Gear Review: Kohla Peak MixMohair Climbing Skins
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: Mt. Hood
Duration of Test: 4 tours
Product Name: Peak MixMohair Skin
Product Brand: Kohla
Best Use: Alpine Touring
Size: 110mm, various lengths, Nylon/mohair mix
The Full Review:
Skiing is an expensive sport—there’s no way around it. Backcountry skiing can be even harder on the wallet. While prospective AT skiers are generally aware of the high costs associated with light skis, tech bindings, and comfortable touring boots, the price and selection of skins, in my experience, is often an afterthought.
Always interested in saving money, I recently opted to buy a set of the Peak MixMohair Skins, from Kohla. Kohla is a small Austrian brand, and Next Adventure carries a closeout model of their mixed MoHair/Nylon skin. Kohla’s skins sit on the wall next to name brands like G3 and Black Diamond, and quite honestly the number one reason I chose to buy the Peak was cost.
The Peaks are an all-purpose skin for a somewhat experienced user. Newer backcountry skiers may appreciate the increased grip of a 100% nylon skin. Those with a larger pocketbook than myself will appreciate the more reliable components and warranty of a name-brand product. The tail attachment is undeniably a bit funky on the Peak, however, I’ve never had any problems with them staying on.
I found the Peaks to glide easily, grip well, and stick to my skis without issue. The Peaks are, without a doubt, a great buy. They are not the top of the line, however, they win the competition from a “bang for yer buck” standpoint.
The Good
Solid design, good performance, lightweight
The Bad:
Questionable longterm durability of the components
The Bottom Line:
These skins totally get the job done and beat the price and value of almost any other
The Full Review:
Skiing is an expensive sport—there’s no way around it. Backcountry skiing can be even harder on the wallet. While prospective AT skiers are generally aware of the high costs associated with light skis, tech bindings, and comfortable touring boots, the price and selection of skins, in my experience, is often an afterthought.
Always interested in saving money, I recently opted to buy a set of the Peak MixMohair Skins, from Kohla. Kohla is a small Austrian brand, and Next Adventure carries a closeout model of their mixed MoHair/Nylon skin. Kohla’s skins sit on the wall next to name brands like G3 and Black Diamond, and quite honestly the number one reason I chose to buy the Peak was cost.
The Peaks are an all-purpose skin for a somewhat experienced user. Newer backcountry skiers may appreciate the increased grip of a 100% nylon skin. Those with a larger pocketbook than myself will appreciate the more reliable components and warranty of a name-brand product. The tail attachment is undeniably a bit funky on the Peak, however, I’ve never had any problems with them staying on.
I found the Peaks to glide easily, grip well, and stick to my skis without issue. The Peaks are, without a doubt, a great buy. They are not the top of the line, however, they win the competition from a “bang for yer buck” standpoint.
The Good
Solid design, good performance, lightweight
The Bad:
Questionable longterm durability of the components
The Bottom Line:
These skins totally get the job done and beat the price and value of almost any other