#1 on this list
Free Pro
Pomoca
The Pomoca Free Pro is built specifically for backcountry skiers running wider freeride planks or those looking to shave substantial weight and bulk from their pack. Backcountry travel on fat skis often means carrying cumbersome, stiff skins that take up half a touring pack. Pomoca solves this by using a proprietary ultralight, supple backing membrane paired with a low-profile plush that compresses down to a fraction of the size of standard climbing skins. The plush consists of a 70% mohair and 30% nylon blend, hitting the sweet spot of low-drag glide and reliable mechanical grip. On long approaches and low-angle run-outs, the Free Pro glides with minimal resistance, saving noticeable leg fatigue over a full day of climbing. The factory waterproofing treatment prevents the plush from wetting out and clumping in moist spring snow, while Pomoca's signature glue formula provides solid adhesion without turning transitions into a test of upper-body strength. The primary concession here comes down to durability and cost. With a retail price hovering around $290, this is an expensive piece of equipment. Additionally, the thinner backing material requires more attentiveness around sharp ski edges and rocky bootpacks than standard-weight workhorse models. **Highlights** * Supple, highly compressible backing packs down small inside a jacket or pack * 70/30 mohair-nylon blend delivers fast, low-friction glide on flats and gradual ascents * Factory waterproofing membrane effectively resists snow water saturation * Balanced glue formula allows smooth, predictable rip-and-pack transitions * Reliable tip loop and low-profile adjustable tail clip system **Watch-outs** * High price point compared to entry-level and mid-range competitors * Thinner backing fabric demands careful handling around sharp ski edges
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#2 on this list
Tour Pro
Pomoca
The Pomoca Tour Pro is widely regarded across independent gear outlets as the quintessential all-round climbing skin. It is aimed directly at dedicated touring skiers who want an uncompromising mix of low-effort glide, consistent traction on firm tracks, and dependable adhesive performance through varied temperature swings. It takes the guesswork out of skin selection for traditional winter touring setups. Like its lighter sibling, the Tour Pro employs a 70% mohair and 30% nylon plush. This proportion gives users the fast, effortless sliding properties of natural mohair fiber while retaining the mechanical wear resistance and climbing bite of synthetic nylon. The backing is robust enough to endure repeated transitions and abrasive spring conditions without stretching out of alignment or separating along the edges. Its traditional glue offers reliable stick even on third or fourth laps in biting cold. While the Tour Pro glides exceptionally well, pure nylon models will still hold a slight edge in raw climbing grip on excessively steep or slick skin tracks. At roughly $270, it also represents a notable financial investment, but its dependable day-in, day-out performance justifies the premium for frequent tourers. **Highlights** * 70% mohair and 30% nylon mix provides class-leading glide-to-grip efficiency * Traditional hot-melt glue remains tacky across extreme cold-weather transitions * Durable construction withstands edge contact and multi-season wear * Integrated anti-glopping treatment prevents slush accumulation * Straightforward universal tip and tail attachment hardware **Watch-outs** * Expensive initial retail price * Pure nylon skins offer more absolute traction on bulletproof, steep ascents
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Free Pro | Tour Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Plush Blend | 70% Mohair, 30% Nylon | 70% mohair, 30% nylon |
| Approximate Price | Around $290 | Around $270 |
| Tail Attachment | Adjustable low-profile camming tail clip | Adjustable camming tail clip |
| Tip Attachment | Fixed wire tip loop | — |
| Membrane Type | Ultralight waterproof backing barrier | — |
| Intended Use | Freeride touring and fast-and-light travel | — |
| Adhesive Type | — | Traditional hot-melt glue |
| Core Category | — | All-around backcountry touring |
| Glide Profile | — | High-efficiency touring plush |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Free Pro
- Significantly lower pack volume and weight than conventional climbing skins
- Exceptional forward glide efficiency saves energy on long approaches
- Supple backing material folds easily to fit inside a jacket during laps
- Reliable glue adhesion provides smooth, low-effort transitions
- Premium price point near $290 sits above most competitors
- Thinner backing fabric requires careful handling around sharp ski edges
- Less mechanical grip on firm, icy skintracks compared to pure nylon
Tour Pro
- 70/30 mohair-nylon mix provides exceptional glide without sacrificing wear life
- Traditional hot-melt glue performs consistently across severe temperature swings
- Waterproof backing membrane prevents moisture transfer and plush waterlogging
- Low-profile packability fits easily into touring jacket pockets during laps
- High upfront retail cost compared to standard synthetic skins
- Delivers less raw mechanical grip on icy, steep tracks than pure nylon
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.