Rappelling, especially from tall trees, can abrade your gloves even if your ropes are soft and supple. The friction generated when the rope slides over your gloves can easily damage the skin of your protective gloves.
It is for this reason that Pigeon Mountain Industries designed a glove specifically intended for rappelling –the PMI Lightweight Rappel Gloves. These gloves are equipped with an extremely tough cowhide leather running across the palms, through the web in the space between the thumb and forefinger, to the proximal phalanx of the thumb. This added covering comes in two layers for that extra protection from rope friction.
In order not to compromise dexterity, the fingers of the gloves are made of flexible and supple goatskin. This assures good rope control which is required when rappelling. These, though, are less durable than the cowhide and may not work well with “finger pinchers”.
The combination of the lightweight, pliable goatskin and the tough, durable cowhide makes this pair of gloves an excellent gear for rope work. Inside the cuffs are loops which may be used to hang the gloves on a carabiner. The backs of the palms have an elastic band giving the gloves a tight yet comfortable fit.
Sizes are based on the circumference of the palms, from small to extra large with the former sized from 7 to 8 inches and the latter from 10.5 to 11 inches.