Ice Climbing Gloves

I am on a quest to find reasonably priced and durable ice climbing gloves. I have tried hi-dollar gloves from Patagonia, BD, Moutain Hardware, and OR. and have not been impressed with them.

The exception is the OR Alibi and Mixalot's. The problem is that they have no insulation value - great for dry tooling but not for a cold long day in the park at Ouray.

I started using these eather-hybrid work gloves(l) for daily runners in thee ice fields. After coating them in sno-seal they do pretty good, in a day of climbing and I will go through 2 or 3 pairs. They are great for leading, good dexterity for clipping and working with tools and gear - all the while keeping my hands fairly warm.

The problem with them is the descent. The leather is too thin to hold up very long (given they are usually soaked) to rope abrasion. I will burn through 2 or three pairs a season. As a result I have started carrying a separate pair of gloves for the descent, Link Here.

So what do you use for gloves in long day ice climbing? Am I the only one that is trying to balance the cost, functionality, and durabilty?

lots of gloves, when one gets wet put on a fresh pair.

I bought a pair of Rab Latok gloves at Ouray Mountain Sports last year. After going through pretty much what you were describing. I was able to climb pretty much all day in them without them getting wet at all. The only problem was on a few of the warmer days I was climbing they got a little sweaty.

us.rab.uk.com/products/mens…

Make sure they are big enough. Slightly undersized gloves can make ice climbing a completely miserable experience. Pro lite sells the camp hot glove which is super in my opinion. The Rab Latok has treated a friend well for leading. It is also good to have something more dexterous for mixed and perhaps the Rab ice gauntlet as a utility/ rappelling glove. It is certainly good to have multiple pairs.

OR Arete (the newer version), a bit thin for cold day, but good dexterity

I have the Rab Latoks and have used them for I think 3/4 seasons.

If still made in the U. S. the Filson wool lined leather is still my favorite glove.

I bought a pair that were outsourced made in China that fell apart but my original U.S, made pair I still wear, albeit pretty beat up I still love them.

I also agree with the other post lots of gloves in a day.

I usually pack 4/5 pairs with me for any day out.

I'd tried the OR alibis and had a similar experience. Great dexterity but they're about as waterproof as a cotton sock. The BD Punishers are good gloves but they'll last for about a month of climbing.

Check out the Perfect Curve glove from Glacier Gloves...pre-curved, super sticky neoprene with fleece lining...saw them at a bike shop but the sales guy said people have raved about them many who ice climbed. Got a pair for Christmas and will try them tomorrow! Look really promising, waterproof, great dexterity, warm lining etc.

www.glacierglove.com

Really like the Mammut Guide Work Glove -- has just the right amount of insulation, warmth, good grip, and water resistance.

e.g. backcountry.com/mammut-guid…

Have you tried the OR ALPINE aliby? I liked them a lot although they are pricey. Warm and dexterous. Also over the cuff cinch which is so much better than under the cuff like the punishers.

Punishers -- or be nooober

I run BD Enforcers up in Nome, I was climbing 3 weeks ago the local fall, in -20, ice was still live and flowing.. Got soaked but my hands stayed warm the entire time. I highly recommend them.

OR Stormtrackers for leading and a good pair of warm-fluffy gloves for belays and following in. I have two pairs of Stormtrackers for longer routes where one might wet out, keep the second pair inside your mid layer and they're toasty warm when you need them to be.

Beagle wrote:OR Stormtrackers for leading and a good pair of warm-fluffy gloves for belays and following in. I have two pairs of Stormtrackers for longer routes where one might wet out, keep the second pair inside your mid layer and they're toasty warm when you need them to be.

Kinco gloves are the best. Cheap ($20.00 +/-)

Issue to snowmakers at Eldora ski area.

Carry two pairs, that way you can switch mid day.

I own the arc'teryx venta sv and the storm tracker-the storm tracker is very similar in dexterity-just not as warm. Great gloves and would definitely by again. That said-I would get the arc'teryx for sure if you could find them on sale (unlikely).

Whoever posted lots of gloves had it right. That being said, I've been using the new Mountain Hardwear Hydra Pros and absolutely love them. At first they seem just too good to be true, but yet my hands stay dry. Drippy ice, hands dry. 55 mph winds and snow, dry hands. Oh yeah, the best part? Warm hands!

Lots of good gloves out there, this one has really impressed me. I'm buying another pair, but I also plan on buying the Latoks as well.

I really like the Dakine Mustang- I have had really good luck with those- super comfy with great dexterity and well made.