GripGrab PACR InsideGrip Full Finger Summer Gloves

The PACR InsideGrip Full Finger Summer gloves are the lightest and most minimal full-finger gloves of GripGrab’s lineup. While some of the technology is not particularly well explained or highlighted by GripGrab, the gloves feature hundreds of small silicone grippers inside the palm. The result is a comfortable pair of gloves that are breathable while working well beyond their gravel and XC intentions.

GripGrab PACR InsideGrip Full Finger Summer gloves – Technical details

It might be in the name, but InsideGrip is not especially well-explained, but GripGrab says that it’s a technology that ‘enhances confidence and maximises bike control’. Upon further inspection of the glove, I’ve found that it’s pretty much what it says on the tin – a bunch of silicon grippers on the inside of the glove, along the palm. On the exterior of the glove are silicone grippers gracing the index and middle fingers, as well as the thumb.

These are fairly minimalist gloves with a simple, lightweight mesh fabric and a perforated and recycled microsuede palm. Small extra sections of material reinforce the tips of the index and middle fingers, while a slightly thicker black microsuede section strengthens the sides of each finger and thumb.

Sticking to the minimalist theme, the InsideGrip Full Finger Summer gloves come with no type of closure; instead, they use a slip-on design. There’s also reflective branding, which might come in handy for the odd road effort.

Built for gravel and cross-country riding, the gloves are available in sizes S to XXL and come in either black or white, which keeps things straightforward.

GripGrab PACR InsideGrip Full Finger Summer gloves – Performance

The gloves lack any form of adjustment, but the perforated material across the back of the hand and the cuff has enough stretch that it allows you to put them on without too much stress, although some care will need to be taken, as they are much tighter than gloves with a Velcro cuff. So they can be trickier to get on and remove.

The medium size is designed for hands measuring 18-19cm (7-7.5”) from the palm to the tip of the index finger, with a circumference of 20-21cm (7.5-8”). While they are slightly shorter in length than some competing brands, the sizing guide is accurate, and the fit is close, which makes sense for a glove of its intentions. The overall size range caters to riders with hand circumferences from 19cm to 24cm+ and lengths from 17cm to 21.5cm+.

Silicone sections remain on the outside of the palm across the index and middle fingers, and the gloves are touchscreen compatible while providing that extra touch of traction on the brake levers and shifter. There is no dedicated sweat-wipe section on the thumb, which is often found on cycling gloves, but the thin mesh fabric is quite absorbent when used for that purpose.

The gloves are minimal and impressively light at 33g for the pair, yet they still feel durable and sensibly reinforced in the areas of the glove most likely to wear. The mesh upper is extremely thin, providing excellent airflow in warmer weather, but there is very little insulation, so as the name suggests, these are reserved for summer riding. As such, I found that they’re comfortable enough for riding through double-figure temperatures.

To reveal the secrets of InsideGrip, while it might sound gimmicky, it’s actually a bunch of silicone dots that span the inside of the glove’s palm. So rather than providing extra grip between the handlebar and glove, it grips your hand, helping the glove feel more secure. I found that it genuinely works well, too.

GripGrab PACR InsideGrip Full Finger Summer gloves – Verdict

The PACR gloves cost £40, which is more than many other slim summer designs, with plenty of alternatives sitting closer to £25, including the Lizard Skins Monitor Ignite that Liam rated highly, and the Stolen Goat Voltage.

There are more expensive options, such as the Prologo Savant at £45, which had been my favourite before using the GripGrab PACR, and the Prologo Energrip at £67, but the GripGrab still sits towards the premium end of the summer glove market.

As someone who generally prefers riding without gloves on both drop and flat handlebars, I have consistently found myself choosing the PACR regardless of the weather or type of ride, from mountain biking to gravel and even road rides. While the InsideGrip technology appears to work as intended, it is the combination of excellent fit, comfort, and simple materials that really makes these standout gloves.