This is my review of Randonnee. In my opinion, it is a more affordable glove that is best suited for casual skiers or those who only hit the slopes a few times a year due to its weak construction.
Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this ski glove, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Where to buy: Amazon, The House
- Best for: Casual skiers who don’t spend a lot of time on the slopes. Beginners who don’t push too hard as well.
- Pros: These gloves fit nicely, no matter your hand size. The inner lining is comfortable, and the tactile palm adds to the functionality. They have a strong look and come in at an affordable price.
- Cons: The general materials could be much better. These don’t have the best strength and aren’t made to last a long time. Even with the low price, the weather resistance and durability are both lacking.
- Alternatives: Dakine Titan, Burton Gore-Tex Mitten, Hestra Leather
Are these gloves warm?
Yes. The Randonnee utilizes special Thermal R Insulation and DriClime lining to keep your hand and fingers warm.
What colors does this come in?
This glove comes in two colors. Black and Dark Steel/Crocodile.
What are these made out of?
Randonee Gloves are mostly constructed from a mix of nylon and polyester. There is also goat leather in the palm.
Why Trust Me
I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was a kid. I enjoy getting out in the snow and have hands-on experience with a wide range of different skiing items. I spent a lot of time breaking down these gloves and analyzing how they perform in a range of different conditions.
Detailed Review of Marmot Randonnee Gloves
The Marmot Randonnee is a mixed bag. Though it offers a decent amount of comfort, warmth, and moisture-wicking, it doesn’t excel in any one category. It’s a more than serviceable option that comes in at a lower price than many more premium options. However, it also isn’t made to last a long time. For those reasons, while it will be more than fine for part-time skiers, it probably isn’t right for more serious riders.
Warmth and Weather Resistance
When analyzing a glove, it’s always important to pay attention to both durability and comfort. Those two aspects go hand-in-hand, and with the Randonnee you get a bit of one and not so much of the other.
The gloves are simply not there when it comes to durability. They will protect and insulate your fingers, but don’t have the weather resistance I’ve seen in similar models. The shell is prone to leakage, especially in extremely wet environments, and that’s a definite weak point for people who need to be able to push in harsh weather or deep snow. Though it does a nice job in lighter conditions, the palm and back of the hand tend to absorb water as well.
As disappointed as I am with the durability, the Randonnee’s warmth is a bit better. This glove isn’t the warmest one I’ve ever seen, but it does keep out the cold in pretty much any environment that isn’t frigid or well below zero. You should be fine on windy or single-digit days. It also holds up nicely at the resort and is perfectly suitable as a more casual item.
Plenty of Flexibility
The dexterity is an area where Marmot seems to have gone the extra mile. The Randonnee is not the most flexible glove out there, but it still offers a decent amount of movement. You’ll be able to perform a lot of tasks with these on, which is something I appreciate because it means you can operate zippers or dig in your pockets without needing to freeze your fingers in the cold air.
Adding to that flexibility is the unique “Falcon Grip” material on the palm. This tactile area is a direct contrast to the smooth leather you’ll find in other gloves. That doesn’t necessarily give you more dexterity, it is just a bit of material after all, but it does make it much easier to grip your poles or skis. That’s a nice touch that many will appreciate.
Additional Features
I’m always on the lookout for extra features or traits when breaking down ski gear. The Randonnee is not the most modern glove out there, but it does come with a few add-ons that I greatly appreciated. The best, in my opinion, are the large pull tabs and wrist cinch. Even if the cuff is a bit tight, both of those features help the general functionality and give you an extra way to fight against the elements.
The nose wipe on the thumb works well, and the DriClime lining actively wicks away moisture, so your hands never get wet as you ride. Even if the construction isn’t the best, I always appreciate having a way to let your fingers breathe. Rounding out the traits is the safety leash that keeps your gloves together when they aren’t on. This is by no means a must-have, but anything that makes storage easier is good in my book.
Price and Value
One of the Randonnee’s weak points is its value. This glove isn’t terribly expensive, but I would have still expected something a bit more durable for its price point. If you’re someone who doesn’t ski a lot or are just starting out, it’s not a bad option considering the price. However, if you need something with good water-resistance or that will last a few seasons of heavy skiing, this is definitely not the way to go. There are cheaper options that are more durable.
What I Like
If there’s one aspect I like about the Randonnee Gloves, it’s their flexibility. There’s something to be said about being able to quickly and easily operate your other gear. Not only does that keep your fingers warmer, but it gives you more time skiing and less time messing around with equipment. The Falcon Grip really does give you a better grip and helps you use skis or poles without any extra fuss.
For the price, I found the warmth to be quite nice as well. These gloves aren’t going to hit the same mark as more expensive options, but the insulation works nicely when you’re cruising or pushing hard on calm days. If you don’t expect to see particularly turbulent weather, they will ensure your fingers stay toasty.
What I Dislike
I am not a fan of the Randonnee’s durability. These gloves aren’t the worst I’ve ever seen, but they definitely don’t match up to similar options when it comes to strength or weather resistance. Though they’re fine in pleasant conditions, things go south quickly when the weather gets rough.
Deep snow or excess moisture are both big issues here. Water can get into a lot of areas, which then bogs you down and creates further problems. That’s why I’m not totally sold on the value. Though you do get a glove that’s cheaper than many other models, that price saving isn’t worth it if you have to get a replacement after one or two seasons. It’s all about how much you ride.
The Alternatives
There are many gloves both above and below the Randonnee’s price range. If you want to branch out or look at a reliable glove for more or less, these are all great choices:
- Dakine Titan – The Titan (review) is a solid glove for people who want a budget option that costs even less than the Randonee. You aren’t going to get the same level of warmth, but the removable Storm Liner dries easily and is touch screen compatible. I’m also a big fan of the durability, which comes from the Rubbertec palm and Gore-Tex insert.
- Burton Gore-Tex Mitten – If you’re looking for hand protection in the Randonnee’s price range but don’t want traditional gloves, the Burton Mittens go a long way. These are extremely warm and utilize a strong two-layer shell. They may not have the best dexterity, but they work with touch screens and come with a hand-warming pocket.
- Hestra Leather – Skiers with a higher budget who often find themselves in cold or rough conditions will greatly enjoy these gloves. The leather feels and fits great. I’m also a big fan of the neoprene cuffs that help ensure your wrists say warm. They are long-lasting and flexible as well. You also have many different color options to choose from.
Final Verdict
The Randonee is a middle-ground model with some good and some bad. There are quite a few gloves that give you more at a higher price, but some cheaper options are more durable or have better longevity. You do get some great features alongside ample dexterity, but that definitely comes at a cost.
That being said, the Randonnee is one of the warmer gloves at its price point. Even if you can’t reliably bring it out into cold conditions, it is more than serviceable for calm rides or cold-but-dry environments. That makes it a great option for skiers who don’t need a lot of durability but still want a reliable model that won’t break the bank.