Sealskinz New Waterproof Gloves Tested

Sealskinz New Waterproof Glove

Price: £22.50

Weight: 78 grammes (medium)

Features: waterproof PorelleP5 40 hydrophylic membrane, nylon/lycra outer layer with ergonomic sticky grip dots, 97% Thermolite, 3% Lycra inner glove, seamless construction.

Waterproof But not very warm

We weren't particularly impressed with the original Sealskinz waterproof glove - it had limited breathability and while it was waterproof, it had all the thermal properties of a layer of clingfilm. Well, the good news is, oh sod it, there is no good news, the latest incarnation of the glove, while improved, is still a solution looking for a problem that doesn't do it for us.

Top for washing up?

First, it is waterproof, but despite being a claimed 300 per-cent more breathable than its predecessor, it still felt clammy in use. Next, although the lining is marginally more fleecy than before. it's still not a warm glove - we'd guess that it would have the same level of effectiveness as a standard liner glove - the Sealskinz one is good by the way - but the thin fingers use lycra for a close fit, which in turn compresses your fingers and seems to restrict blood flow. The result is that the glove feels cold and adding liner gloves as Sealskinz suggest just increases the restriction slightly.

Realistically you want waterproof gloves when things get cold, which is when you want warmth as well. In more pleasant conditions, no-one really gives a stuff about wet hands, so what are they for?

Positive points? Well, the sticky dots work well and the seamless construction means a lack of fit-spoiling internal seams common to fleece gloves - an alternative solution is to site the seams on the outside as Berghaus do with some of their gloves.

For UK winter use, you'd be better off with a fleece glove and a waterproof over-glove or a windproof microfleece glove for cold, dry, windy conditions. It's hard to know what you'd use the Sealskinz for. Possibly desperate moves on ultra-difficult mixed ice routes would fit the bill, but for everything else, bar the washing up, there are better solutions.

Verdict: Yes they're waterproof, but they're not breathable enough or warm enough and the close fit of the fingers seems to restrict circulation making things worse. Unless you have a specific use for tight, cold, waterproof, but sticky gloves in mind, we'd leave well alone.

Performance
Value

Sealskinz web site

Pushed for time: Updated waterproof gloves with sticky palm and fingers, close fit, no seams, but not breathable enough and with the thermal efficiency of soemthign not very warm not helped by the finger constricting elasticated fit. Leave well alone.

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