G3 Splitboard+ Universal Climbing Skins 2026/27 | All-Mountain Splitboard Skins
The 2026/27 G3 Splitboard+ Universal Climbing Skins are built for splitboarders who want dependable uphill traction, efficient glide, and reliable attachment across a wide range of backcountry snow conditions. Featuring G3's updated ChannelBond adhesive, durable nylon plush, and splitboard-specific tip and tail connectors, these skins deliver an excellent balance of grip, glide, weight, and durability.
Designed specifically for splitboards rather than adapted from traditional ski skins, the Splitboard+ Universal uses self-aligning tip connectors, low-profile camming tail clips, and an adjustable fit system to make installation, removal, and transitions straightforward.
Whether you're exploring the Canadian Rockies, touring in British Columbia's interior, or heading out for your first splitboard mission, the Splitboard+ Universal is a versatile choice for riders who want one reliable set of skins for changing conditions.
What's New for 2026/27?
The updated Splitboard+ Universal focuses on improving the reliability and usability of one of the most important pieces of backcountry touring equipment.
The headline update is G3's new ChannelBond adhesive, designed to provide a dependable bond between the climbing skin and the splitboard base.
Other important features of the updated design include:
- New ChannelBond adhesive for reliable and durable attachment
- Self-aligning splitboard tip connectors for easier positioning
- Low-profile camming tail clips for secure attachment
- Updated split backing paper for cleaner and easier trimming
- Non-toxic adhesive designed to perform down to -30°C
- PFC-free waterproofing treatment
- Recycled and recyclable storage packaging
Universal Nylon Plush for Balanced Grip & Glide
The Splitboard+ Universal uses a nylon plush material selected to provide a versatile balance of uphill traction, forward glide, durability, and weight.
Nylon skins are particularly appealing to splitboarders who prioritize dependable traction on steeper skin tracks and want equipment that can withstand regular use.
The Universal plush is designed to perform across a variety of conditions, including:
- Cold continental snow
- Firm and established skin tracks
- Soft powder approaches
- Variable spring conditions
- Mixed snow encountered on longer backcountry tours
For riders who want a dependable all-around skin rather than a specialized racing or maximum-glide option, the Universal provides an excellent starting point.
New ChannelBond Adhesive
The biggest update for the 2026/27 Splitboard+ Universal is G3's new ChannelBond adhesive technology.
This proprietary adhesive is engineered to maintain a reliable connection between the skin and the splitboard base during repeated uphill travel and transitions.
A dependable adhesive is especially important for splitboarders because skins are repeatedly removed, folded, stored, and reapplied throughout the day.
ChannelBond is designed to deliver durable adhesion while maintaining practical handling during regular backcountry use.
Cold-Weather Adhesion Down to -30°C
G3 specifies that the updated non-toxic adhesive performs in temperatures down to -30°C / -22°F.
For splitboarders touring in Alberta, the Canadian Rockies, and other cold continental snow climates, adhesive performance in low temperatures is an important consideration.
As with all climbing skins, keeping the adhesive clean and the board base free from excess snow and moisture will help maintain a secure connection during cold-weather transitions.
Self-Aligning Splitboard Tip Connectors
The Splitboard+ Universal uses board-specific self-aligning tip connectors designed to securely fit the wider tips found on splitboards.
These specially shaped connectors help position the skins correctly and maintain a reliable attachment during uphill travel.
Unlike generic ski skin hardware, the connectors are designed around the unique shape and requirements of splitboard halves.
Low-Profile, Snow-Shedding Tip Design
The minimalist tip connector design helps reduce snow accumulation underneath the attachment point.
Keeping snow from building up around the skin tip helps maintain a clean connection and reduces unnecessary bulk at the front of the board.
It's a small detail, but one that becomes more valuable during long tours and repeated transitions.
Secure Camming Tail Clips
At the tail, the Splitboard+ Universal uses a low-profile camming tail clip designed to lock securely onto the splitboard.
The camming mechanism allows the tail attachment to be tensioned and secured without excessive pulling or complicated adjustments.
This helps keep the skin positioned correctly throughout the climb while making removal straightforward when it's time to transition into snowboard mode.
Adjustable Length for a Secure Fit
The G3 Splitboard+ Universal is available in two overlapping size ranges, accommodating splitboards from 144 cm to 172 cm.
The adjustable tail attachment allows the skin length to be fine-tuned for a secure fit.
The overlapping sizing ranges provide flexibility for riders whose board lengths fall between sizes.
G3 Splitboard+ Universal Size Guide
| Size | Splitboard Length | Skin Width | Listed Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| S/M | 144-162 cm | 140 mm | 250 g / 8.8 oz |
| M/L | 154-172 cm | 140 mm | 266 g / 9.4 oz |
AQ Outdoors Sizing Tip: Choose the size that matches your splitboard length and confirm that the tip and tail connectors fit your board's shape. The skins are supplied at 140 mm wide and trimmed to match the individual splitboard halves.
140 mm Width with Custom Trimming
The Splitboard+ Universal comes in a 140 mm width that can be trimmed to fit the shape of your splitboard.
Proper trimming helps maximize usable traction while leaving the appropriate amount of metal edge exposed for grip on firm snow and sidehill traverses.
Because splitboards vary significantly in width and sidecut, trimming the skins to the individual board is an important part of achieving the best performance.
Included G3 Offset Trim Tool
Every set includes G3's patented offset trimming tool, designed to help achieve a clean and consistent cut along the edges of the splitboard.
The updated split backing paper makes trimming easier by helping keep the adhesive protected and preventing the plush material from contaminating the glue during installation.
For riders fitting their own skins at home, this simplifies one of the more intimidating parts of setting up a new splitboard.
PFC-Free Waterproofing Treatment
The 2026/27 Splitboard+ Universal uses a PFC-free waterproofing treatment designed to help reduce moisture absorption in the plush.
Managing moisture helps reduce snow buildup and maintains more consistent skin performance in changing conditions.
The updated construction also includes recycled and recyclable storage packaging.
Designed in Canada, Made in the USA
The Splitboard+ Universal is designed in Canada and manufactured in the USA.
G3's long history in backcountry touring equipment development is reflected in the splitboard-specific attachment hardware, adjustable fit, and practical approach to grip and glide.
Key Features & Specifications
- Model: G3 Splitboard+ Universal Climbing Skins
- Season: 2026/27
- Category: Splitboard Climbing Skins
- Best For: All-mountain splitboard touring
- Plush: Universal nylon
- Performance: Balanced grip, glide, weight, and durability
- Adhesive: New ChannelBond adhesive
- Cold-Weather Adhesive Rating: Down to -30°C / -22°F
- Width: 140 mm, trim-to-fit
- S/M Length: 144-162 cm
- M/L Length: 154-172 cm
- S/M Listed Weight: 250 g / 8.8 oz
- M/L Listed Weight: 266 g / 9.4 oz
- Tip Attachment: Self-aligning splitboard-specific hands
- Tail Attachment: Low-profile camming tail clip
- Length Adjustment: Adjustable tail attachment
- Trimming: G3 patented offset trim tool included
- Backing: Split backing paper for easier trimming
- Waterproofing: PFC-free treatment
- Packaging: Recycled and recyclable storage bag and box
- Design: Canada
- Manufacturing: USA
G3 Splitboard+ Universal vs Splitboard+ Grip
G3 offers different plush options to match how and where you tour.
Splitboard+ Universal: Designed to balance uphill traction with forward glide and durability. This is the best all-around choice for most splitboarders who encounter a variety of snow conditions.
Splitboard+ Grip: Prioritizes maximum traction and is particularly appealing for steep, firm, or icy skin tracks where uphill grip is more important than glide efficiency.
AQ Outdoors' recommendation: Choose Universal if you want one dependable skin for most of your touring. Consider Grip if your regular tours involve steep skin tracks and traction is your primary concern.
G3 Splitboard+ Universal vs Splitboard+ Glide
Splitboard+ Universal uses nylon plush for dependable traction and durability across changing snow conditions.
Splitboard+ Glide uses a mohair and nylon blend that prioritizes smoother forward glide and touring efficiency.
The Glide option may appeal to experienced splitboarders who spend long days covering distance and prefer a more efficient stride, while Universal provides a more traction-focused all-around option.
Who Should Choose the G3 Splitboard+ Universal?
- Splitboarders looking for dependable all-around climbing skins
- Riders touring in the Canadian Rockies
- Backcountry splitboarders exploring British Columbia
- New splitboarders who want a versatile first set of skins
- Experienced riders prioritizing durability and reliable traction
- Splitboarders looking for updated adhesive technology
- Riders who want splitboard-specific tip and tail connectors
- Anyone replacing older skins with worn adhesive or attachment hardware
Why We Like the Splitboard+ Universal at AQ Outdoors
Good climbing skins shouldn't require much thought once you're on the skin track.
They need to stick to your board, provide dependable traction, glide efficiently enough to keep you moving, and come off cleanly when it's time to ride.
The 2026/27 Splitboard+ Universal addresses those fundamentals with G3's new ChannelBond adhesive, durable nylon plush, and splitboard-specific attachment hardware.
We particularly like the Universal plush for the varied conditions common in Western Canada. From cold, dry snow in the Rockies to more variable coastal and interior conditions, the balance of grip, glide, and durability makes these a practical choice for most riders.
And while the downhill is usually the fun part, reliable skins make getting to the top considerably more enjoyable.
Shop G3 Splitboard+ Universal Skins at AQ Outdoors
Shop the 2026/27 G3 Splitboard+ Universal Climbing Skins through AQ Outdoors in Calgary and Edmonton. Our team can help select the correct skin length, explain trimming and installation, and compare G3 Universal, Grip, and Glide options for your splitboard and touring conditions.
G3 Splitboard+ Universal Climbing Skins FAQ
What's new with the 2026/27 G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins?
The updated skins feature G3's new ChannelBond adhesive, designed for reliable and durable attachment. They also include self-aligning splitboard tip connectors, camming tail clips, and an improved trimming setup with split backing paper.
What is ChannelBond adhesive?
ChannelBond is G3's proprietary climbing skin adhesive, designed to provide a reliable connection between the skin and the splitboard base during touring and repeated transitions.
How cold can the G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins be used?
G3 specifies that the updated non-toxic adhesive performs in temperatures down to -30°C / -22°F. Proper care and keeping the adhesive clean remain important in cold conditions.
Are G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins nylon or mohair?
The Universal model uses nylon plush to balance grip, glide, durability, and weight.
Are Universal skins good for the Canadian Rockies?
Yes. Their versatile nylon plush is well suited to the changing conditions encountered in the Canadian Rockies, including cold snow, established skin tracks, and variable terrain.
What sizes are available?
The Splitboard+ Universal is available in S/M for 144-162 cm splitboards and M/L for 154-172 cm splitboards.
What width are the skins?
The skins are supplied in a 140 mm width and are designed to be trimmed to fit your splitboard halves.
Do G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins need trimming?
Yes. The 140 mm skins are designed to be trimmed to match the shape of your splitboard. G3 includes its patented offset trimming tool to help achieve a clean fit.
Is a trimming tool included?
Yes. A G3 offset trim tool is included, along with split backing paper designed to make trimming easier and help protect the adhesive during installation.
How do the tip connectors work?
The skins use self-aligning splitboard-specific tip connectors designed to securely fit the wider tip shapes of splitboard halves.
What type of tail clips do the skins use?
The Splitboard+ Universal uses low-profile camming tail clips designed to lock securely in place and make attachment and removal straightforward.
What is the difference between Universal and Grip skins?
Universal skins prioritize a balance of grip, glide, and durability. Grip skins are designed for maximum traction, making them particularly useful on steep or firm skin tracks.
What is the difference between Universal and Glide skins?
Universal skins use durable nylon plush for balanced performance. Glide skins use a mohair and nylon blend to prioritize smoother forward glide and touring efficiency.
Are G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins waterproof?
The plush uses a PFC-free waterproofing treatment to help manage moisture and reduce snow buildup. The skins are not intended to function as waterproof barriers.
Where are G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins made?
The skins are designed in Canada and manufactured in the USA.
Where can I buy G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins in Canada?
Shop the 2026/27 G3 Splitboard+ Universal Climbing Skins through AQ Outdoors in Calgary and Edmonton. Our team can help with sizing, trimming, and choosing the right plush for your touring conditions.