WAYFARING GEAR: Hestra Gloves - In Good Hands
Hestra Wakayama 5 Finger Glove (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
The Brand: From Swedish Forests to Global Slopes
Hestra was born in 1936 in the tiny Swedish village of the same name. Founded by Martin Magnusson, the brand originally focused on a singular mission: creating heavy-duty leather gloves for local lumberjacks.
When a ski slope opened nearby, Magnusson innovatively pivoted his rugged designs to meet the needs of alpine pioneers. Today, the company remains family-owned and uniquely hands-on; they own their own factories in Hungary, Vietnam, and China. This vertical integration ensures that the "built-to-last" ethos is baked into every stitch.
Hestra operates under the “In Good Hands” sustainability framework, utilising ethical tanning processes and a design philosophy centred on repairability (like replaceable liners) rather than replacement.
Hestra Deerskin Tricot Glove (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
Hand in Glove: Performance & Material
While premium leather remains the backbone of the Hestra offering, they do also use materials spanning technical man-made fabrics to traditional merino wool, ensuring their range caters for everything from high-altitude skiing to a brisk morning walk with the dog.
Warming to Them
The million-dollar question: Do they keep your hands warm? As someone whose hands are prone to the cold, I’ve found Hestra to be a good option, especially with some layering. When paired with their Merino Wool liners, even their lighter models punch well above their weight on the warmth front.
The Line-up: Top Recommendations
If you’re looking to invest, these three models stand out:
The Heavyweight: The Wakayama (Cork/Brown). A personal favorite. It’s thick, robust, and effortlessly stylish.
The Urban Classic: Deerskin Primaloft Rib (Cork). A lighter, more refined option that doesn't sacrifice warmth thanks to the Primaloft insulation.
The Daily Driver: Deerskin Wool Tricot (Charcoal/Black). Perfect for those crisp autumn mornings where you need dexterity and a touch of class.
The Verdict
If you value craftsmanship and gear that actually improves with age, Hestra is a stand out choice. They aren't just gloves; they are an investment in comfort.
