Weston Upcycle Series: How to Make a Coozie Out Of Your Old Climbing Skins

At Weston, we have always been dedicated to creating high-quality gear that stands up to the rigors of backcountry exploration. But our commitment doesn't end there. We are equally passionate about minimizing our impact on the environment and inspiring others to do the same.

In this series, we'll show you ways to breathe new life into old equipment, giving it a fresh purpose and preserving the spirit of adventure within each piece. By upcycling, we can reduce waste, promote a circular economy, and extend the lifespan of cherished gear. Stay tuned as we provide you with step-by-step guides, tips, and a newfound appreciation for the possibilities that lie within your old gear.

Welcome, adventurous souls and creative spirits! Let's get started.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To embark on this exciting project, you'll need the following items:

1. Old ski climbing skins: These retired skins have served you well on the mountain but are ready for a new life.
2. Scissors or craft knife: Ensure you have a sharp tool for cutting the skins with precision.
3. Ruler or measuring tape: An essential tool to help you achieve the desired dimensions for your coozie.
4. Tape: While the skins are sticky, a bit of extra tape on the inside helps give the coozie some extra strength and integrity. 
5. Optional: Decorative elements such as patches, embroidery thread, or stickers to personalize your coozie.

Step 2: Determine the Size
Measure the circumference of the beverage container you want to fit your coozie around. Add a little extra for ease of sliding the coozie on and off. Use your ruler or measuring tape to measure and mark the length accordingly on the backside of the skin. We found 8.5” x 3.5” for the inner piece to work well, and 9” x 3.5” for the outer piece. The bottom/strap pieces are both roughly 10” x 1.5”. Feel free to mess around with the dimensions for other objects like a Nalegne bottle or other can.

Step 3: Cut and Shape the Skin
Carefully cut along the marked line, ensuring clean and even edges. Take your time to achieve a precise cut, as this will affect the final appearance of your coozie. Remember, measure twice, cut once!

Step 4: Create the Seam
Now, it's time to join the ends of the skin together to form a cylinder shape. Wrap the first piece around the can with the glue out, and back up with some tape.

Step 5: Apply the Bottom Strap
To prevent your beverage from slipping out the bottom, lay a strap over the bottom of the cylinder. Again, put the skin side in to prevent your can or beverage from sticking. You can back this up with more tape to keep everything in place.

Step 6: Repeat With Plush On the Outside
Finally, mirror what you did in the previous steps with the plush on the outside this time! Lay a second strap over the base, and then wrap the outer piece around to finish everything off! By doing two layers you’ll keep your drink extra cold, and have a cozy outer finish that feels great in your hand.

Step 7: Decorate and Personalize
Let your creativity shine! Sew on a Weston patch, use embroidery thread to add a personalized touch, or stick on some fun stickers. The choice is yours! Once your coozie is ready, slip it onto your favorite beverage container, and voila! You've created a one-of-a-kind coozie, reimagined from your old ski climbing skins. Feel free to share your masterpiece with us using #SlayPow. We’re stoked to see what you've come up with!

Remember, every adventure deserves a touch of uniqueness, and your coozie will be a testament to your passion for the outdoors. So, grab your scissors, don your creative hat, and let your imagination soar as you transform your old climbing skins into a cherished piece of gear. Happy crafting!