Ice Climbing Gloves

Wearing gloves when ice climbing is necessary to protect your hands, however they hinder use of the necessary tools and your climbing gear. Gloves with thick pile liner and a waterproof and breathable shell are good for ice climbing. Small 'biners are very difficult to clip with gloves on. Good ice climbing gloves also have an attachment for a leash. This is so you can take the glove off if some type of technical work is necessary, and they dangle from the wrist on the leash. They should also be waterproof. Working in ice and snow will get your gloves snow covered, and the heat from your body will tend to melt the ice and make the gloves wet. Gloves with seamless waterproof breathable inserts will keep your hands dry.

Using gear with ice climbing gloves

Ice Climbing Gloves

Black Diamond Enforcer Glove

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Black Diamond created the Enforcer Glove for ice climbers, alpine climbers, and mountaineers who want bomber knuckle protection, excellent durability, and completely waterproof performance. Thanks to a Schoeller shell, a leather palm, and a Gore-Tex insert, the Enforcer Glove meets all these needs with ease. The Enforcer Glove's D30 padding protects your knuckles so well that you won't even notice when you get all rubber-armed and bash them into the ice. Black Diamond included a removable liner for easier drying during bivies and it concentrated the insulation on the back of the hand to increase dexterity for the goods.

Marmot Amphibian Glove

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The Marmot Amphibian Glove provides dependable warmth and unparalleled dexterity whether you're climbing in Ouray or just learning to put your crampons on. These minimalist climbing gloves feature Gore's innovative Scuba WindStopper fabric and tough Pittards goatskin palms. Abuse them however you want, these bombproof gloves won't back down. Set that piece without a hassle thanks to the Amphibian Glove's rubber finger tips and ergonomic Flacon Grip.

Outdoor Research Alibi Glove

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Strap on your fruit boots, slide into the Outdoor Research Alibi Glove, and head out to the local mixed climbing cave. This streamlined climbing glove features a precise fit for total dexterity and a super-sticky palm to help you keep ahold of your leashless tools. Gel padding protects against bashed hands, and an articulated wrist support keeps you comfortable on long days of competing or projecting.

Using gear with ice climbing gloves

For ice climbing, the extra strong, large gate carabiners are best. The larger gate allows you to clip with gloves on. Buckling up a climbing harness can also be a challenge while wearing ice climbing gloves. It is much easier to place protection and use the tools with gloves. Gloves provide better dexterity, however mittens are much warmer. Protect your hands while ice climbing. A hazard of ice climbing is hitting your knuckles against the ice while using the ice tool. Padded gloves will help reduce the pain of smashing knuckles.

When ice climbing you need the use of your fingers. To keep your fingers warm in extreme cold environments, use chemical heat packs. For mixed climbing a thin pair of liner gloves will offer reasonable protection. Mittens are warmer than gloves. However you need use of your fingers for most of the ice climbing tasks. Many people use mittens for the belay as the rope can be controlled fed and braked through the palm of the hand.

• For the approach, use a lightweight durable glove.
• For belaying, use warmer mittens.
• At the climb use a thicker glove made for ice climbing, below.