8 Best Climbing Gloves | December 2016
We spent 25 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. If you are depending upon a good grip to prevent you from falling to injury or death, then a pair of these climbing gloves should be an essential part of your climbing gear. Our selection offers the option of open finger and closed to suit your particular climbing style or weather conditions.
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8
Designed for the minimalist, Ocun Crack Climbing Gloves have been specifically made for protecting the back of the hands and little more. Ocuns are mostly resigned to free-solo climbing, in that their webbing can protect exposed hands from brushing up against sharp rock.
- meant for bare-bones dexterity
- microfiber suede stretches to fit
- leaves the inner-palm exposed
| Brand | Ocun |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 2.1 ounces |
| Rating | 3.6 / 5.0 |
7
These Military Half-Fingers are made for climbing, hunting, and cycling, which could be both a strength and a weakness. An avid outdoorsman may prefer these gloves for versatility, whereas a true climber might shun the polyurethane lining due to its lack of grip.
- nylon wrist straps are waterproof
- can be used throughout the year
- susceptible to wear
| Brand | Mammut |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | pending |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5.0 |
6
The Petzl Cordex Plus are superb for keeping your fingers protected during cold-weather climbs. The leather lining overlays stretch nylon in certain areas for increased flexibility. The cuffs are thick and warm, but they may also cause some minor itching along the wrists.
- dual layers of leather prevent wear
- protection from extreme heat or cold
- these gloves are not waterproof
| Brand | Petzl |
|---|---|
| Model | K53 MT-PARENT |
| Weight | pending |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
5
The Outdoor Research Women's Seamseeker come stitched with a sleek split-suede overlay. These fingerless gloves are ideal for climbing, gardening, or even rope work. The palms of these gloves have been designed with a gel lining, which makes them feel snug.
- superior skin protection
- quick-drying breathable design
- custom-made to fit a woman's hand
| Brand | Outdoor Research |
|---|---|
| Model | 72695-856 |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
| Rating | 3.9 / 5.0 |
4
The Mammut Climb Gloves are made of goat leather with Kevlar stitching to prevent any type of tear along the seams. The knuckles and palms are padded to protect the bones from pointed rock, and the collar is adjustable. These gloves are high-end, and expensive.
- great for belaying and jugging
- include hook and loop for clipping
- may leave a slight film on palm
| Brand | Mammut |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | pending |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
3
The Mammut Climb are unique in that their tactile grip is made for year-round climbing on rock, snow, ice, and dirt. The outer lining of this glove combines Lycra and polyester with goatskin leather for a smooth and textured fit on the outside and a molded fit within.
- tight elastic improves dexterity
- cover hand up to the forearm
- fingers aren't made for tight crags
| Brand | Mammut |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | pending |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 |
2
Metolius Climbing Gloves are made with three-quarter length finger holes, which provide added warmth while also protecting the bottom half of your fingers from cuts and abrasions due to exposure. The cowhide leather exterior is triple-stitched for reinforcement.
- combine durability and style
- superb grip for any type of climbing
- available in a wide array of sizes
| Brand | Metolius |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | pending |
| Rating | 5.0 / 5.0 |
1
The Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger feature a ventilated mesh design. These gloves provide significant padding for knuckles and palms, so you can avoid abrasions whenever gripping crags or maneuvering between rocks. Both mitts come with belt clips and adjustable cuffs.
- perfect for rappelling
- machine washable for easy care
- come in black or cobalt blue
| Brand | Black Diamond |
|---|---|
| Model | Black Diamond |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
| Rating | 4.9 / 5.0 |
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