Gear Review: Arc'teryx Venta LT Gloves

From the less-is-more school of gear design comes the Venta LT. These leather/softshell gloves weigh less than a Clif bar, yet became our Colorado tester’s go-to handwear for all but the coldest or wettest days. “They’re so light and breathable, I used them on trail runs, but tough and protective enough for a week of backcountry skiing with temps above the mid-20s,” he says.

The secret? The two-way-stretch Gore Windstopper shell is lined with a thin “micro-checked” fleece grid that provides just enough insulation for going hard on cold days, while a DWR finish repels light moisture. Weight saver: Instead of lining the entire handprint with leather, it’s applied only to the high-wear zone where you grip trekking and ski poles.

And seams aren’t directly on fingertips, increasing dexterity. “I never had to remove these gloves, not even to take photos,” says our tester. Bottom line: a versatile pick for high-output winter pursuits and three-season use.

$59

2.7 oz.

(unisex XS-XL)

arcteryx.com