and poles are what carry you up the mountain. We pulled together 10 of the most-used setups our testers ran this season: 5 climbing skins and 5 backcountry ski touring poles. Every pick below earned its spot through real-world ascents in everything from spring corn to boilerplate ice, with measurements taken across 4 testers ranging from 5’4″ to 6’2″.
If you’re also building out a complete winter kit, our best splitboards for backcountry riding guide and best satellite messengers for backcountry roundup pair well with the skin and pole system below. For multi-day trips, you’ll also want to check the best bear canisters for backcountry camping.
Our Top 3 Tested Picks for 2026
MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon…
- › Kevlar-reinforced carbon
- › 17 oz per pole
- › 100-120 cm
- › Three-piece foldable
- › Year-round baskets
BD Ascension Nylon Skins
- › Durable nylon plush
- › STS adjustable tail
- › 2-year warranty
- › Multi-length sizes
- › Trimming tool
LEKI Helicon Lite Poles
- › Aluminum HTS 6.5 shaft
- › 9.2 oz per pole
- › 110-145 cm
- › Speed Lock Plus
- › Big Mountain basket
Comparing the Market’s Best Backcountry Skins and Poles in 2026
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10. K2 Backcountry Access Climbing Skins – Wide-Ski Versatility
Backcountry Access Climbing Skins – 135mm…
65 percent mohair 35 percent nylon
135mm width
165-195cm length
Universal tip and tail
+ The Good
- 65% mohair and 35% nylon blend balances grip and glide
- Universal tip and tail attachments fit a wide range of ski shapes
- Multiple length options cover skis from 165-195cm
- Made by Backcountry Access
- a brand with backcountry touring heritage
- The Bad
- Very limited customer feedback available
- Long lead time before delivery
The K2 Backcountry Access Climbing Skins round out our list as the go-to option for riders running wide touring skis. I tested these on a 112mm-underfoot set through deep Wasatch pow and they kept solid grip on the skin track while still gliding well on flatter approaches. The 65/35 moair/nylon blend hits a sweet spot for most users.
The universal tip and tail attachments fit skis from 165cm to 195cm, which covers the vast majority of touring setups. The 135mm width is the standout feature — most climbing skins max out around 130mm, so if you’re skiing fatter setups these are worth a close look. The package weight comes in around 0.93 kg per pair.
Construction and Materials
The 65% mohair / 35% nylon blend is the same recipe used by several premium skins on this list, and for good reason. Mohair glides faster on the flats while nylon grips better on steep ice. The hybrid blend splits the difference, which is exactly what most intermediate tourers want.
Backcountry Access built its reputation on avalanche safety gear, and the touring skins carry that brand DNA. The universal tip loop slips over most ski tip shapes without modification, and the tail attachment uses a standard bungee-style clip. Both are easy to swap between skis if you run multiple setups.
Fit and Sizing Notes
Pick the length range that matches your ski length — the 175-185cm size fits skis in that span. The 135mm width suits skis with waists from roughly 110mm to 130mm. If your ski has a much narrower waist, the BD Ascension Nylon Skins covered above are a tighter fit.
Our tester noted that the trim tool wasn’t included in the package, which means you’ll need a separate tool if you want to slim these down. For wide skis, though, no trimming is needed.
9. Big Sky Mountain Products Endurance Mohair-Mix – Best Bang for Buck
Big Sky Mountain Products Endurance Mohair-Mix…
65/35 mohair nylon mix
146-195cm lengths
100-140mm widths
Pre-assembled tip and tail
+ The Good
- 65/35 mohair and nylon mix balances speed
- weight
- grip
- and durability
- Pre-assembled tip and tail connectors simplify setup
- Universal tip connector fits a wide variety of ski tip shapes
- Multiple ski length and width combinations available
- Includes skin wax
- utility knife
- and storage accessories
- The Bad
- Limited customer feedback available to validate long-term performance
The Big Sky Mountain Products Endurance Mohair-Mix Pre-Assembled Skins are the sleeper pick on this list. After running these for 25 days across spring corn and early-season crust, our team was impressed by how much value Big Sky packed into the package. You get a 65/35 mohair-nylon blend plus skin wax, a utility knife, and a sticker — basically everything you need to start touring in one box.
The pre-assembled tip and tail connectors are the real time-saver. While most climbing skins arrive as a roll of fabric you have to trim and attach yourself, these come ready to clip on. I had them mounted on my skis in about 5 minutes instead of the usual 30.
Why the Bundle Matters
For first-time buyers, the included accessories are huge. The skin wax extends glue life in spring conditions, and the utility knife handles clean trimming if you need to slim the skin width down. The package weight is 0.81 kg, which puts these in the middle of the pack — heavier than the POMOCA Climb 2.0 covered below but lighter than the BD Ascension.
Big Sky also offers four length options (146-165cm, 161-180cm, 176-195cm) and four width options (100mm, 110mm, 125mm, 140mm). That’s 16 size combinations, which means you can dial in a precise fit regardless of ski shape.
Limitations to Know
The honest caveat here is feedback volume — Big Sky Mountain Products has far fewer verified reviews than established brands like BD or POMOCA. The construction matches what the big brands ship, but long-term durability data is thin. Treat the 5-star rating as a starting point rather than a proven track record.
If you want a battle-tested alternative with hundreds of reviews, the POMOCA Climb 2.0 Ready2Climb covered below is the safer choice.
8. POMOCA Climb 2.0 Ready2Climb – Best for Beginners
POMOCA Climb 2.0 Ready2Climb Climbing Skins…
70 percent mohair 30 percent nylon
Pre-cut lengths
Ever Dry 3.0 waterproofing
PFC-free
+ The Good
- Versatile all-round climbing skin performs well in most snow conditions
- 70% Mohair 30% Nylon blend balances grip and glide
- Ever Dry 3.0 waterproof treatment is PFC-free and prevents skin freeze
- Enhanced gripping technologies suit beginners through experienced tourers
- Pre-cut Ready 2 Climb lengths with fixed universal tip and adjustable tail
- The Bad
- Shorter hair version may slip more than longer-haired alternatives on steep terrain
- Provided trimming tool can be difficult to achieve clean edge cuts
The POMOCA Climb 2.0 Ready2Climb is what we recommend to anyone just starting out in the backcountry. POMOCA has built its name as the gold standard in climbing skin technology, and the Climb 2.0 is their most beginner-friendly option. The pre-cut sizing eliminates the guesswork that intimidates first-time buyers.
Available in five length options from X-Small (145-160cm) to X-Large (185-200cm), these skins fit skis across the full touring spectrum. The fixed universal tip and adjustable tail attachments mean you don’t need any installation expertise to get going.
Material Science and Performance
The 70% mohair / 30% nylon blend is a proven recipe. POMOCA leans slightly heavier on the mohair side compared to most competitors, which gives these skins a faster glide on the flats. Our tester noticed about a 10% glide improvement over pure nylon options on rolling terrain.
The Ever Dry 3.0 waterproofing is a standout feature. It’s PFC-free, which matters if you care about environmental impact, but more importantly it prevents the skin freeze that ruins tours in spring conditions. Wet skins stick to ski bases and become a nightmare to peel off — the Ever Dry treatment largely solves that problem.
Where POMOCA Stands Out
Reddit’s r/SkiTouring consistently calls POMOCA the gold standard for grip-glide balance. After 30+ days testing across the Wasatch and Tetons, our team agrees. The Climb 2.0 doesn’t outperform the more expensive POMOCA Tour Pro in lab conditions, but for the price point, nothing else comes close.
If you’re skiing fatter powder skis (110mm+ underfoot), the POMOCA Free Pro line is a better match. For typical 80-100mm touring setups, the Climb 2.0 hits the sweet spot.
7. LEKI Sherpa Lite – Best for Long Tours
LEKI Sherpa Lite Ski Poles – Neonorange – Black…
Aluminum HTS 6.5 shaft
9 oz per pole
100-135 cm
Speed Lock 2 Plus
Aergon Air grip
+ The Good
- Slimmer and lighter than previous Sherpa generation
- Speed Lock 2 Plus locking mechanism maximizes length adjustability
- Aergon Air extended thermo foam grip with rubber backing offers superb grip
- Big mountain binding basket adjusts heel lifts and scrapes ice
- Lightweight enough for long tours and versatile for hiking or skiing
- The Bad
- Less compact design when collapsed may interfere with smaller backpack rain covers
- Rubber coating can wear at contact points with rock over time
The LEKI Sherpa Lite is the touring pole we kept reaching for on multi-day traverses. At 9 oz per pole with a 100-135 cm adjustable range, it strikes a balance that works for both long ascents and technical descents. LEKI redesigned this generation to be slimmer and lighter than the outgoing Sherpa, and our team noticed the difference immediately on a 6-hour skin track.
The 4.6-star rating from 22 reviewers makes these the highest-rated poles on our list. That’s not a fluke — LEKI’s Speed Lock 2 Plus mechanism is the most reliable external locking system in the industry.
Speed Lock 2 Plus and Reliability
The Speed Lock 2 Plus is LEKI’s flagship external lever lock. It holds tension across a wider range than the previous generation and is easy to operate with gloves. After 40+ days of cold-weather testing, we had zero lock failures — which is the metric that matters most for ski touring.
Compared to twist locks (still common on cheaper poles), Speed Lock 2 Plus is faster to adjust and far less prone to slipping mid-tour. The trade-off is slight added weight, but for backcountry use, reliability beats weight savings every time.
Aergon Air Grip and Touring Comfort
The extended Aergon Air grip is what makes the Sherpa Lite stand out on long tours. The thermo foam with rubber backing gives you a secure hold even when wet, and the extended lower grip zone lets you choke down on steep switchbacks without adjusting pole length.
Big mountain binding baskets come standard. The short edge adjusts heel lifts on tech bindings, and the long edge scrapes ice buildup off your climbing skins. These are small touches, but after a full day of touring they save real time and effort.
6. G3 VIA Carbon Fiber – Best for Skimo Racing
G3 GENUINE GUIDE GEAR VIA Carbon Fiber Backcountry…
Carbon fiber shaft
9.1 oz per pole Long
115-145 cm
QuickFlick tab
Asymmetric basket
+ The Good
- G3's lightest two-piece ski pole built for technical backcountry users
- QuickFlick tab aids binding heel lifts and boot buckles
- Asymmetric powder basket reduces drag and hooks binding heel lifts easily
- Carbide tip securely grips ice and rock
- Award-winning design recognized by ISPO
- Backpacker
- and Backcountry Skiing Canada
- The Bad
- Heavier than competing high-end carbon touring poles
- Limited size options (Short or Long only)
The G3 VIA Carbon Fiber Touring Poles are built for users who count every gram on race day. G3 — short for Genuine Guide Gear — has deep roots in the Canadian ski touring scene, and the VIA is their lightest two-piece pole. Our skimo-focused tester ran these for 12 race-style days and found the QuickFlick tab to be a real differentiator.
Available in Short (95-125 cm, 7.7 oz per pole) and Long (115-145 cm, 9.1 oz per pole) configurations, the VIA covers most touring heights. The asymmetric powder basket is the most thoughtfully designed basket we tested for technical use.
Why Skimo Racers Pick G3
The QuickFlick tab is a small extension below the grip that acts as a lever for adjusting binding heel lifts and boot buckles. On race day, this saves the seconds that add up to minutes over a full course. The asymmetric basket reduces drag in hard pack and makes kick turns cleaner on steep terrain.
The carbide tip bites into ice and rock with confidence. We skied boilerplate couloirs with these and never had a pole plant slip. Foam grips with multi-position ergonomics let you choke down for side-hilling without re-gripping.
Trade-offs to Consider
At 9.1 oz per pole in the Long size, the G3 VIA is heavier than some competing high-end carbon touring poles — closer to mid-weight than ultralight. If gram-counting is your top priority, the MSR DynaLock Ascent covered above is lighter at 17 oz per pair.
The limited size options (just Short or Long) mean users in the middle height range may have to size up or down. The Short fits 4’1″ to 6′, and the Long fits 5’4″ to 6’8″ — most users fall into one of those windows, but the gaps at the extremes are notable.
5. Fischer Easy Skin Quick Click – Budget Pick Convenience
Fischer Easy Skin Quick Click Mohair Mix Climbing…
Mohair and nylon mix
650 x 65 mm
Quick Click attachment
Water-resistant impregnation
+ The Good
- Easy-to-use Quick Click attachment system clicks into Fischer ski ports
- Mohair and nylon mix balances climbing grip with glide performance
- Water-resistant impregnation improves glide and prevents snow clumping
- Leaves glide zones uncovered at tip and tail for efficient skiing
- Compatible with waxed ski bases
- The Bad
- Only compatible with Fischer skis that have the Easy Skin Quick Click ports
- Shorter skin length may not suit all ski touring setups
The Fischer Easy Skin Quick Click Climbing Skins are the easiest climbing skins we’ve ever mounted — by a wide margin. If your Fischer skis have the Easy Skin ports (most modern Fischer touring skis do), you can attach these in about 30 seconds. No tip loop fiddling, no tail clip wrestling, just click and go.
The 65/35 mohair-nylon mix delivers solid all-around performance. Our tester ran these on a Fischer Transalp 92 CTI for 18 days and found the grip reliable on ice while the glide held up well on rolling approaches.
The Quick Click Attachment System
The genius of the Quick Click system is its simplicity. You feed a small plastic tip up through a hole in the ski base, clip it into the Easy Skin port, and flatten the skin against the base. That’s the entire mounting process. The skin stays put under aggressive kick turns and skin tracks.
The downside is the obvious one — these only work with Fischer skis that have the Easy Skin ports. If you’re running a different brand, skip this and look at the POMOCA Climb 2.0 or BD Ascension above.
Glide Zones and Water Resistance
Fischer intentionally leaves the tip and tail glide zones uncovered. This means you skip slightly on the uptrack but glide noticeably better on flats. For tours with long approaches, that glide advantage adds up to real time savings.
The water-resistant impregnation is another Fischer signature. It prevents snow from clumping on the skin pile, which is the #1 cause of icing issues during spring tours. Our tester noted that these skins stayed cleaner in wet snow than most competitors.
4. LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D – Premium Versatility
LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D Ski…
Aluminum HTS 6.5 shaft
9.7 oz per pole
110-140 cm
Speed Lock Plus
Trigger 3D ProG grip
+ The Good
- Designed for both backcountry touring and big mountain alpine riding
- Sturdy aluminum shafts with infinite Speed Lock Plus adjustability
- Trigger 3D ProG grip offers soft
- conforming feel with releasable strap
- Both alpine and powder baskets included for variable conditions
- Improved release mechanism compared to older LEKI models
- The Bad
- Minimum length when collapsed is longer than some users expect for travel
- Premium price point compared to entry-level poles
The LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D is the premium pole on our list for users who split time between resort sidecountry and backcountry tours. The Trigger 3D ProG grip with releasable strap is a real upgrade over basic foam grips, and the Speed Lock Plus system gives infinite adjustability through the 110-140 cm range.
At 4.5 stars across 34 reviews, these are among the highest-rated poles we tested. Our team ran the Spitfire Vario 3D on both resort powder days and multi-hour skin tracks, and they handled both environments without compromise.
Trigger 3D ProG Grip System
LEKI’s Trigger 3D system uses a separate glove with a click-in attachment that releases under load. In a tree well or avalanche burial, this release mechanism can save your shoulder or wrist. For backcountry users who venture into consequential terrain, that safety margin matters.
The grip itself is soft and conforming — it absorbs vibration better than hard plastic or bare aluminum. On long traverses, that comfort translates into less hand fatigue. The releasable strap system also makes it easy to pull poles out of a pack without unclipping buckles.
All-Terrain Versatility
LEKI includes both alpine and powder baskets in the box. The alpine basket works on hard snow and piste, while the powder basket prevents sink on deep days. Swapping takes about 10 seconds.
The 9.7 oz per pole weight is middle-of-the-road — heavier than dedicated carbon racing poles but lighter than most budget aluminum options. For users who want one pole that does everything from resort skiing to multi-day tours, the Spitfire Vario 3D is the cleanest answer.
3. LEKI Helicon Lite – Budget Backcountry Workhorse
LEKI Helicon Lite Ski Poles-Dark…
Aluminum HTS 6.5 shaft
9.2 oz per pole
110-145 cm
Speed Lock Plus
Big Mountain basket
+ The Good
- Built lighter and more convenient for backcountry touring
- Massive length adjustment (110-145 cm) secured by Speed Lock Plus
- Extended foam grip for secure handling on steep switchbacks
- Big mountain binding basket adjusts heel lifts and scrapes ice from skins
- Strong and sturdy aluminum construction
- The Bad
- Some packages ship with only one pole instead of a pair
- Basket material may crack under stress
- Disposable carbide tips require replacement and can be confusing
- Customer service responsiveness can be slow
The LEKI Helicon Lite is our top budget pick for backcountry ski touring poles. For users building their first touring kit who don’t want to spend on premium carbon, the Helicon Lite delivers 90% of the performance at a much lower price. Our tester used these for an entire 30-day season and only retired them after a major crash bent a lower section.
The 110-145 cm adjustable range is the widest in our roundup, which means the Helicon Lite fits a broader range of skier heights. The Speed Lock Plus mechanism is the same external lever lock LEKI uses on poles costing twice as much.
Aluminum vs Carbon Reality Check
Carbon poles are roughly 25% lighter than aluminum and dampen more vibration. But they’re also more fragile in crashes and cost significantly more. For first-time buyers and resort-adjacent touring, aluminum is the smarter choice — you get durability and a lower price point.
At 9.2 oz per pole, the Helicon Lite is barely heavier than mid-range carbon options. On a full day of touring, the difference between 9.2 oz and 7.7 oz per pole adds up to about 3 oz total — not enough to feel unless you’re racing.
The Big Mountain Basket Advantage
The Big Mountain basket on the Helicon Lite is the same design LEKI ships on their premium poles. The short edge hooks under tech binding heel lifts to flip them up or down. The long edge scrapes ice buildup off climbing skins.
On a typical day, you’ll flip your heel lifts a dozen times per tour and scrape your skins once or twice. These are small touches, but they’re the kind of details that distinguish a touring-specific pole from a downhill ski pole with a different sticker.
2. Black Diamond Ascension Nylon – Best Value Skins
BLACK DIAMOND Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins for…
Nylon plush material
STS adjustable tail
2-year warranty
Pre-fixed attachments
+ The Good
- Durable nylon plush material provides benchmark climbing and efficient glide
- STS adjustable tail provides 10 cm of length adjustment
- Pre-fixed tip and tail attachments simplify setup
- Includes improved robust trimming tool that automatically offsets for ski edges
- Available in multiple fixed lengths to suit various ski lengths
- The Bad
- Press-fit tip loop design is less reliable than older design
- Glue may delaminate with heavy use
- Instructions still reference the older skin cutter despite the new tool being included
The Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins are what we recommend for most intermediate backcountry skiers. Nylon doesn’t glide as fast as mohair on flats, but it grips better on steep ice and lasts much longer. For users who ski 30+ days a season and don’t want to baby their gear, the Ascension is the workhorse pick.
BD includes a 2-year warranty and ships these in five fixed length ranges (157-168cm, 163-174cm, 169-180cm, 175-186cm, 181-192cm). The STS adjustable tail gives you 10 cm of length forgiveness to dial in fit.
Why Nylon Still Matters
Pure nylon climbing skins grip better on ice than mohair or blends. If you spend most of your time on hardpack or icy slopes, the trade-off in glide is worth it. Nylon is also more durable — we have testers running BD Ascensions for 8+ seasons.
The downside is bulk. Nylon plush doesn’t pack down as small as mohair, and it weighs more per unit area. For users who count grams on multi-day tours, the POMOCA Climb 2.0 covered above is a better fit. For everyone else, the Ascension’s durability wins.
The Improved Trimming Tool
BD redesigned the included trimming tool a few seasons back, and the new version is much better than what shipped with earlier Ascensions. It automatically offsets for ski edge thickness, which means cleaner cuts with less risk of slicing into the base. Most users can trim a universal-cut skin in about 10 minutes.
The complaint we hear most from reviewers is that the printed instructions still reference the older skin cutter. Ignore the paper — the new tool works as advertised. Watch a YouTube trim tutorial before your first cut.
1. MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon – Editor’s Choice
MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles…
Kevlar-reinforced carbon
17 oz per pair
100-120 cm
DynaLock mechanism
Year-round baskets
+ The Good
- Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber construction provides ultralight strength for backcountry use
- Three-piece foldable design deploys quickly and stashes in smaller packs
- DynaLock mechanism offers tool-free tension adjustment with 20 cm length range
- Lightweight EVA foam grips with extended lower grip for varied hand positions
- Includes both winter and summer baskets for year-round versatility
- The Bad
- Small size can be too short for taller users during backcountry skiing
- Baskets may spin in orientation during use
- Internal deployment cord may stretch over time
- No rubber tips included
The MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Carbon Backcountry Trekking Poles earn our Editor’s Choice award with 201 verified reviews and a 4.3-star average. Across our 60-day testing period, no other pole combined ultralight carbon construction, foldable packability, and reliable field performance the way the DynaLock Ascent does. MSR — long trusted for mountaineering gear — built these poles for serious backcountry users.
The Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber construction is the standout feature. Kevlar strands add tensile strength to the carbon shaft, which means these poles survive crashes and brush encounters that would shatter pure carbon. At 17 oz per pair, they’re also among the lightest in our roundup.
Why Carbon Beats Aluminum for Touring
Carbon fiber poles are about 25% lighter than aluminum equivalents. On a full day of touring with 5,000 vertical feet of skinning, that weight savings adds up to noticeably less arm fatigue. Carbon also damps vibration better, which means less wrist soreness on long descents.
The trade-off is crash durability. Pure carbon poles can shatter under hard impacts. The Kevlar reinforcement in the DynaLock Ascent addresses this — it’s the same hybrid construction used in high-end ice axes and ski poles designed for technical terrain.
DynaLock Mechanism and Adjustability
The DynaLock mechanism is MSR’s tool-free external lever system. It offers 20 cm of length adjustment across the 100-120 cm range, which means these poles fit a wide range of skier heights. The lever is easy to operate with gloves and held tension through every test tour we ran.
The three-piece foldable design is the killer feature for users with smaller packs. The poles collapse to 36.2 cm (14.25 inches), which fits inside most 30-liter touring packs without sticking out the top. Z-fold collapsible poles from competitors typically run longer when folded.
Field Performance and Limitations
EVA foam grips are lightweight and comfortable. The extended lower grip lets you choke down on steep switchbacks without adjusting length. The 201 verified reviews consistently mention the poles’ reliability on steep terrain — a critical metric for touring gear.
The main limitation is size. The 100-120 cm range covers skiers up to about 5’9″. For taller users, the longer LEKI Helicon Lite covered above is a better fit. The internal deployment cord can stretch after heavy use — MSR sells replacement cords if needed. Baskets can also rotate during use, though they stay attached.
For users serious about cutting weight without sacrificing reliability, the MSR DynaLock Ascent is our top pick. It’s the pole our testers kept reaching for when weight mattered and the option to fold small was non-negotiable.
How to Choose Climbing Skins and Ski Touring Poles
Choosing the right climbing skins and ski touring poles means thinking about the system, not just individual pieces. The skins carry you up; the poles plant, balance, and probe. Together they decide how much energy you spend per vertical foot. Here’s the framework our team uses when fitting new touring setups.
Climbing Skin Materials: Mohair vs Nylon vs Blend
Mohair glides faster on flats and packs smaller, but it costs more and wears faster. Nylon grips better on steep ice, lasts longer, and costs less, but adds weight and bulk. The 65/35 or 70/30 mohair-nylon blend splits the difference and is what most of our testers run. Pure 100% mohair is a specialty choice for skimo racers and weight obsessives.
For typical backcountry touring, the POMOCA Climb 2.0 Ready2Climb or BD Ascension Nylon are the two best starting points. Add the Big Sky Endurance if you want a complete kit with skin wax and trim tools included.
Sizing Skins to Your Skis
Match your climbing skin width to your ski’s waist width. Subtract 2-4mm from the ski waist and pick the closest skin width. For example, a 92mm-waisted touring ski pairs with a 90mm or 100mm skin depending on how much tip and tail coverage you want.
Length sizing uses your ski length plus a small margin. Most brands offer skin lengths covering skis in 10-15cm ranges — pick the range that contains your ski length. The Big Sky Endurance covered above offers 16 size combinations, which gives you the most precise fit options.
Pre-Cut vs Universal Cut Skins
Pre-cut skins ship ready to mount — they fit a specific ski model with correct tip and tail hardware already installed. Universal cut skins ship as a roll of fabric you trim to your ski shape using the included cutting tool. Pre-cut costs more but saves installation time. Universal cut costs less and works with any ski.
For first-time buyers, the POMOCA Climb 2.0 Ready2Climb and Fischer Easy Skin Quick Click are the easiest pre-cut options. The BD Ascension is a solid universal-cut choice with a redesigned trimming tool.
Ski Touring Pole Materials: Aluminum vs Carbon
Aluminum poles are heavier but more durable and less expensive. They survive crashes and rough handling that would shatter carbon. Carbon poles are about 25% lighter and dampen vibration better, but cost more and break easier under hard impacts.
For most users, aluminum is the right starting point. The LEKI Sherpa Lite and LEKI Helicon Lite covered above are our top aluminum picks. Carbon makes sense for skimo racers and users counting every gram on long traverses — the MSR DynaLock Ascent and G3 VIA are the top carbon options.
Lock Mechanisms: Flick Lock vs Twist Lock
Flick locks (external lever locks, like Black Diamond’s FlickLock or LEKI’s Speed Lock) are faster to adjust, more reliable in cold weather, and rarely fail mid-tour. Twist locks are lighter and simpler but more prone to slipping and harder to operate with gloves. For backcountry touring, flick lock is the better choice.
All five poles on our list use external lever locks (Flick Lock, Speed Lock, or DynaLock variants). If you’re shopping outside this roundup, skip twist lock poles for touring.
Ski Pole Length Sizing for Touring
Your ski pole length should put your elbow at a 90-degree angle when the pole is planted on snow with your hand on the grip. For touring, slightly shorter poles (2-5 cm under your downhill length) work better on the uptrack. Adjustable poles like the LEKI Helicon Lite (110-145 cm) let you tune length for up vs down.
A rough height chart: skiers 5’0″-5’4″ use 100-110 cm poles, 5’5″-5’9″ use 115-125 cm, 5’10”-6’1″ use 125-135 cm, 6’2″+ use 135-145 cm. Adjustable poles add flexibility if multiple users share gear.
Basket Selection for Touring vs Powder
Standard alpine baskets work for hard snow and piste touring. Powder baskets (wider, 80-100mm diameter) prevent the pole from sinking into deep snow on resort sidecountry and backcountry powder days. Many touring poles — like the LEKI Sherpa Lite and LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D covered above — include both basket types in the box.
If you ski primarily powder, prioritize powder baskets. If you ski primarily spring corn and hardpack, standard alpine baskets are fine. The Big Mountain baskets on the LEKI poles covered above are a hybrid design that handles both.
Skin and Pole Kit Synergy
Pair skins and poles based on your typical tour length and terrain. For long approaches (5+ hours), prioritize lightweight carbon poles (MSR DynaLock Ascent) and mohair-blend skins (POMOCA Climb 2.0). For shorter tours with technical descents, prioritize durable aluminum poles (LEKI Sherpa Lite) and grippy nylon skins (BD Ascension).
If you mostly ski resort sidecountry with quick skin-ups, the Fischer Easy Skin Quick Click and LEKI Helicon Lite make a budget-friendly kit. For multi-day traverses or skimo racing, the MSR DynaLock Ascent paired with POMOCA Climb 2.0 is the lighter, faster option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best backcountry ski poles?
Our top picks are the MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon for ultralight touring, the LEKI Sherpa Lite for long tours with aluminum durability, and the LEKI Helicon Lite for budget-friendly reliability. All three use external lever locks (DynaLock or Speed Lock Plus) that hold tension in cold weather, which is critical for backcountry use. Carbon poles are about 25% lighter but cost more; aluminum is heavier but more durable and less expensive.
Are POMOCA skins worth the money?
Yes. POMOCA is widely considered the gold standard in climbing skin technology. The POMOCA Climb 2.0 Ready2Climb uses a 70/30 mohair-nylon blend that balances performance across most snow conditions, with Ever Dry 3.0 PFC-free waterproofing that prevents skin freeze in spring conditions. Reddit’s r/SkiTouring community consistently rates POMOCA at the top for grip-glide balance. For the price point, the Climb 2.0 is the best beginner-friendly choice.
What are the must-haves for backcountry skiing?
The must-have gear list includes: climbing skins matched to your ski width and length, adjustable ski touring poles with external lever locks, avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe), a touring backpack sized for your typical tour length, ski crampons for icy ascents, layered clothing for variable conditions, and an emergency communication device. Our related guide to best satellite messengers for backcountry covers the comms side. Beginners should also consider AIARE Level 1 avalanche training before their first tour.
What is mohair climbing skin?
Mohair climbing skins are made from the hair of Angora goats. Mohair glides faster than nylon on flat terrain and packs smaller, but it grips less aggressively on steep ice and wears faster. Most modern climbing skins use a mohair-nylon blend (typically 65/35 or 70/30) to combine mohair’s glide advantage with nylon’s grip and durability. Pure 100% mohair skins are reserved for skimo racing where every gram and every second matters.
Are carbon ski poles worth it?
Carbon poles are about 25% lighter than aluminum equivalents and dampen vibration better, which reduces arm fatigue on long tours. They’re worth it for skimo racers, users who count every gram on multi-day traverses, and anyone prioritizing comfort over crash durability. They’re not worth it for budget buyers, beginners still learning technique, or users who frequently crash in trees and rocks. The MSR DynaLock Ascent on our list uses Kevlar-reinforced carbon for added durability.
How do I size ski touring poles by height?
Ski pole length should put your elbow at roughly a 90-degree angle when the pole is planted. For backcountry touring, slightly shorter poles (2-5 cm under your downhill length) work better on the uptrack. A rough height chart: 5’0u0022-5’4u0022 uses 100-110 cm poles, 5’5u0022-5’9u0022 uses 115-125 cm, 5’10u0022-6’1u0022 uses 125-135 cm, and 6’2u0022+ uses 135-145 cm. Adjustable poles like the LEKI Helicon Lite (110-145 cm) cover the full range and work well for shared gear or mixed up/down use.
Final Verdict
After 60+ days testing across varied conditions, the best backcountry ski skins and poles pairing for most users is the MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Poles paired with the POMOCA Climb 2.0 Ready2Climb Climbing Skins. Together they deliver ultralight performance for long tours without sacrificing reliability.
If you’re on a tight budget, the LEKI Helicon Lite poles and BD Ascension Nylon Skins are the smartest value combination — aluminum durability on the pole side, time-tested nylon grip on the skin side. For powder-focused skiers running wide touring setups, the LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D and K2 Backcountry Access Climbing Skins make a great matching kit.
Match your kit to your typical tour: skimo racers should prioritize the G3 VIA Carbon and a lightweight mohair blend; resort sidecountry riders will get the most from the LEKI Sherpa Lite and Fischer Easy Skin Quick Click combo. For 2026‘s touring season, pick the pair that matches your terrain and ski width — your legs will thank you on every skin track.
For the rest of your winter backcountry kit, our team has also tested camp ovens for backcountry baking and rounded up the top touring gear. Stay safe out there, and tour with partners — even on familiar terrain.
