Test and review of the MT900 Forclaz leather gloves — ridepark

Presentation

The MT900 gloves from Forclaz are primarily intended for hiking and trekking. But they work just as well for ski touring or even downhill skiing as long as it’s not “too” cold.

The main material of the MT900 gloves is goat leatherknown for its great resistance and flexibility¹. They also include a polyester lining, exterior parts in polyamide and elastane, as well as polyester filling.

Test conditions

I tested the gloves in dry conditions in medium mountains (between 1000 and 2000 meters). On the entire hike, it was between 0 degrees and 5 degrees with sunshine.

The gloves have not been directly exposed to water and lightly in contact with compacted snow.

Comfort / Warmth

These gloves are very comfortable since they are thin and can be put on quite easily thanks to the buckle located at the end of the glove. You can easily pull the glove with the other hand.

The heat is OK, nothing to report. Having tested them at 0 degrees (felt 0 or slightly less with the wind), I never felt cold.

Note that I am not cold-tempered. I see several reviews online from users complaining about the lack of protection against the cold.

Indeed, these gloves are certainly not effective against temperatures below 0 degrees. But it is possible to add thin liner gloves which should offer improved insulation.

Overall the comfort and warmth are good, no false note, unless it’s -5 degrees or less.

Maneuverability / dexterity

Thanks to their design, the gloves are quite thin and offer good handling. It is easy to grab ski or hiking poles. They are easy to put on and take off.

The main material of the MT 900 gloves is goat leather, known for its great resistance and flexibility. They also include a polyester lining, polyamide and elastane outer parts. They therefore offer good grip on the palm of the hand.

I found them very effective in all circumstances.

Features

Among the notable features of the Forclaz MT 900 glove, we can cite in no order:

• impermeability,
• thermal insulation,
• friction resistance,
• adjustment to the wrist,
• ease of use with a storage loop,
• windproof property,
• touchscreen for using smartphones, and
• water-repellent in case of light rain.

The touchscreen is very practical and works perfectly well. Water repellency has its limits, but resistance is good against light rain lasting a few minutes.

The strap that can be put on the wrist is simple and effective thanks to a small plastic bead that can be adjusted as desired. Simple and durable.

There is also a so-called “storage” clip to keep the gloves together. Always welcome for those of you who are organized and don’t want to misplace a glove at the bottom of the bag.

Sports practicable with these gloves

The glove seems primarily intended for trekking/hiking use. But if you don’t spend your time with your hands in the snow or water, they will do just as well for ski touring or downhill skiing in dry and not too cold weather.

Obviously, if you are cold, this is not a glove that will protect you below 0 degrees.

Aesthetics / Design

Sober, fashionable colors give these gloves a rather urban look. We would almost be tempted to use them in town… And why not!

They are indeed a little too thick for city gloves, but in my opinion, they are versatile enough, for those who want to have a unique pair, for venturing in the city, in the mountains and in the snow.

Value for money

With a sale price of 45-50 euros (depending on promotions and seasons). The MT 900 gloves are in an average price range for this type of glove.

At this price, among the big brands, there aren’t really any direct competitors. As far as quality is concerned, I have used them regularly for three months without noticing any traces of wear or defects.

What I like about the MT 900 Forclaz gloves

• Lightweight
• Elegant
• Easy to put on
• Good dexterity
• Flexible
• Well-designed wrist strap (or wrist strap)
• Removable wrist strap
• Quality leather

What I liked least about the MT 900 gloves

• Not very effective below zero degrees