Crack Climbing Gloves

Closure location

Inside or Outside

Crack gloves close around the wrist typically with a velcro-like strap which lays either on the inside of the wrist (the palm side) or the outside of the wrist (the back of the hand). Most gloves close on the inside of the wrist where the closure is more protected from coming undone while jamming, though some manufacturers choose to close on the back for a lower profile closure that is more comfortable against the softer inner arm.

Thumb Coverage

Yes/No/Partial

Crack gloves are made with different types of cracks and rock in mind. Some manufacturers have begun building greater thumb protection into their designs which can be beneficial if you are climbing wider cracks where fist-jamming is common. We consider thumb coverage to completely cover the knuckle and at least part of the first digit of the thumb. If only part of the knuckle is covered it is considered partial.

Features

Strap Coverage

Strap coverage refers to the wrist closure strap having a built-in place to stow once it is closed. This feature is included on some gloves to help avoid the strap being opened when you don’t want it to be.

Vegan

If the manufacturer claims no animal products were used in the production of the product.

Glove Materials

Main Glove

This refers to the material or materials that make up the main body of a crack glove. This is usually either a form of natural or synthetic suede, synthetic material or combination of both. This may include the materials used to make holes or loops for fingers but should not be confused with the Backing material that is added on the back of the glove for contact with the rock.

Backing

This is the material that crack glove manufacturers adhere to the back of the glove to add friction and padding between your hand and the rock. This is usually some form of rubber or synthetic rubber compound and can be in very thin to relatively thick, although not all crack gloves have backing material.