Hiking Gloves have been my latest purchase this month as I plan to hike Mt Kenya this month. I’m not going to the summit. It’s a day hike to Lake Ellis and I hope the weather is favorable enough. For this hike, I’m using Mona Trails who were also responsible for my Table Mountain Hike. 

A Hikers Guide to Hiking and Hiking Gloves

1. Which gloves are best for hiking?

The best hiking gloves are the ones that keep you warm and protected from moisture while allowing your hands to have some movement. 

 

You should be able to grasp your hiking stick/trekking poles or the ground in case you trip. That means mittens are not the best hiking gloves. I’d recommend buying Keela Extreme Gloves from Amazon (affiliate link) as they’re breathable and waterproof.

 

 

2. What are sun gloves?

Sun gloves are fingerless gloves that protect the back of the hand from the sun while arming the hiker with a firm grip on the trekking pole, bike handles, or ice axe. Check out these sun gloves from Amazon.

 

 

3. What are belay gloves?

Belay gloves are designed to protect the hands when belaying. Belaying is a process used in climbing that involves a rope system to protect the climber from falling. Belay gloves thus protect the rock climber from the rope’s wear and tear.

 

 

 

4. Do you need gloves for hiking?

It depends on where you are going to be hiking. 

 

Aberdare ranges might require you to carry a pair of warm gloves. So will Mt. Kenya. Hiking rocky areas might require a pair of belay gloves. It all depends on the hiking trail. This is why it’s always important to research the hill or mountain you wish to hike.

 

 

5. How do I choose a climbing glove?

Climbing gloves can be either full fingers or ¾ fingers. 

 

Full fingers offer more protection against the elements but the climber loses dexterity or skill especially when it comes to supporting themselves, or holding on to the climbing rope. If the terrain has long periods of belaying, a full finger pair of climbing gloves should suffice. 

 

For shorter belaying periods, a  ¾ finger pair of climbing gloves should be good.

 

 

6. Are fingerless gloves good for hiking?

Yes.

 

Fingerless gloves are devoid of the sweating and chaffing full gloves bring, while also providing dexterity. A hiker gets better use of their hiking sticks and trees. 

 

 

7. Are leather gloves good for hiking?

No, I’d not recommend it. With leather wear, there is a lot of sweating and chaffing which is not the experience you’re looking for while in the wild. You want something that offers protection but is also breathable.

 

 

8. Do rock climbers wear gloves?

No. Climbing takes away from the skills needed to feel the rock calluses. To prepare for rock climbing, keep your nails short, trimmed and moisturized as you don’t want the rock surface eating into them. Writing that makes my ears grind.

 

 

9. How do you protect your hands while rock climbing

Well, you’ll most likely develop calluses during rock climbing. 

 

The cure is developing a good aftercare regimen that involves moisturizing. If you live in Kenya, Arimis Milking Jelly is the cure for all calluses. Trim your nails in preparation for rock climbing. 

 

 

10. What gloves do Everest climbers wear?

According to Alpine Ascents, Insulated Shell Gloves are the best for mountain climbers seeking to conquer Mt. Everest.

 

Hiking gloves are a great investment if you hike regularly. I hike once a month or once every two months so I’m always open to updating my gear. Such updates are informed by my previous hikes or my upcoming hikes.