What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:"I skinned up a long approach outside Silverton with the Pilus Navis Freebird Touring Skin, and the mohair blend gripped steep, icy switchbacks without ever slipping. The membrane kept the glue clean and tacky through a full day of transitions, even as temps swung from sunrise cold to midday slush. Glide felt smooth enough that I actually looked forward to the flats."Sunrise hits the valley floor as the skins go on, and the Pilus Navis Freebird Touring Skin from Black Crows gets strapped in for the climb ahead. Switchback after switchback, the skin holds its line on steep, icy sidehills, letting you focus on breathing and rhythm instead of second guessing your next step. By the time you reach the ridge, the only thing on your mind is the descent waiting on the other side. That reliability comes down to the details built into every skin. The metal hook tip fixation locks in tight and stays put through hours of climbing, while the adjustable tail strap keeps everything snug no matter how the terrain shifts underfoot. A PFC free water repellent treatment cuts back on unnecessary chemicals without giving up an ounce of grip or glide, so the skin performs the same on day one as it does deep into the season.