You have to agree with us that hiking requires a proper kind of equipment if you want to hike safely and free of the cold, hot, and rainy weather conditions. Since no one likes to hike with their hands being as cold as ice, it is quite obvious, and actually a very reasonable thing to do, that you will need to pick and wear the best hiking gloves you can get your hands into, which will surely protect you from harsh weather conditions, as well as protect you from various insects, bug bites, injuries and much more.
In order to perform safely, it is important that you protect your hands from the low temperatures, the wind, snow and the rain – that means buying a specific pair of gloves which will keep your hands and fingers warm enough. Our fingers are one of the body parts which are prone to frostbite.
You do not want them to get cold at any time while you are hiking, because, soon it will have bad side effects. When planning to buy a proper pair of hiking gloves you should know that not all of the gloves are suitable for all of the weather conditions, there is a difference and you should take it into the consideration at all times.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Weight | Materials | Specific Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The North Face Apex | 0.35 pounds | Microfleece | TNF Apex ClimateBlock soft shell at back, Heatseeker insulation. | Check price on Amazon |
| Black Diamond Wind Weight | 0.18 pounds | Soft fleece | Fold-back flap with magnetic closure converting mitt to ¾ fingerless glove. | Check price on Amazon |
| REI Windbloc | 0.18 pounds | Polartec windbloc fleece/synthetic suede | 100% windblocking, synthetic suede palm, touchscreen compatible fingers. | Check price on REI |
| The North Face TKA 100 | 0.15 pounds | Nylon | Women-specific 5 Dimensional Fit™, available in a range of colors. | Check price on Amazon |
| Marmot Basic Ski | 0.26 pounds | Leather | DriClime® bi-component wicking lining, Falcon grip. | Check price on Amazon |
| Outdoor Research Versaliner | 0.18 pounds | Nylon | Anti-slip silicone palm print. | Check price on Amazon |
| Black Diamond Lightweight | 0.56 pounds | Suede | Polartec® Windbloc-ACT®, Pittards suede palm patch. | Check price on Amazon |
| Hanz Waterproof | 0.18 pounds | Nylon and spandex | Waterproof, nylon and spandex outer layer. | Check price on Amazon |
Features to Consider Before Buying
Your new pair of gloves should provide good dexterity, that means you will not be forced to remove your gloves in order to change your boots or take some of the items from your backpack.
Size
The size of the gloves is a very important factor when buying a new pair, as you do not want to end up with a pair that you can’t use because they are too small or big. Having the perfect snug fitting is vital in maintaining your body temperature in your hands and fingers. A pair of gloves is only as how much heat they can retain.
You want to make sure that they fit perfectly on your hands in order to maintain the functionality of the moisture-free linings and fabrics, and of course – you want to keep your hands comfortable when biking and hiking around.
Insulation
Light gloves are usually made out of wool or fleece insulation, while winter gloves are usually made out of synthetic fill – that means protection from the moisture at all times no matter the weather conditions.
The level of insulation is usually picked depending on the weather conditions and your needs. Some of the gloves are highly modular and can be used in different weather conditions as you can easily modify them for your needs.
Lining
The lining keeps the moisture away from your skin and reduces the heat loss which usually occurs if your gloves are wet on the inside. As mentioned before, the retention of heat is a must when it comes to your pair of gloves, so having the best waterproof lining is something you really need to look out for.
And we all know how horrible that feeling of wet gloves is and how fast blisters can occur in such an event. So, to be sure that your gloves will not only protect you from the outside elements, but from the inside elements as well, make sure that the model you decide to buy comes with an inner lining.
Material
As with buying any other product, the material that it is made of is extremely important. For example, if you are looking for gloves that will provide a soft feeling on your hands, you should opt for soft suede interior. On the other hand, if you are looking for gloves that aren’t that comfortable, but will last you a lifetime, your choice should be leather.
Also important to mention is that the natural materials, like cotton or Merino wool, are known for having antibacterial properties, thus you won’t experience the dreadful palm sweat scent every time you take your hands out of the gloves.
So, try to find the right balance between the natural and synthetic materials and include this factor as well when making the final choice.
Durability
When looking for the right pair of gloves, you should also consider the durability. How do you know they are durable? Well, it depends mostly on the material that they are made of, but also from the quality of their stitching.
Try to find high quality images that show the seams and, always check the material. For example, leather gloves are known to be quite durable if they were made properly. This is usually an overlooked factor that most people forget to keep an eye on.
The bottom line is, if you don’t want the gloves to fall apart the first time you go hiking with them, or skiing, try to check how good they are made, and check the user reviews, which is always a good place to start if you aren’t certain about the quality of a product.
Best Models on the Market
In this section, you will get more familiar with the market’s current top models. Hopefully, at least one of the reviewed models will fit all your personal needs, “like a glove”.
North Face Apex Gloves
Price: $32 – $65
Weight: 0.35 pounds
Size: M, L, XL, XXL
Specific features: Synthetic gripper palm, TNF Apex ClimateBlock soft shell at back, UR powered TNF Apex ClimateBlock soft shell at palm, Heatseeker insulation, additional insulation, Radiametric Articulation™, available in two colors – TNF black and asphalt gray
Best use: Hiking, outdoor winter activities, mountaineering
Description: The North Face Apex Gloves are the must-have this season! Versatile, very soft and comfortable, these gloves are a true heaven for your hands and fingers. These gloves are not advised for use at sub zero temperatures if you are idle and resting, but they will do their job if you are moving and increasing your body temperature while doing so.
A nice rubberized grip surface on the palm is simply awesome for a friction surface and the amazing Etip technology for touch screen connectivity makes these gloves very popular this season.
The insulation used in The North Face Apex is made from brushed tricot so it is smooth and comfortable to the touch. The shell is constructed using the trademarked to Apex ClimateBlock with DWR tech; meaning that your hands will maintain body temperature for a lot longer a time than most gloves that are available on the market today.
PROS:
- Etip technology
- Very soft inlay
CONS:
- Cannot be used at sub-zero temperatures
Related: If you want to improve the warmth of your body, during the cold outdoor adventures even more, we can recommend the Summit Series Flux Power Stretch from the same manufacturer. This mid-layer will ensure that your body temperature remains in optimum levels when you ski, climb a mountain, or simply want to have a long walk in the snow.
Black Diamond Wind Weight Mitts
Price: Approx. $45
Weight: 0.18 pounds
Size: M and XL
Specific features: Polartec® Windbloc-ACT®, Pittards suede palm patch, fold-back flap with magnetic closure converting mitt to ¾ fingerless glove, available in one color – black
Best use: Skiing, hiking, socializing in winter climates
Description: If you are looking for a warm and winterproof convertible mitten, the Black Diamond Wind Weight Mitts will surely get you interested. Soft fleece interior and exterior make these gloves extremely comfortable. These gloves are awesome for people who use their fingers a lot, phone, backpack, clothes and everything else.
Having a suede palm patch helps increase comfort for your hand and add a little extra to the gloves all round insulation, which here is mostly heated up using the Polartec Windbloc-ACT insulation tech.
The mitt can be detached and held up against the back of the palm, revealing the fingerless gloves section, helping you get to your phone or achieve any task that fingers are needed to complete.
On the back of the palm there is a magnetic closing system that keeps the mitt’s edge secure whilst you are typing away with your free fingers. The price is reasonable for all that the gloves encompass and this pair is extremely worth it.
PROS:
- Polartec® Windbloc-ACT® tech
- Magnetic closing system
CONS:
- Only comes in black
- Only comes in two sizes (medium & XL)
Related: Having a pair of gloves to keep you warm is one thing; but having a decent day pack is a whole other ball park. Owning a day pack and keep it stocked up and ready to go by the day is a staple of any outdoor adventurer. The Black Diamond Magnum is as perfect as they come for it’s compact weight and its waterproof shell.
REI Windbloc Gloves
Price: Approx. $20
Weight: Low weight
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Specific features: Synthetic suede palm, touchscreen compatible fingers, Polartec Windbloc fleece, integrated pull tab, clip, available in one color – black
Best use: Hiking, outdoor winter activities, mountaineering
Description: Another touch screen compatible gloves – REI Windbloc Gloves look and feel amazingly good!
The material used for making the palm part of the glove is made out of synthetic suede, making your grip more secure, while at the same time implementing the material production technology that allows them to be touchcreen compatible, meaning that you don’t have to take them off when you need to use your smartphone.
Furthermore, the plush interior fabric really makes your hands super comfortable, meaning they are quite soft and easy on the skin, and really warm, even at very low temperatures. Needles to say that this model is good for both men and women, and they also come with such reasonable price.
And, as the last, but not the least feature, the gloves come with the Polartec Windbloc fleece outer shell that will 100% block and protect you from the wind, making them a great choice for people who commute on a bike or a motorcycle.
PROS:
- 100% windproof
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Touchscreen compatible
CONS:
- The sizing chart is not that accurate and you need to be careful when choosing the size
Related: If you are a bike commuter, it’s not just your hands that you want to protect from the wind, right? We recommend pairing these gloves with this Udyr Windproof Beanie. It is a 3-in-1 combo and it will really protect you from the wind.
North Face TKA 100 Gloves
Price: Approx. $23
Weight: 0.15 pounds
Size: XS, S, M, L
Specific features: Women-specific 5 dimensional fit™, radiometric articulation, fully flat-locked palm, available in many different colors – TNF black, lunar ice gray, rabbit gray heather, balsam green, deep garnet red dark heather, black, kokomo green and garnet purple heather
Best use: Outdoor winter activities, skiing, hiking, traveling
Description: A nice looking pair of gloves are The North Face TKA 100 Gloves. They may not be the warmest gloves you will find available on the market, but they are wonderfully pleasing to the eye and, contrary to how they appear, can serve you very well in very low and harsh temperatures.
These gloves are extremely lightweight and are designed in such a way so that they fit your hands perfectly. This glove was specifically designed for a woman’s hand. They operate on a trademarked 5-dimensional fit that helps mold themselves to the wearer’s hand size.
Having this, and the radiometric articulation in the fingers of the gloves, makes this pair one to contend with. And all of the options in the color scheme for customization, make this glove shine above the rest by way of personalization. They pass them all by with flying colors. For this price, this product is more than decent.
PROS:
- Women-specific 5 Dimensional Fit™
- Fully flat-locked palm
CONS:
- Keeps your hands warm to 30-40 degrees. Better if they maintained body temperature
Related: It is not only gloves, which will protect you from the wind and bad weather conditions, there is The North Face Minna Beanie made to keep your hair and head completely warm and protected from the possible weather problems on your hiking adventures.
Marmot Basic Ski Gloves
Price: Approx. $35
Weight: 0.26 pounds
Size: XS, S, L, M, XL, XXL
Specific features: DriClime® bi-component wicking lining, Falcon grip, DriClime® 3-dimensional wicking lining, limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, available in three very lovely colors – black, tan, dark brown
Best use: Skiing, hiking, outdoor activities
Description: A perfect present for the winter holidays – the Marmot Basic Ski Gloves look so comfortable, but yet so nicely designed for a pair of work gloves. Made out of leather 0.6 – 0.8 mm, these gloves seem to be very popular amongst all kinds of people and are actually used for different purposes, not just working.
The very nice design seems to be the reason why these gloves are so popular, the downside is that these gloves are not very waterproof which makes them not very good for rainy weather conditions. The price itself is very reasonable.
The components that make this pair of gloves, perfect for people who work outside, makes them perfect for anyone that requires something warm for their hands during the colder months of the year.
The DriClime® bi-component lining adds a thick layer of insulation and the falcon grip tech in the palm makes it a lot easier to keep hold of hiking poles, skiing poles – you name it, this grip will stay in control all winter for all of your needs.
PROS:
- DriClime® Bi-Component Wicking Lining
- Falcon grip
CONS:
- Limited lifetime warranty
Related: Looking for insulation and wind protection for your head and face? You can check out the Fantastic Zone Balaclava Ski Mask, as it offers great wind protection for skiing and mountaineering as well.
Outdoor Research Versaliner Gloves
Price: Approx. $43
Weight: 0.18 pounds
Size: S, M, L, XL
Specific features: 100% nylon, pull-on loop, glove clip, anti-slip silicone palm print, heat pack pocket, reflective logo and trim, tapered wrist, Pertex® Shield DS, available in only one color – black
Best use: Snowboarding, winter outdoor activities, camping in colder conditions
Description: Very warm pair of gloves the Outdoor Research VersaLiner Gloves will keep your hands very warm and comfortable, even when it’s very cold winter night. Very good versatility and durability ratings coming from people who use these gloves on a daily basis.
These gloves are nicely designed so they look good on your hands and provide you with enough warmth and protection against the low temperatures in outdoor winter activities. The use of 100% nylon in this pair of gloves’ construction makes them extremely warm, this and the heat pack pocket makes for an extremely heated accessory.
Having a tapered wrist to keep the gloves safely secured to your hand and the pull-on loops on the edges for ease of pulling on the gloves. The anti-slip palm print for ease of grip, it will not let you down. The price is more than reasonable enough, making these gloves worth it.
PROS:
- Anti-slip silicone in the palm
- Pertex Shield technology
CONS:
- Only available in the one color
Related: The gloves are simply stunning, but there is no hiking in the cold without a decent jacket, the Outdoor Research Helium II is awesome, very nicely designed, waterproof jacket which will protect you from all of the annoying weather conditions that might occur while hiking.
Black Diamond Lightweight Gloves
Price: Approx. $30
Weight: 0.56 pounds
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Specific features: Fixed lining, U|R® powered material on the palm and fingers, four-way stretch softshell fabric with DWR treatment, Polartec power stretch pro, available in two colors – black and smoke.
Best use: Hiking, socializing using your smartphone, skiing
Description: Very light and stretchy gloves, the Black Diamond Lightweight Gloves are an amazing model that is suitable for anyone who likes or has to use their smartphone very often. U|R® powered materials are used in this pair’s construction of the fingers and the palm.
This helps in the use of your smart phone in a way similar to Etip tech, so you rarely have to remove your gloves to access your phone again. Weather-resistant softshell fabric makes them a nice pair for other outdoor activities as well, thanks to dynamic, highly breathable protection on the activities you might get yourself into.
The Polartec power stretch pro materials, help this pair become a simple one size fits all. Having the Polartec materials and the softshell DWR treatment makes the gloves stretchy and durable. The gloves are super lightweight and are strong when worn. These gloves worth more than they are priced, according to many who had bought a pair!
PROS:
- Very lightweight
- U|R® Powered material on palm and fingers
CONS:
- Only available in two colors
Related: Black Diamond gloves simply never disappoint, but if you want to protect your upper body from the wind while hiking or skiing, we recommend checking out the Pinewood Caribou Jacket. With this glove/jacket combo, you can easily hike, ski, or simply take a walk no matter the wind outside.
Hanz Waterproof Gloves
Price: Approx. $32
Weight: 0.18 pounds
Size: S, M, L, XL
Specific features: nylon and spandex outer layer, waterproof, moisture wicking layer inside, available only in black
Best use: Skiing, hiking, ice fishing
Description: Highly priced and high quality gloves the Hanz Waterproof Gloves is a perfect example of a flawless glove. Designed to keep the moisture away from your skin, keep you warm, and very comfortable, even when the weather conditions turn against you.
These gloves might not look as great as some of the listed above, but they truly are a decently designed pair of gloves providing extremely high protection against the wind and other weather conditions.
The materials used to construct the gloves are a mix of nylon and spandex which, when married together, makes for a stretchable and durable pair of gloves.
The use of spandex on the outer layer and a moisture resistant wicking layer on the inside of the gloves also helps in making them waterproof and helps to add more insulation for warmth. The convenience of price, the light weight of the gloves, and the choice of sizes help make the Hanz MVT a must have cold weather accessory.
PROS:
- Nylon and spandex outer layer
- Waterproof
CONS:
- Only available in one color – black
Related: With your gloves bought and well in use now, you may be looking for a hiking pole that can help you move around in the snow and the cold weather. The Black Diamond Distance Z-Z-Poles are a handy set of aluminum shaft poles that thanks to their folding design are easy to pack and assemble.
Wrapping it up
It can be very hard finding a perfect pair of gloves for this hiking season or the other following ones, but there is surely enough products which you can try and see whether they fit your needs or not.
Do not save the money on an important part of the hiking equipment such as your hiking gloves, your hands are important and it is extremely important for you to keep them warm, dry and free of all the moisture.
Before picking a pair of your new gloves, make sure that you are well informed about the materials used in the production of the product and be sure that you pick exactly what will suit your following outdoor winter activities. The most expensive pair of gloves does not necessarily have to be the best pair for you or your family.
Do not set a price on anything you will use often and something that will keep you safe and healthy. Before we go, we would like to let you know that sharing your thought on this topic is something that we appreciate, and you can feel free to leave a comment in the comments section below.
With colder weather coming in I’ve been shopping around for a new pair of gloves. I’d never heard of the Hanz brand before but I must say those gloves are so intriguing! They don’t look quite like any other gloves on this list. I wonder how thick they are.
Try them out! They are great!
The Outdoor Research Versaliner Gloves look like warm and comfortable gloves that I can use during the winter and at night while camping are well made. They have a stylish look and also look like they can be worn on many occasions. I like that they are tapered so i’m guessing that taking them on and off will be easier and quicker now. For that price, I think that they are also quite fairly priced.
The price is just right!
I have been using the Black Diamond Windweight Fleece Mitts for some time now and I have no complaints whatsoever. I like the fact that they have a solid grip on objects, I can use my smartphone with these gloves on, and that my hands keep warm even in winter cold environments. They are fairly priced for the benefits you gain from them.
Thanks for letting us know what you think!