Rock Climbing Belay Gloves Reviews

There are lots of full-finger gloves out there in the market so how do we know which one to choose from? You can buy gloves that are not necessarily made only for rock climbing. For these types of gloves, you will be doing more belaying, rappelling, or dealing with ropes than climbing. The main function of the full hand gloves is to protect against rope friction and/or the cold weather.

In this article, I reviewed four different types of gloves including unisex and women sizes for cool to cold weather climbing. I picked these gloves mostly because of their dexterity for climbing purposes. However, these gloves may serve multi-purpose for outdoor activities as well.

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Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves

These gloves are simple synthetic leather with breathable stretch mesh fabric and knuckle padding. They are used for belaying and via Ferrata. Via Ferrata means “iron path” in Italian which is a protected climbing route found in the Alps and certain other locations.

Most complaints are durability and small sizing. Here is the Black Diamond glove size chart for you to use as a guide. They are priced – MSRP $20. Use your own judgment.

Average Customer Rank: 4.3/5

Specs:

Synthetic Leather palm and fingers with reinforced index finger and thumb for long-lasting
Lightweight and breathable stretch mesh fabric and knuckle padding
Hook and Loop cuff closure
CE Certified to EN 420 and EN 388 (2131)
Come in different sizes
Imported

Available Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

Where to Buy: Amazon.com

Petzl – Cordex, Lightweight Gloves for Climbers

These gloves are made from goatskin with stretch nylon combined to give durability and flexibility. Double layered leather is designed to protect the palm and other high-wear areas. The back of the gloves is made of an abrasion-resistant and breathable stretch nylon to keep hands cool and ensure a comfortable fit.

Petzl glove sizing chart

The most common complaints are slippery and sizing. The rope gets slippery when handling the gloves so be careful. Since these gloves are unisex, the size runs big for women with small hands. Overall, the gloves are sturdy, durable, and well-made.

Average Customer Rank: 4.4/5

Specs:

lightweight and 100% leather
Double layer of leather in the palm and between the thumb and index finger for long-lasting
Ergonomic cut for dexterity without being too tight
Breathable and abrasion-resistant stretch nylon for the back of the hands to keep hands cool and snug for flexibility
Neoprene cuff with Velcro closure
built-in carabiner hole to attach gloves to harness
Materials: goatskin leather and stretch nylon
Certifications: CE EN 420, CE EN 388 (3133)
Weight: 115g or 4oz (Medium size)
Unisex

Available Colors: Tan, Black

Available Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

Where to Buy: Amazon.com

Outdoor Research Women’s Stormtracker Gloves

These women gloves are great for alpine climbing, ski touring, or ice climbing. The WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell fabric deflects cold gusts. The tricot lining retains heat. The design provides dexterity and amazing tactility for active sports such as ice climbing or alpine climbing. They perform well in moderately cold conditions.

outdoor research women glove size chart

The common complaints about these gloves as they are thinner than expected for cold weather. However, they are designed for active sport in mind so they keep warm as long as you stay active. Many women liked the zipper feature at the wrist to keep the gloves secure or pulling them on and off easily.

Average Customer Rank: 4.3/5

Specs:

Breathable/water-resistant WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell fabric; tricot lined
MotionWrap AT Construction for additional dexterity
Machine Washable
Made in China

Available Size: Small

Where to Buy: Amazon.com

Kim Yuan Leather Work Gloves with Adjustable Wrist

If you are looking for just simple and inexpensive leather gloves for belaying only, these may be perfect for what you are looking for. They are made out of 100% cowhide leather and great for multi-purpose outdoor tasks. These gloves are wear-resistant and anti-skid. The reinforced palm patch provides great grip and skin protection against rope friction. The cinched around the wrist to keep debris out and also allow tightening or loosening the gloves easily.
There were a few complaints that these gloves wore out quickly especially around the finger area.