Mountain Equipment Direkt Glove Review

The Direkt gloves by Mountain Equipment are designed for climbing and mountaineering. Presented by the company as a model for the most technical passages on ice falls, thanks to their solid structure, they are also suitable for winter mountaineering, especially in cold temperatures or adverse weather conditions.

Technical features of the Mountain Equipment Direkt Glove

• EXOLITE XP stretch softshell outer fabric
• Composition: 94% polyamide, 6% elastane, PU membrane
• Palm and reinforcements 100% water-resistant goatskin leather
• Fleece lining on the back of the hand (78% recycled polyester)
• Lightweight microfleece lining on palm and fingers (recycled polyester)
• Adjustable Velcro cuff
• Carrying loop with carabiner
• Weight: 130 g (pair)
• Country of manufacture: Vietnam
• List price: €79,95

Test mode

The test was conducted between February and May, mainly during ice climbing and mixed climbing trips, as well as a classic winter mountaineering climb. The gloves were tested in temperatures down to -10°C and at altitudes of around 3100 meters, in mostly good weather conditions, but also during snowfall and moderate winds. They were also used on a few snowshoe hikes.

Mountain Equipment Direkt Glove on-site test

How they look

Mountain Equipment’s Direkt Gloves have a clean, linear design, built around two main elements: the palm and fingers in goatskin, and the back and wrist in stretch softshell. Once worn, they immediately convey a pleasant feeling of softness and warmth, which remains constant during use.

Details and fabrics

The seams are concealed, well made, and free of defects or irregularities. On the fingertips, in addition to the main seam that follows the contour of the finger, there are two additional seams that shape the fingertip, improving the precision of the fit.

The padding uses fleece fiber on the back of the hand and fingers, which is warm and soft, while microfleece is used on the palm and inside of the fingers, reducing thickness and increasing sensitivity when gripping.

The wrist features a Velcro closure tab and an elasticized section that allow you to easily adjust the glove, both over and under your jacket. There is also a fabric loop, useful for pulling the glove on completely: it is well sewn and can be pulled firmly. Finally, there is a small plasticized fabric loop on the middle finger, designed to help remove the glove or carry it using a carabiner.

Waterproofing, thermal insulation, and breathability

Definitely a well-insulated glove. Padding guarantees excellent warmth and, during ice climbs, effectively limits the classic and annoying “blisters” on the hands. Waterproofing is also very good: the goatskin lining tends to get damp over time, but I never felt any moisture inside, even after several pitches in contact with snow or running water.

The water-repellent softshell fabric on the back offers good resistance to water and snow, while also providing effective insulation from the wind. The overall breathability of the glove is excellent, and you rarely feel like your hands are sweaty inside.

Sensitivity and maneuverability

The only minor limitation of this glove is its sensitivity, which is not entirely optimal. When placing pitons or unclipping gear from your harness, you can feel the thickness, which slightly reduces direct contact between your hand and the equipment. However, it must be said that this is a very subjective aspect. Personally, I prefer thinner gloves—which are inevitably less warm—that offer greater sensitivity, accepting that I sacrifice something in terms of protection from the cold and moisture.

However, maneuverability is good when handling ropes and belays, as well as when gripping ice axes, thanks to the ergonomically pre-curved shape of the fingers and palm.

Unfortunately, there is no wrist strap to allow you to remove the glove without the risk of dropping it. In my opinion, this is an accessory that should always be provided with winter ice gloves.

Comparison with the Serac Gauntlet

Mountain Equipment’s new line of winter mountaineering gloves also includes the Serac Gauntlet, designed for more technical ice and snow climbing, even in the extreme cold and harsh climates typical of high altitudes. In addition, the Serac has a full waterproof insert, whereas the Direkt does not.

Compared to the Direkt gloves, the Serac Gantlet gloves are slightly thicker and therefore warmer. The back is still made of softshell fabric, but with a reflective treatment to improve thermal insulation. The cuff is longer and features a one-handed drawstring closure, as well as a practical elasticized wrist strap.

Tested in full winter conditions, they performed very well, especially on couloirs and mixed snow and ice climbs. A model, therefore, for even more extreme conditions.

Fit

I used these gloves in size L, which corresponds roughly to a size 9 in work gloves, and they fit perfectly: a really great feel. The pre-curved palm and fingers make them ideal for gripping an ice axe, offering remarkable comfort and a stable grip. The same feeling can also be found with other equipment, such as ski touring or trekking poles during approaches.

Recommended for

Mountain Equipment’s Direkt Gloves are gloves made with great attention to detail, very comfortable and warm. They are ideal for climbers who tackle multiple pitches on ice falls and prefer an extremely comfortable product, accepting a compromise on maneuverability and sensitivity.

In short, these are technical gloves for those who want to be sure they won’t suffer from the cold, even if it means sacrificing some dexterity, which is still more than acceptable.

I also recommend them for snow hiking or ski mountaineering.