Light-weight gloves

[katief]

Hi all,

Do any of you use gloves during summer hiking? I'm after a pair that are light-weight, breathable, have finger and possibly some grip to the palm area. Basically I wish to use them to protect my hand if I need to scramble. I'm not a princess but I do hate scraping my nails on rocks . They would be so handy where there are lots of biting ants too. I'm thinking I may need to buy sailing gloves as I haven't come across anything better suited to my needs... Any ideas appreciated.

Cheers,
katief

[ollster]

Do any of you use gloves during summer hiking? I'm after a pair that are light-weight, breathable, have finger and possibly some grip to the palm area.

Go to Nubco or similar and track down a pair or three of Ninja workman's gloves (not the insulated ones, the thinner ones). They are tops, and cheap (~$5 pair). If your hands get cold, add a polypro liner.

Like these: http://www.workin-gear.com.au/Beaver-Br ... Glove.html

[vagrom]

In the first instance Katie, you'll get a pair for $5 at Chickenfeed called Riggers Gloves. They're loved because they're expendable and cheap. As you may find they fit the bill for you, they're worth a try. They're lightweight leather, pigskin perhaps. As they get wet through, a pair of woven synthetics as inners, from the Bushwalk shops and still under $20 can help keep your hands warmer.
The hardware stores now offer a selection of smart looking utility gloves with a Velcro wrist closure. They're a pigskin synthetic elastic mix, the synthetic part being better and warmer in the rain though totally wet. Still less that $20. Riggers are more robust but sometimes get bits of stuff trapped inside them that's a pest in the removing.

[katief]

Thanks ollster and vagrom, sailing gloves were going to set me back around $50!

[ollster]

IThey're lightweight leather, pigskin perhaps. As they get wet through, a pair of woven synthetics as inners, from the Bushwalk shops and still under $20 can help keep your hands warmer.

I tried these for a while. When they get wet they get slimy and quite unpleasant. And when they dry out after being soaked they go rock hard. And the fit is quite poor so when scrub bashing they fill up with leaves etc. They are cheap and durable though, although I found dolerite wears the fingertips out quickly.

[vagrom]

You're absolutely right Ollster, about the sliminess too. But i've sort of gained the impression over time that Dolerite just about wears out all comers. In which case the Ninjas could be interesting if you've found they last longer.
I'm presuming Katie's talking about more local, less extended clambering. But the Riggers are worth a mention as they appear to have stood the test of time and appear ever popular with Tasmanians i've walked with. Like gaiters, they have a short life. Unlike gaiters, they're cheap. And they're easier off and on when wet.