Just like you'd never leave your smartphone at home, you'd never leave your Karakoram Smart Skins behind on a backcountry tour, otherwise you're heading back home and either staying there or making your touring partners wait for you. Both options suck, but what doesn't suck is the skin's perfect blend of nylon and mohair for a solid performance whether you're gripping the steeps or gliding across the not-so-steep. The tip and tail fit most splits securely, and the glue is neither too sticky nor too slippery.