Dry Beam Gloves on Kickstarter - Interview

Campaign Overview

Dry Beam is a wearable lighting solution currently live on Kickstarter, combining all-weather gloves with a detachable magnetic torch system designed to improve visibility and safety during outdoor activities.

• Platform: Kickstarter

• Category: Wearables

• Price: $129

• Funding Status: $2,642 pledged of $5,932 goal at time of writing (not yet funded)

• Estimated Delivery: May 2026

• Creator: Alex Tarrant, Dry Beam

• Location: United Kingdom

This campaign introduces what the team describes as the first gloves with an integrated detachable lighting system, aiming to eliminate the need for handheld or handlebar-mounted torches while maintaining weather protection and everyday usability.

We sat down with Alex Tarrant, the inventor behind Dry Beam Gloves on Kickstarter, to learn what sparked the concept and how the product took shape across several rounds of prototyping. Dry Beam sets out to address a common pain point for runners, cyclists, and walkers: staying visible and safe in low-light conditions without relying on bulky handheld torches, ill-fitting headlamps, or unreliable clip-on lights. Here is what Alex had to say.

Solving a Real-World Frustration: Why Create Dry Beam Gloves on Kickstarter

Dry Beam gloves on Kickstarter were born from the frustration of juggling torches, handlebars, and poor visibility in bad weather. What specific real-life situations pushed you to design a fully integrated lighting solution instead of improving existing handheld or mounted lights?

The idea was born following two realizations that occurred in quick concession.

The first experience occurred when cycling through a park that had not streetlights, and while the bike light being used illuminated the road directly ahead it didn’t come close to illuminating the sides of the roads or what lay beyond them.

Whilst wider angle lights are available, they come with significant drawn backs such as reduced spotlight function, reduced battery life or increased body size and weight, plus the annoyance of attaching and detaching the light before and after use. We wanted to create a light that could be adjusted with minimal effort to illuminate whatever and whenever, without sacrificing the practicalities of a small light weight, yet powerful torch. To add to this, our gloves at the time were described as ‘warm’ and ‘waterproof’ by the manufacturers however they were far from it. We were then thinking how could we solve both of these problems simultaneously.

The second realization was when running through the same park, this time along the foot path that is littered with muddy potholes and tree roots. We would run these paths weekly however as the days started becoming shorter, we often found ourselves running in the dark resorting to handheld or head mounted torches. We found the handheld torch distracting to hold and was putting us off our stride, whilst the head torch was uncomfortable; so we started trying to work out how we could create something that would minimise the distraction yet provide the illumination required all whilst keeping your hands warm and dry in the colder/wetter weather that comes with the shorter days.

Magnetic Integration: Engineering a Detachable Lighting System

Dry Beam introduces a detachable magnetic torch system embedded directly into the glove. What were the main engineering challenges in ensuring the magnets were strong enough for movement yet simple enough for quick removal and reattachment?

Throughout the design stage we developed many fixing mechanisms however all provided unwanted bulk and complexity. The magnets eventually selected provide 4kg of force (plenty for the 24g torches) and seamless ‘snap and go’ functionality. When using our Dry Beams we tend to carry a spare pair of torches for those longer journeys allowing fast efficient transfers when needed most.

When we finally selected a magnetic attachment method, we went through many size iterations to ensure that the perimeter was large enough to hand stitch in to position but small enough not to provide unnecessary bulk. The material selected also went through many changes and the end result is a rigid rubber that has a little flex to maintain comfort on the back of the hand.

Performance Meets Practicality: Balancing 400 Lumens with Battery Life

With 400 lumens, a 50-meter range, multiple beam modes, and side visibility features, Dry Beam gloves on Kickstarter aim to replace standalone torches. How did you balance brightness, compact size, and battery longevity without compromising usability?

This is a great question. Our first 3d Printed prototype was 2.5x the size of our final torch and whilst this provided a longer battery life, the size and weight were too much of a distraction. Through careful design and consideration, we have created a 100% bespoke PCB that successfully combines two light sources and a battery life and power we are proud of. We would also note that Dry beam comes with a torch on each hand meaning that when combined, they provide serious visibility or if used separately fantastic total battery life. As noted above, each torch only weights 24g and they are also IPX5 tested when in their brackets.

All-Weather Design: From Waterproofing to Touchscreen Compatibility

Beyond lighting, these gloves are positioned as premium, all-weather performance gear. How did you approach combining waterproof breathability, warmth, touchscreen functionality, and aesthetic design into a glove that feels equally at home on a commute or a multi-day hike?

When searching for bike, running and walking gloves, we found all options to be very ‘active’ looking in their design; we wanted something that wouldn’t look out of place if worn by a suit wearing office cycle commuter in the city nor multi day countryside trekker. We wanted minimal frills yet a sleek modern aesthetic, hence settling with a clean matt black finish, recycled polyurethane as our outer glove construction. Combined with our modern torch body design, outer hand reflective strip, bespoke rubber strap and a textured palm we feel that we have achieved what we set out to achieve. We have combined this outer shell with a soft and warm inner lining which in tandem sandwich a middle sleeve; constructed from recycled plastic, the inner sleeve utilizes micro perforations to prevent liquid from entering but allowing water vapor to escape therefore helping your hands breath.

From Prototype to Pre-Production: Lessons from the Development Journey

Your development process included internal testing, multiple lighting unit redesigns, and eight glove samples before reaching pre-production. What were the most important lessons learned during prototyping, and how did user feedback shape the final version of Dry Beam gloves on Kickstarter?

As noted, our first 3d printed torch performed well from a functionally perspective however it was too bulky. We therefore spent a lot of time with our electronic engineers to design an internal component assembly that would tick the performance boxes but also increase practically in terms of size, weight and all-round usability. At the end of this stage we learnt just how long of a process it is and is something that each group of designers would probably have designed differently, however we are very happy with the end result.

Once the torch design and bracket design had concluded we turned our attention to the gloves. We decided on our material selection very early on however the final details including glove length, sizing, flexibility, strap location and style and bracket position took 8 iterations to perfect. Throughout these 8 iterations the Dry Beam team tested them all, from walking to running and cycling to buggy pushing. If you would have asked us how many samples there would have been when we started the journey, we would have said 3-4 tops however its not until you start breaking down the glove assembly and testing each elements that you realize what is required to create a glove that suits so many applications.

By the end of our conversation with Alex Tarrant, one thing stood out clearly: Dry Beam grew out of a genuine, recurring problem. Night visibility is rarely straightforward when you're on the move, carrying gear, or pushing through rain and cold. Dry Beam Gloves on Kickstarter are built around a simple premise — keeping light exactly where it needs to be, while your hands stay warm, dry, and free. From the first oversized prototypes to a refined compact torch and eight rounds of glove development, the project reflects a consistent focus on usability, quick attachment, and all-weather performance. If the team can deliver on production and fulfillment, Dry Beam has a real shot at becoming a practical, wearable alternative to the torches and awkward compromises most people still put up with after dark.

About the Creator behind Dry Beam on Kickstarter

Alex Tarrant is the founder of Dry Beam, a UK-based project born from a passion for practical technology and real-world problem solving. Driven by a love for gadgets that genuinely improve everyday life, he set out to rethink outdoor visibility and safety. The result is Dry Beam, a pair of all-weather gloves with an integrated detachable lighting system designed to eliminate the inconvenience of handheld or handlebar-mounted torches. By combining functional performance, weather protection, and clean modern design, Alex aims to deliver a safer and more intuitive experience for runners, cyclists, hikers, and everyday adventurers.

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FAQ about Dry Beam Gloves

Are Dry Beam gloves available in the USA?

Yes. Dry Beam is launching worldwide on Kickstarter, and the team confirms they will ship to the United States once the campaign concludes and production moves forward.

When should I use Dry Beam gloves?

Dry Beam gloves are designed as part of the brand’s active range. They are ideal for walking, running, cycling, or commuting in cold, windy, and wet weather conditions where both visibility and hand protection are important.

How should I clean Dry Beam gloves?

Because each glove includes an integrated mounting bracket for the detachable torch, machine washing is not recommended. The team advises gentle hand washing with light detergent followed by air drying to preserve the structure and materials.

What does IPX5 rating mean for the torches?

An IPX5 rating indicates protection against sustained, low-pressure water jets from any direction. This makes the torches resistant to rain, splashes, and sweat when positioned in their brackets, but they are not designed for full submersion in water.

How do I choose the right Dry Beam glove size?

Dry Beam offers five unisex sizes, supported by a detailed size chart. If your measurements fall between two size ranges, the team recommends selecting the larger size for a more comfortable fit.