Ibex’s Kilometer Gloves are a reissue of an older, much-loved design grounded in sensible winter use with improved supplies. Initially constructed for cold-weather journey on foot and skis, the Kilometer Gloves are designed for Nordic snowboarding, backcountry touring, climbing, and winter climbing, actions the place regular output, dexterity, and altering circumstances demand constant consolation.
- Gender: Unisex
- Exterior: 100% Nylon, Goat Leather-based
- Liner: 90% Merino Wool, 10% Nylon Nuyarn
- SizesL XS-XL
Visually, the gloves are extremely utilitarian, with a strengthened goat-leather palm, nostril wipe, harness loops, and merino-wool cuffs. These will not be downhill ski gloves constructed for lift-served laps and high-speed descents. They’re made for motion: kick-and-glide snowboarding, skinning uphill, mountaineering, and winter climbing, the place palms are always working poles, adjusting layers, or dealing with gear. The design emphasizes effectivity and luxury over most safety.
They’re additionally surprisingly heat, which caught me abruptly. I’ve been having points this winter conserving my palms heat with my common layered fleece liner/mitt glove system, however I’ve been pleasantly shocked by these Kilometer gloves, even after perspiring in them on lengthy winter ascents. I attribute that to the heat of the merino lining and the wind resistance of their leather-based palms. That, coupled with the improved dexterity they supply, makes them straightforward to make use of with ski poles, trekking poles, and a mountaineering axe.
The core of the Kilometer Gloves is their merino wool inside. Ibex has lengthy been related to merino, and this glove exhibits why the fabric nonetheless issues. The wool lining gives heat with out bulk and does a wonderful job regulating temperature throughout a variety of effort ranges. Throughout sustained cardio exercise, the gloves keep heat however by no means stifling. Moisture administration is a transparent power. Even after lengthy, sweaty climbs on foot or ski, the within of the glove stays comfy reasonably than damp, which is important in chilly environments the place moist palms can rapidly flip into chilly palms.
The outside material on the again of the glove is a stretch softshell that blocks wind successfully, enhances breathability, and permits freedom of motion. It feels supple reasonably than stiff, making pole straps, bindings, and pack buckles straightforward to handle. Wind resistance is enough for open terrain and uncovered ridgelines, although these gloves will not be absolutely windproof in the way in which heavier alpine gloves are. That tradeoff favors breathability and luxury throughout sustained movement, which aligns nicely with their meant use.
Heat is finest described as average. I’ve discovered that the Kilometer Gloves excel in temperatures roughly between 15 and the low 40s Fahrenheit, relying on wind, precipitation, and particular person tolerance. For Nordic snowboarding or uphill journey on foot, they’re near splendid. Many customers will discover they pair nicely with a heavier over-mitt carried in a pack for breaks.
Match is without doubt one of the strongest elements of the design. The gloves are close-fitting with out feeling tight, permitting for wonderful dexterity. Finger articulation feels pure, and there’s little extra materials on the fingertips. This makes duties like adjusting pole size, opening zippers, or sustaining a ready-grip on an ice axe straightforward . The cuff is minimal and low-profile, becoming cleanly below jacket sleeves and serving to seal out drafts with out cumbersome closures or Velcro. The cuff additionally retains a stunning quantity of physique warmth, whereas concurrently wicking moisture from the within of the gloves. I’m impressed.
Sturdiness seems nicely matched to the meant actions. The palm materials gives a dependable grip on ski poles and trekking poles with out being overly thick or padded. Reinforcement in high-wear areas, particularly across the thumb and index finger, provides confidence for repeated use. These will not be gloves designed for rope work or heavy abrasion, however for snowboarding and winter climbing, they really feel appropriately strong.
There are a couple of compromises. Climate safety is targeted extra on breathability than on full waterproofing. In moist snow or freezing rain, the gloves will finally get moist. For a lot of customers, that is an appropriate tradeoff given how nicely the gloves carry out in chilly, dry winter circumstances.
Total Evaluation
The Ibex Kilometer Gloves succeed they’re easy, well-balanced, and purpose-built for winter motion reasonably than static heat. For Nordic skiers, backcountry vacationers, and winter hikers who worth merino consolation, good breathability, and dexterity for software use, the Kilometer Gloves are a sensible and welcome choice.
Disclosure: Ibex donated gloves for evaluation.
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