I bought some Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Gloves as my hands would get wet (and then unbearably cold) through wool gloves when hiking and cycling. These gloves retail at £40, but are they worth it? Here’s my review…
Why I chose Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Gloves
I love to hike and I always remember to carry a pair of warm gloves with me, even in summer. The weather can turn part way up a mountain and cold hands make me miserable – especially if part of the route is a scramble. If I can’t feel my fingers, I can’t trust my grip!
I had always had wool gloves, such as thinsulate fleece-lined ones for warmth. But I got caught out a few times when they soaked through to my skin.
So, I started to look for something waterproof to keep my hands warm and dry. I started to Google and quickly came across the Sealskinz brand. They stocked exactly what I was looking for and had great reviews too.
So, I decided to give the Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Gloves a try when I took on the Three Peaks in 24 Hours Challenge.
What are the key features?
These gloves have a number of great selling points including:
- 100% Waterproof technology
- Merino wool lining for warmth and sweat wicking
- Hydrophilic waterproof lining for breathability
- 4-way stretch for comfort
- Touch-screen index finger and thumb tips
They’re suitable for hiking, commuting, cycling and mountain biking, kayaking and paddle boarding – you name it.
Are they really waterproof?
The main reason to purchase these gloves is for their waterproof qualities. So, are they really waterproof? Well, yes.
I first tried them out on a trip up Ben Nevis, in Scotland. It was the rainiest day I’ve ever hiked a mountain! The gloves held strong to the top of the mountain, and were only slightly damp inside by the time I got back down. That’s 5 hours of heavy rain.
They did eventually soak through a little, as did my waterproof jacket and trousers, but not much. Wool gloves would have lasted all of about five minutes.
To dry them out, I turned the gloves inside out and left them on the seat beside me on the bus. They were dry to touch on the inside within about an hour, which is pretty good going.
How warm are they?
One of the features I really like about these gloves is their merino wool lining. Merino wool is my favourite material for warm outdoor gear, as it’s very warm and lightweight.
I do find these gloves a bit cold after a while when temperatures drop close to 0 degrees C, so when it’s that cold I wear my Icebreaker 200 Oasis Glove Liners underneath. The two layers of merino wool is usually enough for me.
How breathable are they?
Sealskinz gloves have a hydrophilic waterproof lining, which allows moisture from your hands to be released whilst keeping out water from the atmosphere.
I was worried that waterproof gloves might feel sweaty inside, but I find these gloves keep my hands comfortable and dry the whole time I’m wearing them. I’ve never found them to be too hot and clammy.
What is the fit like?
I followed the Sealskinz size guide and bought my gloves in a size Small (6 inches measured around the knuckles of my dominant hand).
They fit my hand and wrist perfectly and the finger length is spot on, which is helpful for using the touch-screen finger and thumb tips.
They did feel rather snug around my fingers when I first got them, which has sometimes made my fingers feel a bit cold. However, I’ve worn them a number of times with my glove liners underneath and they seem to have relaxed to the perfect fit.
These gloves are slim enough to use as a liner, and also comfortably fit a thin merino liner glove underneath for extra warmth. I typically have very cold hands, so the ability to layer my gloves is important to me.
Are Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Gloves worth the money?
Sealskinz aren’t the cheapest brand of gloves, however I have come to the conclusion that it is always worthwhile to invest in decent quality outdoor kit.
The Sealskinz Waterproove All Weather Gloves retail at around £40 (or around $55). Are they worth that? I’m going to say yes. When I was at the top of Helvellyn with warm, dry hands I was absolutely glad that I spent the money!
Where to buy Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Gloves
As with most brands, you can purchase from their own online shop at sealskinz.com, however you’re more likely to find a discounted deal elsewhere. Look for deals on:
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