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Best Climbing Gloves

Updated June 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Outdoor Research Splitter Gloves
Outdoor Research
Splitter Gloves
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Bottom Line

A great climbing glove for when you're on the wall. A good, reusable way to replace the need for tape.

Pros

Built to help protect your hands without sacrificing a feel for the wall – open palm and fingers and ultralight material. Great for protecting your hands during crack climbing.

Cons

Fabric can tear after extended use. Not meant for belaying. Runs large.

Best Bang for the Buck
Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves
Black Diamond
Crag Climbing Gloves
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Bottom Line

Comfortable gloves at a low price. Great belay gloves from a great brand.

Pros

Great for belaying and rappelling, as well as scrambling. Solid grip for ropes and cables. A good choice for first time climbers but we suggest something more durable for serious belayers.

Cons

Some complaints that these are made cheaply – specifically seams coming loose.

Ocun Crack Climbing Gloves
Ocun
Crack Climbing Gloves
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Bottom Line

A thicker crack climbing glove that's great for protecting your hand in cracks against painful pressure.

Pros

Many people who have avoided crack climbing have been able to enjoy it thanks to the thick padding of these gloves. Much more convenient than using tape and more protective as well.

Cons

A few complaints of the velcro strap snapping. They are tight but you want them that way.

Petzl Lightweight Gloves for Climbers
Petzl
Lightweight Gloves for Climbers
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Bottom Line

Durable and comfortable belaying gloves that are also great for any number of tasks, such as yard word or ranch work.

Pros

Real leather gloves that are built to last. Very breathable as well. Thick enough to protect your hand but still have a good feel for the rope. Many people used them for far more than climbing, including working on construction sites and as grocery stockers.

Cons

Run big and some owners found them unwieldy.

Black Diamond Stone Climbing Gloves
Black Diamond
Stone Climbing Gloves
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Bottom Line

Real leather gloves that are great for belaying if you prefer to have your fingers free.

Pros

Thick palms make these perfect for serious climbers who are belaying for hours at a time. Open fingers mean you can tie knots with ease. Hole at the bottom of the palm so you can attach them to a carabiner.

Cons

Even the smallest size isn't tight enough for some women.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
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178
Consumers
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Hours
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