Extremities

Ice Gauntlet

£100 ■ Weight 200g (size L) ■ Sizes XS-XL (unisex)

IT'S GOOD

Designed for ice climbing, but the extra features make it great for handling ice axes, trekking poles and scrambling over a rocky winter ridge to a summit. There is a Gore-Tex Active waterproof lining inside, with shockabsorbing gel on the bag of the hand to reduce impact from knocks, while leather reinforces the palm for durability. Kevlar throughout the palm of the hand and fingers increases durability further. You get a soft nose wipe and a cuff that can be slipped inside or outside a jacket sleeve. There is a wrist leash and cuff adjustment, and they are well insulated for winter, too. The fit was very close and, since the palm is pre-curved, felt very natural and dexterous.

HOWEVER

The price tag is steep and there is no women-specific version, so you need to think if you really need the benefits, which are primarily down to durability at the palm as well as those gel inserts to take out any knocks from rocks. Some other gloves do have longer and wider cuffs, and wrist adjustment, too.

VERDICT

Great for climbing or mountaineering, but the Ice Gauntlets offer more performance than hillwalkers need so you can save cash easily and still be well equipped with a less-expensive option.