I love scrambling. But without doubt it can be hard going on the hands.
Still, in the summertime I prefer not to wear gloves because I don’t like to sacrifice dexterity.
However, in the Autumn and winter months when those mountains get incredibly cold, gloves become absolutely essential. You do NOT want freezing fingertips when you’re scrambling.
But at the same time you still need full mobility and grip in your hands. And this is where scrambling gloves come in. I’ve tried all sorts of gloves for scrambling (because I am fussy and hard work and tend to get a bit weird about my hands not feeling free enough). And these are the ones I’ve found actually are the best for scrambling…
Black Diamond Crag Gloves
These are the ones I wear for scrambling (and then I’ll take a warmer pair or even heated gloves with me for once the scramble is over because crag gloves are never going to be warmest).
I have the full finger women’s edition in grey and I LOVE them.
I got mine a couple of years back:
And I also had them in a fingerless version but I lost them on a mountain and was frankly devastated. Both the full and half finger versions are on Amazon slightly cheaper than on the Black Diamond website.
Black Diamond Full Finger Crag Gloves
- Lightweight and breathable stretch mesh fabric with ankle padding.
- Synthetic leather palm and fingers with index finger and reinforcement for durability.
- wrist strap with clip buckle.
- Ideal for climbing.
- The wrist strap allows for a perfect fit.
Black Diamond Half Finger Crag Gloves
- Breathable stretch mesh fabric and ankle padding
- Faux leather palm and fingers with reinforced index finger and thumb in crotch for durability
- Velcro cuff with pull-on/clip-in loop
- Weight: 50g
Things I really love about these:
- I still feel as though I have full movement in my hands and I’m not restricted which is so important when scrambling
- In summer, I used the half finger versions just to stop my palms getting sore but still allowing me to grip onto small ledges with my fingers
- They feel grippy. In some gloves I feel like my fingers are slipping and that isn’t the case in these
The downsides:
- It’s worth bearing in mind that Black Diamond highlights these for use in belaying and via ferratas. These gloves haven’t necessarily been designed specifically for scrambling
- They’re not hugely warm, so once you’re off your scramble you’ll almost certainly want another warmer pair of gloves for the rest of your hike it’s cold
Alternative Scrambling/Climbing Gloves
A hiking buddy of mine used to swear by scrambling in scaffolder/workie type gloves like these ones:
- All-round: the super-robust ACE Handyman – here in a value pack of 10 pairs – is a real all-round work glove and the perfect choice for all jobs where you need to grab hard!
- Value pack: per purchase you will receive 10 pairs of ACE Handyman protective gloves at excellent value for money – ideal as a storage pack for the workshop, hobby cellar or construction site
- Standard quality: approved according to EN 388 (protective gloves against mechanical risks) and therefore perfect for professional use in construction, in trade and in industry
- Coated: a shrink-roughened latex ribbed coating on the palm and on the fingertips not only makes the ACE Handyman robust, but also gives you a perfect grip
- Versatile: perfect for private use in the home and garden or in the hobby cellar - as well as for professional applications in carpentries, mechanics workshops, on construction sites, etc
Apparently you get great dexterity and protection but they typically only last a scramble or two.
Scrambling and Climbing Gloves
Amazon has a few additional options too:
Is it best to scramble with or without gloves?
I won’t lie. I much prefer not wearing gloves. But when it gets cold, I find it essential. If your fingers are absolutely freezing you simply don’t have the dexterity in them that you need.
I scramble unroped as opposed to rope climbing so I generally don’t need to worry about belaying or any kind of friction burn. And although my hands are often hard skinned I typically prefer this to gloves in the warmer months.
But I use gloves a lot in the winter months including on scrambles. Personally, I think the Black Diamond Crag gloves are the best scrambling gloves I’ve tried. But I’ve a hiking buddy who would swear by practically disposable scaffolding gloves. So I think we all have our preferences.
