Comparison review: A UTMF complete runner has compared waterproof running gloves to keep you on the ultra trail

Spring to fall is the season for trail racing.

Especially when it lasts for long periods, such as ultra trail races over 70km, you may be forced to drive at night or respond to sudden changes in the weather.

Some races have essential items, and although rainwear and cold weather wear are carefully taken, something that is often overlooked is to deal with wet and cold weather on your hands. Especially when driving in high-cold regions during nighttime rain, me , long-term cold hands can lead to not only emotional but also significant damage.

So this time, we've compared the waterproof gloves you should carry from the perspective of completing an Ultra Trail race.

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Test results and spec comparison table
• Evaluation results - Recommended models by type
• Reviews of each item
• summary

About the gloves that were candidates for comparison this time

Selection criteria

I completed Ultra Trail Mount Fuji , which was held for the first time in two years, Fortunately, the weather was good all the way through, and we rarely used any rainwear or winter clothing we had prepared.

In the mountain parts such as the first mountain field, Tengoyama Massachusett, and the latter half of the mountain parts, Ishiwariyama and Shakushidake, contrary to initial expectations, the temperatures didn't drop much, and I was able to drive without putting on or taking off any clothes. However, temperatures drop at night and in the morning.

At that time, I was using the replacement of my gloves as a measure to keep warm. Just protecting your fingertips from cold will change your perceived temperature. The gloves prepared at this UTMF are three types: Salomon fingerless, thin merino wool, and Patagonia shell wind gloves. I used fingerless during the day, merino wool when driving at night, and shellwind in mountainous areas. This time, the weather was good and there was no rain, so this was effective, but after finishing the exam, I felt that if it had rained I might not have finished, and that choosing a gloves is the most important thing, especially for runners who are just about to finish, like me.

From this point of view, waterproof gloves for ultra trail races this time

• Waterproof and water repellent in rainy weather
• Can it be used alone for a long period of time from day to night?
• Can it be stored compactly?

We compared the criteria. moreover

• The model is designed for use on trekking.
• Can be purchased from authorized Japanese distributors, mail order sites, etc.

We have selected the following models that meet these conditions and are actually useful in trail races.

• Axe's Quinn Light Shell Waterproof Gloves
• finetrack Everbless Trail Glove
• mont-bell OutDry overglove fit
• ISUKA Weather Tech Ray Gloves
• Black Diamond Lightweight Waterproof

Test environment

Although it is intended for use alone, it may be used in combination with base layers in windy or severe cold, so we have prepared Exlit Limites Merino Touch Liner Gloves (photo) and tested the comfort when layered.

On a Sunday in May, when it rained relatively heavily (7mm precipitation) and the temperature wasn't very high (19°C), I tested it on a trail in Kamakura. During the test, I put on separate gloves in both hands and ran about 2km (30 minutes) in order to make it easier to experience the difference in performance. By the way, the rainwear I wear is a North Face Strike Trail Hoodie and pants.

When ratings and evaluations, we scored the following points on waterproofness, extremely time-consuming use, and compact storage, with the assumption that it would be used in trail running races in the rain.

1. Weight: Light is better to make it as fast as possible.
2. Waterproofing: The score was based on how resistant to water when wearing gloves.
3. Breathability: In order to keep you running comfortably for a long time in rainy weather, we scored it on the basis of breathability that is not stuffy.
4. Storage: Ultra races have trails as well as road sections, so gloves are not left on throughout. The score was based on whether it could be stored compactly in a limited capacity backpack.
5. Protection... There were technical situations on the course where you grab a chain or rope, and the score was based on whether it was safe to grab or not slipped.
6. Design...It's a design that looks good. This was scored based on the author's subjective opinion.
7. Price: Gloves are actually consumable items. There are quite a few price differences between models, so I deliberately made this an evaluation item.

Test results and spec comparison table

Evaluation results for each model

finetrack Everbreast Trail Glove

Fine track is also a fine track in gloves

This is ◎

• Water repellent
• Storageability
• Fit
• Not easily stuffy

This is △

• Thermal insulation
• Not completely waterproof

These gloves are made from Everpress, a waterproof and breathable material that is highly regarded as a rainwear material for FineTrack.

The material is very thin and stretchy, and when worn, it fits closely to your hand. As a result, I felt a bit worried about the waterproofness of the washbasin test, but when I ran in the rain, that anxiety was wiped out. It's like the hood of a waxed car, raindrops roll around the surface, and as you shake it off, water droplets fall in an instant.

The palm part is non-slip, so even when wet, it has a high grip and can be used safely on technical courses.

In addition to being used alone, I also put on a base layer on it to be used in cold weather, but in either case I didn't feel any stuffiness and realized high breathability. I don't think it's a problem even if you run for a long time.

It weighs 30g, and the material is thin, so when you don't need it, you can just put it in your shorts pocket and run. If you are considering using it in conjunction with a base layer, we recommend that you increase the size one size from what you normally use.

ISUKA Weather Tech Ray Gloves

A surprisingly useful dark hose waterproof gloves

This is ◎

• Waterproof
• Not easily stuffy

This is △

• Storageability
• weight

Ray Gloves made from Weather Tech, a high-performance material with a triple structure that is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and anti-condensation. There is a mesh inner layer inside the gloves, so it can be used without a base layer. It was highly waterproof, and thanks to the mesh innerwear, I didn't get stuffy while driving. Although the material is not stretchy, it fits better than it looks (size S). It also has anti-slip properties on the palm side, making it suitable for technical courses. I felt this was enough to accommodate most seasons except during the harsh winter. Another attractive feature is its cost-effectiveness. However, it weighs a little heavy, bulky at 88g, and cannot be used with smartphones.

Axe's Quinn Light Shell Waterproof Gloves

Powerful shell gloves that keep water at bay

This is ◎

• weight
• Waterproof
• Storageability

This is △

• Ease of getting stuffy
• Thermal insulation
• Palm protection

Excellent waterproof and breathablePERTEX SHEILDShell-shaped gloves made with. The 26g is the lightest of this item. I used it to drive on top of the base layer, but it was highly waterproof, and even after soaking it in the washbasin for a long time, there was no water infiltrating at all. It's light and compact so it won't bother you if you carry it with you all the time. You can also use your smartphone while it is attached. However, when the outside temperature was high, I gradually felt uncomfortable due to stuffiness inside, and there was no anti-slip side on the palm side, so I was a little concerned that the protection was low.

Layers are the basic gloves, so we recommend going up one size larger than the size you usually use.

mont-bell OutDry overglove fit

Gloves for walking rather than running

This is ◎

• Waterproof
• protection
• Durability

This is △

• weight
• Usability
• Storageability
• Ease of getting stuffy

Waterproof gloves using OutDry technology, which is waterproof and breathable. The palm part is made of Duragrip®, which is non-slip and has excellent abrasion resistance. It weighs a little heavier at 85g.

It was highly waterproof and had no flooding at all. However, when I ran with the base layer attached, I felt a slight discomfort due to stuffiness, and it was undeniable that the overall feel of gore was very comfortable to wear. As a result, you can operate your smartphone, but it is not very easy to use. Although it is perfect in terms of waterproofing, it seems to be a bit over-spec for use on trail runs.

Black Diamond Lightweight Waterproof

Waterproof gloves for cold weather

This is ◎

• Heat retention

This is △

• weight
• Storageability
• Ease of getting stuffy

These three seasons of hard shell gloves are made of waterproof and breathable material BDRY, making them perfect for wet conditions.

The gloves have a warm inner layer sewn on them, so I tried using them alone. First of all, regarding waterproofing, the wrist area is not waterproof, so the results were subtle in the washbasin test, but there was no problem with the field test. However, since there is an inner layer, the air inside the gloves does not flow easily, and it gets stuffy quickly while driving. It also weighs 88g, making it the heaviest of the items I've compared, and it cannot be stored compactly. If you use it for high-load activities such as trail runs, I don't think it's suitable for any season except when the temperature is low. The size is the same as usual and is fine.

A word review for each item

Waterproof

We soak them in water covered in the washbasin for 5 minutes, move our fingers to compare the degree of flooding, and we actually wear them on the field when the items are raining and run to compare them. As a result, that Axy's Quinn and Montbell are perfectly waterproof. However black diamonds was not an issue, but the water was flooded from the wrist, and the rating was slightly lowered for that area.

Breathability

When using for long runs, "not get stuffy" is a very important factor. This feature featured the finetrack everbreast trail glove However, the Isca Weather Tech Ray Gloves have a very well-made mesh inner structure, providing a very dry feel.

Storageability

Compactness is important for trail races where you are challenging with a backpack with a limited capacity. Finetrack Everbreast trail gloves protrude, making them compact and compact when you run in the pocket of your shorts. Axe's Quinn Light Shell Waterproof Gloves can be stored compactly and we recommend storing them in your backpack as a talisman in bad weather.

protection

Other than the Axe's Quinn Light Shell Waterproof Gloves the finetrack Everbreast Trail Gloves have anti-slip functions at the fingertips and palms, allowing you to firmly grasp chains and ropes.

design

Appearance is important after all. Just having it will boost your motivation. In this respect, this is just my subjective opinion, but the Axe's Quinn Light Shell Waterproof Gloves and Finetrack Everbreast Trail Gloves are visuals that make you want to actively bring them with you.

price

The Isca Weather Tech Ray Gloves are the cheapest of the items we have compared, and are highly rated for both waterproof and breathable properties, making them the most cost-effective.

summary

(1) Best Choice: Finetrack Everbreast Trail Glove

With my running ability, it takes around 15 hours for 70-80km, and over 100km, it takes nearly 20 hours.

Especially in mountain races, you don't know when the weather will change. At that time, the performance you need for gloves is not only waterproof, but it is not bothersome even when worn for a long time, and it is most important that you can store them at any time and not overload them.

From that perspective, the best choice the finetrack Everbreast Trail Glove .

The waterproof test was flooded and the results were disappointing, but in field tests it was confirmed to be highly water-repellent, and as long as it doesn't rain for a long period of heavy rain, I think this can be done with just one thing, from daytime to nighttime parts or in rainy weather in most races. If you are worried about the cold from early spring or winter races, bring a thin inner layer with you to fit in.

(2) Runner-up: Isca Weather Tech Ray Glove

Isca's Weather Tech Ray Gloves the runner-up , but to be honest, it was a model I didn't really expect much at first.

However, when I actually put it on and drive it, it is waterproof and doesn't get stuffy, and most importantly it's reasonably priced. This was such a high performance that it would have been close to the best choice if the design (appearance) and storage quality were good. This is a great model to add to your choice.

Hanazono Soichiro

Born in Nagasaki Prefecture. At the age of 40, he awakened to surf and moved to Kamakura. He started running when there were no waves and completed his first full race at the age of 47. After that, he awakened to a trail run and finished at Shinetsu Five Mountains, Hasetsune, Migahara, etc. at the time limit, and managed to complete the UTMF at the age of 55. I would like to convey the performance of the gear that is only understood by spending the fullest time.

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