Mountain Equipment

Mantle

The Mantle might just be my new favourite glove for colder conditions. ‘Cycloknit’ is a patented fleece: on the inside, there’s high-lofting, gridded fluffy goodness, and on the outside, a flat, fine weave that shrugs off snow and light rain easily. The fingers seams are constructed on a box (three seams on each finger) design and the overall fit is just right for me – the fingers are not too long, and I can slide a very thin liner glove underneath without constricting the hand. Even worn like this, the box design means lots of dexterity – a rare thing for a cold-weather glove. The cuff is extended, but not so long as to cause uncomfortable bunching at the sleeve end, and there’s a big loop at the wrist to pull the glove on or attach to a karabiner. Performance has been exceptional: the fleece is really cosy, but the grid design and semi-airpermeable nature of the outer face mean that they are less prone to overheating. I was able to keep these on for longer, even when working hard. They will wet out in heavy rain but seem to dry quite quickly, if not completely soaked through. The ‘touchscreen-compatible’ thumb and index finger don’t work well at all, but it’s a small criticism in an otherwise very practical glove that has already proved itself in winter and should work well into the shoulder seasons on either side. The brand is also a Fair Wear member, achieving the highest ‘leader’ status, meaning it is working to improve working conditions in its supply chain.