The Climbing Thread

[mid_gen]

Looking for some advice on climbing gloves, or if I even need any. Climbing Mt Blanc in August. Not really done that sort of thing, I climbed Kilimanjaro a few years back which likely won't have many similarities. Started the summit around midnight and it was the coldest I have ever been in my life. Being a Geordie lad I didn't think I'd need gloves, ended up getting a cheap pair of ski gloves just before I went and used those. Probably would have been just as warm not wearing any. I think we summit MB very early morning too so not repeating that mistake this time so got myself a sweet pair of Baist Ski gloves on FB Marketplace today. What we didn't do in Killi was any form of roping or actual climbing (apart from a bit of scrambling up rocks for an hour or so) however there is a bit of that at Mt Blanc. Thinking a pair of more climb specific gloves will be needed? I'd expect it may be quite cold early morning / evening and may struggle to grip the ropes. My hands are tough from crossfit and lifting weights everyday but appreciate this isn't the same.

Was thinking of the Crag gloves from here, cheap enough https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com.au/collections/apparel-mens-gloves They actually do a Mont Blanc glove but not sure thats what I want. I don't want to spend loads, would a pair of leather work gloves be the best bet and I can just chuck them away after?

Personally I don't go up any serious mountain without at least 3 pairs of gloves.

One pair seriously warm Goretex gloves like Rab Guide.
One pair soft shell gloves that will get most use, Mountain Equipment Fast Alpine for me.
One emergency pair, which are Showa Temres 282, cheap fisherman's cold weather work gloves.

Those black diamond gloves are just for ropework, no insulation.

If you're on a budget I'd just get these :

WATERPROOF MOUNTAINEERING GLOVES - SPRINT SIMOND | Decathlon

The membrane softshell component on the back of the hand keeps hands warm during exercise and in cool weather and you can do practical tasks…

www.decathlon.co.uk

Or these :

Mountaineering Leather Gloves - Alpinism SIMOND | Decathlon

It's a full leather robust glove, offering good level of warmth and excellent dexterity. Perform all types of rope handling in cold weather and…

www.decathlon.co.uk

Simond gear is all good value.

If you don't mind looking a pillock, these are the Showa gloves. Actually, any serious alpinist will give a knowing nod and you'll look like a seasoned pro A lot of people use em for ice climbing, me included.

MStore

Mstore, leading UK PPE supplier, providing CE certified Hand, Eye and Respiratory protection and safety wear. 10% off first order, free delivery on orders over £50, free returns.

mstore.co.uk

 

[Vandle]

Personally I don't go up any serious mountain without at least 3 pairs of gloves.

One pair seriously warm Goretex gloves like Rab Guide.
One pair soft shell gloves that will get most use, Mountain Equipment Fast Alpine for me.
One emergency pair, which are Showa Temres 282, cheap fisherman's cold weather work gloves.

Those black diamond gloves are just for ropework, no insulation.

If you're on a budget I'd just get these :

WATERPROOF MOUNTAINEERING GLOVES - SPRINT SIMOND | Decathlon

The membrane softshell component on the back of the hand keeps hands warm during exercise and in cool weather and you can do practical tasks…

www.decathlon.co.uk

Or these :

Mountaineering Leather Gloves - Alpinism SIMOND | Decathlon

It's a full leather robust glove, offering good level of warmth and excellent dexterity. Perform all types of rope handling in cold weather and…

www.decathlon.co.uk

Simond gear is all good value.

If you don't mind looking a pillock, these are the Showa gloves. Actually, any serious alpinist will give a knowing nod and you'll look like a seasoned pro A lot of people use em for ice climbing, me included.

MStore

Mstore, leading UK PPE supplier, providing CE certified Hand, Eye and Respiratory protection and safety wear. 10% off first order, free delivery on orders over £50, free returns.

mstore.co.uk

The Showas look like they are for handling isotopes

Thanks for the help, will look through. I'm not really on a budget but not wanting to spend too much as wont get the wear out of them. The Sprint look good, might have to get my mother to order as can't do it from here so if there is something wrong with them won't likely have time to change them before I go to Chamonix. Presume there is a Decathlon in Newcastle though?
This is my local place although it's camping and hiking rather than climb specific. I'm a member too so get the discount price. Anything suitable?

Outdoor Gloves | Shop Snow, Thermal & Waterproof Gloves

Discover the latest outdoor gloves at Paddy Pallin. Find snow gloves, thermal gloves & more. Free shipping $99+. Zippay available. Price match guarantee*.

www.paddypallin.com.au

 

[mid_gen]

Simond are based in Chamonix so may be best just going to the Decathlon there if it's difficult to get stuff in advance.

The Rab Vapour rise are pretty good on that site though.

 

[Vandle]

Thanks for the tips

 

[jpaul]

I'd make sure you get a balaclava for mont-blanc - I bought one in the few days afterwards in Chamonix after experiencing facial muscle shut-down,
otherwise although I have some rab powerstretch gloves and lighweight inner gloves - mittens are de-rigeur for warmth, and can securely hold an ice axe and loops of rope, for glacier travel.

 

[Vandle]

I'd make sure you get a balaclava for mont-blanc - I bought one in the few days afterwards in Chamonix after experiencing facial muscle shut-down,
otherwise although I have some rab powerstretch gloves and lighweight inner gloves - mittens are de-rigeur for warmth, and can securely hold an ice axe and loops of rope, for glacier travel.

What time of year did you do it? I have a merino buff type thing I suppose I could pull up.

 

[jpaul]

end of May I think, pentecost break, from Gonella hut, return via gouter, staying in chamonix, can't remember who gave us a lift through the tunnel;
put a hole near my knee with a crampon I found on returning to chamonix stitched at hospital(was on french SS), but make sure you have appropriate insurance.

e: I wear glasses now, but even for the vaunet glacier glasses (rip) I had used would be difficult to use with balaclava