The Hestra Wakayama gloves offer a compelling blend of retro style and high-performance functionality, proving that classic aesthetics needn't compromise on practicality. These gloves, a standout in Hestra's Alpine Pro series, immediately impress with their attractive vintage design, making them equally suitable for everyday wear and demanding outdoor adventures. Their supple leather construction, enhanced by an included weather treatment wax, ensures both durability and water resistance, while the luxuriously soft wool terry lining provides exceptional comfort and warmth.Beyond their stylish exterior, the Wakayama gloves deliver impressive performance in challenging winter conditions. Rigorously tested in Colorado's frigid temperatures, they've proven their versatility across a range of activities, from winter camping and splitboarding to simple everyday tasks. Features like the adjustable paracord closure and leash retention system further enhance their practicality and secure fit. Read on for a detailed review of these exceptional gloves and discover why they are a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a stylish and highly functional winter accessory.
Pros And Cons
- Attractive retro look
- Suitable for casual and ski touring use
- Improved dexterity and softness with weather treatment wax
- Resists snow and moisture
- Warm and cozy due to wool terry lining
- Good for temperatures of 15 degrees Fahrenheit and above (with activity)
- Excellent driving gloves due to dexterity and response
- Paracord adjustment
- Leash retention system
- May be too cold for temperatures below 5 degrees Fahrenheit
Read more: Top 5 Ski Gloves for Unforgettable Adventures
First Impressions and Design
The Hestra Wakayama gloves immediately caught my eye with their attractive, retro design. They have a casual look that's perfect for everyday wear, but their construction clearly suggests they are also built for demanding outdoor activities.
The gloves come with a weather treatment wax, which I highly recommend applying. It subtly changes the glove's color and significantly improves their water resistance and overall feel.
The color difference after waxing is minimal, but the enhancement to performance is noticeable. The gloves become more supple and dexterous after the treatment.
Performance and Use Cases
I've thoroughly tested these gloves in Colorado's challenging winter conditions, including temperatures as low as 12 degrees Fahrenheit. I used them for various activities—winter camping, splitboarding, driving, and even everyday tasks like walking the dog.
Their versatility is a major plus. They perform admirably during strenuous activities while remaining comfortable enough for casual use.
The gloves are part of Hestra's Alpine Pro series, signifying their robust construction and suitability for demanding outdoor pursuits.
Comfort and Warmth
The standout feature is the luxurious wool terry lining. This soft, fluffy material covers the entire glove, including the fingers and thumb, providing exceptional comfort and warmth.
The inner lining feels remarkably cozy and plush, akin to wearing a luxurious robe. It is incredibly comfortable even during prolonged use.
I found them comfortable down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit during active use. For passive activities or colder temperatures, however, I would recommend mittens.
Features and Sizing
The gloves feature a paracord adjustment system for a customized fit. There are options for tight and loose adjustments, providing flexibility based on your preferences.
They also include a leash retention system for added security.
I'm wearing a size 9, which fits perfectly. Hestra provides a detailed size chart to assist in finding the right fit for your hands.
Final Verdict
The Hestra Wakayama gloves excel in combining style and functionality. Their retro aesthetic is undeniably appealing, but their performance in various winter conditions is equally impressive.
The luxurious wool terry lining elevates comfort, making them suitable for both active pursuits and casual wear.
While the optimal temperature range is around 15 degrees Fahrenheit and above for active use, their versatility and impressive comfort make them a worthwhile investment for anyone who values both style and performance in a winter glove.