Best Climbing Gloves of 2026

Michael Daley Avatar
Michael Daley
Last Updated: Jan 17, 2026

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Climbing gloves are an essential piece of equipment for any serious climber. Designed to protect the hands from the rough and abrasive surfaces encountered while climbing, these gloves are made from durable materials that provide excellent grip and protection. Whether you're climbing a sheer rock face or scrambling up a steep slope, a good pair of climbing gloves can make all the difference. With features like reinforced palms, adjustable cuffs, and breathable fabrics, these gloves are built to withstand the rigors of climbing and keep your hands comfortable and protected throughout your ascent. So if you're looking to take your climbing game to the next level, be sure to invest in a quality pair of climbing gloves.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

PETZL CORDEX Leather Climbing Gloves Cover #TOP 1
PETZL CORDEX Leather Climbing Gloves
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger Gloves Cover #TOP 2
Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger Gloves
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Black Diamond Transition Climbing Gloves Cover #TOP 3
Black Diamond Transition Climbing Gloves
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Climbing Gloves

#TOP 1

PETZL CORDEX Leather Climbing Gloves

K52 LT
Beige
Large
PETZL CORDEX Leather Climbing Gloves Cover
PETZL CORDEX Gloves - Lightweight, Breathable Leather Belay Gloves for Climbing and Rappelling - Tan - L

The PETZL CORDEX Climbing Gloves are designed to offer you lightweight durability with their premium goat skin leather, which balances toughness with easy hand movement. The gloves feature stretch nylon on the back, keeping your hands cool and ensuring a snug, comfortable fit throughout your climb. A low-profile neoprene cuff with Velcro closure lets you adjust the gloves securely around your wrist, so they stay put during use. Plus, a reinforced carabiner hole lets you easily clip the gloves to your harness when you’re not wearing them, keeping them handy and safe. These gloves help you stay comfortable and efficient on every climb or rappel.

What We Like
Excellent dexterity and grip
Durable leather construction
Comfortable ergonomic fit
Breathable back material
Versatile everyday use
What We Don't Like
Limited warmth in cold weather
Touchscreen functionality could improve
#TOP 2

Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger Gloves

Crag Half-Finger Gloves
Black
Large
Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger Gloves Cover
BLACK DIAMOND Men's Crag Half-Finger Gloves | Breathable Stretch Mesh | Synthetic Leather Palm | Lightweight Protection for Belaying & Via Ferrata | Black | Large

BD Crag Gloves are perfect for climbers who need protection without sacrificing dexterity. The breathable stretch mesh fabric keeps your hands cool and comfortable, while the knuckle padding provides extra protection. The synthetic leather palm and fingers are reinforced with an index finger and thumb crotch for durability. The hook-and-loop cuff closure with a pull-on/clip-in loop ensures a secure fit. These gloves are CE certified to EN 420 and EN 388 (2131), and available in women's specific sizes and colors. With BD Crag Gloves, you can climb with confidence and comfort.

What We Like
Excellent fit for small hands
Flexible and comfortable material
Great protection for belaying and rappelling
Durable for multiple outdoor uses
Easy harness attachment loop
What We Don't Like
May wear thin with heavy use
Runs slightly small in sizing
#TOP 3

Black Diamond Transition Climbing Gloves

BD8018497004LG_1
Natural
Large
Black Diamond Transition Climbing Gloves Cover
Black Diamond Transition Gloves | Goat Leather Palm | Breathable Stretch Fabric | Durable Rope Handling Gloves for Belay & Rappelling | Natural | Large

The Black Diamond Transition Gloves are designed to help you handle ropes with ease during climbing, belaying, or rappelling. They offer great hand protection while still letting you move your fingers freely, perfect for sport and multi-pitch routes. The gloves feature a strong goat leather palm that gives you a firm grip and resists wear from ropes and gear, making them last longer. Plus, the breathable stretch mesh on the back keeps your hands cool and comfortable, even during long climbs. With an adjustable wrist strap, these gloves stay securely in place and are easy to take on and off between climbs.

What We Like
Durable leather construction
Comfortable fit
Lightweight design
Good dexterity
Well-made craftsmanship
What We Don't Like
Occasional fit inconsistency
Velcro durability could improve
#TOP 4

Intra-FIT Lightweight Climbing Gloves

2359
Medium (Pack of 1)
Intra-FIT Lightweight Climbing Gloves Cover
Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves, Lightweight, Breathable, Perfect for Rock, Tree, Wall, Mountain, Climbing

The Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves are designed to give you a secure fit with no extra space, which helps improve your grip and keeps you safer while climbing. If you prefer a looser feel, you can choose a bigger size. These gloves are built tough with a synthetic leather palm and extra padding, especially around the thumb area, so they last longer even with heavy use. They also keep your hands comfortable thanks to a breathable spandex back that lets air flow and soft padding on your knuckles for protection. Plus, a handy terry cloth patch on the thumb lets you wipe sweat away easily. These features combine to make climbing easier and more comfortable.

What We Like
Secure, firm fit
Durable synthetic leather palm
Breathable spandex back
Protective knuckle padding
Sweat-wiping thumb cloth
What We Don't Like
Fit slightly larger than expected
Not ideal for warmth
#TOP 5

PETZL CORDEX PLUS Climbing Gloves

K53 MT
Medium
PETZL CORDEX PLUS Climbing Gloves Cover
PETZL CORDEX PLUS Gloves - Lightweight, Breathable Leather Belay Gloves for Climbing and Rappelling - Tan - M

The PETZL CORDEX PLUS Gloves offer a great balance of durability and comfort, perfect for climbing and rappelling. Made with premium leather, these gloves are soft and ready to use right away, so you won’t have to deal with a break-in period. The design includes extra leather in key areas like the back and palm, which makes them tough without feeling bulky. You’ll appreciate the extra padding in the palm that protects your hands from heat during repeated rappels. Plus, the simple velcro closure makes putting them on and taking them off quick and easy, so you can focus on your climb.

What We Like
Excellent durability
High dexterity
Superior comfort
Effective padding
Secure grip
What We Don't Like
Tight fit when new
Minor dye transfer when wet
#TOP 6

Ocun Crack Gloves Pro

Ocun
Medium
Ocun Crack Gloves Pro Cover
Ocun Crack Gloves Pro for Advanced Rock & Crack Climbing, Lightweight Protective Outdoor Recreation Gloves, Medium

The Ocun Crack Gloves are specially made for serious rock and crack climbers who need both protection and performance. These gloves use a stretchy microfiber suede material that fits comfortably and lets you move freely while climbing. They also feature a sticky rubber called CAT 1.5, which gives you extra grip to hold onto tough surfaces securely. The design includes a single elastic strap and finger loops that keep the gloves snug and precise on your hands, while the thumb cover offers extra protection where you need it most. Overall, the Ocun Crack Gloves help you climb with confidence and control.

What We Like
Improved finger loop durability
Enhanced thumb protection
Comfortable and secure fit
Easy glove removal tab
Solid wrist enclosure system
What We Don't Like
Thumb loop stitching could be stronger
Logo cutout may affect performance
#TOP 7

HYCOPROT Fingerless Outdoor Gloves

Black
Large
HYCOPROT Fingerless Outdoor Gloves Cover
HYCOPROT Fingerless Gloves, Knuckle Protective Breathable Lightweight Outdoor Gloves for Shooting, Hunting, Motorcycling, Climbing (L, Black)

The HYCOPROT Fingerless Gloves are designed for various outdoor activities, providing durability and comfort. Made from 100% knitted nylon, these gloves are lightweight and breathable, ensuring your hands stay cool and protected. The added cushioning and palm protection enhance your grip while safeguarding your hands from potential injuries. With an adjustable wrist strap and a quick-detach design, you can easily put on or take off the gloves, allowing for convenience during your adventures. Whether you're hunting, motorcycling, or climbing, these gloves are a reliable choice for your outdoor needs.

What We Like
Comfortable and true to size
Excellent grip and stability
Versatile for multiple uses
Durable materials and construction
Sleek, lightweight design
What We Don't Like
Occasional stitching issues
Inconsistent sizing
#TOP 8

Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves

23589
Normal
Large
Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves Cover
Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves Rope Gloves,Perfect for Rappelling Rescue Rock/Tree/Wall/Mountain Climbing,Adventure,Outdoor Sports

These Intra-FIT Outdoor Gloves are designed to enhance your climbing experience. Made from premium goat skin, they offer a perfect balance of durability and dexterity, ensuring comfort during use. The padded palm protects from heat during long rappels, while the stretchable spandex provides improved dexterity. The anatomically curved fingers and soft neoprene cuff with Velcro design offer flexibility and comfort, allowing you to work without constraints. With a built-in carabiner hole on the cuff, you can easily attach them to your harness for quick access.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Durable construction
Good grip
Breathable material
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Runs small
Black dye stains hands
#TOP 9

Seibertron Climbing Rope Gloves

us-fba-PanPa-Chang-hei-M
Full Finger Black
Medium
Seibertron Climbing Rope Gloves Cover
Seibertron Full Finger Padded Palm Lightweight Breathable Climbing Rope Gloves for Climbers, Rock Climbing, Rescue, Adventure, Sailing, Kayaking, Outdoor Sports Black M

The Seibertron Climbing Gloves are designed to fit you perfectly by using both your palm length and circumference for sizing, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. You’ll find it easy to measure your hand by checking from your palm base to the middle fingertip and wrapping around your knuckles. The gloves come in a range of sizes from XS to XXL, so you can pick the one that suits your hand best. With these gloves, you get a durable and reliable grip that supports your climbing, rescue, or outdoor activities by matching your hand size precisely.

What We Like
Excellent durability
Comfortable fit
Great grip
Good dexterity
Reinforced palm protection
What We Don't Like
Short cuff length
Uncomfortable wrist pull tabs
#TOP 10

Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves

2370PM
Black
Medium
Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves Cover
Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves Anti-Slip Rope Gloves, Perfect for Rappelling, Rescue, Rock/Tree/Wall/Mountain Climbing, Adventure, Outdoor Sports Gloves

The Intra-FIT Rope Gloves are perfect for all your climbing adventures. With a durable black synthetic leather base layer, these gloves are built to last. The top quality PU reinforcement provides excellent abrasion resistance and grip, ensuring you can confidently tackle any surface. The EVA padded rope channel guarantees a tight grip and better protection while climbing. The breathable spandex with neoprene knuckle pad offers a flexible and comfortable fit, allowing you to focus on your climb without any discomfort. The elastic cuff with velcro provides a secure and adjustable fit. With the Intra-FIT Rope Gloves, you can climb with confidence and enjoy the convenience of a glove designed specifically for climbing.

What We Like
Durable
Anti-Slip
Better Protection
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you boulder with gloves?

In most cases, it is not recommended to boulder with gloves. The friction and grip of our skin are crucial for bouldering, and normal gloves can hinder dexterity and sensitivity on the wall. However, gloves may be used in specific climbing styles, such as crack climbing, to protect the skin.

2. Can you belay with gloves on?

Yes, you can belay with gloves on. Full-finger belay gloves can keep your hands warm, protect your skin, and provide better control while rappelling. They also help prevent skin abrasions when handling the rope during belaying.

3. Can you lift heavier with gloves?

Lifting gloves can help take pressure off your hands and allow you to exceed your grip capacity. By relieving some strain on your hands, gloves can help you lift heavier weights for a longer duration.

4. How do you protect your hands when rock climbing?

To protect your hands when rock climbing, you can use climbing balm or salve such as Climbskin Hand Cream. These products provide protection against splitting and improve grip for sweaty hands. Apply the cream 1-2 hours before climbing, wash your hands after climbing, and reapply the product to keep your skin moisturized and ready for your next climb.

5. How tight should climbing gloves be?

Climbing gloves should have a comfortable fit. They should not be too tight across the back of the hand and palm, while also leaving some space at the tips of the fingers to maintain dexterity.

6. Are sweaty hands bad for climbing?

Sweaty hands can be challenging for climbing as they can make the skin soft and reduce friction. It is important to keep your hands from becoming too sweaty during a climbing session. Using chalk and waving your hands during rests can help keep the skin dry and tough.

7. Why wear gloves with no fingers?

Fingerless gloves are designed to protect the palm and wrist while leaving the fingertips exposed. They are helpful for tasks that require precision. Fingerless gloves can be worn as a base layer or on milder days when full coverage is not necessary.

Editor's Notes

During our climbing gloves research, we found 24 climbing gloves products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,686 customer reviews through our big data system to write the climbing gloves list. We found that most customers choose climbing gloves with an average price of $29.21.

The climbing gloves are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of climbing gloves, including PETZL, BLACK DIAMOND, Intra-FIT, Ocun, HYCOPROT. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 169 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Michael Daley Avatar

Michael Daley is a founder of a climbing club. As a climbing expert, he's well-versed in all topics related to travel, including climbing accessories. He loves everything related to climbing and often shares his experience online.

Climbing Gloves Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand PETZL BLACK DIAMOND BLACK DIAMOND Intra-FIT PETZL Ocun HYCOPROT Intra-FIT Seibertron Intra-FIT
Material Leather Faux Leather Leather, Nylon Synthetic Leather Nylon Nylon Leather Cotton Blend Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Faux Leather, Neoprene, Polyurethane, Spandex
Size Large Large Large Medium (Pack of 1) Medium Medium Large Large Medium Medium
Sport Climbing rock climbing Climbing Climbing Climbing Climbing Hiking, Hunting Climbing Sailing Climbing
Glove Type Outdoor climbing climbing Climbing Receiver Climbing sport-fingerless Climbing Climbing Climbing
Age Range (Description) Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult
Color Beige Black Natural 2359 Tan Red Black Normal Full Finger Black Black
Special Feature Lightweight Lightweight Thermal Half Finger Lightweight Extra Grip Breathable, Lightweight, Slip, Windproof Lightweight Adjustable
Hand Orientation Ambidextrous Ambidextrous Ambidextrous Ambidextrous Ambidextrous Ambidextrous Ambidextrous Ambidextrous Ambidextrous Ambidextrous
Item Package Quantity 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.5
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