Backcountry Guides' Favorite Gloves | Pro Choices and Reviews

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.


INDEX

"ARC'TERYX Fission SV when it's cold, Venta AR when hiking or when it's not too cold" 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)
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)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
¥9,900

Click here for the official website

[Preferred model and reason]
I like the ARC'TERYX Venta AR when hiking or when it's not too cold.

The operability is very good, and I also use it for ice climbing. ARC'TERYX Fission SV 5 fingers when it's cold. [Ingenuity in how to use gloves]
I always carry 3 types of thin, medium and thick gloves.

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 multiple models with different thicknesses and uses." Toyokazu Nakano

Black Diamond|Spark

spark

*Discontinued
In the 2022-23 season, "Mission" is being developed as a model that falls under this category.

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)
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)
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)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
¥13,500

Click here for the official website

[Preferred model and reason]
Mainly, I used Black Diamond Spark.

Mainly used when skiing when the temperature is low. I like these basic gloves with a good balance of suppleness and warmth of the leather that makes it easy to grip the pole. I want to put the glove inside the hem of the wrist of the jacket, so I choose a model with a neat wrist area. Unfortunately, Spark won't be on sale in the 2022-23 season, but similar models are currently available in the "Mission" and "Impulse," so these look good.

I use the Black Diamond Arc for cold weather climbs and spring tours.

It is a model with a good fit and high operability, and is the most convenient and frequently used glove. It is also waterproof enough to handle rain. [Ingenuity in how to use gloves]
Gloves always have multiple models with different thicknesses and uses. Depending on the time of year and the content of the tour, we will bring different combinations, such as cold weather models, highly operable models, and highly waterproof models. Personally, I don't like to use inner gloves and so on.

Reviewer
Infield
Toyokazu Nakano


/

Kubiki Others : Mt. Tate, Mt. Chokai, etc.


"I love the HESTRA model, which has good heat retention and can perform 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

[Preferred model and reason]
HESTRA's HELI ski GTX and Windshield Liner.

It has good heat retention and can be used for detailed work with five fingers. [How to use gloves]
Carry over mittens, spring gloves for hiking, 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.


Yuuki Ito “Fits the hand, is easy to move, and is warm.”

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

[Preferred model and reason]
HESTRA's Army Leather Couloir.

The fit and warmth of the hand. The cutting is made so that the hands can easily move. [Ingenuity in how to use gloves]
Bring the above gloves and thicker ones for cold winter. (Thick wool, over gloves, etc.)

Reviewer
Vertical Land
Yuki Ito

[Main guide area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano
Prefecture
,
Northern
Alps


"Anywhere within skiing range is fine!" Makoto Kuroda

HESTRA|3-Finger Full Leather

The 3-finger model, which perfectly combines the excellent heat retention of a mitten with the operability of a 5-finger type, is an iconic HESTRA model.
There is no stress when handling poles, and the 3 fingers from the middle finger to the little finger are lined independently for a steady fit while maintaining high heat retention. Soft cowhide leather is used on the outside, while strong goat leather and supple cowhide leather are used on the palm side. Removable polyester liner inside.

Color: Yellow/Cork (5 colors in total)
Size: Size Guide
¥18,150

Click here for the official website

[Preferred model and reason]
Hestra's three-fingered model.

Warm and rope operation is no problem. Anywhere you go skiing is fine. [Ingenuity in how to use gloves]
At least 2 sets with different thicknesses. I have another set in case the customer loses it. If you wear thick innerwear, blood circulation will be worsened and you will feel colder.

Reviewer

Makoto Kuroda
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office


guide

] Focusing on Joshinetsu, to the area of ​​your choice


Satoshi Tsukahara

HESTRA | Ergo Grip Active Wool

A new model that changed the classic thin glove Ergo Grip Active to a wool lining. By changing to wool, heat retention has been slightly improved, and softness and comfort have been improved. It is sure to be a big success for hiking in winter and skiing in spring.

Color: Navy (4 colors in total)
Size: Size Guide
¥15,950

Click here for the official website

[Preferred model and reason]
I only use HESTRA Ergo Grip Active Wool.

The heat retention after being accompanied by workability is outstanding. [Ingenuity in how to use gloves]
Recently, spares are the same, only 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


"Comfortable with moisture-permeable material, five-finger gear grip" Tomohiro Shakawa

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 ergo-grip allows me to do detailed work without stress" Akiko Nakae

HESTRA| Ergo Grip Active

Goat leather on the palm side, GORE wind stopper with excellent wind resistance and waterproofness, thin and easy to handle while containing a liner with high heat retention. The Ergo Grip is ergonomically 3D cut and sewn to fit the most relaxed and natural curvature of the hand. It is easy to grip and can be used for detailed work without stress, and it also has the advantage of not getting tired even if you wear it for a long time.

Color: Black (5 colors in total)
Size: Size guide
¥ 14,850

Click here for the official website

[Preferred model and why] The
thin and comfortable Ergo Grip Active gloves are useful when you need to hike up on a cold day or when you need rope work.
A little bit of heat retention and an ergo grip allow you to do detailed work without stress. In addition, mittens are essential during the harsh winter due to the extreme coldness of the ends.

HESTRA's mittens are reasonably easy to operate, and the seal can be attached and detached without removing them. [How to use gloves]
Wear five-finger elastic gloves inside the mittens. If you repair the holes in your fingertips frequently, you won't get cold. Since it is most important not to get it wet in the unlikely event of digging a snow cave, I keep a Temless in my rucksack as a spare.

Reviewer
Epic Japan
Akiko NAKAE


guide

]
Togakushi , Tateyama / Others: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko Ⅰ Completion


"I like the woolen 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

[Preferred model and reason]
HESTRA Leather Wool is a five-finger type with high work efficiency and is characterized by high heat retention.

I like that the wool inner doesn't get sticky even when I sweat. [How to use gloves]
I always bring spare gloves. I use hand cuffs to make sure I don't lose my gloves in strong winds. I don't want my gloves to get wet, so when it snows, I try not to climb with only the inner layer or hang the outer layer.

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 moves smoothly, so it's easy to do detailed work." Yuu

HIMARAK|1.5.1 

Mittens that are carefully tailored and sewn in domestic factories using water-repellent cowhide.
It has few seams, is highly waterproof and durable, and the leather is sewn with wrinkles so that even if you rub your hands against the hard surface of the snow, the sewing thread does not come into direct contact with the sewing thread and is devised to prevent it from fraying. there is The detachable inner glove uses thermotron, a heat storage material, and comes with JAGER, which exhibits higher heat retention. Perfect for use in the coldest of winters. Especially hotly supported by snowboarders.

Material: cowhide suede outer
Size: S, M, L, XL
Color: Navy
¥23,100

Click here for the
official website

[Preferred model and reason]
HIMARAK is a manufacturer that uses genuine leather.

Genuine leather, including the innerwear, does not get wet, so genuine leather gloves are the only choice for BC. The leather is cool because it uses oil etc. to give it an original feel. In addition, it is easy to do detailed work because it moves supplely. [How to use gloves]
Combination of over mittens, thin five-finger gloves, and inner gloves

Reviewer
Bantei -bamboo tail-
Yu TAKEO

[Main guide area] Hakuba area
[Qualifications]
・JMGA ski/snowboard guide stage II
・Mountaineering guide stage II


"Use 3 types of MAMMUT with different thickness depending on your activity and weather" Iwao Saeki

MAMMUT| La Liste Glove

Light and warm gloves made of stretch fleece. It is convenient as a liner that enhances heat insulation in the snow scene. Stretch fleece made from ECONYL(R) recycled nylon and spandex that dries quickly and is easy to care for. It is elastic and has high heat retention. A touch screen compatible model that allows you to operate your smartphone while wearing gloves.

Color: Black
Size: 6~10 Size Guide
¥19,250

Click here for the official website

MAMMUT| Astro Guide Glove

GORE-TEX with excellent wind resistance and breathability is used on the front side, and flexible goat leather with water repellency is used on the inside. Elastic neoprene cuffs with adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners provide a snug fit, ergonomic construction that ensures fine finger movement, and safe handling of equipment on the BC.

Color: Black
Size: 6~10 Size Guide
¥13,750

Click here for the official website

MAMMUT| Stretch Gloves

Light and warm gloves made of stretch fleece. It is convenient as a liner that enhances heat insulation in the snow scene. Stretch fleece made from ECONYL(R) recycled nylon and spandex that dries quickly and is easy to care for. It's stretchy and thin, but it retains heat well. A touch screen compatible model that allows you to operate your smartphone while wearing gloves. The price is very reasonable while being versatile.

Color: Black
Size: 6~10 Size Guide
¥5,390

Click here for the official website

[Favorite model and reason]
I have three types of thick, medium thick, and liner gloves made by Mammut.

[Ingenuity of how to use gloves]
Thin when hiking. Medium thickness when sliding. Have a thick one for when it's cold.

Reviewer
Roll
Saeki Iwao Saeki


]
Tsurugi
, Hakuba, Myoko


"It's durable, soft and warm. It's just right for me, whose fingertips tend to get cold." 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 slippers who are sensitive to cold and don't like inner gloves" Shohei Sasaki

Swany Gloves|Sisam

A short cuff type that is easy to grip and easy to operate, and an under cuff model that can be stored in the cuff of WEAR. Soft goat leather with water-repellent finish is used on the entire surface (only the cuff on the palm is woven), and the lining is made of bamboo material that has a deodorizing effect. Putting on and taking off is smooth by the opening and shutting of the zipper. Uses GORE-TEX inserts.

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

All-leather with GORE-TEX inserts with excellent water resistance and moisture permeability. The entire surface is made of soft goat leather with a water-repellent finish. Durable and warm. Unique Pre-Curve cutting maintains the natural state of the hand and reduces hand strain. Undercuff model that can be stored in the cuff of the wear. There are 9 color variations and a women's size.

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 Gloves

The three-dimensional cut pattern provides an excellent fit and boasts high operability that feels like bare hands. GORE-TEX INFINIUM, which has both windproof and breathable material on the instep, is comfortable because it does not get stuffy and does not get cold even when you exercise a lot. Excellent water resistance and moisture permeability. Undercuff model that can be stored in the cuff of WEAR. Adjustable tab type cuffs.

Color: Cork/Brown (2 colors)
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

[Preferred model and reason]
This is an impression for slippers who are sensitive to the cold and dislike inner gloves.
The Swany Gloves Sisam are a great balance of warmth and control. Because of my work as a guide, I am conscious of being able to do all the work in the backcountry quickly and efficiently. I had a hard time finding a glove that I thought was "this is it!" because it was difficult to work with a model with high heat retention.

Union Full leather is used on days when the temperature is around 0 degrees.

It is a favorite model with a good fit and high design. I always carry a rucksack as a sub glove in the high season. Swany Gloves Spring Gloves are used on days above 0°C.
It is thin and has excellent operability. Appearance scenes are diverse besides alpine climbing in spring and trekking and skiing in autumn. I also use the cold weather temless on days when the temperature is above 0 degrees.

It is useful when you do not want the above gloves to get wet, such as when you are digging a shelter or snow cave during breaks. [How to use gloves]
I always bring two pairs of gloves. In the high season, use Union Full leather for the main Sisam and the sub, depending on the temperature. In addition, depending on the season, spring gloves and cold weather temless can be used depending on the purpose. When it's unbearably cold in the midwinter, you can spend a happy day by hiding a non-adhesive type of disposable body warmer inside your gloves.

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 love what I received + Patagonia underwear” Rita 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

INDEX