Full trail review
In-depth analysis
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves are lightweight, flexible gloves designed for cool-weather hikes, trail running, or casual outdoor use. Choosing a lightweight glove like this for mild hikes is often a matter of personal preference, depending on comfort and intended use. They’re best for hikers who want comfort and dexterity without bulk, especially in shoulder-season conditions.
Suited for hiking · trekking
$50.00
On trail
Everyday glove pick for cool trail mornings
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
The North Face
$50.00
At a glance
- Indicative price
- $50.00 on Amazon
- Insulation
- Light fleece
- Touchscreen
- Etip compatible
- Materials
- Recycled content
- Best for
- Cool dry hikes
What we like
- Flexible and lightweight
- Allows touchscreen use
- Affordable and eco-friendly
- Great for mild weather
Trade-offs
- Not waterproof
- Limited insulation for winter use
Overview
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves are lightweight, flexible gloves designed for cool-weather hikes, trail running, or casual outdoor use. Choosing a lightweight glove like this for mild hikes is often a matter of personal preference, depending on comfort and intended use. They’re best for hikers who want comfort and dexterity without bulk, especially in shoulder-season conditions. Touchscreen compatibility makes these practical—you don’t need to remove them to check maps or take photos. These are among the most popular touchscreen compatible gloves for hikers who use smartphones or GPS devices, especially in wet or cold conditions. I used them on a crisp autumn hike in the Netherlands, and they provided just enough warmth without sweaty palms. Compared to Sealskinz, they’re less protective in rain but much lighter and more breathable.
Hands-on on the trail
Bottom Line: Cool-weather hiking, trail running, travel, and casual outdoor use. As a lightweight glove, these are especially suitable for shoulder seasons—spring and fall—when transitional weather calls for thermal coverage without the need for full waterproofing.
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves – Best lightweight, touchscreen-friendly hiking gloves
Performance in the field
Best Lightweight – The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves Thin, flexible, and touchscreen-friendly with touchscreen fingertips for easy device use on the trail. Perfect for cool-weather hikes, running, or casual outdoor use when you need light coverage without bulk.
Best for Summer – The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
Who it's for
Touchscreen compatibility makes these practical—you don’t need to remove them to check maps or take photos. These are among the most popular touchscreen compatible gloves for hikers who use smartphones or GPS devices, especially in wet or cold conditions. I used them on a crisp autumn hike in the Netherlands, and they provided just enough warmth without sweaty palms. Compared to Sealskinz, they’re less protective in rain but much lighter and more breathable.
They’re not designed for alpine conditions, but for day hikes, travel, or everyday wear, they’re a comfortable and affordable choice.
Key features
Lightweight fleece with four-way
Lightweight fleece with four-way stretch
Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
Silicone grip palm
Silicone grip palm
Made from recycled materials
Made from recycled materials
Ready to buy?
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
$50.00
How it compares
vsSealskinz Waterproof All Weather Gloves
$37.99indicative on Amazon
Sealskinz wins full rain immersion; Etip wins touchscreen use and light insulation for cool shoulder-season mornings that warm up.
Read full reviewBD Guide is winter expedition grade; Etip is the everyday cool-weather glove for autumn hut treks and windy summits.
Read full reviewmitts win sub-zero static warmth; Etip keeps pole dexterity when you are moving and generating heat on ascents.
Read full reviewvsThe North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
$50.00indicative on Amazon
even on summer alpine routes I pack light gloves — Etip handles 6 a.m. chill, wind on cols, and phone navigation without removing them.
Read full reviewTrade-offs
- Not waterproof
- Limited insulation for winter use
Bottom line
The North Face Etip Recycled gloves are the light gloves I throw in when forecasts show cool mornings and windy cols — not full winter missions. Touchscreen fingertips work, pack size is small, and they save cold hands on early rifugio departures.
Ready to buy?
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
$50.00
Step 1: Know Your Conditions
- Cold and Dry: In cold conditions, prioritize insulation (down or synthetic) to trap heat. Mittens are warmer than gloves but reduce dexterity. - Wet and Cold: Waterproofing is critical. Look for Gore-Tex or Sealskinz membranes. - Cool but Mild: Lightweight, breathable gloves (like fleece) are often enough. *Tip:* Always plan for worst-case weather. Even in summer, alpine hikes can turn cold and wet.
Step 2: Choose the Right Insulation
- Down Insulation: Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, but loses performance when wet. Best for dry, freezing conditions. For severe weather, consider layering a thicker pair of gloves over liners to boost insulation. - Synthetic Insulation (e.g., PrimaLoft): Retains warmth when damp. Slightly heavier but more reliable in wet weather. - Fleece or Wool: Breathable and comfortable for mild hikes, but not suited for heavy rain. *Who it’s for:* - Alpine trekkers: Down or synthetic mitts (like OR Alti). - Rainy climates: Synthetic insulation with waterproof membrane. - Everyday hikers: Fleece or lightweight gloves.
