Mountain Equipment describes their Guide gloves as ‘the workhorse’ of its extensive range of gloves. At £65 it’s good value for a waterproof winter sports glove. I’ve had it on extended test, and it’s performed well in a variety of conditions and situations, from protecting my hands in freezing rain, to handling karabiners and ice axes in sub-zero conditions. There’s a tough polyamide shell, with grippy goatskin palms and a waterproof membrane. The lining is a compromise of warmth and dexterity, with a thick pile fleece on the back of the hands, and a thinner microfleece lining on the palms.

The cuff is fairly short but is elasticated and long enough to cinch under a waterproof. The fit suits broader hands, with pre-curved fingers and careful seam placement near the tips to maintain dexterity. There are karabiner clips on the middle finger and on the cuffs. These aren’t the warmest gloves out there, but they are ideal for active use in the cold and damp conditions that are typical of British winters, when frequently it isn’t the warmth of your gloves that’s the critical issue, but how many spare pairs you have to dip into! Crucially, these gloves dry relatively quickly too, making them a great option for back-to-back days on the hill.

See how the Mountain Equipment Women’s Guide Glove compares to others in our Best winter gloves for hiking and walking guide