Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Gloves

Good solution to intense sun on hands.

These gloves are a great idea for sun protection on an area of the body (hands) that I find gets relatively little attention. Due to persistent activity/use, I find sunscreen on hands (especially on the back) is short-lived. These fingerless gloves provide functional sun screening, while allowing dexterity.

Very comfortable...breathable.

Used during snow climbs where sun is intense. Expect they'd be good on the water too.

Straightforward sun and friction protection. These OR gloves are more durable and (slightly) less expensive than the competition. They do fall apart after heavy/use and abuse (2 months of hiking everyday, with trekking poles), but that is expected from a lightweight material.

10/10 Would recommend (over other brands) for someone looking for sun protection for their hands—though I do not consider these "essential."

I used these sun gloves for two months while hiking through the 700-mile desert portion of the PCT—and they held up. If you use trekking poles/self arrest gear regularly, you will definitely get holes in the palms or fingers after heavy use. These are the third brand of sun gloves I have tried, and the other brands have deteriorated in about 1/3 the time. If you burn easily, I highly recommend them, if you don't—who needs 'um! 

Comfort: These gloves are comfortable and breathable. They also ease you into trekking pole callouses. 

UV Protection: They do the trick. The cloth goes higher up your wrist than other gloves, so when worn with long-sleeves the likelihood of a lovely bracelet sunburn/tan line goes down. However, as seen in the pic above—once you throw up a gratuitous peace sign for a selfie, all bets are off.   

Moisture: They wick sweat and dry fast. If you rinse them in a stream at camp they are dry/dry enough to use in the early morning. 

Cleaning/Hygiene: This may not need to be said (hopefully), but take them off for snack and bathroom breaks. After heavy use, a layer of dirt/hand-scum will appear, and then never go away. As they are used more and become dirty, the dirt helps the deterioration process along, so cleaning them can extend longevity.

Abrasion/Durability: These gloves hold up really well compared to alternatives (the stitching and seams never failed!), holes from friction will develop eventually—likely two months for a thru-hiker and maybe a year or so for a weekend warrior. 

Aesthetics: They are sun gloves. So don't push your luck with trying to look cool. I had the "Alloy" color and they quickly turned dark brown. If you don't want to see how dirty they are, go for a darker color.