We spent almost an hour just trying on gloves. It was recommended we use either (A) the Black Diamond Element on its own, or (B) the Black Diamond Midweight liner together with Black Diamond Impulse shell gloves.
Liner and shell: Black Diamond Element
The Element is a liner glove combined with a windproof shell and is a good option if your budget is starting to feel the strain. The shell is ripstop nylon (fast drying), and the fleece liner is removable, so if you need to take photos or tie shoe laces, you can take the outer shell off but leave the liner on. It’s like a two for the price of one glove and is comparatively lightweight. My concern was that the fleece inner isn’t well tailored over the fingers, which means you lose some dexterity.
Weight: 138g
RRP: R462
Liner: Black Diamond Midweight This is a much more comfortable and well-fitting liner. It’s made of Polartech (R) Power Stretch (R) – and it’s certainly nicely stretchy and finger-hugging. It’s also really warm. A leather palm patch means you can use it on its own in milder, less windy conditions.
Weight: 46g
RRP R230
Shell: Black Diamond Impulse
This is the glove Batman would wear up Kili. It’s got thermoformed padded knuckles, leather-tipped fingers and a velcro wrist-strap (the Element is elasticated). It’s a Malden (R) softshell with Polartec (R) Power Shield (R). Three (R)s – it’s got to be good.
Weight: 102g (combined with Midweight: 148g)
RRP: R599
Obviously, it’s not the extra 10g that’s going to make a difference, but the extra R367. But if you have the cash to spare, it’s worth it. Your fingers are the most likely to get cold on Summit Day, and since you’ll probably be using trekking poles, you can’t really put them in your pockets to warm up.
