From Frozen Fingers to Full Control: Why I Swear by Vallerret Gloves
Why Vallerret Photography Gloves Deserve a Spot in Every Camera Bag
As a landscape photographer based in the Lake District, I know firsthand how brutal the cold can be when you're out on a shoot. There’s nothing worse than fumbling with camera settings because your fingers are frozen. So when Vallerret approached me last year to collaborate, I was both thrilled and honored. As a brand that specializes in photography gloves, their reputation for quality and innovation made this an exciting opportunity to test their gear and share my experience with fellow photographers. They sent me a pair of their Djukes photography gloves, and I was eager to put them to the test.
After using them through some of the coldest mornings and windiest walks, I can confidently say they’re a game-changer for anyone who shoots outdoors in winter. But what really sets them apart? Let’s dive in.
Gloves Designed for Photographers
One of the biggest frustrations with standard winter gloves is that they’re just not made for handling a camera. Either they’re too bulky, making it impossible to adjust settings, or they’re too thin, leaving your fingers exposed to the cold.
Vallerret has tackled this problem head-on. The flip-tech finger caps on the thumb and index fingers mean I can quickly access my camera controls without fully exposing my hands. The non-slip grip on the palms is another thoughtful detail—it ensures my camera stays secure, even in damp or icy conditions.
From adjusting my focus ring to tweaking shutter speed, I never felt like I was sacrificing control for warmth.
Warmth Without Compromise
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that warmth and dexterity don’t always go hand in hand when it comes to gloves. Too much insulation, and you lose the ability to fine-tune camera settings. Too little, and you might as well not be wearing gloves at all.
What I love about the Djukes gloves is how they strike the perfect balance. The merino wool lining keeps my hands warm while wicking away moisture, so even during long walks, my hands never felt clammy. The insulated design provides serious warmth without making the gloves feel bulky, and the windproof, water-resistant outer shell protects against the elements.
More Than Just Great Gloves: A Commitment to Sustainability
Something that really impressed me about Vallerret is their commitment to sustainability—something that matters deeply to me as a photographer who spends so much time in nature.
For every pair of gloves sold, Vallerret plants a tree. Knowing that each purchase helps contribute to reforestation makes supporting them even more worthwhile.
They’re moving away from single-use packaging. Instead of plastic packaging, each pair of gloves comes with a reusable organic linen storage bag. I love that this isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a practical, eco-friendly alternative that I now use for keeping my gloves safe when not in use. You can even repurpose the bag for storing food like bread or fruit!
Black Friday profits go to conservation. Every year, Vallerret donates its Black Friday profits to The Norwegian Society for Conservation of Nature (Naturvernforbundet). This organization works to protect Norway’s stunning landscapes, including the breathtaking national parks in Lofoten and Svalbard—places high on my bucket list for future shoots.
I admire brands that align with my own values of protecting the environment, and Vallerret is one of them.
My Experience with the Djukes Gloves
So, how did the Djukes gloves actually perform in the field? In short, they exceeded my expectations.
✔ Warmth: I wore them on several freezing mornings, and my fingers never went numb. The insulation kept my hands comfortable, even when standing still for long periods waiting for the perfect light.
✔ Dexterity: Despite being warm, they never felt cumbersome. The pre-curved design meant I could operate my camera naturally, and flipping the finger caps open and closed was easy—even with slightly stiff fingers in the cold.
✔ Weather Protection: The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating kept moisture at bay. Even when shooting in misty conditions, the gloves stayed dry and comfortable.
I’ve used a lot of different gloves over the years, but these quickly became my go-to for winter photography. They allow me to focus on my shots without worrying about my hands, which is exactly what I need when I’m out in the elements.
The Djuke Photography Glove by Vallerret
Final Thoughts: Are They Worth It?
If you’re serious about outdoor photography, investing in a solid pair of gloves is just as important as choosing the right camera gear. Vallerret gloves aren’t just warm—they’re designed for photographers, and that makes all the difference.
Plus, knowing that they’re an eco-conscious brand that gives back to conservation efforts makes me feel even better about using their products.
So, if you’re tired of cold fingers ruining your shoots, I highly recommend checking out Vallerret’s range of photography gloves on their website below.
Have you tried Vallerret gloves before? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below or let’s chat on Instagram!