The Montane Windjammer Lite gloves are fast becoming Francesca Donovan’s go-to pair – but there is one downside.
These Windjammer Lite Windproof hiking gloves are fast becoming my go-to pair in changeable conditions for longer mountain days where they warrant that slightly higher price tag. Despite the durable (thus slightly heavier) fabric and goat leather palm and fingers on these gloves, the fabric stretch – albeit not as giving as other gloves in a similar bracket – combined with pre-shaped fingers offered a fantastic range of movement. The contoured shaping made it very easy to grip trekking poles and the fit was incredibly snug, aided by a low-profile cuff.
Prices: $70 | £50 (Available from montane.com)
The close fit means a struggle to get them on, but the pull-on loops at the cuff have proven very durable after repeat (sometimes quite forceful) use. The warmth offered was equal to the other, thicker gloves in this test in snowy conditions.
Touchscreen compatibility proved superior, and I was able to use my smartphone for hiking navigation apps – and snapping pictures – with total ease. These gloves didn’t need to come off once.
The Montane Windjammer Lites on test in our guide to the best hiking gloves. Credit: Francesca Donovan
Constructed from Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper stretch softshell fabric, I found them to be effectively windproof even in gusty conditions and the fast-drying soft microfleece backer worked well in showers and shorter, heavier rainfall. They’re not waterproof per se, but the beading is impressive.
Less breathable than other gloves in this test, the Windjammer Lite would suit colder days on the hills. I particularly appreciated the nose wipe, which – despite being an often-overlooked design feature on three-season gloves – is not to be sniffed at.
The single downside to the Windjammer Lites is the inner seams, the construction of which seems slightly bulky, and might irritate if the fit isn’t quite right for you.
Compare the Montane Windjammer Lites with other three-season hiking gloves in our guide to the best.
Tested by Francesca Donovan
Francesca tested these gloves hillwalking and scrambling in snow, rain and high winds, as well as on unseasonably milder days in the Southern Uplands, Eryri (Snowdonia), the Lake District and the Peak District throughout late winter and spring. Temperatures ranged from just below freezing to 10 degrees. She says her hands run hot. Francesca wears a size Small and weights (per pair) are supplied from her own digital scales.
This review was first published in the May 2023 issue of The Great Outdoors.
