Montane Prism Glove Review

Overview

The Prism Glove is a puffy jacket for the hands: a thin recycled Pertex Quantum shell, a layer of PrimaLoft Gold, and a brushed microfleece lining, all in a pair that weighs 60 g. It is aimed at hikers, runners and climbers who want a warm camp, summit or pre-dawn glove that disappears into a pocket. The trade-off is the one every glove built like a puffy makes: excellent warmth for the weight, modest durability.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight	60 g (pair)
Insulation	60 g/m² PrimaLoft Gold (55% recycled)
Outer fabric	Pertex Quantum Eco, 100% recycled nylon, DWR finish
Lining	Brushed microfleece
Touchscreen	Yes (thumb, index and middle fingers)
Fit details	Pre-curved fingers, elasticated wrist
Construction	Top-stitch quilting
Included	Stuff sac
UK RRP	£45

Performance

Warmth. Reviewers consistently describe the Prism as warmer than its weight suggests. T3 places it above single-layer fleece gloves for warmth, though short of a full winter glove. The 60 g/m² PrimaLoft Gold is the main reason: it is hydrophobic synthetic fill, so damp cuffs and light snow are less of a problem than they would be for a down-filled equivalent. The brushed microfleece lining helps hands feel warm quickly, and one UK tester recorded fingers warming within about a minute on a windy hillside with a windchill near −11°C. Advnture’s tester found them comfortable for cold ski days and winter hikes without bulk or sweatiness. For sustained subfreezing use, an insulated shell mitt over the top is still the better system. Montane has paired these with its waterproof overmitts for cold, wet days, and The Great Outdoors’ Chris Townsend praised that combination.

Packability. This is the headline. Stuffed into the supplied sack, the pair shrinks to roughly the size of a small apple, according to T3. At 60 g, they are light enough to live in a hip-belt pocket or the lid of a pack all year as an emergency layer. Owners who use them as backup gloves on hill walks say that is exactly the job they do best.

Wind and weather. The Pertex shell blocks wind and the DWR finish sheds light moisture, which suits frosty mornings and snow flurries. It is not waterproof. Advnture lists that as a downside, and anyone expecting sustained rain performance will be disappointed. The synthetic fill will keep insulating when damp, but the glove will not stay dry.

Durability. The shell is thin by design. T3 notes that abrasion resistance is low and rules the Prism out for scrambling or heavy handling, and Advnture’s tester compared them to “tiny down jackets” that should be kept away from branches and rough rock. Trekking poles are fine. Gripping granite or chopping wood is not. There is no leather palm to take the wear.

Dexterity and touchscreen. The pre-curved fingers and slim fit keep the glove from feeling like a mitten, and the conductive pads on the thumb, index and middle fingers let wearers use a phone without exposing their skin. Advnture’s tester called the touchscreen compatibility precise. An older version of the glove drew a less impressed verdict from at least one UK blogger, who found the feature close to useless, so expect it to be good for photos and navigation apps rather than typing long messages.

Fit and getting them on. The slim cut is a double-edged feature. Wet hands are hard to push into the lining, a complaint repeated by Advnture and other owners. One European buyer recommends sizing up for comfort.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60 g with an apple-sized packed volume, including stuff sac
• Warm for the weight, with insulation that tolerates damp
• Windproof shell with DWR finish
• Touchscreen-compatible on three fingertips
• Recycled shell fabric and partially recycled insulation
• Pre-curved fingers keep dexterity good

Cons

• Thin shell is prone to snags and abrasion
• Not waterproof
• Slim fit makes donning with damp hands fiddly
• Not enough insulation for sustained deep-cold use alone
• Lacks reinforced grip panels

Who Should Buy This

Three-season backpackers, thru-hikers and fastpackers who want a lightweight glove for cold starts, high passes and camp chores will find the Prism hard to beat on a weight-per-warmth basis. It also suits shoulder-season climbers and skiers as a spare pair. Winter mountaineers, scramblers, anyone who handles rough surfaces all day, and hikers who expect an all-day downpour should look instead at a more durable, waterproof glove or mitt system, with the Prism held back as a liner or camp layer.

Verdict

The Prism Glove does one job very well: it delivers real insulation in a 60 g package that nearly vanishes when stowed. Treat it as fragile, pair it with a rain mitt for wet weather, and it earns its place in the pack. Anyone who needs a glove to take abuse should buy something tougher.