Sure, that pair of Primaloft-filled, fleece-lined, Gore-Tex-waterproofed, goat-skin palmed leather gloves ran you $150. But what's the most important pair of gloves in your kit? Your touring gloves. Here are a few of the best we've found.
SMARTWOOL SPRING GLOVE
$70
SMARTWOOL.COM
It’s early season, which means that it’s time to break out the lightweight gloves for morning laps on the hill. Enter the Smartwool Spring Glove, a lightweight option that’s versatile enough for a myriad of outdoor activities. Leather-reinforced fingers and palms make these gloves sturdy enough to handle both shoulder seasons, and they’re warm enough for all-day wear when it’s not freezing.
BLACK DIAMOND SPY
$70
BLACKDIAMONDEQUIPMENT.COM
Occupying the niche between midweight and lightweight gloves, the Black Diamond Spy is perhaps best optimized for early- and late-season riding. The Spy features Black Diamond’s proprietary BDry waterproof insert, and the light fleece lining warms hands when skinning on the coldest days. Goatskin palms keep your hands stuck to your poles while trudging up the skintrack.
DAKINE VIPER
$35
DAKINE.COM
At an unbeatable price point, the Dakine Viper is a super-lightweight touring glove suitable for warm days and sweaty tours. Ultra-grippy silicone palms, a low-profile fit and neoprene cuffs all improve the Viper’s comfort and dexterity. But they’re not warm—best bring another pair for the ski down.
KOMBI IMPEL
$35
KOMBISNOW.COM
Kombi’s super affordable skinning glove combines a neoprene cuff with a stretchy poly blend for flexibility and dexterity. Silicone-covered fingertips and palms improve grip, and the thumb and index finger are partially reinforced for durability. The Impel has a fleecey Thinsulate lining, but thanks to their minimal weight and breathability, they don’t get too hot in the skintrack.