As essential as a chamois....

Okay, if you had to choose between the two, you'd probably ride with the chamois, but your hands would certainly be a lot more comfortable if you had POC's Essential DS Glove. It's made of thin, light, breathable, and surprisingly durable materials, with padded EVA over the knuckles to take the impact when you're squeezing between branches. POC made the palm out of stretchy Lycra that also wicks the sweat off, and the thumb has touchscreen compatibility at the tip and a nose wipe at the knuckle; don't get the two mixed up.

• Light, breathable, durable gloves made for downhill mountain biking
• EVA padded knuckles protect against tree branches
• Ventilated palm wicks moisture and stretches for dexterity
• Thumbs feature touchscreen compatibility and nose wipes