Hikes during winter are super fun, enthralling, and full of adventure until the frost gets to your hands. The frosty winds of the super cold outdoors get to your hands, affecting dexterity and reducing overall body temperature.
In most cases, having your hands exposed to cold hinders mobility and makes them numb. But let’s not neglect the harmful side effects, such as frostbite and the possibility of hypothermia. Your hands need a protective layer of clothing that protects them against the wind, snow, and frost on hiking during winter.
For this, you need to add a pair (or more) of gloves to your hiking wardrobe that ensures maximum protection against the cold without compromising grip and strength. As hiking experts, we compiled this detailed buying guide about the best hiking gloves so you can purchase a suitable product.
So, without further ado, let’s help you find the best hiking gloves that make your trips pleasant and convenient.
Types of Hiking Gloves
Your hands are sensitive sensors. The outside weather is the main reason they are heavily affected. Hikers need to wear the appropriate hiking gloves. Following are the top glove choices for hikers.
Fleece Gloves
These gloves are famous for their lightweight properties. Consider them a favorite for hikers and trekkers, as fleece gloves ensure a sturdy grip on anything you hold. Besides this, they are super convenient for moderately cold weather. These gloves also have moisture-wicking properties.
So, if your hands come in contact with a small amount of water, fleece gloves will act as a protective fence. Hikers exploring super cold regions also wear fleece gloves but only as a base layer on top of thicker gloves. These gloves are affordable and versatile. Plus, some versions come with fingertips, so you can use your phone or other devices without issues.
Check out these fleece gloves.
- Tough Outdoors Fleece Touchscreen Winter Gloves for Cold Weather
- Columbia Men’s Fast Trek Fleece Glove
- Isotoner Women’s Gloves With Warm Fleece Lining
- Nike Fleece Gloves
Waterproof Gloves
Waterproof gloves are made of natural fabrics like cotton, covered with an insulating layer such as rubber or latex. These gloves do not let any fluid pass through them. Because of the insulating layer, waterproof gloves provide a tremendous grip. You can easily navigate through snowy trails and remove any cold obstacles without feeling a thing.
Although waterproof gloves are resistant to outside water, but prone to sweat build-up and retention. So if you have sweaty palms, waterproof gloves may not be the ideal choice. Besides this, these gloves can only withstand a certain level of temperature. Wear a top layer of wool or synthetic blend for more resistance.
Since waterproof gloves boast high gripping properties, you may not be able to use a touchscreen device without damaging the screen. Here are a few options if you want to purchase waterproof hiking gloves.
- Brigic Winter Work Gloves for Men
- Ihuan Winter Gloves for Men and Women
- FanVince Touchscreen Gloves for Men and Women
- G & F Products Waterproof Gloves For Outdoor
- Carhartt Women’s Insulated Breathable Glove
Gripping Gloves
You can render gripping gloves as a combination of waterproof and fleece gloves. They are an all-purpose product you can use for activities other than hiking. Gripping gloves offer intense grip in wet conditions.
For instance, if you are hiking with a pole in insanely cold weather, gripping gloves act as a resistor, so you keep going. These gloves are made from high-strength, durable materials such as leather, silicone, and PVC.
Gripping gloves help you hold things easily but also act as a barrier against injuries and frost. They are not as flexible, so it is mandatory to follow the size guide before buying. High-grip gloves are more expensive than other variants, so it is essential to purchasing a reputable item from a known brand to ensure quality. Try the following grippers:
- Carhartt Men’s C-Touch Work Glove
- OZERO Mechanic Gloves
- Warm Work Latex Gloves With Extra Grip
- DEX FIT Level 5 Cut Resistant Gloves
- SIMARI Workout Gloves
Fabric Gloves
These gloves mainly act as a top layer if the temperature gets colder. They are soft and breathable, ensuring your hands do not get sweaty or uncomfortable. Most fabric-based gloves are a natural or synthetic woolen blend made from textiles like polyester and wool.
They boast incredible aesthetics and look highly stylish. You can wear them without any base layer, but make sure that your body is not allergic or reactive towards the material of your gloves. Try the following pairs:
- BRUCERIVER Men’s Pure Wool Knitted Gloves
- Mcguire Gear Fingerless Wool Glove
- FZ FANTASTIC ZONE Women’s Winter Touchscreen Wool Magic Gloves
- Achiou Winter Gloves for Men and Women
- GSHLLO 6 Pairs Black Cotton Gloves
Temperature Ranges And Type of Gloves
So many options are available when it comes to gloves for hiking. But this doesn’t necessarily mean they are all suitable for varying temperature ranges. Depending on the intensity of the weather, you may need to change the gloves.
Mild Winters
Mild winters are the transitional period when autumn changes to winter. The temperature range in most cases is between 8 to 15 C. Since it’s not extra frosty out, you can choose lightweight and breathable gloves. Fleece gloves are an outstanding choice for hikers looking for snug gloves. You can wear the same glove as the base layer as the temperature worsens. The finishing, in most cases, is insulating but does not impact breathability or cause sweat build-up.
Cool Winters
The starting phase is when the temperature ranges between 1 to 10 C. It is the time of the year when you start feeling the chills and acknowledge the change in weather. For hikes in this weather, opt for gloves that ensure top-notch insulation. Fleece, waterproof and high grip are all great choices to wear in winter because of their moisture resistance. What you choose depends on the sharpness of the wind and whether it has started to snow or not.
Cold Winters
We are talking about the days when the outside weather is exposed to constant rains, snow, and blizzards. We know that the snow doesn’t stop you from going on a trip to explore the most gorgeous mountains out there. Give your hands maximum protection against harsh weather by wearing a base layer made from fabric to keep the inside dry.
Next, pick a top glove that ensures superior moisture retention. Since the temperature in the cold season varies between -5 to 5 C in most areas, you may need to block any contact with the wind. Also, keep in mind the gloves should maintain grip and dexterity.
Finding The Right Fit
Wearing gloves that don’t fit might impact your performance on the hike. For instance, if you purchase gloves that are small for your hands can restrict your range of motion and breathability.
Plus, if the gloves have insulating elements like latex and rubber, it also affects your blood circulation. On the other hand, if you wear larger gloves, they will constantly come off and irritate you. Always look at the size guide to buy hiking gloves that fit your hands.
Here are the steps to measure your hands for gloves. All you need is a measuring tape.
- Lay your hand flat on a surface with the palm facing upwards. Do not over-stretch it or keep it relaxed and folded. Your hand should be naturally flat. Also, remember to use the dominant hand.
- Take a measuring tape and wrap it around your knuckles to get a reading. Avoid the thumbs. We recommend that you do not leave space or wrap it too tightly. Just take a realistic figure.
- Record the number.
When taking a reading, remember you need to leave some room to avoid restricting the range of motion. Let’s suppose your hand reads 8.5 inches. Buy gloves measuring 9 to 9 ¼ inches.
New gloves feel slightly tighter and offer better fitting. However, it is natural for the fabric to get loose as they age. Hence, do not buy something that’s larger than 0.75 inches. You will feel them getting loose after the first few uses.
Material According To Weather
Gloves are made of different materials and textiles. What you choose depends on your preference, the type of hike, and the weather.
Leather
In the older days, people used natural leather to make gloves and other accessories. It is now banned to protect animal life. We now have synthetic leather similar to natural leather but without harming any life. Synthetic leather is made by mixing or laminating polyurethane on polyester/polyamide.
Synthetic leather is slightly flexible and breathable. It means you should buy one according to the size guide mentioned above. Next time when packing our professional hiking outfits, throw leather gloves in the mix for a classy finish. Leather does not have a lot of color options.
Cotton
Cotton is the most popular choice among people who wear gloves. It is usually blended with polyester and wool to create soft, snug gloves. Cotton is known for its breathability and ventilation. It keeps your hands dry even on rigorous hikes where you are destined to sweat. Cotton is not flexible, but it’s mixed with elastic materials to create gloves that adjust your skin properly. It is easy to maintain and comes in multiple colors.
Polyester
When it comes to gloves, polyester is cotton’s best friend. It is a thin fiber fabric that boasts durability and strength. Plus, polyester is resistant to wear and tear, allowing you to wear it on hikes with the most hurdles. Despite all these qualities, polyester is not comfortable or breathable and mixed with other materials to make gloves more wearable.
Plastic
PVC is a form of plastic that adds a significant amount of grip to our gloves. It is resistant to chemicals and chemicals and harmful toxins. The acrylic lining is used in thermal gloves. Another type of plastic is PVC, which is durable and insulates against cold weather. Plastic is not breathable, so sweat can build up. You may feel a bit irritated when wearing gloves with high plastic content.
Latex
A form of rubber, latex is highly elastic and durable. It provides a superior grip when holding things in cold weather. Latex has a tight fit and can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. Make sure to buy something slightly larger to ensure proper blood circulation. Latex might get replaced by nitrile, but nitrile is still being used as a coating in most cases. Pure latex is not heat resistant but incredibly resistant to moisture. It can leave a particular odor if worn for a long time.
Some materials are also used as a coating for your hiking gloves. They are:
- Polyurethane is a hard material that completely eliminates moisture or external debris. However, it is not as flexible but leaves a softer finish. PU is resistant to damage.
- Nitrile is a replacement for latex, which is now used as a glove coating. It is suitable for multiple skin types and has a high resistance against wear and tear. Nitrile features a superior grip and provides resistance against slippery items like oil and grease.
- Latex is natural rubber that boasts an elastic and flexible finish. It creates an unsurpassable barrier between the hand and the temperature but can affect blood circulation if you wear the wrong size.
- PVC is a plastic coating that retains moisture. It is an ideal choice for gloves in wet conditions because of its water-resistant and lightweight finish. You may feel discomfort as the sweat builds up because PVC does not absorb moisture — it just acts as a barrier. PVC can be textured in various cases to add more friction and increase grip.
Final Thoughts
Hiking is common in cold weather, but you must protect your hands from outside conditions. Multiple types of gloves are designed for a certain degree of coldness available in the market.
Looking at the material and insulating properties before finalizing something is essential. The material of your gloves decides their resistance to weather and moisture.
So, hikers should go through different options, read their properties, and choose a fitting product that matches their requirements.