Why Trail Manos’ Leather Work Gloves Belong in Every Builder’s Kit
If you’ve spent any time behind a rogue hoe or McLeod, you already know that cheap gloves don’t last. Seam blowouts. Palms that wear through. A fit that bunches up while hauling tools uphill. Trail builders need gear that’s up for the long haul, and that’s exactly what I found in the leather work gloves from Trail Manos.
I broke these in when I was scouting damage on a trail and fixing drainage issues as I plodded along.
From the start, the leather felt supple, not stiff. There was no awkward break-in period, no fight to get a decent grip. Trail Manos clearly understands what it means to build trails by hand. The gloves flexed where I needed them to and held strong where it mattered, especially in the palms and fingertips, where most gloves fail first.
The fit? Spot on. They hugged my hands without pinching, bunching, or shifting mid-swing. That kind of fit matters when you’re trading off between rock work and a round of raking or brushing. I didn’t have to take them off to adjust tools or switch camera gear.
Aesthetically, they look like the real deal. A classic design. But Trail Manos is more than a glove brand. They are a rider-founded company committed to giving back to the trail and riding communities, building products that reflect the people who use them: rugged, intentional, and full of character.
Whether you’re clocking hours on a professional crew or showing up to a local dig day once a month, a quality pair of gloves is worth the investment. The Trail Manos leather work gloves earn their place in your kit. As you can see from some of my photos, I keep two pairs permanently in my van, always ready to go.
Sean Benesh
Sean is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Trail Builder Mag. He is also the Communications Director for the Northwest Trail Alliance in Portland, Oregon. Sean also spends time in the classroom as a digital media instructor at Warner Pacific University.
