Climbing gloves

Climbing gloves are one of those pieces of kit that are often overlooked-until a rope burn or rock abrasion reminds you just how essential they are. Designed to protect your hands without sacrificing tactile sensitivity, they're ideal for belaying at the crag as well as long days on via ferrata routes.

Why wear climbing gloves?

Essential protection for your hands

Every time a rope passes through a belay device, friction generates heat that can quickly become painful. Climbing gloves absorb these mechanical and thermal stresses thanks to reinforced palms, often made from goatskin or abrasion-resistant synthetic leather. Beyond comfort, it's a real safety issue: a climber with protected hands maintains a better grip on the rope and can react more calmly in the event of a fall to catch.

The different types of gloves available

Not all climbing gloves serve the same purpose. Your choice depends above all on your activity and the conditions you face.

• Full-finger gloves: covering the entire fingers, they offer maximum protection against rope friction. They are particularly suitable for belaying, abseiling, and multi-pitch climbing where rope handling is prolonged.
• Fingerless gloves: leaving the fingertips free, they maintain the sensitivity needed to handle carabiners, quickdraws, and knots with precision, while still protecting the palm.
• Insulated gloves for cold weather: featuring a thermal lining and sometimes a windproof membrane, these are designed for winter climbing or high-altitude mountaineering, where freezing temperatures put your hands to the test.

How to choose the right climbing gloves?

Key criteria to consider before buying

Poorly chosen climbing gloves can quickly become a hindrance: too large and they slip, reducing dexterity; too stiff and your hands tire after a few pitches. Several factors deserve your attention:

• Size: measure the circumference of your dominant hand at the knuckles and refer to the manufacturer's guide. If in doubt, the larger size usually offers better freedom of movement.
• Material: natural leather (goat, cowhide) combines durability with progressive suppleness. Synthetic leather dries faster and remains lighter, a real advantage on long outings.
• Grip: the texture and coating of the palm determine how well you hold the rope or cable. Look for anti-slip reinforcements, especially if you do via ferrata.
• Wrist closure: an adjustable Velcro strap prevents the glove from riding up during dynamic moves and ensures a secure fit.

Which glove for which discipline?

For multi-pitch routes where you're belaying and abseiling repeatedly, a full-finger glove in thick leather is the safest choice. Via ferrata, with its metal cables and rungs, requires a model with reinforced palms to withstand prolonged abrasive contact. When conditions get tough-wind-exposed faces, biting cold at altitude-gloves with a waterproof membrane and light insulation help you keep finger mobility while staying warm. Some versatile models are also invaluable for other outdoor activities such as mountaineering or technical hiking in challenging terrain. Explore our full range of climbing and mountaineering accessories to complete your kit.

Leading climbing glove brands

The Cordex from Petzl is a great example of what you want in a climbing glove: a tough leather palm, precise wrist fit, and a fingerless version for climbers who prioritise dexterity. Black Diamond offers a wide range, from lightweight belay gloves to insulated models for high mountains, with special attention to palm grip. Camp completes the selection with technical gloves suited to every vertical activity, from via ferrata to mountaineering. Ocun also offers several models praised for their fit and value, especially in fingerless designs.

Climbing gloves FAQ

How do you care for climbing gloves?

Natural leather gloves should be cleaned by hand with lukewarm water and mild soap, then left to air dry away from direct heat sources that could harden the material. Applying a nourishing balm once or twice a season helps maintain leather suppleness and significantly extends glove life. For synthetic models, rinsing with clean water after outings in dusty or wet environments is usually enough to keep the coating performing well.

What size climbing gloves should I choose?

Measure the circumference of your hand at the knuckles, without tightening the tape, then compare this value with the manufacturer's size guide. Sizing varies between brands: an M from Petzl does not necessarily match an M from Black Diamond. If you're between sizes, the larger size generally offers more comfort for handling ropes and gear.

What materials are used for climbing gloves?

Manufacturers combine several materials depending on the glove area and intended use. Goatskin or cowhide dominates for the palms, as it offers abrasion resistance and progressive suppleness with use. The back of the hand often uses synthetic fabrics-nylon, elastane-for breathability and freedom of movement. Some high-end models feature Kevlar reinforcements on high-wear areas, while waterproof membranes may be included for outings in wet or very cold conditions.

Discover our full selection of climbing gloves at Snowleader, with free delivery from £199 and free returns within 60 days.