I recently became connected with a fantastic Swedish Brand, Crudsweden. They are best known for their handmade gloves and dedication to creating sustainable gear for the outdoors.
As Crud states with different wording, we live in a “throwaway society”. People buy things because they’re “affordable”, but as such, they often lack in quality. In this cycle, we become a society that forgets the value of handmade items that were selected by humans to ensure the best possible quality.
Shown above: Crud Gjora Gloves, Handmade Scooping Spoon, and Tops Tanimboca Puukko
Crud Gjora Gloves are meant to be an item that becomes a part of your adventures for the long-term, not just a single season or two.
* Please note: This is a “first look” at the Gjora Gloves, not a full review. Please follow me on Instagram for updates along the way as I use these.
Are Crud Gjora Gloves Worth It?
When you click over to Crud’s website and add a pair of Gjora Gloves to your cart you will see they come to around $150(USD) with shipping. These are one of the more premium pieces of gear that I’ve reviewed here on my site. However, if you find yourself investing in quality over quantity for your outdoor gear, I believe you will see the value in these gloves.
Shown Above: Crud Gjora Gloves and Tops Tanimboca Puukko
For me, I wear gloves for just about every task while I’m outdoors. Cutting and gathering firewood, making my fire, placing things in and out of my fire during meal prep…The list goes on. Early on I learned the value of a great pair of leather gloves for these types of tasks. Not only will they protect your hands from cuts, they also allow you to pick up hot items without burning yourself (which is essential for camp cooking).
Crud Gjora Gloves Materials & Swedish Quality
Gjora Gloves are again, handmade. They start off as A-Grade cowhide and are then hand-cut by experienced craftsman. Each pair of gloves are finished with natural materials (wax, fat & oils) that create a barrier between the elements and your gloves. This particular treatment and hand-finishing process give each pair of Crud gloves a unique bit of character.
I have personally owned a lot of outdoor gear. And the Crud Gjora Gloves are among the nicest items I’ve owned in terms of craftsmanship and materials. I know, I rave about Swedish Quality a lot…But it’s for good reason. Every product from a Swedish brand that I’ve owned has been top notch. Their age-old connection and respect for the land give them first-hand experience at making products that are well suited for the outdoors.
Shown Above: Crud Gjora Gloves, Uberleben Lodern Pro Fire Steel, and Mora Classic No.2
Quality over Quantity & Minimalism
My family and I embarked on becoming a more minimalist family this year. Sure, this means that we’ve gotten rid of a lot of ‘stuff’. But, that also means that we have put more value into the things that we own and incorporate into our lives. The same has been true for my outdoors life…
Shown Above: Crud Gjora Gloves, Hidden Woodsmen Haversack, Pathfinder Canteen, CRKT Pack Axe
When you begin to live minimally you carry less, use your gear more, make sustainable purchases and focus on skills versus “more stuff”. So, while the Gjora Gloves are a premium item with a heftier price tag, they will be used as part of a minimal kit which will last for many years and end up justifying their value in my kit.
Gjora Gloves Standout Features
- Brass Eyelets:
As you’ll see, each Gjora glove has a brass eyelet with the words “let the gear tell your story” engraved on them. This is a feature I’ve wanted on a pair of gloves for quite some time. The eyelets will allow me to lock a carabiner clip through them and attach my gloves to my belt loop or bag for easier/more secure transport. - The Smell:
My goodness, these gloves smell heavenly. The combination of quality leather and Crud’s finishing wax is something special. - Comfort:
Time will tell, but during my initial first impressions, the gloves are very comfortable. I cannot feel any seams or threading poking through. - Color & Overall Look:
If you have followed my work for any length of time, you’ll know I love putting gloves in my pictures. And the Crud Gjora Gloves are simply beautiful. I cannot wait to get these broken in and into some of my photos! - Handmade:
I know I’ve already touched on this. But, there’s something so special about knowing these gloves were made by human hands.
Who would love Crud Gjora Gloves?
I believe anyone would love these gloves if they saw them and put them on. But I also know some people will be turned away by their price. And for that reason, I would say these gloves are for people who take their outdoor lifestyle seriously.
If you spend your entire week planning and preparing for outdoor adventures, you should give these gloves a serious look. Additionally, if you’re looking to build an heirloom quality outdoors kit (quality over quantity), this is the pair of gloves to own.
Keep an eye out for more about Crud Gjora Gloves
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, this is simply a “first look” at the Gjora Gloves by Crud. So, bookmark my site and follow along over on Instagram or Facebook. I’ll be sure to give more pictures and updates along the way as I use these gloves on my adventures!
Update January 2019
January 15th, 2019: I cannot speak higher of these gloves. I have not given the Gjöra’s any special treatment (besides some occasional mink oil) and I’ve certainly not babied them during my time with them outdoors. They have took everything I’ve thrown at them and asked for more. These gloves are a vital part of my outdoor kit and I would recommend them without hesitation.
Drop Me A Comment
Q&A: If you have any questions about the Crud Gjora Gloves or anything else please drop me a comment below – I’d be more than happy to help!
Comments: What’s your favorite high-end outdoor gear? Or do you already own a pair of Crud Gloves? Let me know about it in the comments below!
Shown Above: Crud Gjora Gloves, Uberleben Kraftig 8″ Firesteel and Tops Tanimboca Puukko
Read Next: Minimal Haversack Kit (Hidden Woodsmen) • Pathfinder Knife Shop Kephart XL • Mora of Sweden Knife Reviews
* Ethics Statement: CrudSweden sent the Gjora Gloves for the purpose of me reviewing them and sharing my honest opinions. Crud has not previously proof-read or influenced this “first look” article in any way. All opinions, statements, and content are my own.
