Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s Review

Let’s Talk About Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s

The Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s is designed to be a lightweight and highly dexterous soft shell glove for mountaineering and ski-touring. Mountain Equipment aims to provide a glove that offers both protection and precision, enabling users to handle equipment and climb with confidence.

I sought out these gloves to replace my bulky, insulated ski gloves, which were hindering my ability to manipulate climbing gear during backcountry ski tours. I was looking for a glove that offered a good balance of warmth, weather protection, and, most importantly, dexterity.

Upon unboxing the Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s, I was immediately impressed by the feel of the materials. The goatskin leather palm seemed supple yet durable, and the softshell outer had a reassuringly windproof feel. The gloves felt lightweight, and the pre-curved fingers suggested a comfortable, natural fit.

Compared to the Black Diamond Torque gloves and the Outdoor Research Gripper gloves, the G2 Alpine Glove seemed to offer a better balance of dexterity and weather resistance. The Black Diamond gloves, while highly dexterous, felt too thin for truly cold conditions. The Outdoor Research gloves felt warmer but less precise. My initial impression was positive – these gloves seemed well-suited for technical alpine activities.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s during a ski-mountaineering trip in the Colorado Rockies. The conditions were variable, ranging from sunny skies to gusty winds and light snow.

The gloves performed exceptionally well while transitioning between skiing and climbing. The goatskin leather provided excellent grip on my ice axe and allowed me to manipulate carabiners and ropes with ease. The windproof softshell kept my hands warm during exposed traverses, and the brushed tricot lining added a layer of comfort. After the first use, I appreciated the dexterity these gloves offered.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s has proven to be a reliable piece of kit. There are some minor signs of wear on the leather palm, particularly around the fingertips, but nothing that compromises the glove’s performance.

Cleaning the gloves is straightforward; I simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and occasionally treat the leather with a conditioner to maintain its suppleness. Compared to my previous gloves, the G2 Alpine Glove offers a significantly better combination of dexterity and weather protection, making it a valuable asset for alpine adventures.

Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s

Specifications

• The Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s features a water-resistant Goatskin leather palm for enhanced grip and durability. The leather palm is crucial for providing a secure hold on tools and equipment in demanding conditions.
• The shell material is composed of 85% Polyamide and 15% Elastane. This blend provides a balance of wind resistance, breathability, and flexibility.
• The lining is made of brushed tricot, which provides comfort and a small amount of insulation. This lining is essential for wicking moisture away from the skin and maintaining warmth.
• The gloves are designed with a mountain fit, featuring pre-curved fingers and thumb. This ergonomic design enhances dexterity and reduces hand fatigue.
• The gloves weigh approximately 3.5 oz (99g). This low weight ensures that they don’t add unnecessary bulk to your pack.

Performance & Functionality

The Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s excels in its intended purpose: providing dexterity and protection for alpine activities. The gloves allow me to perform intricate tasks like adjusting boot buckles, placing protection, and handling climbing hardware with minimal restriction.

The primary strength of these gloves is their balance between dexterity and weather protection. The only potential weakness is that they might not be warm enough for extremely cold conditions without additional liner gloves. The G2 Alpine Glove has definitely exceeded my expectations by providing the dexterity I need.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s is excellent. The combination of goatskin leather and softshell fabric feels robust and well-made.

The pre-curved fingers and adjustable wrist closure contribute to a comfortable and secure fit, minimizing any learning curve. The snug fit and ergonomic design make them very user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s should last for several seasons of regular use. The goatskin leather is naturally durable, and the softshell fabric is resistant to abrasion.

Maintaining the gloves is simple; regular cleaning and leather conditioning will help to prolong their lifespan. Easy maintenance makes these gloves even more appealing.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s does not come with any specific accessories. However, they are designed to be compatible with liner gloves for added warmth in colder conditions.

The gloves are a standard design that works with most mainstream brands. The ability to use liners adds to the gloves’ versatility.

Pros and Cons of Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s

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Who Should Buy Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s?

The Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s is perfect for ski-tourers, mountaineers, and alpine climbers who prioritize dexterity and weather protection. These gloves are also well-suited for ice climbers, mixed climbers, and anyone who needs to handle ropes, carabiners, or other gear in cold and windy conditions.

These gloves are not ideal for those who require maximum warmth in extremely cold temperatures. Users requiring extreme warmth should seek a fully insulated glove system. Must-have accessories would include a good quality leather conditioner and liner gloves for added warmth.

Conclusion on Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s

The Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s is a well-designed and highly functional glove that strikes an excellent balance between dexterity, weather protection, and durability. The goatskin leather palm provides exceptional grip, while the windproof softshell and brushed tricot lining offer ample warmth and comfort.

At $52.37/$54.90, the G2 Alpine Glove offers excellent value for money, especially considering its performance and build quality. I would wholeheartedly recommend these gloves to anyone looking for a versatile and reliable option for alpine activities. If you need a dexterous, protective glove for your mountain adventures, the Mountain Equipment G2 Alpine Glove – Men’s is a fantastic choice.