Colder months demand greater protection for the body, especially for your feet and hands, and wearing winter gloves while hiking in snow or extreme temperatures would bring you many benefits, but the most important is that you can relax and enjoy more.
I, together with the TravelTrained team, dig into to see what are the best winter gloves in 2023. Our team tested 35 different pairs of gloves and we chose 10 winning gloves.
Read on to see the results.
Top Winter Gloves
Here are the 10 best winter gloves of2023, perfect for hiking, camping, backpacking, and any other outdoor activity.
10. Under Armor Men’s Armour Liner Gloves 2.0
These fitted, thin-liner gloves are able to be worn as either a first layer under a heavier pair of gloves or entirely on their own depending on the severity of local weather conditions.
The UA Storm material finish is able to repel both snow and rain without having to sacrifice breathability. As such, they have often termed rain gloves.
These liner gloves are machine-washable and are mainly composed of polyester with a small percentage of elastane included.
Fabric is extremely soft and knitted with a plush interior and smooth exterior to ensure your hands are warm enough without feeling like they are suffocating.
Furthermore, the product is bundled with prints across the end of all fingers to allow the user to naturally interact with touchscreen devices and no requirement of removing the gloves.
To ensure a comfortable, snug fit and enhanced weather protection, the product includes ribbed cuffs for the wrists.
Overall, Under Armour Liner Gloves 2.0 are very high-performance gloves that we personally love and recommend.
Pros
- Adaptable for various temperatures
- Touchscreen Gloves
Cons
- Grip material makes it difficult to layer other gloves on top
9. Carhartt Men’s W.P. Waterproof Insulated Glove
Ice climbing is not my thing, but hiking yes, and I did some outdoor research and testing, and these gloves passed it with a very high score.
According to the brand itself, the hands represent the tools. These warm gloves are naturally waterproof and have protection built-in to handle sweat-wicking. This allows your hands to remain dry and your fingers warm.
Even though they have a heavier texture, they allow the wearer to successfully make a fist and are recommended for yard work in generally cold weather.
However, more sophisticated tasks, tend to make fine motor skills impossible. You may be able to hold a hammer, but not a nail.
The closure for the hook and loop allows for any sized hand to adequately fit the sockets. Furthermore, the lining easily wicks away unwanted sweat, and the reinforced palm composed of polyurethane is meant to aid in grip.
A poly tex shell allows for the gloves to handle most types of contact with various materials, but be careful to not tighten them too much as tearing has been reported.
Some people reported these gloves to work better when used with some removable liners.
Overall, Carhartt is making good winter work gloves that are very useful when working in winter and snowy conditions.
Pros
- Waterproof and sweatproof
- Adjustable size
Cons
- Limited durability
8. Warmen Men’s Leather Driving Gloves
Beyond a practical functionality that protects the hands from extreme cold, these gloves add style to your winter wardrobe and provide finesse when combined with the right outfit.
Get a tailored overcoat or pea coat to match this pair of leather gloves to take your winter look to heights never seen before.
In general, leather is more expensive than other materials but works as a perfect insulator to maintain heat. It is ideal for everyday use in any kind of cold condition.
The majority of winter gloves have some trace of leather because of the enhanced durability they provide. Furthermore, these gloves have a tack that offers improved control and grip when driving.
They not only reduce hand fatigue, but also the wheel’s vibrations that come from traveling for extended periods of time.
Pros
- Quality materials (wool, cashmere, leather, fleece)
- Touchscreen support
Cons
- Limited adjustability for hand sizes
7. Potopok Women’s Gloves
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Beyond a practical functionality that protects the hands from extreme cold, these gloves add style to your winter wardrobe and provide finesse when combined with the right outfit.
Get a tailored overcoat or pea coat to match this pair of leather gloves to take your winter look to heights never seen before.
In general, leather is more expensive than other materials but works as a perfect insulator to maintain heat. It is ideal for everyday use in any kind of cold condition.
The majority of winter gloves have some trace of leather because of the enhanced durability they provide. Furthermore, these gloves have a tack that offers improved control and grip when driving.
They not only reduce hand fatigue, but also the wheel’s vibrations that come from traveling for extended periods of time.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Includes conductive metal
6. Simari Men & Women Gloves
A unisex pair of gloves made with polyester materials, these come in multiple colors and are a perfect gift for any type of special event.
They are touchscreen compatible and outfitted with quality silicone particles at the edge of the fingers as well as the palm to maximize resistance to abrasion and improve the grip.
The design of the winter gloves allows use for virtually all outdoor activities from cycling to driving to walking to hiking to golfing, etc.
An additional 5% of Spandex allows greater elasticity and good dexterity than most other competitors, allowing a tight yet comfortable, warm fit. Furthermore, it can adequately reflect light to improve safety when riding at night.
Finally, the brand provides a way for customers to scan the gloves with the Amazon app in order to receive additional rewards for their initial purchase. Feel free to use these gloves with any technology device.
Pros
- Flexible
- Multiple colors
- Touchscreen compatible gloves
Cons
- Cannot handle rain
5. Eggshop Gloves
A pair of lightweight gloves with upgradable materials are composed of lined cashmere to ensure soft touch, strength, suppleness, and long-lasting warmth.
The elastic cuffs are thin in nature and keep the wet snow out while protecting the skin. They will stretch to fit any pair of hands comfortably.
Furthermore, the waterproof design makes these gloves very easy to clean. You’ll need nothing more than a clean cloth to wipe them down from any unwanted stains. An extra cotton tube provides defense against the cold.
Windproofing provides sufficient blockage from unwanted snow and wind. With 360-degree touchscreen support, these sensor gloves work on every type of mobile device without interrupting your outdoor activities.
Enjoy using them for anything from texting, writing, running, hiking, cycling, typing, and driving. The internal cashmere ensures that your hands not only get warm but stay warm.
Pros
- Cashmere lining
- Durable and lightweight
Cons
- A bit thin
4. TRENDOUX Winter Gloves for Men Women
Customers will find these budget winter gloves allow the use of touchscreen devices better than most thanks to the dual acrylic and spandex design.
With an additional 50% conductive yarn padded onto the fingertips, you essentially have ultimate control without any interruption to outdoor activities.
The triangle silicone that is fully covered on the palm area allows for superior grip with holding a steering wheel or when gripping your phone to not have it slip from the hands.
It is composed of an inner lining whose soft napping makes for an extremely warm and soft texture. With the snug, stretchy fit, you’ll have no issues texting in the same way as using bare hands.
A thick elastic cuff keeps the gloves enclosed properly around the skin to prevent wind and snow from penetrating. They will fit your hands without any issues.
Pros
- Extra grip padding
- Flexible
Cons
- Aren’t as warm as they could be
3. Krosa Winter Gloves for Men & Women
I’ve tested these gloves while hiking in the Alps and after 7 hours of trail trekking, I did not feel cold hands or cold fingers, so they are doing a great job.
With a combination of a strong buckle closure and 5 layers of thermal soft shells, these insulated gloves provide the definitive insulation to protect from any instance of chill.
At the same time, they manage to be lightweight enough for perfect portability. According to the brand, the cotton in the middle of the gloves has enough insulation, in fact, to protect from cold temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
The double-layered design also protects from any moisture or water, and the nylon is of high density to prevent sweat from staying inside.
They are best worn during activities that demand you be in the rain or snow. Elastic wrist cuffs handle wind in the same way, keeping the hands dry and warm.
Coming in multiple colors, these gloves are also custom-fit to match a wide array of hand sizes. What’s more, they provide sufficient support for touchscreen interaction using conductive leather on the fingertips.
Pros
- Waterproof and Windproof
- Incredible insulation
Cons
- Sizes may not match the hands (need to order up or down)
2. Ihuan Winter Gloves for Men and Women
Using nylon for windproofing, SBR coating for waterproofing, and a soft fleece lining, these gloves ensure your hands are as warm as possible in cold weather.
The brand guarantees such and even offers a money-back guarantee. A lightweight design allows for easy transport and the fleece lining makes for a comfortable fit for everyday wear, regardless of outdoor temperature.
Conductive fabrics on the thumb and index finger specifically aid in transferring your natural electric aura to the device to easily access touchscreen devices in cold conditions.
Use these liner gloves for a multitude of outdoor activities including mountain biking, walking, hiking, fishing, driving, or working.
The silicone print ensures a sturdy grip even when coming into contact with moisture or water. You will never drop your phone or water canister.
Pros
- Waterproof and Windproof
- Incredible insulation
Cons
- Sizes may not match the hands (need to order up or down)
1. Ozero Thermal Gloves
Unlike the Nappa leather commonly used by competing glove brands, Ozero’s products are made of deerskin suede, to provide cotton that is “heatlok” insulated.
This is a patented system composed of microfiber and hollow fibers that are able to produce sufficient warmth at no cost to weight or dexterity.
It works by trapping air inside the gloves to create a barrier that keeps the hands warm. When combined with the lining of polar fleece, the hands are warm even in the event that temperatures go down to extremely low colds.
The deerskin suede offers substantial reinforcement against abrasion, improves grip, allows breathability, and is thick enough to prevent winter weather from causing cold hands or cold fingers.
Elastic wrists have a shirred snuff that is flexible enough to wrap around any sized hands with a knit cuff of 2.5 inches. They offer sizes that can accommodate anyone and provide a diagram to easily measure.
Pros
- Better quality leather
- Best grip
Cons
- Thicker than other gloves
What to Look for When Buying Winter Gloves?
Hiking is an activity that will require someone to come into contact with many different things, and for the winter, the gloves need to fill even bigger shoes to fit the bill.
This includes but is not limited to durability, weight, insulation, liners, fit, material, breathability, and water resistance.
Durability
The gloves need to offer padding that can handle physical contact with rough objects. Furthermore, they need to be able to bend just enough for the user to have a grip without sacrificing wear and tear to the material.
This is commonly achieved with leather and nylon.
Weight
Gloves need to be portable, as they will be included with other accessories you may need when traveling outdoors. As such, the weight needs to be sufficient to provide adequate warmth, but not go beyond making it difficult to stuff in your bag or wear on your hands.
Insulation
A high-quality winter glove should always provide heat and warmth. Two of the most basic types commonly found in gloves & mittens include synthetic and down. The former is less expensive and dries much faster.
It is an ideal choice when you know you’ll be coming into contact with a lot of snow. Unfortunately, it offers less warmth than the latter, which itself is breathable, lightweight, compressed, and long-lasting.
Liners
These are what contribute to elasticity, fit, and overall comfort. They come in several varieties and features.
For example, gauntlet cuffs extend over your sleeves in order to prevent cold air and snow from penetrating the skin.
Wrist cords secure the area right above the hands to not drop on the way up the mountain.
Fit
Gloves need to provide some sort of elasticity, at least in the wrists, to properly fit the hands.
Go for a brand that offers multiple sizes and provides a dedicated diagram to measure your hands in such a way that it will guarantee a tight, yet comfortable fit.
Material
At the heart of all necessary features for a proper set of high-quality winter gloves for hiking includes quality material.
It must be durable enough to handle physical contact, flexible enough to be comfortable yet not tear when gripping, and allow you the ability to interact with touch screen devices without having to remove the gloves.
Leather is the most expensive, yet it is considered the best solution. Conversely, you can opt for strong acrylic.
Breathability
Airflow must exist to protect the hands from sweating but at the same time prevent water and wind from making contact with the skin.
Gore-Tex is a popular brand featured in many men’s snow gloves and skiing gloves because they offer proprietary technology to allow for waterproofing but still maintain breathability.
Waterproof / Windproof
A waterproof glove designed for winter activities usually includes a breathable water resistant barrier that prevents rain and snow from entering. At the same time, it includes pores that let water vapor escape.
Typically, the barrier is bundled as a membrane laminated directly to the fabric. It is placed between an outer shell and the coating applied for insulation.
Mittens vs. Gloves
Gloves offer superior dexterity as a result of having support for individual fingers. They are considered ideal for activities that demand the handling of gear, zipping zippers, and adjusting buckles.
Gloves designed for aerobics, such as ski gloves, are also good for activities where the body will inevitably generate significant heat.
Mittens are much thicker than gloves, offering greater warmth with the same set of materials. This is because the fingers are connected together and can share warmth when snuggled together.
They do not offer the same dexterity but serve you well when holding poles and hiking in chilly temperatures. There is also a reduced surface area from which body heat can escape.
Types of Winter Gloves
Although gloves come in a wide variety of materials, elasticity, size, and shape, they can be better categorized by the type of activity they are meant for. In such a case, we will differentiate the types of winter gloves in terms of performance, casual, and work.
Performance Gloves
Aid in sustained use during the most demanding conditions of the winter. Biking gloves, ski gloves, and mountaineering gloves tend to perform best due to the increased durability that winter sports require them to be made with.
Some of the most consistent features include proper dexterity, cuffs that fit snugly, high price tags, waterproof materials, and sufficient insulation to keep your hands warm.
Casual gloves
Are more suited for less intensive daily activities such as driving, walking, or short hikes. Some prioritize warmth and style, while others try to offer full functionality.
Most casual gloves will work well for brief time periods when exposed to the extreme cold, but fail to adequately handle precipitation.
In such a category, you should consider mitten designs, wool materials, reinforcement for the palms, and fingertips that are compatible with touch screens. Because of their limits, they tend to be the most affordable winter gloves.
Work gloves
Place an emphasis on durability beyond all other considerations. When you’re operating heavy machinery, chopping wood, or shoveling snow, tough leather gloves get the job done.
Focus your purchasing on brands that offer simple features but ensure that under-cuffs are protected and palms have extra reinforcement. Many of these types of gloves use synthetic insulation and fleece lining to achieve warmth.
However, you can always add liner gloves as a bonus.
Our Thoughts
Personally, the Ozero and Carhartt brands are recommended as the best winter gloves due to their powerful insulation.
When wearing gloves, especially for winter hiking, aim for the brands that provide only the most premium of materials and are guaranteed to be waterproof.
You will find that the pricing of most gloves does not differentiate past $10-$20, and you will almost certainly get what you pay for in terms of durability and overall quality.
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FAQ
What Are the Best Gloves for Winter?
Gloves that are ideal for winter provide heavy insulation and lining around the wrists to ensure that the skin is comfortable and protected against extreme cold. The hands should be protected such that only the vapor from perspiration can escape. They should provide reinforcement to the palms to handle contact with physical objects of different textures.
Who Makes the Warmest Winter Gloves?
Gore-Tex products contain quality leather that can grip virtually any surface with ease but provide fleece and nylon for the lining to ensure maximum insulation. The waterproof membrane and tight seal block any and all moisture from making contact with the skin. They easily pull over the cuffs of jackets to block out the wind with a wide tab that pulls down to enhance the tightness, making them one of the best winter glove manufacturers.
What Kind of Gloves Is Warmest?
Mittens are generally considered the definitive option when focusing on the quality of warmth because they are fingerless. Inside such gloves, your fingers will not be separated and will have the ability to stay in close contact with one another. The heat generated from the body and the fingers make mittens one of the warmest glove types.
Should Winter Gloves Be Tight or Loose?
A winter glove should always fit in a way that provides comfort and warmth, but at a minimal cost to dexterity. They should have no more than a quarter-inch of material stretching past the edge of the fingers. If too small, they leave skin exposed and restrict movement.
Why Are My Hands Still Cold in Gloves?
Hands can still get cold in gloves that do not adequately fit your size and the circumference of the wrists. Those that are too large, on the other hand, also allow room for cold air to seep in. You need to use proper sizing diagrams to find the right pair for your hands.
What Is a Thermal Glove?
Thermal waterproof gloves are heat resistant and are able to withstand high temperatures commonly found in laboratories. They are often made of materials that can resist flames. Others are adjustable to handle extremely cold temperatures and are ideal for most winter activities. Light insulation allows room for dexterity and improved grip.
Are Heated Gloves Worth It?
Heated gloves for men contain electric battery-powered systems that increase the warmth on the colder days of the winter. These batteries are often rechargeable and offer various levels of output. This makes such a class of products more expensive and bulkier than others. However, such tradeoffs may be worth it if others fail to meet your needs.
Are Leather Gloves Good for Snow?
Yes! The leather breaks in well provides sufficient dexterity makes great waterproof gloves and lasts a long time in even the harshest weather conditions. By design, leather is an incredibly durable, tough material that if handled with care, will last many years. Most brands use cashmere leather as it provides great warmth and is quite affordable.
How Do You Know if Gloves Fit?
Despite a wide array of glove brands, they must all fit as if they were a second layer of skin. This is especially essential for men’s winter gloves, as bulkiness reduces dexterity and takes the charm out of a nice outfit. To know if your pair of gloves will fit, you simply need to measure the circumference of the hand with a measuring tape.
Are Tight Gloves Warmer?
Hands will stay warm only if they are loose enough to allow for blood flow and enough air is present to allow for your body heat to warm the enclosed space. A tight fit will make circulation more difficult, but a snug fit provides extra air and comfort at the same time.
What Gloves Are Good for Hiking?
Aim for gloves that contain fluffy fibers made of polyester or some other material. They efficiently trap air generated from the body and create loft. By design, polyester absorbs the lowest portions of moisture and helps retain a soft texture when exposed to water or snow. Synthetic fills are superior to wool and fleece for general insulation.
Do Hikers Wear Gloves?
Yes, gloves are generally worn by hikers. They protect the hands from not only the harshest of weather conditions but physical objects that could potentially injure or cause discomfort to the skin. Taking a trek up a cold mountain exposes a person to frostbite that without protection from gloves could cause extreme distress to the fingers.
Are Fingerless Gloves Good for Hiking?
If you are a more seasoned outdoor adventurer, you’ll likely appreciate the increased dexterity that comes from using fingerless gloves. What’s more, they help grip and make contact with different types of objects, including and especially touch screen devices. However, others will find that they fail to provide adequate protection for the entire hand.
What Are the Best Gloves for Extremely Cold Weather?
The more of an opportunity your hands have to trap internal heat from close contact, the warmer they will be. As such, the only types of gloves that can provide the ultimate insulation from extremely cold temperatures are mittens. Even though many brands are bulky and make gripping difficult, others help compensate for such faults.
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
