What are the Khroma Freeride GTX Gloves?
The Khroma Freeride GTX's are durable, functional and highly protective big mountain gloves, designed for days where warmth, waterproof protection and dexterity are paramount. They combine high-performance technologies like PrimaLoft® Gold and Gore-Tex® Plus Warm, ePE with premium dexterity and grip for the ultimate freedom on big powder days and challenging mountain expeditions.
What are they made from?
The gloves are constructed from a combination of reinforced Pittards Armortan® leather and two-layer Matrix™ nylon stretch, with PrimaLoft® Gold insulation for reliable warmth and Gore-Tex® Plus Warm, ePE for waterproof protection. This combination of high-performance technologies coupled with a high loft pile lining delivers exceptional warmth and protection for facing harsh, unpredictable winter mountain conditions.
Rab has used lightweight, hydrophobic PrimaLoft® Gold insulation in a body-mapped construction to deliver reliable warmth when the pace slows and outstanding thermal efficiency in the wet. PrimaLoft® Gold is a cosy and breathable synthetic insulation that's highly efficient with lower bulk and weight. The small fibres of this insulation provide maximum thermal efficiency; they're thinner than human hair, and the thinner the fibres, the warmer the insulation will be. The mapped construction maximises cold weather protection without hindering the glove's dexterity.
For waterproof protection, Rab has used 3-layer Gore-Tex® Plus Warm inserts with the latest ePE membrane technology. This Gore-Tex® technology delivers reliable protection from rain and snow, whilst also remaining breathable for effective moisture transportation. As you may have guessed, the 'Plus Warm' part helps optimise the gloves warmth and maintains heat for longer.
If you were wondering, the latest Gore-Tex® technology uses an ePE membrane, which stands for expanded polyethene, which is light, thin yet durable, and PFC-free. PFC's as also known as 'forever chemicals' because they stay permanently in the environment and cause lasting damage to our ecosystems. Therefore, many companies are working towards a completely PFC-free future and this breakthrough from Gore-Tex® is a real game changer in responsible waterproof protection. In addition, this membrane has a reduced carbon footprint, as it uses laminates with a lower-mass membrane and select textiles, making it an ideal choice for more environmentally conscious adventurers.
Pittards Armortan® leather is strategically placed at the glove's highest wear points, the thumbs and palms. It aims to increase the abrasion resistance of the gloves by focusing on the microscopic fibril bundles within the leather that make up its fibre. The fibril bundles are encased with tiny 'armour plates', which are more resistant to wear and abrasion, increasing the overall durability of the material.
Matrix™ two-layer nylon stretch is an extremely durable, lightweight stretch fabric. It helps to enhance the flexibility, whilst feeling really smooth and soft against the skin – making the gloves easy to wear for long, intense sessions on the slopes. This stretchy fabric is treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) to add some extra protection against the elements, so light rain or snow will bead away.
Finally, the gloves are lined with a durable and cosy high-loft pile lining for added warmth and effective moisture management. It helps ensure that moisture doesn't build up inside the gloves, increasing overall comfort and giving you a much better in-hand grip.
What are their features?
The engineered pre-curved fit offers a much more natural shape and feel whilst maximising grip, so handling ropes and equipment feels nice and precise to help keep you safe. A high-loft pile lining, protective gauntlet and adjustable cuff tensioners deliver the perfect balance of warmth, dryness and protection for various cold weather adventures, whether deep powder days or wet and windy days in the mountains.
A small wrist buckle allows you to clip the gloves together when not in use, so you're never without one. Finally the gloves are finished with functional details such as a removable wrist leash and single-handed cuff adjustment.
Features
- GORE-TEX® Plus Warm, ePE membrane waterproof technology
- Engineered pre-curved fit for grip
- Long protective gauntlet cuff
- Primaloft insulation in mapped zones
- Pittards Armortan leather palm & nosewipe
- High loft pile lining
- Removable wrist leash
- Single hand adjustable cuff