Hestra Vertical Cut Freeride

Hestra describes cowhide as "a durable leather with good impregnation properties" and uses it widely in its ski gloves. The palm here has outseams, meaning the seams sit on the outside so no seam ridge presses into your hand. Hestra also lists reinforcement details.

On the backhand, the Dobby fabric is windproof and breathable, and the shock-absorbing foam is there to soften knocks. The Bemberg lining is removable. The cuff is neoprene with a Velcro closure, so you can set how snug it sits, and a puller at the cuff helps you pull the glove on. Handcuffs (wrist leashes) let it hang from your wrist when you pull your hand free, and there's a carabiner.

The insulation is G-Loft, with the Bemberg lining against your hand. The five fingers sit in separate spaces. The cost is that fingers held apart can't pool their heat.

The fabric backhand blocks wind and breathes. On the palm, Hestra says cowhide "resists moisture and abrasion well."

Hestra sizes are numeric, and this unisex glove is offered in 6 through 11 with one exception. Blk/Blk and Royal Blue/Navy are offered in 6 to 11, while Cerise/Mustard runs 6 to 10, so size 11 comes in those first two colors only.

Hestra lists it in Alpine Pro, a collection it says ski instructors, mountain guides and freeriders use. Pick it if you want five free fingers, a cowhide palm and padding on the backhand.

If you'd like the index finger free and the other three fingers sharing warmth, the Hestra Vertical Cut Freeride 3-finger is the same build in a three-finger shell. Hestra fits that version with a 5-finger lining inside.