For a backcountry guide who escorts guests in the ever-changing wilderness, being able to move quickly without waste and being able to work with your fingers accurately is a very important factor. For guides, it goes without saying that gloves play an important role in providing safety, security, fun and comfort to guests. Let's ask what kind of gloves professional guides trust and love, as well as how professionals use them in the mountains.
"When it's cold, I use the ARC'TERYX Fission SV, and when hiking or when it's not too cold, I use the Venta AR." - Daichi Terui
ARC'TERYX | Fission SV Gloves
A model that boasts the highest level of warmth in ARC'TERYX. A combination of abrasion-resistant, waterproof, and breathable materials protects hands in a variety of BC situations. Two types of Primaloft® silver and gold insulation provide the ultimate in warmth. The lining uses Octa® Loft, which has excellent breathability, and keeps the humidity inside the glove in an optimal state. High-quality goat leather is used double to improve durability. In addition, it has evolved to be easier to put on and take off.
Color: Black (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
¥25,300
Click here for the official website
ARC'TERYX | Venta Gloves
Gloves that use Gore-Tex Infinium™, which has excellent wind resistance, water resistance, and moisture permeability. It is also characterized by being lightweight with a soft shell garment that is resistant to wind and rain. The brushed lining is thick and warm, and the outerwear is fine in snow and light rain. It is made to increase the grip and absorb moisture easily, so you can operate your smartphone or touch screen while wearing it.
Color: Black (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
￥9,900
Click here for the official website
[Favorite model and why]
I like the ARC'TERYX Venta AR when hiking or when it's not too cold. It's very easy to use, so I also use it for ice climbing. When it's cold, I use the ARC'TERYX Fission SV 5-finger.
[How I use gloves]
I always carry three types: thin, medium, and thick.
ReviewerDaichi
Trui _
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
・JMGA mountain guide stage I
・JMGA ski guide stage II
・JAN avalanche worker level I
"I love Black Diamond. I always have several models with different thicknesses and uses." - Toyokazu Nakano
Black Diamond | Spark
spark
*Sold out.
The corresponding model for the 2022-2023 season is the Mission.
Black Diamond｜Mission
The combination of Gore-Tex® and Primaloft® Gold provides durability and warmth. The palm side is made of soft and durable goat leather, and the back side is made of ripstop polyester. A highly versatile model that can be used in the backcountry in general.
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
￥10,570
Click here for the official website
Black Diamond | Impulse
Made of supple and durable goat leather, Gore-Tex® and Primaloft® Gold Cloth core provide excellent heat retention. Built-in EVA pads on the back of the hand and thumb to improve protection performance. The neoprene cuff keeps your wrist warm and provides a great fit. High-end freeride glove with high performance. The design is also a fan favorite.
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
¥25,630
Click here for the official website
Black Diamond | Ark
The shell is a stretch nylon shell with high stretchability, and BDRY, which has excellent waterproof and moisture permeability, is inserted. Gloves that emphasize operability designed based on motocross gloves.
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors in total)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
¥13,500
Click here for the official website
[Favorite Model and Why]
My main glove was the Black Diamond Spark. I mainly used them when skiing in cooler temperatures. They're a basic glove that offers a good balance of warmth and supple leather for easy pole grip. I like them because they offer a good balance of warmth and suppleness. I like to tuck my gloves inside the cuffs of my jacket, so I choose a model with a clean wristline.
Unfortunately, the Spark is no longer available for the 2022-23 season, but similar models, the Mission and Impulse, are now available, so they seem like a good choice.
For climbing in cooler temperatures and spring tours, I use the Black Diamond Arc. This model has a good fit and excellent maneuverability, making it my most versatile and frequently used glove. It's also highly waterproof, making it suitable for rainy days.
[Glove Usage Tips] I
always make sure to have multiple glove models with different thicknesses and uses. I bring different combinations depending on the season and the tour, such as cold weather gloves, models with high maneuverability, and models with high waterproofness. Personally, I don't like layering inner gloves.
Reviewer
Infield
Toyokazu Nakano
/
Kubiki Others : Mt. Tate, Mt. Chokai, etc.
"I love the HESTRA model, which has good heat retention and allows me to do detailed work with five fingers." - Kazuya Igarashi
HESTRA｜HELI ski GTX
4-way stretch nylon with a built-in GORE-TEX membrane on goat goat army leather that is supple, strong, and has high grip. With a 2-layer lining, it can be used with the liner removed during warm weather.
Color: Black
Size: 6~10 Size Guide
¥30,800
Click here for the official website
HESTRA｜Windshield Liner
A liner made of wind-resistant windshield material. The palm side is made of polyester fleece, and the sidewalls are made of breathable mesh. The palm and fingertips have grip prints, and the thumb and index finger are touchscreen compatible. Can be used as a liner for replaceable liner gloves.
Material: 91% Polyester/ 9% Tricot, Fleece Cuff, Grip Print, Touch Point (forefinger and thumb)
Color: Black
Size: 6~10 Size Guide
¥6,380
Click here for the official website
[Favorite model and why]
HESTRA's HELI ski GTX and Windshield Liner. They have good heat retention and the five fingers allow for fine work.
[Tips for using gloves]
I carry over-mittens, spring gloves for hiking, and spare gloves.
Reviewer
Kagura Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi
[Main guide area] Enter from the BC gate at the top of Kagura Ski Resort No. 5 Romance Lift / Others: Tateyama, Mt.
Gassan
, Mt.
"It fits your hand well, is easy to move around in, and is warm" - Hiroki Ito
HESTRA｜Army Leather Couloir
Equipped with an ergo grip that is patterned and draped to make it easy to grip the pole. The palm side is made of goat leather with excellent durability and strength, and a nylon fabric mixed with a waterproof and breathable membrane is used. The instep is made of flexible cowhide leather molded into a bellows. . The short cuffs with Velcro closure are made of neoprene for a comfortable fit.
Color: Cork/Brown (4 colors in total)
Size: Size Guide
¥18,484
Click here for the official website
[Favorite model and why]
HESTRA's Army Leather Couloir. It fits my hands well and is warm. The cut allows for easy hand movement.
[Tips for using gloves]
I bring the above gloves as well as thicker ones for the harsh winter (thick woolen gloves, etc.).
Reviewer
Vertical Land
Yuki Ito
[Main guide area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano
Prefecture
,
Northern
Alps
"Anywhere within the ski area is fine!" Makoto Kuroda
HESTRA｜3-Finger Full Leather
The three-finger model, an iconic HESTRA product, perfectly combines the outstanding warmth of mittens with the maneuverability of five-finger mittens. It allows for effortless pole handling, and the three fingers (middle, right, and little) each have their own lining, providing excellent warmth and a secure fit.
The exterior is made of soft cowhide leather, while the palm is made of durable goat leather and supple cowhide leather. The polyester liner inside is removable.
Color: Yellow/Cork (5 colors)
Size: 6-10 size guide
¥18,150
Click here for the official website
[Favorite model and why]
Hestra's three-finger model. Warm and no problem with rope operation. Perfect for anywhere you ski.
[Tips for using gloves]
I have at least two pairs of gloves in different thicknesses. I keep an extra pair in case a customer loses one. Thick inner layers reduce blood circulation and make it even colder, so I'd rather buy thicker gloves than add an inner layer.
Reviewer
Makoto Kuroda
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
guide
] Focusing on Joshinetsu, to the area of your choice
"The heat retention combined with workability is unmatched." - Satoshi Tsukahara
HESTRA ｜ Ergo Grip Active Wool
The new Ergo Grip Active glove is a classic lightweight glove with a wool lining. The wool lining provides slightly improved warmth, softness, and a pleasant feel against the skin. Perfect for winter hikes and spring skiing
Color: Navy (4 colors)
Size: 6-10 size guide
¥15,950
Click here for the official website
[Favorite model and why]
I only use HESTRA Ergo Grip Active Wool. Its warmth combined with workability is unmatched.
[How I use gloves]
Lately, I only use the same spare Ergo Grip Active.
Satoshi Tsukahara ReviewerHokkaido
Backcountry Guys
[Main guide area] Kiroro, Niseko, around Akaigawa / Others: All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
"Breathable material for comfort, five-finger design for excellent gear grip" Tomohiro Shagawa
HESTRA｜Omni GTX Full Leather
A Japan-only model that was created at the request of guides and riders who ski in Japan's snowy mountains. The palm side is made of goat leather with excellent durability and strength, and the instep and sides are made of flexible cowhide leather. The 5-finger type with outseam finish reduces unnecessary pressure on the fingertips and is attractive for its high operability. A GORE-TEX membrane that exhibits high waterproof and moisture permeability is inserted on the entire inside to reliably handle wetness from snow.
Color: Bordeaux (6 colors)
Size: 5~10 size guide
¥19,250
Click here for the official website
[Preferred model and reason]
Uses HESTRA Omni GTX Full Leather.
It is comfortable with moisture permeable material, and it is good that the gear grip is high with five fingers. When it gets cold, use it with a set of over gloves. [Ingenuity in how to use gloves]
Always have a thin inner.
In addition, set up with over gloves with enhanced Gore-Tex function to prevent coldness.
Reviewer
COLOR SPORT CLUB
Tomohiro Tonegawa
guide
area] Hakuba VALLEY (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki,
Myoko
, Mt.
"The ErgoGrip allows you to do detailed work without stress." Akiko Nakae
HESTRA | Ergo Grip Active
The palm is made of goat leather and features GORE Windstopper for excellent wind and water resistance. It has a highly insulating liner, yet is thin and easy to use. The ErgoGrip is ergonomically designed with 3D cutting and sewing to fit the natural curve of the hand when relaxed. It's easy to grip, allowing for stress-free fine work, and it's comfortable to wear for long periods of time
Color: Black (5 colors in total)
Size: Size guide
¥ 14,850
Click here for the official website
[Favorite model and why]
The thin and comfortable Ergo Grip Active gloves are useful for hiking uphill on warmer days or when rope work is required. The slight warmth and Ergo Grip allow for stress-free, delicate work.
Also, because I have extremely cold extremities, mittens are essential in the harsh winter. HESTRA mittens are reasonably easy to use, allowing me to attach and remove seals without removing them.
[Tips for using gloves]
I wear five-finger, stretchy gloves under my mittens. Diligently repairing the holes in the fingertips helps keep them from getting cold. If I ever need to dig a snow cave, keeping them dry is the most important thing, so I keep spare Temres in my backpack.
Reviewer
Epic Japan
Akiko NAKAE
[Main guide areas] Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, Tateyama / Other: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Stage II
, JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I
"I like the wool innerwear because it doesn't get sticky even when I sweat." - Kazuya Furuse
HESTRA ｜Leather Wool
With detachable wool liner made of all leather. The palm side is made of durable goat leather. The instep side is made of soft and smooth cowhide leather for improved wearability and operability. A warm brushed wool liner is built into the inside of the instep, and it maintains heat retention even if it contains some moisture.
Color: Cork/Brown (3 colors)
Size: Size Guide
¥19,250
Click here for the official website
[Favorite model and why]
HESTRA Leather Wool is a highly efficient five-finger type that is characterized by its excellent heat retention. I like the wool inner because it doesn't get sticky even when I sweat.
[Tips for using gloves]
I always bring spare gloves. I use handcuffs and am careful not to lose my gloves in strong winds. I don't want my gloves to get wet, so I try not to climb in just the inner layer when it's snowing or let my outer layer hang down.
Reviewer
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
Kazuya Furuse
[Main guide area] Hakuba area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
JAN Avalanche Operator Level 2
"Genuine leather doesn't get wet and is flexible, making it easy to do detailed work." - Yuu Takeo
HIMARAK｜1.5.1
These mittens are made from water-repellent cowhide and meticulously tailored and sewn in a domestic factory. They have few seams, making them waterproof and durable. The leather is sewn in a way that wrinkles the skin, preventing direct contact with the stitching threads and preventing fraying even when rubbing your hands against hard snow. The
removable inner gloves are made of the heat-storing material Thermotron, and come with JAGER gloves for even greater warmth. Ideal for use in the harshest winters, they are especially popular with snowboarders.
Material: Cowhide suede outerwear
Size: S, M, L, XL
Color: Navy
￥23,100
◆Official website is here
[My favorite model and why]
HIMARAK is a manufacturer that uses genuine leather. Genuine leather, including the inner layer, does not get wet, so genuine leather gloves are my only choice for BC. The leather is given an original look with oils and other treatments, which makes it cool. It also allows for flexible movement, making it easy to do detailed work.
[Tips for using gloves]
Combining over-mittens, thin five-finger gloves, and inner gloves
Reviewer
Bantei -bamboo tail-
Yu TAKEO
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski and Snowboard Guide Stage II
, Mountaineering Guide Stage II
"I use three different thickness types of MAMMUT depending on the activity and weather" - Iwao Saeki
MAMMUT｜ La Liste Glove
These lightweight, warm gloves are made from stretch fleece. They're great for adding insulation as a liner in snowy conditions. Made with ECONYL® recycled nylon and spandex, the stretch fleece dries quickly and is easy to care for. They're stretchy and offer excellent warmth. These touchscreen gloves are compatible, allowing you to use your smartphone without removing them
Color: Black
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥19,250
Click here for the official website
MAMMUT｜ Astro Guide Glove
The outer layer is made of windproof and breathable GORE-TEX, while the inner layer is made of supple, water-repellent goat leather. The stretch neoprene cuff with adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners provides a snug fit, and the ergonomic design ensures fine fingertip movement, making it easy to handle gear at the base camp
Color: Black
Size: 6-10 Size Guide
¥13,750
Click here for the official website
MAMMUT｜ Stretch Glove
These lightweight, warm gloves are made from stretch fleece. They're useful as an insulating liner for snow activities. Made with ECONYL® recycled nylon and spandex, the stretch fleece dries quickly and is easy to care for. They're stretchy and thin, yet offer excellent warmth. These touchscreen-compatible gloves allow you to operate your smartphone without removing them. Despite their versatility, they're also very reasonably priced
Color: Black
Size: 6~10 Size Guide
¥5,390
Click here for the official website
[Favorite model and reason]
I carry three types of Mammut gloves: thick, medium-weight, and liner gloves.
[How I use gloves] I use
thin gloves when hiking. I use medium-weight gloves when skiing. I have thick gloves for when it's cold.
Reviewer
Roll
Saeki Iwao Saeki
]
Tsurugi
, Hakuba, Myoko
"It's durable, soft, and warm. It's perfect for me, as my fingertips get cold easily." - Kenji Akutsu
SCOTT | Explorer Plus
It is easy to move, has excellent operability, is durable and warm. The outer shell is made of 90% goat leather, 90% nylon, and GORE-TEX wind stopper material, which is highly durable and breathable to wick away sweat. The batting contains prima soft, and it has excellent heat retention. It's also windproof, so you can stay comfortable all day long.
Color: Black / Burnt Orange (2 colors)
Size: S, M, L, LL
¥18,480
Click here for the official website
It has the durability of leather, yet is soft and warm. It has high heat retention, so it's just right for me, who tends to get cold at my fingertips. In addition, the index finger and thumb are reinforced, so even if you make full use of it in lessons and guides, it is useful that it does not easily get holes.
Reviewer
Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T
Kenji Akutsu
[Main guide area] Fukushima Prefecture: Minamiaizu/Hinoemata area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, TAJ Telemark Ski Instructor
"Impressions for skiers who are sensitive to the cold and dislike wearing inner gloves" by Shohei Sasaki
Swany Gloves｜Sisam
This under-cuff model features a short cuff that's easy to grip and operate, and can be stored in the cuffs of your WEAR. It's made entirely of soft, water-repellent goat leather (the palm cuff is made of fabric), and the lining is made of bamboo, which has a deodorizing effect. The zipper makes it easy to put on and take off. It also features a GORE-TEX insert
Cold Level -15 to -5℃:
Color: NV (4 colors)
Size: 7, 8, 9, 10 Size Guide
Size: XS, S, M, L
￥18,700
Click here for the official website
Swany Gloves｜Union Full leather
Made entirely of leather with a GORE-TEX insert for excellent water resistance and breathability, it offers a comfortable grip that feels like bare hands, providing outstanding operability. Soft, water-repellent goat leather is used throughout. Durable and warm. The unique Pre-Curve cutting maintains a natural hand position and reduces strain on the hands. This under-cuff model can be stored in the cuffs of your clothing. Available in nine colors and women's sizes
Color: BK (9 colors in total)
Size: (Mens) XS, S, M, L (Womens) XS, S, M
¥19,250
Click here for the official website
Swany Gloves｜Spring Glove
The three-dimensional cut pattern provides an excellent fit, boasting high operability that feels like bare hands. The upper material, GORE-TEX INFINIUM, combines wind resistance and breathability, making it comfortable even during intense exercise, as it does not get stuffy or cold from sweat. It also has excellent water resistance and breathability. This under-cuff model can be stored in the cuffs of the WEAR. The cuffs are adjustable tab type
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors in total)
Size: (Mens) XS, S, M, L (Womens) XS, S, M
¥13,200
Click here for the official website
SHOWA｜Coldproof Temless
Gloves made of polyurethane with high moisture permeability and waterproof function that allows moisture to escape without allowing water to pass through. It is overwhelmingly thin and light, but it has a non-slip finish so it doesn't slip and it doesn't get wet. It is an excellent product that maintains flexibility even in an environment of -60°C and allows you to bend and stretch your fingers smoothly. The sense of security when working on snow is outstanding. It's thin, but the inside is lined with a soft boa-type brushed lining, and it also has heat retention. A surprisingly low price for a very convenient item.
Color: Olive green (2 colors)
Size: M, L, LL, 3L
￥2,200
Click here for the official website
My Favorite Model and Why:
This review is for skiers who are sensitive to the cold and dislike wearing inner gloves. The Swany Gloves Sisam offers an excellent balance of warmth and maneuverability. As a guide, I strive to perform all backcountry tasks efficiently and quickly.
High-warmth models are difficult to work in, and I struggled to find the perfect pair. However, since discovering the SIsam, I've essentially been using this model exclusively during the peak season. I
wear the Union Full Leather on days when the temperature is around 0°C. It's my favorite model, with a great fit and stylish design. I always keep it in my backpack as a secondary glove during the peak season. I
wear the Swany Gloves Spring Glove on days when the temperature is above 0°C. It's thin and offers excellent maneuverability. I use them for a variety of occasions, from spring alpine climbing to autumn trekking and skiing. I
also wear the Thermal Temres on days when the temperature is above 0°C. They're useful when I need to avoid getting my gloves wet, such as when taking shelters during breaks or digging snow caves.
[Tips on how to use gloves]
I always bring two pairs of gloves. In the peak season, I use Sisam as my main pair and Union Full Leather as my secondary pair, depending on the temperature. I also use Spring Gloves and Thermal Temless gloves depending on the season, such as in spring. When it's unbearably cold in the dead of winter, I slip a disposable non-stick type of mini warmer into my gloves and I can spend the day happily.
ReviewerCIRCLE
GAME guide
serviceShohei
Sasaki
[Main guide area]
[Profile]
Based in Sapporo, from Nanae-cho, Hokkaido, he is a backcountry ski guide in winter and a wide range of nature guides in Hokkaido in summer.
He likes to combine climbing and skiing. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
"I'm currently using a gift I received + the innerwear is from Patagonia" Ryuta Asahi
TRUCK gloves | M1
Waterproof, durable and breathable goat leather is used for the back of the hand and palm. The palm is further reinforced for tough use. The warm fleece polar fleece is built into the inside, and the heat retention is reliable. A work that has been awarded as a good product selected by the editorial department as a glove for backcountry use in an overseas ski magazine.
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors)
Size: 3~11
＄35.00
Click here for the official website
Patagonia | Capilene Midweight Liner Gloves
Capilene Midweight Liner Gloves
A convenient liner glove with a smooth, soft surface for easy layering. Hollow fiber and diamond-shaped grid pattern lining provides warmth, wicks moisture and dries quickly.
Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
￥6,600
Click here for the official website
[Preferred model and reason]
M1 TRUCK gloves.
The inner is Patagonia's Capilene Midweight Liner Glove. The reason I use the M1 is because JAY, a photographer who came to Shirakawa-go with the Utah crew, thanked me. [Ingenuity in how to use gloves]
midwinter, in addition to the main one, I carry a different type of backup as a backup.
ReviewerRhythm
Works
Ryuta Asahi
[Main guide area] Shirakawa-go, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Mt. Houki Daisen *mainly Hida
Mountains
and Ryohaku
Mountains
