OR Arete Gloves

 

Product Description

Modular gloves designed for extended backcountry trips. Constructed with insulated waterproof (Gore Tex) nylon shells and thin removable liners. Synthetic palm. Gauntlet Cuffs. Retention straps.

Features

I bought these gloves to replace a pair of Marmot Shell gloves which fell apart after a couple of seasons of use. Unlike the shell goves, which had a Marmot Precip layer with no significant insulation, and a fleece liner, the OR Arete gloves have a very thin liner and most of the insulation in the glove itself. That said, the gloves manage to be relatively dexterous for a two layer glove, and are very warm. I put them to first use recently in a three day avalanche class, and they were ideal for that. In the morning, when temps were in the teens F., the gloves + liners were more than warm enough. As the day warmed up, I removed the gloves and used the liners for wind and sun protection and warmth. When digging out simulated victims or snowpits, and doing snow stability tests, the waterproof outer layer kept my hands both dry and very, very warm, with a sufficient dexterity to fiddle with shovels, snow saws, clinometers, cards, etc. I look forward to using them on snow and ice climbs this season. My one complaint about them so far is that they are relatively expensive ($85).