The Importance of Being Ernest in Using Gloves.

I participated in a service project recently, part of which involved moving and spreading gravel, and was amazed at the number of people that showed up without any work gloves. Our hands are actually one of the most delicate parts of our bodies--meaning, one of the most easily injured--yet people often forget to even take basic precautions to protect their hands.

In a survival situation, small cuts, punctures from thorns, blisters or torn skin, can be debilitating or even lead to dangerous infections. In the cold or wind, skin can become cracked, which can also lead to infections.

Even light weight gloves can make a big difference. For example, during my various hunting outings this month, I wore a light-weight pair of athletic gloves. (I don't know what model they are, but they are made by Head, and are a lightweight spandex material with what appears to be a cross-hatching on the palms and fingers to provide better gripping). On one outing, climbing some steep slopes, I had to grab branches to help pull myself up (or keep myself from slipping). No problems with cuts. Later in the day, I took the gloves off. I immediately noticed a difference when grabbing things, and tore my skin up a bit when I slipped on a wet rock and grabbed a branch. Important point--even light-weight gloves can protect your hands.

When picking gloves, make sure that the glove fits comfortably. Gloves that are too tight won't save you from blisters--they will cause blisters. Same thing if there are uncomfortable seams. A minor irritation when you try the gloves on at the store will turn into lacerations and blisters quickly when you start slinging that shovel or ax.

Also, select gloves suitable to the task. Cotton work gloves are useless for pulling thorny weeds. On the other hand, heavy leather gloves should generally be avoided for light work in hot weather because of the excessive sweating--you'll just be trading the blisters for warts.