As we mentioned in our review of the Marmot XT gloves, gloves (often several pairs of them) are utterly essential for winter outings. We at least take three pairs of gloves winter walking or mountaineering. Usually thin liner gloves, some thick waterproof gloves and maybe mitts.

The liner pair of gloves we use are invariably these ones from Rab. In fact we carry them with us whenever we venture out in winter or summer, rain or shine; they are always in our backpack, and have been for a couple of years. The key to these gloves’ success and the reason we use them constantly is the material: Polartec’s Power Stretch Pro.

It is, of course, stretchy, but most importantly, it insulates your hands effectively even when wet. The material wicks away any sweat well, but most importantly if they are soaked, they don’t get cold and you can continue to wear them all day. If you’re into photography these gloves are particularly good, giving you easily enough movement to operate the camera controls and press the shutter.

“You know when gear is good because you keep putting it in your backpack again and again – the Rab Power Stretch Pro Gloves are a great example.”