Here's a quick heads up on a slightly unexpected new product from
the folk at Lowe Alpine; it's a specialist via ferrata mitt
called the 'Grip Stretch Glove'.
What with Lowe Alpine's clothing designers now being based in
northern Italy, home of the Dolomites and the original via ferrata
routes, it's perhaps no surprise that they've come up with something
to protect their hands on the local iron mongery.
If you've not come across via ferrata, they were developed to
supply mountain military positions in the Alps during WW1 and consist
of exposed scrambles protected by thick cables, ladders, staples and
other metal. Scramblers wear a harness and a special via ferrata
plate and climb using both the metal and natural rock while clipped
in to the protection.
Understandably it's hard on the hands, so the new mitt features a
tough feeling suede palm laid over soft leather and with a stretch
Spandex mesh back for ventilation in hot conditions. As with cycling
mitts, the fingertips are exposed to give better grip on the rock, but
your delicate palms should be saved from nasty blisters and
callouses.
With limited opportunities for via ferrata testing in the Peak, we
resorted to the pull-up bar. They do feel very protective and have a
nice snug fit, but we'd have preferred to see a pre-curved palm to
prevent bunching of the suede material with a closed hand. We also
wonder how much water the suede might hold with heavy sweating.
That aside though, the Grip Stretch certainly look like a
good option if you're off for some via ferrata adventures this summer
or if you're one of the UK's rare big wall climbers. Which gives us
an idea... Price is around £30 by the way.
More information at www.lowealpine.com
Adam Round 2
