As a dedicated rock climber myself, I can’t stress enough the importance of having the proper gear. In many cases, this includes having the right pair of splitter gloves.
But what are the best splitter gloves? And which ones should you consider adding to your gear selection? As we’ll see, there are several quality options currently on the market. Understanding your personal situation, as well as the differences between these brands, will allow you to choose the gloves right for you.
Not sure where to start looking? Consider the following guide to the best splitter gloves below!
Finding the Right Splitter Gloves
Splitter gloves can help protect your hands from the elements and hard rock while climbing. This makes your climb both easier and safer.
Below, I’ve included three of the best gloves that you should consider when preparing for your next climb.
1. Best for Mild to Cold Weather—Outdoor Research Splitter Work Gloves
These highly-reviewed gloves have a lot to offer. Made from a strong, durable leather, they provide the protection you need.
- Effectiveness—You’ll get your use out of these quality gloves that are built to last.
- Value—Reasonably-priced, this is an affordable option for those who aren’t looking to break the bank.
- Customer Support—With customer support lines open throughout the week, you can get in touch with Outdoor Research if any problems arise.
What we liked
- Designed to be effective splitter gloves for Cold Weather
- Great Durability
- Good protection
- Easy to move/Good Grip
What we didn’t like
- Fit Not Exact
Outdoor Research’s Splitter Work Gloves are some of the best on the market. What’s really great about them is they’re perfect for milder to cooler climates. This gives you the protection you need to safely climb even when it’s getting a bit chilly outside.
That being said, you’ll want to be careful when ordering these gloves. While most people say the fit is great, some have noted that they received gloves that were a bit too big—despite measuring their hands in advance.
The good news is that if you do run into issues, Outdoor Research has a strong customer support system that will help take care of your needs.
Want to try the Outdoor Research Splitter Work Gloves for yourself? Consider getting a pair of your own over at Amazon!
2. Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves
The Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves provide long-lasting durability and protection when climbing even the toughest of rocks.
Effectiveness: When used for protection, these gloves offer top-quality protection.
Value: The Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves come reasonably-priced—especially when considering their utility.
Customer Support: Black Diamond has a robust customer support team that’s open from 8AM to 4PM Mountain Time.
What we liked
- Very Affordable Option for Climbers on a Budget
- Incredible Protection Against Sharp Rocks
- Long-Lasting Quality
What we didn’t like
- Gloves Can Be Bulky
- Not the Best for Half Dome Climbing
The Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves have some of the best value on the market. These durable gloves come with dependable quality that will keep your hands protected against sharp rocks and edges.
While generally dependable, they do come with a few drawbacks. Namely, climbers have noted that they can be bulky and interfere with grip when doing climbs such as the half dome climb. Generally speaking, however, these crag climbing gloves offer the protection you need.
3. Outdoor Research Splitter Gloves
Another great option from Outdoor Research, these splitter gloves are perfect for those looking to cut a bit of weight. That’s right—these gloves come with a great thin design suitable for climbers who need to shed a bit of weight. Moreover, these gloves protect the back of your hand like a charm, while making sure that your fingertips do maintain contact with the rock.
Effectiveness: Durable gloves relative to their thickness.
Value: Reasonably-priced gloves that are sure to fit almost any budget.
Customer Support: As noted, Outdoor Research has a robust customer support team ready and willing to help every weekday.
What we liked:
- These gloves provide a durable, lightweight option for climbers.
- Their lightweight design is great for those who don’t want to pack on extra weight.
- Their thin design helps provide better feel and grip.
- Great for warm weather climbing, maintaining a natural skin-to-rock feel
What we didn’t like:
- Because of their thin design, climbers have to be extra careful when navigating sharp edges.
These thin splitter gloves from Outdoor Research provide the perfect lightweight option for weight-conscience climbers. On the hands of a skilled climber, these Outdoor Research gloves provide incredible and long-lasting protection, making them the perfect companion to almost any climb.
What’s more, because of their design, these splitter gloves allow for an amazingly-smooth grip. Just keep in mind that you’ll not have as much protection against sharp edges.
What to Watch Out For
As we’ve seen, no gloves are perfect, but there are some that you certainly want to watch out for. Despite the hype that they may have gotten—or may still get—these options don’t provide the value that you need.
Green Gear, in particular, should raise a few red flags with customers. Their “Hand Jammies,” for instance, provide an incredibly-cheap product that can be more dangerous than helpful during your climb. In fact, these leather gloves are so bulky and inflexible that some have noted they would prefer to climb with their bare hands.
The Bottom Line
Investing in the right climbing gear is a fundamental part of the sport. Equipped with the right gear, you can make your climbs both easier and safer.
When looking for the right pair of splitter gloves, remember to keep a few pointers in mind. You’ll want a pair of gloves that provides protection without cutting down on your mobility. What’s more, remember that some gloves are better for certain types of climbing. Finding the right gloves for your climbing style and skill level will allow you to maximize your climbing potential.
Above, I’ve included three of the best climbing gloves on the market, as well as one that you’ll want to avoid. Consider the pros and cons of each option to streamline your purchasing decision. By doing so, you can be sure to find the best pair for you.
