Columbia Sportswear Men's Core Glove Review

Features:

Columbia Sportswear's Men's Core Gloves are basic winter gloves with many great features, including a waterproof, breathable bladder. The elasticized wrist with hook-and-loop adjustable strap allows a secure fit to seal out winter weather. The polyurethane palm grip helps you keep a hold of things in slippery conditions. Polyester fiberfill insulation keeps hands toasty warm.

Specifications:

Shell Material: Ripstop Nylon
Fill Material: Polyester Fiberfill 150 g
Waterproof: Yes

In The Field:

I have had my Columbia Core Gloves for over a year now, but have just recently started using them extensively on snowshoeing trips. My hands usually get cold easily, so I prefer a heavier glove for more sedimentary activities like sitting on a chairlift or winter fishing. But for active sports like snowshoeing, a lighter glove like the Core is perfect. Its lightweight, non-bulky design make gripping trekking poles easy and comfortable. In wet conditions (like many days this winter in Oregon), the Core glove does a fairly good job of keeping my hands dry. In hard blowing rain, water has found its way in through the main opening and eventually through the seams, but such conditions are extreme. On an average day with snow or light rain, the gloves remain dry inside.

I have been happy with the durability of my Columbia Core gloves thus far. They seem to be well made and the materials are tough. They have held up to treks through dense forests with trees limbs all over the path. Repeated slips and falls have not damaged the gloves beyond a little surface dirt. The hook-and-loop adjustable strap on the wrist area works great and hasn't shown any signs of premature wear. I like the overall simplicity of the gloves, making them easy to use and quick to put on or take off. One of my favorite features of the non-bulky design is they allow me to use my phone without having to remove the gloves.

I generally have sweaty hands and the Core gloves do a great job of allowing the moisture to breath out of the gloves. This works as long as I am not sweating too much. When my hands become uncomfortably warm, the gloves lose their ability to keep up with my sweating. Removing the gloves alleviates the issue. Normally this only occurs on warmer days when the temperature is just above freezing and I am doing heavy physical activity.

See "Snowshoeing Boy Scout Ridge on the Slopes of Mount Hood", "Snowshoeing Barlow Butte Trail", and "Snowshoeing to Summit of Mud Creek Ridge" adventures where these gloves were used.

Final Thoughts:

Columbia's Core gloves are great for what they are designed for. In mild conditions they function well at keeping hands warm and dry. I recommend these gloves for basic winter needs.