The cold is also the real thing. For me, who is extremely sensitive to the cold, it's a time when I can't easily get on the run unless I take all the necessary measures to prevent the cold.
At times like these, the cold hands and feet, which are the ends of the body, are surprisingly difficult. When you run to a certain extent, your body warms, but your arms and legs that continue to hit the wind tend to soften and lose their senses, and they don't warm you easily, which is a very troublesome thing.
For this reason, gloves are essential for running and hiking in the winter, but as usual, there are a variety of models available depending on the purpose and climate. This time, we will introduce what kind of gloves are perfect for trail running (or running) and what model should I use? We'll collect some candidates and compare and review them. There must be many people who are secretly curious about it. Gloves are good too, but the dedicated gloves are definitely good!
table of contents
table of contents
- About the items we compared and tested this time
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Impressions of each model
- summary
About the running gloves compared this time
Five models compared this time. Among the many running gloves, we have chosen a model that is fully conscious of the heat retention, mobility and durability required to run on winter trails.
- Montane VIA Trail Glove
- mont-bell kurima barrier gloves
- Mountain Hardwear Death Nastimulus Grove
- Patagonia Wind Shield Gloves
- THE NORTH FACE Gore Claus Fit Tricot Gloves
Test environment
The following five points were set as indicators for review of the evaluation items.
- Fit: Even slight discomfort can be stressful while running. Whether the gloves fit well in your hand is a fundamental factor in the perfect gloves.
- Cold protection...When it comes to finding gloves that are perfect for winter, it goes without saying that wind and cold protection are the best option. However, it's not good if it's too hot.
- Comfort: The ideal fingering and feel on the skin, and the best is that it doesn't get stuffy even when worn for a long time.
- Usage: We evaluated the results from the perspective of how much you can use your hands as you would normally use, such as putting things in and taking things out of your backpack, tying shoelaces, and operating your smartphone.
- Functionality... Don't underestimate it as just gloves. Each manufacturer has made detailed ingenuity, such as ease of use and convenience. We appreciate the extras for its ease of use.
- Durability: It's not something you should know about normal running, but especially when running trails, you often use your hands, such as falling or falling on rocks and trees. The durability of the fabric and construction is also important when choosing.
With the above five points in mind, I tested several times on running trails with lots of roads and ups and downs. To see the effects of wetting, we also tested the water resistance by running in the event of rain or directly in water.
Test results and spec comparison table
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | AA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  |
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![[The North Face] Runners 3 Overmit M Gore Closefit Tricot Glove](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/712Wzc7BcAL._SS300_.jpg) |
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| Reference price | 4,320 yen | 5,940 yen | 6,480 yen | 6,696 yen | 3,132 yen |
| This is ◎ |
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| This is △ |
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| Fit | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cold protection | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Usability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Specs | |||||
| item | Montane VIA Trail Glove | Mountain Hardwear Death Nastimulus Grove | THE NORTH FACE Gore Claus Fit Tricot Gloves | Patagonia Wind Shield Gloves | mont-bell kurima barrier gloves |
| Actual measured weight | 46g (M size) | 52g (M size) | 47g (M size) | 47g (M size) | 85g (M size) |
| material | Cameleon Lite (Softshell) | Shell: Deflection Soft Shell Plain Weave (86% polyester, 14% polyurethane) Accent: Polartex stretch (84% polyester, 16% polyurethane) Palm: Nylon PU synthetic micro suede (65% nylon, 35% polyurethane) | GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ Stretch Technology (front: 100% polyester, middle layer: ePTFE, back: 100% polyester) <Flat lining> Polyester Jersey (100% polyester) <Inner lining> Brushed Fleece (100% polyester) | 100% 5.5 oz recycled polyester with grid embossing and laminated with a polyurethane film. DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Panel: 6.9 oz fleece lining, 85% polyester/15% polyurethane. Polyzine is permanently deodorizing. Palm Overlay: 7.6 oz. 50% nylon/50% polyester micro suede. Blue Sign Verified | Climabaria® [Polyester] |
| Smartphone compatible finger |
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| Anti-slip | × | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Left and right joint parts | × | ○ | ○ | × | × |
Impressions of each model
Montane VIA Trail Glove
This is ◎
- Excellent fit
- Lightweight and stress-free wearing
- Useful features for running
This is △
- Cold protection, windproof and water resistant to palms
- Slightly slippery
In addition to its excellent fit, it also has solid features such as a nose wipe and thumb panel, which are just plainly great in the cold winter.
the VIA trail series , a trail running lineup developed by Montane, a young brand that boasts a high-performance, fast and light mountain gear
As it is made for trail running, the palm side has a fleece fabric with heat retention and flexibility, and the instep has excellent windproof, sweat absorption and breathability, making it a Chameleon Lite softshell, which is excellent in windproof, sweat absorption and breathability. What's more, it's lightweight and stress-free to wear, making it wasteless to reduce stress while running.
Not only does it function, but it also has an excellent fit. Other models are designed specifically for train runners, with thumbs for sweat and nose wipes and tips to make them easy to put on and take off! I was groaned.
One thing that caught my eye is that there is no windproof or water repellent on the palm side, so the heat retention is not that high this time. Care must be taken when using in severe cold or wet areas.
Mountain Hardwear Death Nastimulus Grove
This is ◎
- Good balance at a high level of lightness, fit, cold protection and operability
- Convenient features such as anti-slip palms and left and right joint parts
This is △
- The fingers are slightly shorter than other models (depending on the person)
By placing heat-retaining materials only where necessary, you can achieve both lightness and heat retention. It also comes with a palm stopper and a nose wipe thumb panel.
I was impressed by the very careful and detailed design. Although the fabric is generally thin, the padded POLARTEC material is placed only on the wrist, back of the hand, and fingertips, and the minimum necessary parts, achieving a balance of heat retention, weight and operability.
Windproof and water resistant properties are also carefully considered, with non-slip on the palm of your hand, smartphone-compatible fingertips, left and right joint parts, and sweat wipes placed on the thumb, and detailed consideration is also a great feature if it fits any condition.
From early autumn to the actual winter, from running on the road to trail running, I felt that this is the most versatile gloves in terms of overall strength.
THE NORTH FACE Gore Claus Fit Tricot Gloves
This is ◎
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Comfort and operability when moving your fingers
This is △
- Cold protection (heat retention)
- Durability
The thin and comfortable heat-retaining gloves are also extremely easy to use.
The back of the hand uses GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ Stretch Technology, the latest technology developed by Gore-Tex for gloves, making it a very lightweight, soft and comfortable fit. This is of course windproof and breathable.
The palm side is made of thin stretch material, so it doesn't fit well. And this time, the lack of stress when moving your hands and fingers is the highest. I was able to do a variety of things without any difficulty even with my gloves on.
On the other hand, since it is made of thin fabric, you cannot expect much heat retention. For this reason, if you choose your own, the best fit is early autumn to early winter. During the winter season, you may feel a little cold when you stop moving, so it may be fine to layer a thin inner layer using a windbreaker.
It has a wealth of detailed features, such as the left and right joint parts, the palm grips, and the reflectors of the entire instep, and is versatile for everyday running, making it a convenient pair as long as you don't get the right time.
Patagonia Wind Shield Gloves
This is ◎
- High fit and operability due to calculated cutting
This is △
- Seam feel and durability
Looking at the lining, you can see that there are seams on the joints of the fingers, and that they are cut with the natural curve of the hand in mind.
Patagonia's winter gloves are not only good in clothing but also in accessories, and are designed for activities that require a lot of activity, such as running, cycling, Nordic skiing, and other activities that prevent the wind and cold. Compared to the other models we compared this time, it is made three-dimensionally by sewing together many parts. This makes the fit extremely high and also makes it comfortable to bending and stretching your fingers. I was impressed by the good cutting.
However, there are many sewn parts, and the stitching parts may rub on the inside, leaving some concerns about the smooth feel and durability. It doesn't seem to be a problem if it's just running, but you need to be careful when using stocks or grabbing branches. Also, the water-repellent and windproof side of the back of the hand is excellent, but be careful as water will soak on the palm side.
mont-bell kurima barrier gloves
This is ◎
- It's just warm
- Durable
This is △
- I'm not good at working at hand
- It's easy to get stuffy
It uses plenty of windproof membrane and fleece for excellent heat retention.
It's not particularly bothering you when you compare it just from the photos, but when you look at the actual product, you'll see that it's a much thicker gloves than the others.
The entire surface is "Clima Barrier" with a windproof and breathable membrane, and fleece on the front and back, making it the most bulky and fluffy of this time. However, it is extremely windproof, heat retention and waterproof, and of all models, it is the coldest.
The fit is good enough so you don't have to worry about it, but it's thick and feels heavy. Although it is breathable, if used during extremely cold seasons, the inside of the glove will still get sweaty. Also, due to the thickness of the fabric, it is best to assume that you cannot do detailed work, and it will be difficult to get used to the top and bottom of the zipper.
In that sense, the situations where it is useful are somewhat limited, and it will be useful in situations where you want to pursue heat retention during harsh cold seasons. The price is also nearly half of the other models, making it a very cost-effective model.
summary
I personally don't like cold weather, but I'm also not good at running while wearing gloves because it's annoying. Even when it's usually cold, I tend to wear it until my fingers warm, then put it in my backpack or pocket. Because it's inevitable that it bothers me.
For me, I recommend a model that fits as well as being as good as possible and less stressful. For versatile models that can be used even in full-scale winter, the Mountain Hard Wear and Montene are the best, and for those who only use it until the cold weather begins to get full, we recommend The North Face and Patagonia. Although these are of different degrees, I think these models are models that can help you concentrate on your running while preventing the cold.
On the other hand, if you have a lot of stops and gos, want to run even below freezing, or get cold, you may be a little worried if it's thin, so it's safe to use a thick, highly heat-retaining model like mont-bell.
It would be a shame to give up running this marathon season and lose the cold! Find the gloves that suit you and enjoy a comfortable winter or mountain run!
We also recommend this article about gloves.
- Comparison review: A UTMF complete runner has compared waterproof running gloves to keep you on the ultra trail
- A hidden important item for winter! How to choose snow gloves and 10 recommended pairs
- A leisurely comparison review: "I wish there was, but I don't need it" trekking gloves. If you choose, which one should you go?
Yokoyama Takashi
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