What the manufacturers say:

Even when the weather’s wet and freezing, you still need to carry out essential outdoor duties. These insulated, waterproof gloves give you everything you need for warmth, comfort and protection in winter.

Made from fully waterproof fabric, they will keep your hands dry in the most testing weather conditions. The one-hand operated adjustable wrist strap and elasticated opening ensure a draught-free, snug fit. They are ideal for outdoor workers as well as for more leisurely activities such as long winter walks.

Sizes: S,M,L,XL

Price: £35

• Made with Hydro-Tex® fully waterproof, seamless and breathable insert, keeping you completely dry.
• Multiple uses. They’re even great for skiing and de-icing the car!
• Available in two sizes. Medium (230g per pair) or Large (240g per pair).
• Reinforced fingers and palm section for remarkable touch and durability..

Snugpak GeoThermal Winter Glove. - Dave Torr

Snugpak make a lot of gear for the armed forces so looking forward to testing these gloves.

First impression on opening these gloves was, erm they are big!

On checking the label I was astounded to see that they were only a medium. I usually take a large, so first things first; they are a very large fitting so beware.

Nice and easy to get on with a velcro wrist band that can be adjusted while wearing them, just. I say just because the gloves are quite bulky with very little dexterity. I put this down to the insulation material that is used in the glove. It is obviously not Primaloft or the labels would have been screaming it out at me. I can only assume due to the lack of info that it is a cheap fill material so more has had to be used.

Putting the gloves back on with wet hands causes the age old problem of when you come to remove them again you are likely to pull the liner out. On the higher end gloves you will find that they actually stitch the finger ends to the glove outer shell thus eliminating this annoying dilemma.

There is a drawstring as you usually find at the opening of the glove which closes the wide gauntlet down fairly well but again is awkward to do with the gloves on, unless you use your teeth. Be aware of dentures popping out. The gauntlet is again quite bulky making it extremely difficult to get it all under your jacket cuff. Wearing the gauntlet on the outside will cause water to run straight off your jacket sleeve and, guess where, yep into the glove.

The actual material is soft to the feel except for the palms which are constructed from a tough looking vinyl type material that also extends over the finger tips again compromising any dexterity.

 I tested the Hydro Tex waterproof inner liner of the glove which performed very well under quite severe conditions, Ice cold waterfall on Kinder Scout! Unfortunately the insulation did not perform too well. I could feel the temperature drop quite alarmingly. I would rate it down to freezing below that I would need to wear another layer underneath.

 The actual outer material does not repel water but soaks it all up compromising the thermal qualities and adding weight to the glove.

All in all not a glove I would choose for winter walking. The lack of dexterity when using a map and compass is a big problem and I would even go as far as saying holding walking poles would be a problem as the bulk of the glove makes it difficult to close your hand efficiently around the pole or a walking axe.

Pro’s

Easy to get on

Waterproof

Decent closures on wrist and gauntlet

Con’s

Bulky

Not a warm glove   

Inner glove not secured to outer glove

Outer shell not water repellent

Poor dexterity