With its French cowhide leather main body, the Metolius Belay Gloves looks elegant enough to give the impression that it was intended for cold weather city wear. A closer examination, however, reveals that the split cowhide reinforcement at the palms is simply too durable for just opening car doors and gripping steering wheels. Unless, of course, if it is a steering wheel of some heavy construction equipment.
The Metolius Belay Gloves features full fingers making it perfectly suited for cold weather tree climbing. Its leather is burly and durable that can be expected to last even after years of use and hundreds of trees climbed. The pair of gloves is available in five sizes –extra small for 6.25 – 7-inch palm circumference; small, 7.00 – 7.75, medium, 7.75 – 8.50; large, 8.50 – 9.25; and extra large, 9.25 – 10.00. Once you find the right size for you, you are assured that the fit of the gloves is snug and comfortable, becoming almost like a second skin to your hands. This, of course, leads to better dexterity.
The high-wear areas of the gloves –the palms and thumb saddle— are equipped with double layers. These are triple-stitched to ensure that they are not torn off the glove’s main body even under extreme pressure. This makes the gloves perfect for those situations when you need to grasp a rope tightly. It is also suitable for rappelling as it limits the friction coming from the sliding rope to the double layers instead of burning your palms.
The openings of the gloves are double-stitched for durability, and a webbing is sewn on the palms’ opening which acts as a loop for hanging on to a carabiner. It is closed with Velcro straps on the wrist for a secure and quick closure.
The Metolius Belay Glove comes in two colors –natural brown and tactical black.