The Trekmates Scafell GTX Shell Gloves aim to be your go-to handwear for all things wet and wild. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.
Product: Trekmates Scafell GTX Shell Gloves
Price: £60
Verdict: 8.5/10
Short Description: Ideal for use over thermal gloves as a waterproof layer or worn on its own for wet days.
- Weighs: 100g
- Insulation Level: Low
- Windproof: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Touchscreen: Yes, intermittent
- Reinforced Palm: No
Pros:
- Excellent breathability: Say goodbye to clammy hands with Gore Active Technology
- Lightweight and packable: Easy to carry, even on minimalist adventures.
- Durable: Built to withstand the rigours of outdoor activities.
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of activities and weather conditions.
- Slide: Slide over base thermal glove layer easily.
Cons:
- Price: At £60, they’re not the cheapest option on the market, but they work!
- No insulation: You’ll need to layer up with liner gloves for warmth in truly cold conditions.
To Buy: https://www.trekmates.co.uk/products/scafell-gtx-shell-glove-aw24
- Poles used were the Komperdell Explorer
What Problem Do they Solve?
The Trekmates Scafell Gore-tex Shell Gloves primarily solve the problem of keeping your hands dry and comfortable in wet weather conditions, without compromising breathability.
Here’s a breakdown of the problems they address:
- Wet hands: The GORE-TEX + Active technology ensures your hands stay dry in rain, snow, and sleet. This is crucial for maintaining dexterity and preventing discomfort, especially during outdoor activities.
- Sweaty hands: Traditional waterproof gloves can trap moisture, leading to sweaty and clammy hands. The Scafell gloves address this with their highly breathable design, allowing sweat vapor to escape.
- Cold hands: While not insulated themselves, these gloves are designed to be worn over liner gloves / thermal gloves. This layering system allows you to adapt to varying temperatures and keep your hands warm and dry in wet, cold and windy conditions.
- Bulky gloves: Many waterproof gloves can be bulky and restrictive. The Scafell gloves are lightweight and packable, making them easy to carry, access and wear without hindering movement.
- Breathability: Many waterproof materials like Gore Tex are designed to be breathable, allowing some moisture to escape from your hands while still keeping the bulk of water out.
- Flexibility: You can choose the level of warmth you need based on the weather by selecting different inner gloves, while still having the same waterproof shell.
First Impressions Trekmates Scafell GTX Gloves
These gloves are incredibly lightweight and are easily packable (these Trekmate gloves come with their own stuff sack.) This makes them ideal and easy to carry in your backpack, or pocket, just in case the weather takes a turn. The simple, no-frills design of the glove is time tested and has all the features you will need, and the classic black colour goes with everything.
Features Of these Trekmates Gloves
- GORE-TEX + Active technology: This is the star of the show. It promises top-notch breathability while keeping your hands dry. No more sweaty palms!
- Durable recycled polyamide outer: Good for the environment and tough enough to withstand some abuse.
- FC-free DWR: Water beads up and rolls off, keeping the gloves dry and lightweight.
- Recycled 75D polyester taffeta lining: Makes it easy to slip the gloves on and off, even over other gloves.
- Sized to fit over other gloves: Layer up for extra warmth on those frigid days.
- Elastic wrist tether: No more losing a glove in strong winds!
- Elasticated wrist: Keeps the warmth in and the cold out.
- Drawcord adjuster at cuff end: Customise the fit to prevent drafts and snow from getting in.
- Stuff sack: Keeps your gloves organised and protected when not in use.
- Connector Clip: Allows for the gloves to be clipped together, never lose a glove again.
Real-World Use Cases: These are ideal for use in
- Hiking in the Lake District: Imagine you’re tackling Scafell Pike (for which these gloves are named!) in typical British weather – rain, wind, and maybe even a bit of snow. These gloves will keep your hands dry and comfortable, allowing you to focus on the stunning scenery.
- Trail running in the Scottish Highlands: The breathability of these gloves is a game-changer for high-output activities. Your hands won’t overheat, even during intense runs. Without the need for an inner gloves these will keep the wind and rain of your hands as you run.
- Everyday use: Let’s be honest, these gloves are just as handy for walking the dog, commuting to work, or shovelling snow off the driveway.
Overall Verdict:
The Trekmates Scafell GTX Shell Gloves are a solid choice for anyone who needs reliable waterproof protection without sacrificing breathability. They’re versatile, durable, and packable, making them ideal for a variety of outdoor pursuits. Just remember that they’re not designed for extreme cold , you need to pair these gloves with a base glove layer.
Would we recommend them? Absolutely, especially if you prioritise breathability and packability in a shell glove.
Essentially, these gloves provide a versatile solution for anyone who needs reliable hand protection in wet environments without sacrificing comfort or packability. They’re ideal for hikers, runners, dog walkers and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors in unpredictable weather.
Click on the image below to go to Trekmates and buy.
