Brutally freezing water blasted through the front-point-sized hole I kicked in the aerated waterfall ice. The spout soaked me from the chest down before I could push away. If “don’t fall” is the first, second, and third rule of ice climbing, “don’t get soaked” is easily in the top ten.
Fortunately, my hands were dry and toasty as my belayer lowered me to the ground, thanks to the new Showa Temres 282-02 winter glove.
Ice climbers and commercial fishermen have more in common than you might think. At the most basic level, they operate in the harshest winter conditions and depend on their hands to get the job done.
Above all, they demand warmth, dexterity, and waterproofness. Fortunately for the average winter backcountry enthusiast pursuing any variety of icy pursuits, what meets the rigors of ice climbing and arctic fishing can meet most other needs. And here’s the kicker: you can buy the Showa Temres 282-02 for under $40. Some vendors even sell them for under $25.
I did not test the 282-02 anywhere near a boat. But I did put it through its paces, ski touring, trail running, ice climbing, and alpine skiing over two months in the central mountains of Colorado during December and January.
In short: The Showa Temres 282-02 is an industrial tool that is going to stick in the winter recreation world. It’s a winter glove that does everything demanding winter activities require at a fraction of the price of its competitors.
Does its fit, dexterity, aesthetic, or breathability outshine the best of the best? No. But it does everything well enough to warrant a spot in your glove quiver for most outdoor winter pursuits.
Showa Temres 282-02 Review
The original Smurf-blue Showa gloves ($20) have enjoyed a cult-like following among ice climbers and winter adventurers for some time now. The new 282-02 continues that legacy with two key upgrades that everyone will appreciate: a cinch cuff closure and a more aesthetic black color.
Showa built the 282-02 simply. They have a seamless polyurethane outer, light fleece insulation in the fingers and hand, and a drawcord cuff to fend off the elements. That’s it.
If there is one thing the 282-02 does well, it repels water. They are absolutely impenetrable to the stuff in all of its forms.
Dexterity
The first thing I noticed when I put the gloves on was how naturally they fit. They slip on easily without any kind of detached liner to bunch up. The fingers are pre-curved, allowing for a more natural grip. That, along with the water repellency, is what sets the functionality apart from a traditional work glove.
They do, however, fit noticeably small for their size. By sizing up, you’ll gain some finger length but also lose some finger and palm tightness.
The dexterity is obvious right away, and it’s easy to see why the 282-02 have garnered such a following from ice climbers and alpinists who do a lot of fiddling with small metal objects in freezing temperatures. Placing ice screws, clipping quick-draws, and tying knots are manageable.
The fingers aren’t as tight or ergonomic as something like the Hestra Ergo. But they get the job done. These traits translate well to other winter endeavors like ski touring and winter camping. I had no problem ripping skins, adjusting buckles and bindings, or poking around in snow pits. You can easily set up a tent or a stove in the snow with these on your hands.
Breathability
An impressive level of breathability is built into this glove. During high-output activities, I was surprised by how long it took for them to feel clammy. However, aerobic activities are not where these gloves stand out from the competition. They aren’t gloves you can leave on all day during a ski tour. Instead, I found that they excel as an overglove.
I run hot in all aerobic activities. Even in 10- to 20-degree Fahrenheit weather, I can only run an ultra-thin liner on the uphills. So I didn’t wear these gloves much going up. But I found that using the Showa during my backcountry ski transitions and descents was their sweet spot. They’ll keep your liners dry and safe from tears as you rip skins, buckle boots, and adjust bindings. And your hands will be warm enough on the downhill.
Lower aerobic output activities, like ice climbing and winter camping, are a different story. My hands did not overheat or get clammy after a full day of ice climbing. They actually breathe far better than my other favorite budget option, the Hestra Kobolt CZone waterproof work glove.
In terms of warmth, I’d consider the Showa 282-02 a medium-weight glove. Given the internal simplicity, it’s easy to add a liner to boost the warmth. This combo was all I needed for a day of alpine skiing in 20-30 degree F weather.
There are two features that I’d love to see in the next generation of Showa 282s: a wrist cinch for more palm security and a higher finger length-to-size ratio.
Showa Temres 282-02 Gloves: Conclusion
This might be the best budget winter glove on the planet. The Showa Temres 282-02 isn’t the most breathable or aesthetic glove out there, but it is completely waterproof, durable, and dexterous enough to deserve a spot in any winter outdoor recreationist’s glove collection.
It excels as a waterproof overglove or on its own for less aerobic pursuits. Bottom line, these gloves keep the elements out at a price that seems too good to be true.
Plus, they’ll pull double duty for your next Minion Halloween costume.
