'These cosy waterproof gloves keep my hands warm and dry on dog walks in rainy weather'
Sealskinz sherpa gloves are not only ultra warm and cosy for those chilly winter dog walks, but they’re totally waterproof too making them perfect for rainy dog walks this spring
Spring might be on the horizon but that doesn’t mean we’re free from the rain just yet, and as any dog walkers know, there’s nothing worse than getting caught in a shower. All the best waterproof coats in the world won’t stop your hands from getting cold and wet, and even a standard pair of gloves will end up soaking through leaving your hands dripping.
That’s why I was delighted when I stumbled upon the Sealskinz Waterproof Women's Sherpa Fleece Gloves, priced at £40, which are not only cosy and warm, but completely waterproof too. The brand is already a firm favourite with Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, who sported a different waterproof pair on his rainy dog walk last autumn.
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You can pick up the gloves in both women’s and men's designs, with the women’s – which I opted for – coming in a pale dusty pink, whilst the men’s pair come in a light olive green. They’re easy to pick the right size, and the sizing chart was accurate enough that I got a perfect fitting pair first time which is always a winner. The Sealskinz Waterproof Women's Sherpa Fleece Gloves are snug fitting, so if you prefer a little more space I would go up a size.
As soon as I put them on I could feel how warm they were going to be, and they have three layers that keep them both warm and dry. The outer layer is a sherpa fleece which has been coated in a waterproof finish, although they still feel super soft and fluffy to the touch.
There’s also two more waterproof and insulating layers, including the middle Aquasealz membrane layer. It’s 100% waterproof and breathable, keeping hands dry and aerated in wet conditions.
This traps in the heat and keeps moisture out. However you don’t need to worry about getting sweaty hands, as each layer is also breathable, so moisture and perspiration can escape, with an adjustable draw cord around the wrist keeping the heat and insulation in.
For any dog walkers out there, you’ll know that usually wearing gloves means you have a lessened grip on the lead, and when you add rain slick to that it can be easy for your lead to slip through your hands – the same goes for cyclists and their handlebars or walkers with hiking poles. However, these Sealskinz Waterproof Sherpa Fleece Gloves have a sticky S-printed palm that gives you extra grip, and touchscreen sensors on the tips of the thumb and index finger.
I will say the touchscreen sections aren’t hyper-sensitive – it took a few tries to get my phone swiped open with them on, but this is less of an issue when you’re out and about and on your phone less. Otherwise I found the Sealskinz Waterproof Sherpa Fleece Gloves super comfortable and easy to wear, and they did exactly what they were supposed to – keep my hands warm and dry even in the unpredictable British weather.
You can pick up similar styles with the Columbia Women's Helvetia II Sherpa Gloves, which come in all black or black and white for £30, or a deep dusty rose colour which is now on sale for £24 and also have a water-repellant coating. Elsewhere the Montane Chonos Fleece Gloves are also available for £40, although this pair aren’t waterproof.