A medium-weight leather glove designed for hard working days in the mountains.
The Glove That Wasn't
As it turns out, the purchase of these Rab Guide Gloves was a honest mistake that has worked in my favor. I bought these gloves as a more heavy-duty version of my Black Diamond Dirt Bags. (Click here to read the Dirt Bag review.) I did my homework and figured these were a good balance between functionality and affordability. The price point falls around $100 dollars depending on the source, time of year, sales, etc. I took them on my NOLS trip and have worn them skiing many times. While they did not do what I hoped they would, they have done more of the heavy lifting than I thought was possible.
Pros:
- Durable
- Leather construction
- Cuff Design
- Compact
- Economically Friendly
Cons:
- Cold
- Cuff Design
- No room for liner gloves
Comfort
The first time I put these gloves on they felt a little stiff but have since softened up and now fit my hand perfectly. I wear them most days that I ski, and am well pleased with their breath-ability; they are perfect for the average winter day in Colorado. They truly feel as if they are an extension of my hand. I wear them skiing 9 days out of 10.
- 10 out of 10 for comfort
Durability
When I decided to invest in another pair of gloves, I wanted something that I knew was going to last. My previous pair, Dakine's, fell apart after a season's use and the synthetic material failed; leather was the obvious choice. They look almost brand new even after having skied with them for a normal length season, as well as using them on my NOLS trip to climb glaciers in the Canadian wilderness last summer. I have applied leather food and bee's wax to keep them conditioned, but I have no doubt that the leather itself is up to the challenge. The sharp edges of my skis have had no effect on either one of the palms, nor has the stitching failed or started to fray. It is easy to access my pack when I am skiing. I do not have to fight the buckles or straps and thus can keep the gloves on the entire day.
- 10 out of 10 for durability
Dexterity
Gloves have always been my preference over mittens as a glove does not impede the use of your hand. Not only are the Rabs comfortable, I find they do not hinder hand movements, which I appreciate very much. I easily drive my car, operate the radio, and take cards out of my wallet without removing these gloves.
- 10 out of 10 for dexterity
Warmth
I bought these gloves as my primary cold weather gloves. The only other pair of leather gloves that I owned before this purchase was my Black Diamond Dirt Bags. I had hoped that these new gloves would be the answer to cold hands. They were not. I have found that they are of moderate warmth, comfortable down to around 15 degrees; anything colder and I fight a losing battle. If I am doing aerobic activity the gloves do okay, but when I am riding the chair lift from the bottom of the mountain, I find my hands to be a bit chilled. These gloves do not provide the warmth I thought they would. Persons more prone to the cold should consider another glove.
- 2 out of 10 for warmth
Cuff Design
My favorite feature, which frustrates me at the same time, is the cuff design. The cuff expands a couple inches out from the palm, shaped like a funnel, allowing the hand to slide right in without any trouble. The design also keeps the cuffs of the wearer's jacket from sliding off the cuff. On my jackets that have a double sleeve, the cuff slides over the bottom layer and the outer shell slides over the cuff. Same story for my Carhartt work jacket; the cuffs slide nicely over the gloves.My ski shell however, a Gore-Tex Pro shell, requires serious negotiation before the Rads get into place. When I go skiing, I have many layers on beneath my shell, and have a hard time getting the gloves to sit correctly among the layers. Once they are on, the shell stays on the gloves and does not slide up my arms. they also slide over my watch, which seems insignificant, but that is a creature comfort to which I am partial.
I would imagine that the cuffs would work better on a shell which was cut differently than my Arc'teryx Rush. (Click here to read my winter review.)
I would imagine that the cuffs would work better on a shell which was cut differently than my Arc'teryx Rush. (Click here to read my winter review.)
Conclusion
These gloves are a wonderful mid-weight glove for high aerobic activities in weather that does not fall under the users definition of 'cold.'
I love the all leather design, and with a little TLC, the glove's durability will give you a product that will last for many years. These gloves are can be used year around in the right environment.
In my opinion, it would be very difficult to wear these gloves with liner gloves - there just isn't enough room inside. They weren't designed to incorporate liners. If your hands are cold, putting a liner glove inside of a different light winter glove is a good solution of investment. The Dirt Bag gloves would be a lighter alternative, or Kinko winter work gloves.
I love the all leather design, and with a little TLC, the glove's durability will give you a product that will last for many years. These gloves are can be used year around in the right environment.
In my opinion, it would be very difficult to wear these gloves with liner gloves - there just isn't enough room inside. They weren't designed to incorporate liners. If your hands are cold, putting a liner glove inside of a different light winter glove is a good solution of investment. The Dirt Bag gloves would be a lighter alternative, or Kinko winter work gloves.
This was a classic case of buyer error; I bought the wrong glove for a warm, deep-winter glove. However, it turned out to be a profitable error, and when they are worn in the correct environment, they out perform any glove that my friends wear.
Go/No Go
I would recommend these glove for anyone looking for a durable light-weight winter glove. I give them a 7 out of 10 because the design does not allow for a liner glove to be worn, as well as the cuff challenges. Overall though, I'm glad I bought them.
Z
