The Extremities Paradox Waterproof Gloves strike an excellent balance between warmth, packability and usability. They are not designed to replace heavy winter gloves, but they perform far beyond what their size, weight and price might suggest. As a female photographer working in cold and changeable conditions, I’ve found them to be a reliable and reassuring addition to my kit.
The Extremities Paradox Waterproof Gloves are a lightweight, waterproof pair of gloves designed for cold and wet weather use. They combine PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation with Extremities X-Dry technology to deliver warmth and protection in a compact, highly portable design.
The Extremities Paradox Waterproof Gloves are priced at £50 and are available in sizes from XS to XL through outdoor retailers and online stores.
The Paradox Gloves use PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation, made from recycled fibres, to provide a strong warmth-to-weight ratio while continuing to insulate even in damp conditions. This is paired with Extremities X-Dry waterproof and breathable technology, offering a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm and breathability rated at 6,510g per square metre over 24 hours.
A PU palm overlay improves grip and durability, while touchscreen-compatible fingertips allow you to use your phone or camera controls without removing the gloves. They weigh just 62g and pack into the supplied small drawstring bag to roughly 6cm by 6cm, making them easy to keep in a pocket or camera bag.
One of the biggest challenges when choosing gloves for photography is finding a balance between warmth and usability. Bulky gloves tend to get in the way, while thinner ones often don’t provide enough protection.
The Paradox Gloves sit nicely between those extremes. They are soft and slightly squishy, which makes them comfortable to wear and easy to move in, while still providing enough structure to feel protective.
Despite their lightweight construction, they proved more durable than expected. I took them on a skiing trip in the Alps, where they inevitably got scraped along ski edges, rubbed against poles and dragged across lifts. While they are not designed as ski gloves, they handled the abuse well and looked just as good at the end of the trip as they did at the start.
From a photography point of view, I can control my camera while wearing them, which is always a big plus. There are still times when I want a little more dexterity, but they are quick to remove and easy to pull back on again without fuss.
Listen to the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast with Emly Endean
In use, the Paradox Gloves consistently exceeded my expectations. I tested them ahead of our SheClicks Iceland trip and then relied on them throughout the trip itself, as well as in alpine and coastal conditions.
They kept my hands warm at around minus 5 degrees Celsius in the Alps, even with added wind chill, and continued to perform well in Iceland down to roughly minus 7 degrees Celsius. Just as importantly, they kept my hands dry in wet, snowy and windy conditions, which makes a real difference when you are out shooting for extended periods.
Naturally, your activity level plays a part. When I was moving around, they were more than warm enough on their own. When standing still for long periods, such as waiting for the light, an extra layer or hand warmers can help. That said, I rarely needed the Extremities Merino Touch Liner Gloves that we were also given for the trip, and often found myself wearing those on their own on milder days rather than pairing them.
Read our Review of the 3 Legged Thing Axis Strap – the strap I used in Iceland
In Iceland, the Paradox Gloves became part of my routine kit. I would often start shooting with them on, remove them briefly for finer adjustments and then pull them straight back on again before my fingers had a chance to get cold. When I did pair them with the Extremities Merino Touch Liner Gloves, the combination added a welcome boost in warmth without introducing too much bulk.
Emily Endean, who co-led the SheClicks Iceland workshop with me, described them as a game-changer, especially when paired with the Extremities Merino Touch Liner Gloves, keeping hands warm and dry through icy winds, snow and heavy rain without the bulk. That reflects my experience and that of others on the trip. For instance, Gisella found that “the combination of Paradox waterproof gloves and Merino Touch Liner Gloves kept my hands dry and warm in Iceland’s winter weather”, although like me, she found it easier to operate her camera with the liners alone and occasionally relied on hand warmers when needed.
Louise also commented that both pairs worked well, noting she could use her camera “a bit with the bigger pair” but particularly liked the liners, while Fo appreciated having the flexibility to switch between them depending on the temperature, saying they both kept her warm and dry. Maz summed it up simply, describing the Extremities gloves as “great” and saying they kept her hands warm.
Their small size and negligible weight mean the Paradox Gloves now live in my camera bag. Whether I am travelling or closer to home, they are an easy addition that I’ve already been grateful for several times, including a cold sunrise shoot on the Cobb in Lyme Regis when the breeze quickly took its toll on my fingertips.
The touchscreen-compatible fingertips are a welcome feature, although (as is often the case) I found them a little hit-and-miss compared to using my fingers directly.
Read our Review of the Peak Design Pro Tripod – The Tripod I used in Iceland
The Extremities Paradox Waterproof Gloves are a thoughtful and practical choice for photographers who want protection from the elements without sacrificing usability or spending a fortune.
They are not built for extreme conditions or long periods of inactivity, but for most photography scenarios, from workshops to travel and everyday shooting, they offer a very appealing balance. As a female photographer, I particularly appreciate gear like this that supports the way I work rather than getting in the way, and these gloves have quickly become a staple in my kit.
