Climbing gloves

Via ferrata gloves
THE classic in this product category. Because without this protective equipment, little can be done on the “iron roads”. The requirements are clear. Firstly, you need protection to avoid painful (friction) blisters.
Secondly, these gloves are of course also designed to prevent tearing on worn steel cables. And thirdly, they also provide thermal protection, e.g. on cold days or in the mountains.
Our two product recommendations are Kong Alex Gloves and Stubai climbing gloves Eternal 3/4.
As a rule, models made of synthetic material are softer and fit very well straight away. Leather products are somewhat stiffer to begin with and need to be broken in first. However, they often last longer.

Climbing gloves for belaying
These models, also known as “belay gloves”, are clearly very popular with sport climbers and indoor climbers. And for good reason.
This is because the “Belay Gloves” protect against the heat generated, especially when lowering. Whether manual or semi-automatic belay device. In both cases, the climbing rope in the breaking hand causes a lot of friction and therefore heat.
Positive side effect. In slightly colder temperatures, your fingers stay nice and warm when securing your partner!
Our product tip: the best-selling glove is the Metolius Belay Glove! Made from slightly thicker leather, it offers the best long-term protection and a long service life.

Gloves for work at heights
The use of climbing gloves naturally overlaps time and again. This means that there are some products that can be used for many activities. For example, normal via ferrata models for work at heights.
However, certain features have proven to be very helpful for rope access work. That’s why you often find these features in “pure” work at heights gloves.
Firstly, a hanging loop or eyelet. Secondly, the fingers (tips) are often made of soft material. This makes it easier to use tools. And thirdly, the palms are significantly reinforced. As a result, these gloves withstand the abrasion of rappelling better.
We can warmly recommend the Edelrid Work Glove.

Climbing gloves for big walls
Several days on the wall, countless rope maneuvers, even more piton strikes and ascender in your hands all the time. Welcome to big wall climbing.
Gloves are therefore essential to protect against blisters and calluses. The so-called 3/4 models are particularly advantageous here. On the one hand, they offer free fingertips and therefore allow “normal” climbing. And secondly, you can hold the gear with your bare fingers as usual.
Our product tip:  The “soft” Singing Rock Falconer 3/4 gloves. If you want something more “robust”, you should choose the Metolius Climbing Glove.
 

Gloves for bouldering
Bouldering is mainly done in the colder seasons. That’s why warming protection for your hands is ideal when approaching, warming up and between attempts.
Consequently, there are logical requirements for climbing gloves when bouldering.
They should not be too thick to save space in your rucksack. Ideally, they should have a flap over the fingertips. This allows you to warm up / cool down without having to take them off.
That’s why many people have fleece models in their bouldering gear. These are both light and warm. They also often have the desired “finger flap”.

Climbing gloves for the Alpine
When alpine climbing, you often need thermal protection for your hands. This is because it doesn’t matter whether you are approaching, waiting at the belay or descending. It can often get very uncomfortably cold.
So which model to choose? Basically, the model of your choice should not be too big or thick. This is because you will only have limited space or will want to put the gloves in your jacket pockets. That’s why various types of fleece gloves are ideal here.
Whether something thicker or thinner depends solely on your preferences and the temperatures. The same applies to the question of whether to wear closed gloves or a model with open fingertips and a flap.