SealSkinz Ultra Grip gloves reviewed
Merino wool lining and tactile fast-grip dots prove useful for fishing, night-riding and holding binoculars
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Cold temperatures have put paid to many a nighttime adventure, but there’s really no need if you go prepared. Of course, it’s possible to stargaze in summer – that’s when the Milky Way looks its best – but the days are so long that astronomical twilight can be way past bedtime. Stargazing is primarily a winter sport when the likes of Orion, Taurus, and Ursa Major are out at night – and that means cold temperatures and freezing hands.
Update 2023: the latest version of these waterproof gloves feature touchscreen compatible thumb and index finger so you can operate your phone. Although not always perfectly responsive it does allow the user to operate their phone or touchscreen camera without removing the gloves, most of the time. As with many brands, TravGear found the fingers to be a bit on the long side, but rather this than too tight.
SealSkinz Ultra Grip gloves: design & features
Given that you’ll likely be fiddling with a telescope, holding a pair of binoculars, a smartphone or camera those aging skiing gloves won’t do– they are so cumbersome that you’ll end up removing them so often you’re pinkies will freeze. Better is a pair of gloves with a grip like the SealSkinz Ultra Grip Gloves, which have silicone plastic dots on the palm and fingers, as well as breathable anti-sweat merino wool lining helping to keep your hands dry, and warm.
SealSkinz Ultra Grip gloves: in use
Designed for gripping onto handlebars and fishing rods, they work just as well with binoculars and fragile telescope eyepieces. As an added bonus these sleek gloves are waterproof, too. Far more dextrous they might be, but in January you’ll likely need to put on a pair of under-gloves, too (suggest going up a size for this). We’ll leave the choice of coat, scarf, and dozens of layers to you.
SealSkinz Ultra Grip gloves: verdict
If you’re in need of waterproof gloves, that really don’t let in the rain, to keep your hands warm and dry while doing things outdoors these gloves give the grip to just about do anything. The only drawback seems to be the finger sizing, TravGear suggests sizing up to allow you to fit glove liners underneath for additional warmth. The addition of the touchscreen finger and thumb is great for photographers. Go for the lime green version and you’re less likely to lose them if dropped in the dark.