Best Climbing Gloves of 2025
The best climbing gloves foR Rock Climbing and Belaying at the gym or the Crag
September 17th, 2025
Home → Gear Reviews → Climbing
If you’ve ever experienced rope burn on a long day of climbing, you know how precious a quality pair of belay gloves can be. The extra fabric provides a layer of protection in high-friction areas like the pocket between the thumb and index finger, reducing the odds of ending up with abrasions or cuts. They also provide extra padding and warmth, which can make them invaluable during cool-weather, alpine adventures.
While they’re technically softgoods, climbing gloves can enhance technical ability by adding friction, and a bit of emotional support on challenging climbing days.
We tested ten pairs of climbing gloves across splitters, big walls, alpine climbs, and multi-sport endeavors, evaluating their comfort, durability, and friction. These were our favorites.
Gearing up for your climbing season? Check out our Best Climbing Helmets, Best Climbing Pants, and Best Beginner Rock Climbing Shoes guides for more.
We create reader-supported, objective, independently-selected gear reviews. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Comparison table
| CLIMBING GLOVE | TREELINE AWARD | TYPE | MATERIAL | LENGTH | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metolius Half-Finger Climbing Gloves | Best Overall Read why |
Climbing, belay, big wall | Leather | ¾-finger | $45 |
| Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger Gloves | Best Affordable Read why |
Belay, via ferrata | Synthetic (60% nylon, 40% PU shell, 96% polyester, 4% elastane back hand, foam padding 100% cherry cloth thumb) | Half-finger | $22 |
| Outdoor Research Splitter II Gloves | Best for Crack Climbing Read why |
Crack | 80% polyester, 20% PU outer material, 55% PU, 45% nylon outer overlay | Standard | $40 |
| Petzl Codrex Lightweight Belay Gloves | Best for Alpine Climbing Read why |
Belay | Leather, nylon | Full-finger | $50 |
| Metolius Talon Belay Gloves | Best for Belaying Read why |
Belay | Synthetic | Full-finger | $25 |
| Outdoor Research Granite Gloves | Best Full-Finger Read why |
Belay, rappel | Goat leather, split suede, neoprene | Full-finger | $55 |
| Hestra Climbers Duratan Short 5 Finger | Best Half-Finger Read why |
Climbing, alpinism | Neoprene, polyamide fabric, duratan outer shell | Half-finger | $70 |
| Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves | Best Multi-Sport Read why |
Multi-sport | Nylon, spandex, leather, fleece, wool, acrylic, polyester | Full-length | $85 |
The winners
Best overall climbing gloves: Metolius Half Finger Climbing Gloves
Type: Climbing, belay, big wall
Material: Leather
Length: ¾-finger
MSRP: $45
What we liked: Durability, comfort, versatility
What we didn’t like: The break-in period, heavier than competitive options
We love the Metolius Climbing Gloves for many reasons; They’re super tough, reinforced in all the right places, and built to withstand weeks on the wall. They also come with a hook and loop wrist closure, and sizes that range from extra small to extra large, making it easy to keep them securely fixed to your harness and to find the right fit.
Metolius Half Finger Climbing Gloves
We used the full-finger version of this glove while ascending 14 pitches in Yosemite, hauling gear, and hanging over the valley for hours at a time. At the time, we were slow to slip a pair of gloves on since they inevitably get in the way and make it difficult to snap photos while climbing. But, truthfully, the Metolius Climbing Gloves were an essential piece of gear during this foray into big walling. The 3/4 finger version is even better than the full-finger gloves, since it helps you to maintain dexterity and use all of your tools without fumbling around (a big no-no on big walls). It slightly cuts down on weight, while offering the same features of the full-finger glove.
Where reliability is needed, these are my go-to climbing gloves. They provide maximum coverage while maintaining dexterity, making them an ideal pick for aid climbing, jugging, and hauling. They’re also unmatched when it comes to belaying and rappelling amidst less-strenuous adventures. Admittedly, with a 4.3 to 4.8 ounce weight, they’re heavier than many alternative options, but in our opinion, the weight is worth the performance.
Best affordable climbing gloves: Black Diamond Crag Half Finger Gloves
Type: Belay, via ferrata
Material: Synthetic (60% nylon, 40% PU shell, 96% polyester, 4% elastane back hand, foam padding 100% cherry cloth thumb)
Length: Half-finger
MSRP: $22
What we liked: Fit, comfort, affordability
What we didn’t like: Not designed for heavy rope use
Oftentimes an affordable price tag results in an inferior piece of gear, causing premature wear and aging. Yet the Black Diamond Crag Half Finger Glove manages to defy this expectation by providing one of the most affordable climbing glove options on the market while maintaining durability.
Black Diamond Crag Half Finger Gloves
Climbers can grab a pair of these gloves for the same cost of a pizza, and expect them to last for the whole season. These gloves easily stood up to jagged limestone walls and chossy gneiss over the course of the summer. What’s more is that we found the seams and stitching on these gloves to be ideally positioned to minimize damage to high-use areas like the space between the thumb and the index finger, which is ideal for hardcore usage.
Made with a variety of synthetic materials, these gloves provide climbers with a close fit and a half-finger closure that makes belaying and climbing still attainable. Ranging in sizes from extra small to extra large, it’s fairly easy to find a pair that compliments your hand. While some half-finger gloves have a tendency to bunch around the crease of the knuckles, the Black Diamond Crag Half Finger Gloves provide protection without substantially limiting the finger’s range of motion. Finally, these gloves weigh 2.49 ounces, making them one of the lighter options on this list, which is ideal for weight-conscious climbers and alpinists.
Best crack climbing gloves: Outdoor Research Splitter II Gloves
Type: Crack
Material: 80% polyester, 20% PU outer material, 55% PU, 45% nylon outer overlay
Length: Standard
MSRP: $40
What we liked: Comfort, grip, color
What we didn’t like: Lack of padding, sizing options
Crack climbing is a discipline that forgoes comfort for the sake of achievement, but the Outdoor Research Splitter II Gloves provide added protection and comfort amidst even the hardest crack climbs.
Outdoor Research Splitter II Gloves
These gloves are made with a mixture of polyester, polyurethane (PU), suede, and silicone materials to create a balanced, grippy glove that acts like a second skin for the back of the hand. Designed for hand jamming, climbers can expect these gloves to help maintain friction while preventing bunching and allowing the hand to maintain control. But it’s important to find the right fit since they can cause slipping if they’re too big.
The Outdoor Research Splitter II Glove is a great first crack glove. They’re pretty affordable in the realm of crack gloves, which makes them accessible for those who are just dipping their toes into the discipline. Their thin design allows the climber to maintain control and comfort while suspended mid-air, and they weigh just over an ounce. They also come with decent wrist coverage, which is great for deeper jams. Plus, the patterned index fingers help to eliminate a common failure point on the gloves.
Due to the gloves' minimalist design, they’re not the best choice for offwidth climbs, first cracks, or stacks. Instead, we’d recommend a glove with added padding to tackle such routes unless you prefer to live in a world of pain and suffering. And unlike some alternative crack gloves, they’re not built to last forever. Additionally, they come in limited sizes (small, medium, and large), which can make it challenging to find the right fit. But if you do, they’re a great entry-level glove for climbers who are ready to ditch the tape and go steady with crack climbing.
Best alpine climbing gloves: Petzl Cordex Gloves
Type: Belay
Material: Leather, nylon
Length: Full-finger
MSRP: $50
What we liked: Dexterity, durability, surprisingly breathable, lightweight design
What we didn’t like: Fingertips can feel bulky
Alpine climbers generally prioritize a fast and lightweight pack, which means that every single piece of gear has to be refined. The Petzl Cordex Gloves maintain this exact balance with their 4-ounce weight and durable design. In fact, these gloves use goatskin leather in places that need extra reinforcements, like on the palm of the hand and between the thumb and index finger.
Petzl Cordex Gloves
The glove switches to a stretchy nylon material to cut down the weight and add breathability for long days in the alpine. The result is a lightweight glove that can go the extra yard due to its refined design.
We used these gloves on a few different alpine climbs across Rocky Mountain National Park and found that they also added a layer of warmth without causing saturation in wind-whipped areas. While we wouldn’t take these gloves out on full-blown winter expeditions, they performed beautifully in late spring in the Rockies.
Our main complaint with these gloves is that the fingertips can feel bulky, which can be problematic while tying knots in precarious situations. While it’s not an impossible task, we wondered if a slightly different fingertip design could perfect these gloves, making them reliable under any circumstances
Best belay gloves: Metolius Talon Gloves
Type: Belay
Material: Synthetic
Length: Full-finger
MSRP: $25
What we liked: Fit, comfort, reinforcement points, versatility, cost
What we didn’t like: Interior seam can cause chafing
The Metolius Talon Gloves are the second most affordable option on this list, just barely losing to the Black Diamond Crag Half Finger Gloves. They’re also the lightest option (aside from our favorite crack climbing gloves), weighing 1.8 to 2.5 ounces per pair.
Metolius Talon Gloves
These gloves really shine when it comes to providing a minimalist belay glove with added protection that maintains dexterity. These gloves come with basic reinforcements on high-wear points for a touch of durability. The fingertips are less bulky than competitive options, which is great in situations where you need to tie knots and manage a belay device. And their fit is one of our favorites since it’s close to the skin and leaves little room for bulk.
While some climbers complain that the synthetic fabrics of this glove feels similar to a climbing rope, thereby adding unnecessary friction, we found that they still perform better than a cheap pair of knock-off climbing gloves at our home crag. Additionally, we haven’t had the chance to take them canyoneering yet, we also suspect that their lightweight, synthetic design will make them an ideal companion in environments that have a tendency to get wet.
Best full-finger climbing gloves: Outdoor Research Granite Gloves
Type: Belay, rappel
Material: Goat leather, split suede, neoprene
Length: Full-finger
MSRP: $55
What we liked: Extra back hand padding, minimal fingertip seams, stitching, dexterity
What we didn’t like: Can be tough to take off quickly
Upon slipping a pair of the Outdoor Research Granite Gloves over our hands, it was immediately evident that their fit and ergonomic design is unmatched. These gloves…well…fit like a glove, making us question where our skin ends and where the leather begins.
Outdoor Research Granite Gloves
With their extra back hand padding, and minimal fingertip seams, they made us feel protected without impingement, making it easy to manage ropes, tie knots, and handle belay devices.
What’s more is that these gloves are designed with dexterity at the forefront of their structure. They move in all of the places they need to move, providing a touch of extra space around high-mobility areas like the knuckles and clever design components like a split palm and minimal fingertip seams. And they come with Kevlar stitching to ensure that they’ll continue to rock ‘n’ roll in even the sharpest environments.
Weighing 3.4 ounces, these gloves are right in the middle of their weight class. But unlike some competitors, they don’t skimp on reinforcements.
Our only caveat is that, like most leather gloves, there is a brief break-in period for these gloves. We had to take them out a few times before the fabric began to soften. And their close fit means that they can be tough to take off in a pinch. But their overall comfort, design, and reliability made them an easy winner.
Best half-finger climbing gloves: Hestra Duratan Short Gloves
Type: Climbing, alpinism
Material: neoprene, polyamide fabric, duratan outer shell
Length: Half-finger
MSRP: $70
What we liked: Feels custom, machine washable, gentle 4-way stretch
What we didn’t like: One of the pricier options, questionable long-term use
With a reputation for making high-quality, durable, cold-weather gloves for ski and outdoor use, it shouldn't come as a surprise to know that Hestra manages to make a quality climbing glove, too. The Hestra Duratan Short is a great indication of this reality with its extremely lightweight, form-fitting glove.
Hestra Duratan Short Gloves
The slightly stretch fabrics make this glove feel like it was made for you. Also different from most climbing companies, Hestra offers numerical sizing options based on palm length in its gloves, which is likely another reason why these feel customized. The neoprene cuff also gives the glove a natural-feeling design.
The Hestra Duratan Short glove also comes with shock absorbing rubber on the back of the hand and thumb to tackle any climb. They’re weather resistant, and breathable, which makes them a great companion in high alpine environments and at home. And, amazingly, these gloves are also machine washable, which is great for those of us who are hard on their climbing gear.
Admittedly, these gloves come with a significant price, too. And since this glove isn’t as reinforced as gloves like the Metolius Belay Glove, we have some concerns about this glove from a long-term usage standpoint. However, it’s a great option for climbers who are looking for extra weatherproof capabilities, and a custom-feeling glove that easily adapts to alpine environments.
Best multi-sport climbing gloves: Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves
Type: Multi-sport
Material: Nylon, spandex, leather, fleece, wool, acrylic, polyester
Length: Full-length
MSRP: $85
What we liked: Great weather resistance, a tough of stretch, super warm
What we didn’t like: Hefty cost
The Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves are water, and wind resistant, which makes them a great pick for cold-weather adventuring. We found that these gloves performed well in a variety of situations due to their rugged design, darted fingers, and arm materials. In fact, we think you could just as easily take these ice climbing as you could take them snowshoeing or backcountry skiing.
Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves
Their fit is true to size, with a touch of stretch. The lining of the glove comes with a 40% wool, 35% acrylic, and 25% polyester construction to support a warm environment while the outer material is made out of an 88% nylon and 12% spandex blend. And the palm is made with goat leather for added durability.
The biggest problem with these gloves is that they’re easily the most expensive option on this list. With the exception of the Hestra Duratan, they’re nearly double the cost of any other option (if not triple). The way we rationalize the added cost is by highlighting their versatility. The overall ability of this glove to switch from sport to sport makes it a good pick for mountain athletes who love tackling multi-sport endeavors.
Other climbing gloves we tested
Outdoor Research Fossil Rock II Gloves
Type: Climbing, belay, rappel
Material: Polyester, spandex, leather, neoprene, goatskin
Length: ¾-finger
MSRP: $39
The Outdoor Research Fossil Rock II Gloves have a few strengths, like a durable construction, reinforcements in high-use areas, and a comfortable neoprene cuff. But we found that the finger entryways were bulkier than we’d like, which significantly impacted dexterity. While these might be a good choice for basic rope management at the crag, their inflexibility makes them a tough sell in environments that require versatility.
Outdoor Research Fossil Rock II Gloves
Type: Belay
Material: Cowhide
Length: Full-finger
MSRP: $45
We love the Metolius Belay Gloves. They’re one of our favorite picks in existence. The only reason they didn’t make it to our list of winners is because the Metolius Climbing Glove slightly edged them out due to their added dexterity and versatility. But we’d still be quick to pack these for big wall climbing, aid climbing, and any endeavor that requires ascending.
Metolius Belay Glove
What to look for in climbing gloves
A good pair of climbing gloves should protect your hands while allowing you to maintain precision amidst every climb. But determining how to find the gloves that’ll balance your needs can be tricky. Make sure to look at these factors before making your final pick.
-
Are you expecting to spend your life navigating torturous offwidths? Do you aspire to big-wall climb in Yosemite? Climbers finagle their way to all kinds of different features, requiring varying amounts of hand protection. Crack climbing is particularly hard on the skin, which makes a quality pair of crack gloves essential to long days on the wall. Similarly, alpine climbs are often lengthy, all-day endeavors that expose the climber to sharp rock and ice, making gloves an appreciated addition.
But not everyone likes or needs to use climbing gloves. Some belayers might opt for a pair of gloves if they have sensitive skin or want to avoid rope burning their hands. Those who partake in via ferratas might also find climbing gloves to enhance comfort since most routes expose you to steel cables, rungs, and other types of equipment that can be hard on the hands. Those with existing calluses and a pension for shorter adventures might be able to get by without them.
-
Climbing gloves utilize a range of different materials including leather, synthetic, and rubber-backed options. Synthetic gloves usually offer a lightweight, breathable option while leather is extremely durable but prone to trapping moisture. Rubber-backed gloves are most commonly used on crack climbs because of the extra padding they provide.
-
The key to finding the perfect climbing glove comes down to finding the right balance between fit and dexterity. Most climbers find that a snug (but not tight) glove provides the best fit. Your hands should maintain a full range of motion, without feeling restricted. At the same time, gloves that are too loose can cause bunching and get trapped in the belay device. But that fit shouldn’t drastically reduce dexterity. Instead, it should allow your hands to zip and unzip your jacket, clip carabiners, and manipulate belay devices.
-
The whole point of wearing a climbing glove is to enhance protection and comfort during long adventures. So, padding and protection should be priorities while looking for the right glove. The amount of padding and protection that’s needed varies by climbing type and climber preference, but for the most part, a quality glove should add a layer of protection and some padding without feeling bulky or cumbersome.
-
Climbing gloves that lack breathability can cause excessive sweating and a loss of grip power in warm conditions. Synthetic and lightweight climbing gloves tend to be more breathable than bulky leather gloves. But they’re also less durable.
-
Factors like material choice and construction can determine how much grip a pair of climbing gloves maintains. Typically, they’re made to optimize friction while maximizing protection.
Climbing gloves also come with a few different types of palms. Some palms come with reinforced spots, while others have a minimalistic design with a single sheet of fabric. Most climbers find that they appreciate a palm design that’s reinforced in high-use areas but also allows a full range of motion (which is often determined by the stitching).
-
We love strong materials and beefy stitching because they feel more reliable and trustworthy than delicate alternatives. But strong materials can also yield a hefty glove. The key to the perfect climbing glove is finding a pair that blends finesse with reliability to ensure that you’re covered even while suspended hundreds of feet off of the ground.
Types of climbing gloves
Climbing gloves come in a few shapes and sizes to accommodate different activity types. Some environments are more likely to require the extra protection of a climbing glove since they can be tough on the hands.
-
Belay gloves are primarily used to control the rope, while reducing direct friction to the hands. This type of glove is designed to eliminate hot spots and the general discomfort of tough ropes rubbing against sensitive skin.
-
Almost every crack climber carries a pair of crack gloves because of the brutal nature of this style of climbing. Not only do crack climbers use their finger tips and palms to scale rocks, but they also often have to hand jam, which exposes more of the hand’s surface area to sharp rock. As a result, most people find that having an added layer of tape or a glove is essential to long days at the crag. While it is possible to make a crack climbing glove out of tape, fashioning an effective glove requires a lot of tape, and the resulting gloves are usually only good for a few days of climbing.
-
Alpinists might use a variety of different climbing gloves depending on the length and conditions of the endeavor. High mountain environments are cooler than lower elevation endeavors, which may require the use of insulated gloves. Some alpinists opt for waterproof options to keep their hands safe and warm even in rain and snowy conditions. Or they might utilize a layering system in extreme situations.
-
Full coverage climbing gloves maximize warmth and protection but they can limit dexterity. Conversely, half-finger gloves offer much of the same protection while allowing the hand to maintain its dexterity, but they generally provide less warmth than full-finger alternatives.
-
Some companies make climbing gloves that are designed to accommodate multi-sport athletes as they shift from sports like alpine climbing and mountaineering to ski-touring and resort skiing. In most cases, a climbing-specific glove provides better precision than a multi-sport glove. They also tend to be more lightweight than a multi-sport option. But those with many outdoor interests can also find a glove that accommodates a few different sports.
How should climbing gloves fit?
When you try a climbing glove for the first time, you should be able to make a fist without feeling like your hand is constricted by the materials. At the same time, there shouldn’t be excess material across the glove. You need the “Goldilocks” of gloves.
When buying gloves online, most outfitters will offer a sizing chart. It’s a really good idea to measure your hand to ensure that you’ll have enough space to maintain hand dexterity once you’ve chosen your gloves. Keep in mind that leather tends to soften over time, which can lend itself to a gentler fit after extended use.
Care and maintenance tips
One of the most important climbing glove maintenance tips is to allow them to fully dry before storing them. Moisture can cause buildup and mold growth in gloves, which can contribute to premature breakdown.
Leather gloves can be conditioned to encourage a soft, pliable shape. And it doesn’t hurt to periodically wipe them down with a damp cloth.
When you’re ready to store your climbing gloves, keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid sun damage.
The lifespan of climbing gloves varies based on the frequency of use, the type of climbing, and the quality of climbing gloves. Crack climbing gloves, for example, may only last a single season while leather gloves can last for years. If a pair of gloves is starting to show signs of worn seams or tears, it might be time to retire them.
FAQ
-
Determining whether or not you need climbing gloves depends on factors like the environment in which you’ll be climbing, personal preference, and the type of climbing you’ll be doing. Those who expect to crack climb, aid climb, haul gear, and tackle multi-pitch routes are more inclined to need a pair of climbing gloves than someone who mainly boulders or climbs indoors.
-
Depending on the endeavor, a quality pair of climbing gloves can add significant comfort as well as protection against sharp rock, ice, and the elements. But they’re not an essential gear item for everyone. You might need a pair of belay or climbing gloves if you expect to spend a lot of time in the alpine, in mixed environments, and hauling or belaying. If you predominantly boulder or climb in the gym, skip the climbing gloves.
-
You have free will, so we’re not going to say you can’t use your cycling gloves for climbing. However, cycling gloves are designed with much different focuses in mind. Chances are that the materials, and build will not stand up to the demands of climbing—or at least, not for long. What’s more is that cycling gloves could actually be detrimental to your climbing success by creating bulk in the wrong areas.
-
Using tape to make a pair of crack gloves is a good way to cut down on climbing gear expenses, but it’s not very long-lasting. And it limits movement more than the standard pair of crack gloves. True crack gloves manage to prioritize hand and finger dexterity while providing a slightly more durable climbing glove option.
-
Yes! Most climbing gloves are designed with grip enhancement in mind. The main challenge is that they prevent tactile feedback, which makes it harder for climbers to feel what’s happening on the rock surface.
For more on grip enhancement, you may also be interested in our Best Climbing Chalk and Best Climbing Chalk Bags guides. For more recommendations, check out our Best Climbing Ropes and Best Climbing Rope Bags guides.
How we researched and tested
We’ve taken climbing gloves to Looking Glass Rock in North Carolina, Yosemite Valley, the Rocky Mountains, and South Carolina’s local crags over the past three years in every season.
Throughout that time frame, we predominantly used gloves for hauling, long sport climbs, and alpine climbing.
This article involved testing from at least four climbers, with more than 35 years of climbing experience between them, who prefer cool-weather, high-altitude climbs.
But our testing also involved mild crack climbing, some cold-weather climbing, and long belays.
-
We spent most of our time outside in the Rocky Mountain range where we tackled gneiss and granite routes on sport, trad, and alpine routes. But throughout the past few years, we’ve also put gloves to the test on Yosemite granite, on North Carolina’s plutons, and South Carolina’s grainy gneiss.
-
Some of our testers spent a few days navigating alpine routes on Longs Peak in Colorado and across Rocky Mountain National Park over the course of the past two years. They predominantly opted for leather gloves in this environment due to the added warmth and durability.
-
Climbing gloves can be a great pick for both new climbers and seasoned athletes, depending on their needs and preferences. Seasoned athletes might opt for highly technical gloves with a lightweight build to tackle specific endeavors while new athletes may benefit from an added layer of protection of any kind. Our most advanced tester has decades of climbing experience across the country, while our newest climber had only experienced a few outdoor outings prior to testing these gloves.
-
Over the years, we’ve used climbing gloves for belaying, hauling, crack climbing, and cold-weather alpine climbing. We found that crack gloves are a must-have item. Cold-weather climbing also greatly benefits from a solid pair of climbing gloves. While not essential for belaying, ascending, or hauling, climbing gloves make the experience way more comfortable.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Mary Beth Skylis is a freelance writer who specializes in adventure and travel journalism. She’s been climbing across the globe for more than a decade, and loves any opportunity to tackle limestone, granite and long multi-pitch climbs. Skylis currently works as a columnist for Backpacker Magazine. She also has by-lines in Climbing, REI, Alaska Magazine, Women’s Health, Outside Magazines, Trail Runner, SELF, 5280, Westword, Boulder Magazine, Business Insider, and Travel+Leisure,. When she isn’t writing, she can typically be found in the Rocky Mountains.
Skylis also worked with a half-a-dozen additional climbers for this piece in an attempt to make calculated, complete evaluations of these gloves. The other climbers that were involved had varying levels of experience, ranging from entirely new climbers to being professional guides in the Rockies with more than 25 years of climbing experience. Follow Skylis on Instagram: @h1kertrash
