Only just sneaking into the winter gloves category, the Xenon mitt is the lightest touch in the test, as well as being the lightest in weight. It’s only really a full winter option for folk moving fast and light, but Primaloft Gold insulation packs a lot of warmth for its bulk, and these gloves will ‘upgrade’ a wet liner glove to feeling very toasty quite quickly.

Kirsty Pallas recommends

For the weight and price, these gloves are impressive, but not as my only winter glove.
Pros
  • weight
  • price
Cons
  • not waterproof
  • less durable palm than leather
Quick specs
Price: £50
Weight: 61g with stuff sack for XS
Materials: 100% recycled Pertex Quantum shell, nylon lining, PU palm
Insulation: Primaloft Gold
Waterproof: No
Features: Double cuff, pull on loop, pack away into a stuffsack
Sizes: XS – XL
Men’s version: Unisex
rab.equipment/uk

The 100% recycled shell is Pertex Quantum, which is very light allowing the insulation to loft, and DWR treated to provide some water repellency. These mitts are not waterproof, and will wet out much quicker than anything else on this test.

The lining is a soft fleece, which feels cosy on bare skin, but is still easy enough to pull over a liner glove. The PU palm is durable for use with walking poles or holding a single axe, but less suitable for rope work or paired axes, as they wear much quicker than leather.

The fit on a mitt I find to be slightly less important – I don’t expect to be able to do anything that requires fine motor skills anyway. But these did fit well, and I could do zips up and feed myself snacks if careful.

There’s a double cuff, both elasticated, one around the base of the hand to keep it in place, and the other at the bottom. They slide under a jacket cuff very easily, and there’s a really handy pull-on loop to help get them on.

For the weight and price, these gloves are impressive, but not as my only winter glove. I found myself using these for a walk off the hill, once my bigger gloves had wetted out, but I was moving fast and constantly. I’ve also used them ‘summer’ mountaineering as an on/off option between belaying and climbing when it’s been wet, and they’ve made a huge difference.

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.