FIND THE RIGHT MOUNTAIN GLOVES:
5 MODELS FOR EVERY SITUATION

Mountaineering gloves are one of the most underrated yet crucial pieces of kit when out on the mountain. Whilst jackets, boots and rucksacks usually get a lot of attention, the right pair of gloves often determines just how comfortably, safely and confidently you can actually move.   After all, conditions in the mountains are rarely constant: it gets warm on the ascent, quickly turns cold in the wind, you need grip and protection on the downhill, and in extreme conditions, warmth and reliability are all that matter.  

That is precisely why the ‘one glove for everything’ principle rarely works very well. It makes more sense to divide the topic into areas of application.

The search for the right glove begins with the question: What am I doing in the mountains?

Essentially, it always comes down to three factors: movement, temperature and terrain. Anyone who spends a lot of time ascending needs breathability and flexibility. Anyone who spends long periods in cold, windy conditions needs insulation and protection from the elements. And anyone who alternates between ascending and downhill needs a functional compromise.

The following five models from the Montera Series cover precisely these situations. From light and active to extreme and protective.

1. For active climbing and changeable conditions

If you’re very active – for example, when ski touring uphill or rock climbing – flexibility is clearly the top priority. In these situations, a lightweight, well-ventilated Glove works best, whilst still offering protection in the key areas.

The Montera Base and the Montera Base Women’s is specifically designed for this type of use. It combines a comfortable, flexible material on the back of the hand with grippy AX Suede on the Palm, which is particularly noticeable when using poles or when in contact with rock. Despite its lightweight construction, it offers protection from the wind, which can be supplemented with an integrated Overglove if required. This ensures the system remains highly flexible. Ideal for tours where conditions change rapidly.

2. For cold and windy climbs

As soon as the cold and wind come into play, breathability alone is no longer enough. The focus then shifts towards retaining heat, without completely sacrificing mobility on the ascent.

The Montera Storm This is exactly where it comes into its own. Thanks to its Softshell materials and a windproof inner lining, it offers significantly greater protection against the cold, whilst still being designed to remain comfortable to wear even on longer ascents. It really comes into its own on alpine winter tours, where wind chill is a crucial factor.

3. The hybrid for ascents and descents

Many tours require not only a clear specialisation, but also flexibility in both directions. On the ascent, it can be cold and wet, whilst downhill, protection against damp and contact with snow is suddenly needed.

The Montera Pro GTX has been specifically designed for this transition. Thanks to its waterproof membrane, it provides reliable protection against the elements, whilst the balance of insulation is designed to ensure it performs equally well on dynamic ascents and downhill sections. This makes it a typical ‘all-round touring glove’ for those who want to change gloves as little as possible.

4. For the downhill and controlled cold conditions

If you’re more focused on downhill riding, or if you generally prioritise grip, comfort and a high-quality feel to the material, a sturdy, insulated glove is the better choice.

The Montera Prime It features high-quality goatskin leather, which moulds very supple to the hand whilst providing excellent grip. Combined with warm Insulation, it is particularly suitable for cold but controlled conditions, where precision and comfort are more important than maximum breathability.   The Montera Prime is available as a Mitten and a glove, with a women’s version of each.

5. For extreme cold and demanding conditions

When conditions get really tough – such as very low temperatures, strong winds, long periods of inactivity or extreme alpine expeditions – there’s only one thing that matters: warmth and protection.

The Montera Xtreme GTX has been developed specifically for this purpose. With a thick insulating layer and a reliable waterproof membrane, it protects your hands even in extreme conditions. The focus here is no longer on maximum dexterity, but on the ability to stay warm and functional over a long period of time. This model is also available as Lobster available.