trollveggen Gore-Tex Gloves

The Norrøna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Gloves are a highly-regarded, versatile option for individuals seeking reliable hand protection in cold and wet environments.

Standout Features:

Exceptional Warmth and Waterproofing: Reviewers consistently praise the gloves' ability to keep hands warm and dry, even in freezing temperatures, snow, and wet conditions, thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane. Several users highlight their performance in extreme cold, down to -23°F and -22°F. Durable Construction: The gloves are noted for their solid construction, strong materials, and ability to withstand tough environments, with some users reporting excellent durability after extensive use, including glacier travel, skiing, climbing, and even exposure to saltwater. Comfortable Fit and Excellent Grip: Many users find the gloves comfortable, offering a snug yet flexible feel. The Pitards leather palms provide excellent grip, even when wet, making them suitable for handling trekking poles, weapons, or ski poles. Thoughtful Adjustment System: The gloves feature a double tightening system at the wrist and gauntlet, which is praised for its ease of operation, even with the gloves on, allowing for a secure fit that keeps out snow and cold air. A hand leash is also included for convenience. Versatile Design: While insulated, they are often described as "light" or "lightweight" and flexible, allowing for good dexterity.

Common Use-Cases:

The main activity for which these gloves are recommended is skiing. This activity is mentioned most frequently across the reviews, often alongside other winter sports.

Beyond skiing, these gloves are highly recommended for a wide range of cold-weather activities, including:

Hiking and Mountaineering: Especially in freezing temperatures, snow, and wet conditions. Ice Climbing: Praised for warmth, waterproofing, and durability. Winter Photography: For extended exposure to extreme cold. Biking: In cold and wet conditions, maintaining finger movement. Snowkiting: For their fit and comfort. General Outdoor Adventures: Including martial arts training in cold, wet New England, and even snowball fights. Everyday Winter Wear: For staying warm in cold city environments.

Fit and Comfort Level:

The fit is generally described as comfortable, snug, and flexible. However, sizing can be a bit inconsistent, with some users finding them to run large. While some find them to fit perfectly, others needed to size down significantly (e.g., from M to XS) or found the fingers a bit long. They are often noted to accommodate liners well, which can also help with sizing if they run slightly large. The leather is described as soft, contributing to overall comfort.

Criticisms and Areas for Improvement:

Sizing Inconsistency: The most significant criticism is the "odd" sizing, with gloves often running large, leading to potential issues with dexterity and comfort if the fit isn't precise. Breathability: While waterproof, some users with easily sweaty hands found the breathability lacking, leading to internal moisture buildup during prolonged use, especially when hiking or biking. Insulation Level: Despite being warm, a few users noted that the insulation, rated 3/6, might be considered "light" for extremely cold alpine skiing conditions, requiring the addition of liners for optimal warmth. Minor Design Details: The wrist strap pulls are small, black, and close together, making them confusing to operate quickly in the mountains. Color-coding could improve this. Plastic toggles on the gauntlet are seen as an unnecessary complexity compared to a simple knot. Embroidery is criticized for potentially compromising the membrane's integrity.

Recommendation:

The Norrøna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Gloves are highly recommended for avid skiers and winter outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize exceptional warmth, waterproofing, and durability across a variety of cold and wet conditions. They are ideal for those who engage in activities like skiing, mountaineering, ice climbing, and extensive winter hiking, where reliable hand protection is paramount. While the price is high, reviewers consistently deem them "worth every penny" for their performance and quality. Potential buyers should pay close attention to the sizing guide and consider trying them on if possible, as fit can be a personal factor. Those prone to sweaty hands during high-exertion activities might want to consider the breathability aspect.