CamelBak Vent Gloves Review: Lightweight Tactical Gloves for Warm Weather

Introduction

The CamelBak Vent Gloves are a pair of military surplus tactical gloves that arrived in 2010 as part of CamelBak’s tactical glove line. They carry a NATO stock number, they were made in Vietnam, and they were produced in one color only: black.

The model has since been discontinued and newer designs have taken its place, but pairs still surface on the resale market, often for very little money. What keeps them interesting is the combination of a light, airy build and a price that rarely climbs beyond the mid-teens.

Who This Product Is For

These gloves were designed as tactical and shooting gloves, and that is where they make the most sense. They also handle light camp chores well, and the breathable back panel suits hiking in slightly cooler weather when you want some coverage without insulation.

They are not bushcraft gloves. The simulated leather is strong enough for everyday handling and grip work, but for genuinely rough tasks a heavier glove is the better choice.

Design and Materials

The palm and finger panels use a simulated leather, while the back of the hand and the fingers are covered by a nylon mesh vent panel. That mesh incorporates carbon conductive anti-static fibers, and the lining is polyester. The seams are internal, sitting on the inside of the glove so they do not interfere with movement or dexterity.

At the wrist there is a closure for adjustment, and small loops let you link the two gloves together. The overall construction is deliberately thin. When these gloves launched, they were among the lightest tactical gloves on the market and the lightest CamelBak had made up to that point.

Main Strengths

Breathability is the headline. The mesh across the top of the hand and down the fingers releases heat and moisture, which is exactly what the design was aiming for in warm, humid conditions. The gloves are lightweight, the lining is comfortable, and the simulated leather does not build up heat the way a heavier glove can.

Grip is solid, and dexterity is a genuine strength. Because the seams sit internally, you can pinch, grab, and handle small items without the glove fighting you. The fit is accurate, so a medium fits like a medium should.

Durability has held up well through a summer of range use, and owners have reported wearing pairs for around five years without issues.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Availability is the main drawback. These gloves are discontinued, so stock is whatever remains in circulation. Extra small is the easiest size to find, while larger sizes take patience and a willingness to check listings regularly.

Setting an alert is a practical way to catch a pair when it appears. It is also worth knowing that they come in black only, and that they are not built for heavy work. Treat them as light duty gloves and they will serve you well.

Newer CamelBak Glove Options

CamelBak has continued to develop its tactical glove range. The Heat gloves share a similar look but differ in the details, and more modern versions of the Vent design are part of the current lineup. If the Vent Gloves are unavailable in your size, those newer models are worth a look.

Buying Advice

Prices stay low. A pair has been picked up for around $9 including shipping and handling, and listings generally fall somewhere between about $9 and $15 depending on size and availability. At that level, the value is hard to beat.

If you find your size, buy it. Gloves this inexpensive and this comfortable are worth picking up as a backup, and the low cost makes it easy to keep a spare set on hand.

Conclusion

The CamelBak Vent Gloves are a well-executed military surplus product: breathable, lightweight, comfortable, and remarkably inexpensive when you can find them. The only real obstacle is availability. If your size turns up at a sensible price, they are an easy recommendation for warm weather shooting, light chores, and mild weather hiking.