Hestra place the Ergo Grip Active within both their 'Alpine Pro' range and the 'Outdoor' category, which hints at their versatility. Ergonomic construction, supple and durable leather and the addition of a Gore Windstopper membrane ensure these gloves can be useful in almost any situation.
The fit is superb. My search for the perfect glove seems endless, and I admit to having weird shaped fingers, but these felt superb from the first try-on. The pre-curved fingers of the Ergo Grip construction are a large part in that but it is the choice of materials that really makes the difference. The leather is soft and fine enough to feel like a second skin, and the material on the back of the hand gives an ideal amount of stretch.
The surprise though is the very simple brushed polyester lining - the fine denier and soft touch go a long way to creating the feel of a dextrous but substantial glove. The lining is also a great indicator of the quality of construction; it maps to the outer flawlessly with no excess, baggy material, and in a close-fitting glove that is no mean feat.
The gloves were tested hiking in the UK and canoeing in both Sweden and Canada in late-Autumn. What I didn't expect was the degree of warmth these minimalist gloves are able to provide. The Windstopper no doubt has an effect (although placing it only on the back of the hand greatly aids breathability) but the brushed polyester is clearly punching above its weight in this regard.
I expect downhill skiing will be a test too far for these gloves (and that is not what they're aimed at) but ski touring will be a perfect match. In that regard these could be a genuine year-round companion, and superb value as a result.
