Careful With Your Sealskinz Gloves

[CAL]

Once again I proved I'm quite hamfisted but I tried out a pair of Seaskinz gloves last week in the lakes and really liked them. However, I managed to damage them drying them out.

Becuase I couldn't dry them properly in my tent I decided to turn them inside out to dry the inner lining. However, doing this damaged the waterproof layer and made them leak. I've since changed the gloves but won't doing that to the replacements.

Of course, if I hadn't have dropped them in a puddle at the end of the walk they would have been wet on the inside in the first place...

 

[Intertidal]

I've used Sealskinz gloves and socks for mountainbiking. Both types of garments started leaking after only a few uses. I know other folk who've had the same experience. I won't be buying any more - its not like they're cheap either

 

[John Fenna]

I have worn Sealskinz of verious sorts for walking and canoeing - never had a problem except that they do not like thorns or sharp gravel!

 

[Shewie]

I tried wearing my socks for a river crossing exercise and ruined them. An expensive lesson learned there for me.

 

[Chainsaw]

I used to wear the socks when cycling in the rain but I think that after a while the squelchy rain in my shoe was pushed through the goretex weave , they were fine standing in a bucket of water for 10/15 minutes so no leaks but did eventually get soggy when in shoes, ditto with trainers and kneeling in my canoe but took longer.

The gloves are great though when the water is streaming off your jacket

Cheers,

Alan

 

[Lithril]

I used to wear the socks when cycling in the rain but I think that after a while the squelchy rain in my shoe was pushed through the goretex weave ,

Alan

I think the problem isn't so much letting water in, its that when the outside is saturated the socks can't breathe so they don't let any moisture out. I frequently use these when cycling or hill walking as I usually wear lightweight fell running shoes and it took me a while to work out what was going on.

 

[Spark]

I have had the same problem as everyone else. After they were washed they were no longer waterproof. And yes it was below the recommended temperature.
I tried holding some water in a cupped palm and after a few seconds it seeped in so I don't think its perspiration this time.

 

[CAL]

Maybe washing in a machine damages them I remember that I ruined a pair or winter motorcycling gloves by washing them once. The washer tore the waterproof membrane inside.

I thought the sealskinz were damaged as soon as I turned them right way out. I could hear the membrane crinkling. It certainly didn't do that before I tried to do them, similarly the replacement pair don't crinkle either.

Looks like I'll have to be a little careful about what I grab with them though. I'll try to steer clear of sharp rocks/thorns.

 

[johnnytheboy]

The socks are warm when worn under wellies

 

[scoops_uk]

I'd always think very long and hard about sticking any "waterproof" kit in a washing machine. They're pretty rough with anything that isn't soft and flexible.

If things get muddy give them a wipe with a damp cloth or if you must wash them then do it in a bowl by hand with a bit of Nikwax Tech Wash.

If you really insist on using the machine then gather up a batch of stuff, run the machine empty a couple of times to clear out the detergent and machine wash with Tech Wash. Residual detergent will kill just about anything that's proofed.

Scoops

 

[bushtuckerman]

I have a pair of the gloves, I wore them about 3 times, once during the rare snow down south in England, and even the snow melted and soaked through a crack somewhere. I've never trusted them since. Never washed them either, just used them normally.
Buy with caution.

 

[Walks with dogs]

I've just subscribed to Trail magazine and got a free pair of the gloves, I was all excited but if they are no good I wil be somewhat miffed. Still, they were free.

 

[CAL]

I've just subscribed to Trail magazine and got a free pair of the gloves, I was all excited but if they are no good I wil be somewhat miffed. Still, they were free.

I saw that advert too, in fact thats what prompted me to get a pair in the first place. I get too many magazines now without another subscription.

I wouldn't be too disapointed though. As a glove I find them warm, breathable and very comfortable. I'm just not too sure about how long they'll last as waterproof items. I'll be using mine long after they stop being waterproof though becuase I really like the fit and also becuase of what they cost to buy...

 

[Walks with dogs]

I get the magazine every month anyway ( I fancy the red head who regularly appears in it) so it made sense for me to subscribe. I've gloves a plenty but no waterproof ones hence coveting the sealskins.

If they fail ,I'll have another pair of (free) gloves . I could always head to the hills wearing a pair of Marigolds, now they ARE waterproof!

 

[gregorach]

I've had mine for a couple of years, and they still seem fine...

 

[Eric_Methven]

I've never had problems with mine either. I wear the sox over a pair of loop stitch sox as well, so there's a woolen layer between my skin and the sealskinz. I use them regularly when wearing historical turnshoes which leak like a sieve and I never get wet or cold feet.

Because I don't wear them next to my skin, I don't bother washing them. I just air dry them when I get home.

Eric