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1. Understanding the specifics of ski touring gloves
Insulation and breathability: ski touring gloves must offer a perfect balance between thermal insulation and breathability. Good insulation is needed for cold descents and particularly icy days, while breathability is crucial on intensive climbs where hands can sweat. Materials such as Primaloft or merino wool are often used for their ability to provide warmth while allowing moisture to evaporate.
Waterproofing: An indispensable feature of any ski touring glove is its waterproofing. Membranes such as Gore-Tex or Hipora are highly effective at preventing water penetration while allowing internal moisture to escape, keeping hands dry.
Durability and Protection: Gloves must be built to withstand the wear and tear of rubbing against snow, rocks or equipment. Leather or synthetic reinforcements on palms and fingers can help prolong glove life. In addition, some gloves incorporate impact protection, particularly useful when falling or coming into contact with rocks or branches.
2. Choosing by type of use
Gloves vs. mittens: Gloves offer better dexterity, which is essential for handling equipment such as ski bindings or poles. Mittens, on the other hand, are generally warmer and might be preferred for extremely cold environments.
Light gloves vs. lined gloves: For long, vigorous climbs, a lightweight, more breathable glove may be advantageous. For descents or extreme weather conditions, a glove with a thicker lining may be more appropriate. Some gloves offer removable liners, increasing the glove's versatility according to conditions.
Short cuff vs. long cuff: Long cuffs offer better protection against snow, especially when falling in powder. Short cuffs, however, are often sufficient for hiking and can be more easily integrated under the jacket sleeve.
3. Additional considerations
Touchscreen compatibility: For those who use GPS devices or smartphones in the mountains, some gloves include touchscreen-compatible fingertips, which can be very handy.
Ease of movement: The ideal glove should allow complete freedom of finger movement without compromising warmth and protection. Testing grip while holding ski poles or adjusting equipment can be a good way of assessing this criterion.
Closuresystems: Closure systems, such as Velcro or elasticated pull tabs, should be easy to manipulate even with gloves on, enabling quick and secure adjustment.
In conclusion, the choice of ski touring gloves should be guided by a detailed analysis of your specific needs in terms of warmth, protection and functionality. Don't hesitate to try on several models and seek advice to find the glove that best meets your requirements as an advanced mountain sportsman. Choosing your gloves carefully will enable you to enjoy your ski touring adventures to the full, in complete comfort and safety.
