With the new Lithic gloves released for the 2015/2016 season, the Canadians from Arc'teryx use high-tech materials and processing techniques to achieve the best possible performance. Despite their low weight, the gloves are designed to offer high thermal performance, excellent grip and top weather protection.
We will be testing the gloves this winter and present a first short test here, with more to follow over the course of the winter.
First impression
The new Lithic Gloves from Arcteryx are warm, lined gloves with Goretex membrane and Primaloft insulation, elasticated wrists, cuffs that are not too long and removable wrist straps. All this in the eye-catching color combination wine red - orange (Arc'teryx calls the color "Crimson Flame", alternatively the Lithic Gloves are also available in black). The palms and fingers are reinforced with a very abrasion-resistant outer material, which also gives the glove a really great grip. This is particularly noticeable in combination with the high mobility of the hands in the glove, which is ensured by the elaborate cut and the sophisticated mix of materials. The Lithic is also very light and extremely comfortable to wear.
Test conditions
Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to test the Lithic gloves in really cold conditions this autumn, which has been quite mild so far, but I have already used them on a glacier tour on the Dachstein, for example.
Test
The gloves feel soft on the inside, are very comfortable and lightweight. The Lithic's good grip and high level of dexterity quickly stand out. Although it is a fully-fledged, warm glove (and not a lightweight model that you only put on for climbing on a ski tour, for example), ski bindings and ski boot buckles can be operated just as easily with the glove as ice screws and ice axes. The gloves are very warm and have so far made a very weatherproof impression, although, as I said, the conditions of use have not yet been deep winter. The technical details are well thought out: the strap on the wrist is compact and ensures a good fit, the elastic at the end of the cuff works perfectly and is easy to tighten even when wearing gloves.
Conclusion
The gloves make a very good, robust impression and have a really high-quality finish. They are grippy, warm and weatherproof, but still relatively light. Sophisticated details such as the reinforcement on the fingertips and palm, elasticated cuffs and wrist straps are also impressive. The Lithic is certainly not only a good companion on all ski tours but also for other winter outdoor activities - especially when warmth and dexterity are required at the same time. The price is unfortunately quite proud...
Information
RRP €260.-
Soft, gently brushed lining for comfortable warmth
Water-repellent Arc'teryx Nu treatment
Combination of several GORE-TEX® materials for better functionality and performance
DRW-treated inner cuffs keep snow and moisture out
An inner tube is wrapped around the wrist and ensures heat retention
Tri-Dex™ technology: Patented 3D construction for a perfect fit and seam-free thumb tips
Woven strap for cuff adjustment
Detachable wrist loops
Grip optimizations on the fingertips ensure adhesion between the lining and outer layer
Woven strap loop to fasten gloves together with carabiner
Hereis the Arc'teryx website with further information.
