Black Diamond creates products based on activities.
Rather than being driven by marketing that follows trends, they listen to the voices of the field and identify the functions players need before proceeding with product development.
The products they create are simple and powerful. They are the kind of tools that make users say, "This is exactly what I wanted."
While the brand is known for its climbing gear, it also offers a wide range of equipment for mountaineering in general, including skis, poles, and climbing skins.
Among these, Black Diamond offers a particular focus on gloves, especially for skiers.
Choosing a pair of gloves can be tricky. They need to strike a good balance between warmth and grip, remain flexible even in cold temperatures, resist moisture, and be reasonably durable.
Not only do they require a good balance of conflicting elements, but the downside is that judging quality is subjective and cannot be quantified. As a result, the market is flooded with gloves with subtle differences in every detail, leaving skiers lost in a quagmire searching for the perfect pair.
I want to speak out loud to those lost in glove-hunting:
Black Diamond gloves are great.
Gloves are gear
Black Diamond only started selling apparel in the Fall/Winter 2013 season, but they've been selling gloves since they were founded in 1989. The 1987 catalogue of their predecessor, Chouinard Equipment, features a "shell glove" that is clearly advertised as "for backcountry skiing."
This model, which first appeared about 35 years ago, already featured a pre-curve that approximated the relaxed shape of the fingers and a cuff closure that could be adjusted with one hand. It can be said to be the prototype of today's "Guide Gloves."
Black Diamond has always positioned gloves as a tool, not an accessory. Their development is not in the apparel category, but in the mountain category, which also includes backpacks and poles.
The development environment is also impeccable. The company is based in Salt Lake City. It's common for them to hike first thing in the morning and ski down a run before heading to work. There's no need to reiterate to this wise reader the advantages of having developers who are also players.
Slopes, backcountry, midwinter, remaining snow, beginners, advanced skiers... Skiing can be broadly divided into different situations, but products designed with a clear understanding of when and where they will be used make it easier for users to choose.
Therefore, we've selected four models with distinctive features from the 2024-25 season's products. Even if there are other models you're interested in, comparing them with these should help you better understand their features.
If you're thinking about buying new gloves this season, try them out in person at a store. If you put your hand in them, grip them tightly, and think, "This is good," congratulations! Your glove problem is solved.
Four main models selected by target audience
"For tough professionals"
Guide Gloves
As the name suggests, these gloves are designed for professionals who wear gloves daily, such as mountain guides and ski patrolmen, and are the most durable and warmest of all Black Diamond gloves.
Crafted from a combination of 4-way stretch nylon and leather, they feature durable goat leather on the palm and meticulously constructed reinforcement patches that wrap around to the sides. Filled with Primaloft Gold (170g/m²) and boiled wool, the removable inner glove uses Gore-Tex Plus Warm technology integrated with the insulation. A carabiner loop is provided on the middle finger for hanging. A trigger type is also available for even better warmth.
"For experts who can do detailed work"
Legend Gloves
This glove is designed for experts who are considering not only regular backcountry skiing but also climbing and riding. It's filled with Primaloft Gold, but the back of the hand is 170g/m², while the palm is thinner at 60g/m². There are no seams at the fingertips, and a gusset at the base of the thumb ensures a comfortable fit and ease of use. If you'll be holding ice axes as well as poles, or handling ropes on cold, windy ridges, this is the glove for you. While prioritizing a comfortable fit, it also provides ample warmth, and the short cuffs make it easy to use, making it versatile for a wide range of situations. It's made with Gore-Tex Plus Warm technology
"For entry-level users who value cost performance"
Mission Gloves
This all-around model is designed for beginners to BCs or those who only use them a few days a season, and it's affordable while still offering all the essential features. The palm is made of durable and supple goat leather, while the back of the hand is made of ripstop polyester and filled with Primaloft Gold (133g/m²). The short cuffs make it easy to tuck into your sleeves, and the fingers are pre-curved to make it easier to grip the poles
"New model for speed touring"
Sark Grove
This model is designed for speed-focused touring, like skimo (ski mountaineering) without the racing element. The five-finger softshell gloves have a stowable wind hood sewn into the wrist. This is a design commonly seen in trail running gloves, but the key feature is that the hood is padded. Primaloft Gold Cross Core (40g/m²) is sealed into the back of the hood, improving wind resistance and warmth when worn. Durable goatskin leather is used on the palm, and key areas are further reinforced. The design, which increases warmth and wind resistance with the hood, makes them suitable for hiking in the depths of winter, or for long touring trips when there is still snow remaining and you want to reduce the weight of your equipment
Text = Toshiaki Ito
Photo = Shota Kikuchi
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Lost Arrow
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