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Hey fellow climbers! I’ve been on a quest to find the best climbing gloves for what feels like an eternity, and let me tell you, my hands have been through some serious trials and tribulations in the process. From cragging to crack climbing, I’ve put a bunch of gloves to the test, and I’m excited to share my top three favorites with you all! Not only will I be giving you my mini-reviews, but I’ll also drop some wisdom in the form of a handy buyer’s guide to help you on your own quest for the perfect pair.

So, without further ado, here are the three gloves that have earned their spot in my climbing arsenal:

• Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger
• Outdoor Research Splitter Gloves
• Petzl Cordex Plus

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Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger

So, I recently took the plunge and decided to try out the Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger gloves. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer—or should I say, crag-changer.

First off, if you’ve ever felt like all your other climbing gear makes you look like you’re about to join a secret ninja society, these gloves will complete the look, minus the brooding backstory. Honestly, comfort is clutch when it comes to gear, and these gloves deliver. The half-finger design is perfect for those of us who enjoy a little bit more contact with the rock while still wanting to protect our hands from turning into grated cheese.

So, here’s how they held up:

• Grip: 10/10. I felt like Spider-Man scaling those walls. Though I’m pretty sure that was more wishful thinking than glove performance.
• Durability: These bad boys have survived through a few intense climbs already, and they still look like they could withstand a zombie apocalypse. Fingers crossed, I won’t need to test that out.
• Breathability: Considering how much my palms sweat out of sheer terror, the breathability is a blessing. No more playing the game of “Is it water or am I nervous?”
• Style: Sophisticated elegance with a touch of “I mean business.” Definitely made me feel like a rock star on rock (get it?).

A little personal pro tip: be sure to double-check your size before you buy. I almost ordered a pair that would fit my cat better than my own hands. You can always try them on at your local gear shop or check out the sizing guide here.

Overall, I’m very much in love with my Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger gloves. The only downside? I do miss the feel of the rock slightly, but you can’t have it all, can you? All in all, the added grip and protection without turning my hands into a sauna make these a keeper in my gear bag. Give them a shot—your hands will thank you!

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Outdoor Research Splitter Gloves

So, here’s the thing. I was having a bit of a love-hate relationship with my hands on rock, like most climbers. You know how it goes: elegant moves disrupted by unintentional blood donations to the crag. Enter the Outdoor Research Splitter Gloves, my newfound palm protectors and confidence boosters.

Fit and Feel: Once I slipped these bad boys on, I felt downright regal. They fit like a second skin—if that skin were specifically designed for superhero-like performances on crack climbs. It’s like architecting the perfect balance between dexterity and protection. The construction is solid, yet lightweight. Goldilocks would wholeheartedly approve.

Performance: Let’s just say my relationship status with crack climbs has been updated to “It’s complicated (in a good way).” There’s so much less friction burns and zero post-climbing whimpering. Last week on a classic route, I felt like Spider-Man—my hands stuck securely without feeling weighed down or awkward. The gloves offer the ideal amount of friction, allowing for smooth hand jams. You know that feeling when you sink a jam, and it just feels right? Yup, these gloves help you hit that sweet spot.

Durability: After dragging these through the proverbial wringer (read: scraping against endless granite walls), they’re still rocking strong. No major signs of wear and tear yet, which is more than I can say for my pre-glove hands. Lifespan thus far: 10/10.

Bonus Points: They also double as an excellent conversation starter at the crag. People will ask, “Are those gauntlets of a climbing knight?” You just smile and crack (pun totally intended) a joke about being the Dark Knight of cracks. Trust me, it slays every time.

All in all, the Outdoor Research Splitter Gloves are like your witty climbing partner: reliable, functional, and always there to save your skin when you’re getting in over your head. If you haven’t tried them yet, what are you waiting for? Give your hands the love they truly deserve. Your trusty tape roll can finally retire… or go do something useful in your home toolkit.

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Petzl Cordex Plus

Alright, let’s talk about the Petzl Cordex Plus gloves, my trusty sidekicks on the crag. I gotta tell you, these things are like the superhero cape of my climbing gear—except, you know, for my hands.

First things first, let’s get into the fit. I slipped these bad boys on, and they felt like they were custom-made for me. It’s like Petzl somehow scanned my hands in my sleep and went, “Ah, yes, we’ve got you covered.” They’re snug but not too tight, allowing for a perfect Goldilocks level of dexterity. No more sausage fingers accompanied by potential harness blunders.

Now, as any seasoned climber knows, belay gloves can sometimes feel like wearing medieval armor. Not with the Cordex Plus! They’re so lightweight that I momentarily forgot I was wearing gloves when reaching for my trusty water bottle. Seriously, at one point, I might have flexed my fingers and posed like I was entering a hand modeling competition.

Let’s talk durability, which is crucial when you aren’t exactly the most delicate belayer on the block. These gloves rock that double-layered leather where I need it most. I’ve put them through their paces, and they’ve withstood every rope burn and gritty rappel I could throw at them—even when I decided it was a brilliant idea to climb all weekend and make zero effort to avoid jagged edges. Needless to say, they took it all like champions.

• Breathability: My hands tend to turn into personal saunas at the slightest exertion, but surprisingly, I didn’t find myself caught in a clammy handshake drama.
• Velcro & Fit: Special shoutout to the adjustable Velcro that manages to cling on like a koala to a eucalyptus tree.
• Value for Money: Okay, they might not be the cheapest out there, but hey, they didn’t cost me my sanity or my smokes on sharp rocks—which feels priceless after one too many ‘ouch’ moments in the past.

To sum it up, if you’re in the market for gloves that combine durability, comfort, and a dash of swagger while belaying, these gloves are it. Fair warning though, you may start offering unsolicited hand comparisons with every climber you meet. And if you’re as lucky as I am, they’ll dramatically reduce the number of times you end up swearing like a sailor because of unexpected rope burns. So, what are you waiting for? Your hands deserve this little slice of climbing luxury.

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Best Climbing Gloves Buyer’s Guide

So, you’re in the market for some climbing gloves? Welcome to the club! Or should I say, welcome to the wall? Either way, you’re embarking on a journey to find your hands a new best friend — something that goes beyond just keeping them warm. If your mitts are anything like mine after a long climb, you’ll appreciate the value of a great pair of gloves.

Personal Preferences & Background

Let’s start with a bit about me: I’m the person who once thought any old gloves would do when scaling crags. Fast forward to several nerdy purchases and a couple of frozen fingers later, I consider myself somewhat of a glove connoisseur. Trust me, I’ve tried enough pairs to know when it’s love at first grip.

What Makes a Good Climbing Glove?

1. Material: You want gloves that can take a beating yet remain as supple as a ballerina. Look for durable fabrics like leather or synthetic blends. If you’re an ice climber, something waterproof is a must. Just think of all those soggy towel experiences you’ve lived through — your fingers deserve better!

2. Fit & Dexterity: It’s just like buying skinny jeans — you don’t want them too tight, but they need to give you shape (and in this case, grip). Make sure the gloves fit snugly without cutting off circulation. If you can’t clip a carabiner, what’s the point?

3. Warmth: Consider your climate. I’ve climbed in conditions colder than a polar bear’s nose and warmer than my mom’s holiday fruitcake. Match your glove warmth to your typical climbing temperature to avoid frostbite or sweat-drenched fingers.

4. Grip: A glove is pointless if you’re slipping and sliding like you’re auditioning for a role in a penguin ballet. Find gloves with rubberized palms or fingertips for grip.

My Top Picks

• Black Diamond Crag Gloves: These are lightweight and breathable, perfect for those sunny craggy adventures. Plus, they’re budget-friendly. Your wallet might even give you a high five.
• PETZL Cordex Plus Gloves: Okay, these are like the sports cars of climbing gloves — stylish, durable, and they handle well. Ideal for rappelling and belaying.
• Outdoor Research Alti Mitts: If you ice climb, these are your go-to. They’re the equivalent of wrapping your hands in a cozy blanket, without sacrificing dexterity. Penguins have been known to nod approvingly at these.

Pro Tips

“There’s a fine line between too warm and not warm enough when you’re hanging off an ice wall. I like to say it’s the invisible thread that holds the climbing world together.”

And there you have it — my two cents on making sure you’ve got the best climbing gloves for your needs. Remember, it’s not just about avoiding a glove fiasco (been there, done that), but truly elevating your climb — pun entirely intended!

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