The 10 Best Climbing Gloves

The Climb X Super Crack are made of the same kind of rubber that's used in climbing shoes, making them extremely grippy on all types of rock surfaces. The flexible material molds to your hands over time, though it does tend to get slippery with sweat and moisture.

The full version of the brand's popular half-finger model, the Black Diamond Crag extends its synthetic leather padding to every digit, giving you more protection when manipulating belay and rappelling devices. They're also very breathable and budget friendly.

These Mrsight 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 for versatility, whereas a true climber might shun the polyurethane lining due to its lack of grip.

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.

Serious gear snobs may scoff at the idea, but few mitts beat a pair of Wells Lamont Premium in terms of affordability and convenience. The thick, loose-fitting cowhide won't offer a precise enough feel for wall climbing, but is great for belaying and rope-wrangling.

The Outdoor Research Women's Seamseeker come stitched with a sleek split-suede overlay, increasing their durability, plus gel-lined palms that dissipate heat and give them a snug feel. They're perfect for climbing, rope work, or really any hand-intensive activity.

These Metolius 3/4 Finger extend from the major knuckles to the minor, which provides added warmth while also protecting the bottom half of your digits from cuts and abrasions due to exposure. The cowhide leather exterior is triple-stitched for reinforcement.

Designed for the minimalist, Ocun Crack Gloves have been specifically made for protecting the backs of the hands and little more. They're mostly resigned to crack climbing, in that their webbing can add grip and protect exposed hands from brushing up against sharp rocks.

With ventilated mesh backs and significant padding on the palms, the Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger let you move back and forth between belaying and crag-scaling without missing a beat. They are extremely lightweight and come with belt clips and adjustable cuffs.

High quality materials like padded goat leather and Kevlar stitching make the Black Diamond Stone one of the most versatile options. Their fingerless design helps maintain dexterity across a range of situations, whether it's handling carabiners or hanging on a zipline.