A slight stretch helps the otherwise warm and bulky Black Diamond Soloist gloves get Kirsty Pallas’ approval.
The soloist is a big beefy glove with heaps of warmth. Primaloft Gold is the insulation, with more on the back of the hand where the weather will impact most, and slightly less on the palm to increase dexterity.
Kirsty Pallas recommends
These gloves were great for belaying or if it was very cold and wet. If you ‘run cold’ these are worth considering.- warmth
- long cuffs
- weight
- dexterity
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: £125 |
| Weight: 266g for XS |
| Materials: 100% recycled polyester shell, fleece lining, goat leather palms |
| Insulation: Primaloft Gold |
| Waterproof: BD.Dry insert |
| Features: Removable liner, double cuff, carabiner loop, nose wipe |
| Sizes: XS – XL |
| Men’s version: Unisex |
| www.blackdiamondequipment.com |
The shell is 100% recycled with a DWR finish and a slight stretch which helps with dexterity. There’s a waterproof insert which held off the constant rain we ‘enjoyed’ last winter! The liner glove is removable, making drying them out easier, and has a lining of warm fleece. T
he palm is soft and flexible goat leather, which manages ropes and axes well. There’s a reinforced section between finger and thumb, the area which sees the most wear. Leather wraps around the thumb, and over the tops of the fingers to add some extra protection.
With such a warm glove, one expects less nimbleness due to the volume of insulation around the fingers. I didn’t use these for super intricate activities but I could still do things like belaying or opening pockets. The fingers are short, which won’t suit everyone, but were a good fit for me.
They have a gauntlet style cuff that fits over a waterproof or a puffy jacket. There’s a drawcord which is easy to use with the other glove, both to tighten and loosen, and the glove is also elasticated around the wrist which gives a second barrier to the cold and wet.
A lovely soft nosewipe for the inevitable cold runny nose finishes off the features. I would find these too warm for actively walking, but they were great for belaying or if it was very cold and wet. If you ‘run cold’ these are worth considering.
Testing Conditions
Kirsty has small hands with wider palms and short fingers. The gloves were tested in a wet winter and spring season working as an instructor, and winter climbing and mountaineering in the Scottish Highlands, both on snow and rock. Kirsty often wears liner gloves in winter under her main gloves, and these were tested both with and without. All weights are from Kirsty’s own scales.
This review was first published in the November 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. For more winter glove reviews, as tested by the experts, see our guide to the best winter gloves for hillwalking and mountaineering.
