How to Choose the Right Arborist Gloves
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Your hands are involved in almost every task you carry out as an arborist, from climbing and rigging to operating machinery and handling timber. Choosing the right gloves isn't simply about comfort – it's about selecting equipment that offers the grip, dexterity and protection needed for the job while allowing you to work efficiently throughout the day.
No single pair of gloves is ideal for every situation. Different tasks place different demands on your hands, which is why many professional arborists own more than one pair for different types of work.
This guide explains the key points to consider when choosing arborist gloves, together with practical advice on looking after them to maximise their working life.
Quick Summary
- Choose gloves appropriate for the work you'll be carrying out.
- Comfort and dexterity are just as important as protection.
- Good grip improves confidence and control.
- Inspect gloves regularly for wear and damage.
- Replace gloves when they no longer provide suitable performance.
Why Arborist Gloves Matter
Professional tree work places considerable demands on your hands. Handling ropes, climbing equipment, chainsaws, timber and tools throughout the working day can quickly lead to wear on both your equipment and your hands.
Suitable gloves help improve grip, reduce abrasion and provide comfort while carrying out repetitive tasks. They also help maintain confidence when working in wet or cold conditions where handling equipment can become more challenging.
Think About the Work You Do
Different jobs require different gloves.
For climbing work, many arborists prefer gloves that provide excellent dexterity, allowing ropes, connectors and climbing devices to be handled accurately.
Ground workers may prioritise durability when handling timber, feeding woodchippers or moving heavy materials, while chainsaw operators often require gloves designed for chainsaw work where appropriate.
Considering your most common tasks is often the best place to begin when selecting a pair of gloves.
Comfort Makes a Difference
Gloves that fit well allow better control while reducing fatigue over long working days.
Oversized gloves can reduce dexterity, while gloves that are too tight may become uncomfortable and restrict movement. A good fit should feel secure without limiting finger movement or creating pressure points.
Trying different styles and manufacturers can help you find the fit that suits your hands best.
Grip Is Just as Important as Protection
Tree work often involves handling ropes, branches, tools and equipment in wet or dirty conditions. A glove with good grip helps improve confidence and control, particularly when carrying out repetitive climbing or rigging tasks.
Grip can vary depending on the materials and construction used, so consider the conditions you work in most frequently when comparing different options.
Breathability and Weather Conditions
Working throughout the year means gloves need to perform in changing weather conditions.
During warmer months, breathable materials may improve comfort by helping reduce heat build-up. In colder or wetter conditions, additional weather protection may become more important.
Many arborists keep several pairs of gloves available so they can choose the most appropriate option for the day's work.
Inspect Your Gloves Regularly
Like every item of PPE, gloves should be inspected before use. Look for worn fingertips, damaged stitching, holes, tears or areas where grip has significantly reduced.
Even relatively small amounts of wear can affect comfort and performance during demanding work, making regular inspections worthwhile.
Looking After Your Gloves
Correct maintenance helps extend the working life of many gloves.
- Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
- Allow wet gloves to dry naturally.
- Avoid excessive heat when drying.
- Store gloves in a clean, dry location.
- Inspect them before returning them to service.
Keeping gloves clean also helps maintain grip and makes damage easier to identify.
When Should Gloves Be Replaced?
Gloves naturally wear over time, particularly when used every day.
Replacement should be considered when:
- Grip has noticeably deteriorated.
- There are holes or tears.
- Stitching has failed.
- The gloves no longer fit securely.
- Damage affects their intended performance.
Well-maintained gloves can provide excellent service, but heavily worn equipment should not continue to be relied upon.
Common Buying Mistakes
- Choosing gloves based only on price.
- Buying one pair for every type of work.
- Ignoring comfort and fit.
- Continuing to use badly worn gloves.
- Not following the manufacturer's care instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I own more than one pair of arborist gloves?
Many professional arborists do. Different gloves may be better suited to climbing, chainsaw work or general ground operations depending on the task.
How often should gloves be replaced?
This depends on use, working conditions and wear. Inspect gloves regularly and replace them when damage or wear affects their intended performance.
Can gloves be washed?
Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Different materials require different cleaning methods.
Do thicker gloves always provide better protection?
Not necessarily. The best glove is one that balances protection, comfort, grip and dexterity for the work being carried out.
Key Takeaways
- Choose gloves suited to your day-to-day work.
- Comfort and grip are just as important as protection.
- Inspect gloves before use.
- Maintain them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Replace worn gloves before performance is affected.
Further Reading
Browse our range of Chainsaw Protective Gloves & Sleeves together with our wider selection of professional arborist PPE. You can also explore our Knowledge Hub for guides covering chainsaw boots, chainsaw trousers, helmets and climbing equipment.
Learn more About ARB Surplus, browse our Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us if you need help choosing suitable equipment.
About This Guide
This guide has been prepared by the ARB Surplus team using industry knowledge gained through the Fletcher Stewart group. It provides general guidance on selecting and maintaining arborist gloves and should always be read alongside the manufacturer's instructions supplied with individual products.
About ARB Surplus
ARB Surplus specialises in genuine surplus, clearance and end-of-line arborist equipment from trusted brands. ARB Surplus helps professional arborists access quality equipment at outstanding value while stock lasts.
