Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Gloves

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. 

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.