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THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE

The Forge is one of two'true' liner gloves in my selection. This one is a mix of (non mulesed) merino wool and polyester, at a ratio of 46/54%, of which 35% of the polyester is recycled. As a result, it dries slightly more slowly than a fully synthetic equivalent but is much warmer for its weight. At any rate, it's so thin that it should dry in a sleeping bag or jacket pocket overnight. As with much of Rab's kit, the cut is slim and tall - the fingers and cuff especially so - so you can indulge your inner Audrey Hepburn whilst donning these! As you might expect with a thin liner, dexterity isn't an issue, but I fail on the elegance front, and find the fingers of the Forge too long for precise tasks. The material is touch screen friendly, but my shorter fingers don't fill the gloves. I've noticed a little pilling' on my sample after just 3 months use, but otherwise the Forge is well-made and provides a reassuring amount of breathable warmth for its weight. The brand is a Fair Wear member, achieving good status, meaning it is working to improve working conditions in its supply chain.