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Keeping your hands warm, especially when winter walking or climbing, is crucial. Whilst away for multiple days we will regularly carry 2 winter gloves, and 1 pair of mitts, along with a light liner-type glove. Each one has a certain role, which is often dictated by the weather and activity.

Obviously with this comes a high cost, especially winter kit, which is often a much higher price than our lighter summer kit. Having a more budget-friendly option which can also perform alongside our other kit is welcomed!

We received the Trekmates Matterhorn GTX gloves and Matterhorn GTX mitts. Both come in at around the £50 mark, which includes a Gore-Tex membrane and a leather palm. Making these both waterproof, breathable, and durable. There is no question about their qualities against the elements, resistance to moisture, ice, and harsh winter winds with no issues. The leather palm gave a secure grip on our axes and shovels, even when covered in ice.

The fit was unrestricted, although we always choose a larger size than normal which offers an easier fit, especially when already wearing a silk-type liner. It was notable that the gloves had longer fingers than we used compared to other brands in the same size. Mitts we tend to choose 2 sizes larger than normal as they offer a quick place to place cold hands inside to warm up without the need for much technical use other than general walking or sitting at camp.

280gm/m2 insulation at the back and 180g/m2 at the palm offered enough protection for all the activities we encountered this winter season. The Matterhorn GTX Mitts offered increased warmth over the gloves due to the nature of their design. Offering extra space for the loft of insulation and movement of fingers.

Internally they use a micro fleece liner, which is not our preferred choice as it can be prone to sticking to wet hands, but we fully understand that the costs involved would be much higher if alternative materials were used.

The overall build is what you would expect from a more budget-friendly glove. Trekmates have included some great features, but there are areas where costs have needed to be considered. Most notably the polyamide outer fabric that although we have had no issues in use, just will not have the durability of a full leather outer. The stitching in this area is also single stitch, which inevitably will start to come away over time.

Although Trekmates have still managed to include cord adjusters on the cuff, wrist webbing cinch, and importantly they come with a wrist loop! Many a person I have seen losing a glove in bad weather as it’s been blown away when they have taken their gloves off to deal with a fiddly job. There are many much higher-priced gloves on the market that don’t include these basic features, so it’s fantastic to see Trekmates have included these in both the Matterhorn GTX mitt and gloves.

Our Verdict

The Trekmates Matterhorn GTX glove and mitt offer a budget-friendly option that includes mostly all the elements we would look for in a winter piece of kit. Leather palms, Gore-Tex liner, and warm insulation battled the elements just as well as any much higher-priced alternatives. There are areas where Trekmates have had to cut down on costs to keep these as a budget option, most notably in the polyamide outer fabric, and micro fleece internal lining, which will inevitably show signs of wear over time. It all comes down to intended use. The mitts will keep on going for years, as they will most likely only come out for less technical activities to warm cold hands when sitting stationary or walking on less technical ground. The gloves have their place as a backup to our usual choice and will certainly play their part when out for multiple days at a time. Overall we believe these offer a great addition to anyone’s pack, without breaking the bank, for harsh winter days out, or even if you suffer from cold hands through the year. 

Trek Scotland is a small family business based in the picturesque village of Tomintoul in the North East region of the Cairngorms National Park. They provide bespoke Mountain Guiding for Single Day Walks and Lightweight Multiday Trekking experiences, including wild camping, in the stunning Cairngorms wilderness and surrounding areas. Whether in the high mountains or lower valleys, their Multiday Treks are equipped with high quality, lightweight camping and trekking gear. They only work with small groups and, whatever your ability, pride themselves on designing your outdoor experience completely to your needs and with professional guidance and expertise. Adventure is waiting... Read more from Trek Scotland