GLOVES are a vital part of our kit list for a trip to the hills, and an item we can easily pack a few pairs of to see us through the varying conditions we might encounter on the day. The models we’ve tested for this review are classed as three-season – which means they’re good for general use outside of full winter hill conditions – but this definition becomes more nebulous when you look at the other factors involved in choosing a pair (or several!) of gloves.
Our reviewers have different needs when it comes to insulation levels, and they will find different designs more suitable and comfortable for their personal use in the same weather. Those of us who ‘run hot’ and have warm hands will need less insulation and so might opt for lighter gloves with better dexterity; cold hands will need bulkier gloves and sacrifice dexterity but might gain something in durability, to offset a potentially more expensive purchase.
Fit is important. A glove that is too tight can make our hands feel the cold quicker. Too loose and dexterity will suffer, meaning we might remove our gloves to complete tasks and thereby risk cold fingers. Wrist cuffs vary greatly; a short cuff will interfere with your clothing layers less and leave a watch more accessible but can leave a potential cold spot at your wrist. Cuffs that are longer and low-profile can tuck easily under a sleeve; looser and they’ll fit over it.
Fabrics vary greatly in performance, and we’ve covered as many options as possible in this review: windproof, waterproof, leather, merino and synthetic. All these fabrics have advantages and disadvantages in different conditions – hence why carrying multiple pairs of gloves is a viable option. Wet and windy will require a different amount of protection to cool and calm.
Gloves can also work well together as a system. The lightest liners can be the only gloves you wear all day and can stay on your hands when the weather changes. Rather than change gloves, you might slip a bigger glove over the top. It means you’ll still have
