7 Best Winter Hiking Gloves Review (2024)
If you’ve ever found yourself halfway up a trail, only to realize your fingers are freezing, you know exactly how crucial a good pair of winter hiking gloves can be. I’ve been there too! Keeping your hands warm and dry isn’t just about comfort—it’s about staying safe and enjoying the experience.
Finding the best hiking gloves for cold weather isn’t just about keeping your hands warm, it’s also about comfort, agility, and durability. Let’s jump into the 7 best winter hiking gloves of 2024 and determine which fits your needs.
Top 6 Hiking Gloves for Cold Weather
- Black Diamond Guide Hiking Gloves
- Outdoor Research Alti Mitts Gloves
- Hestra Army Heli Ski & Hiking Gloves
- Marmot Randonnee Hiking Gloves
- Sealskinz Waterproof Winter Gloves
- Arc’teryx Fission SV Gloves for Winter
- The North Face Etip for Cold Weather
1. Black Diamond Guide Gloves
These are the heavy-duty alpine-ready gloves designed for the most extreme cold-weather hiking conditions. The Black Diamond Guide Gloves come with a removable liner, featuring a mix of PrimaLoft Gold insulation and fleece. The outer shell is a durable nylon material with a leather palm, which gives you both warmth and grip. These gloves are designed for serious mountain expeditions, so if you’re hiking in sub-zero temperatures or dealing with ice and snow, these are your best friends.
Specs:
- Material: Nylon shell, goat leather palm
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold and fleece
- Waterproof: Yes, GORE-TEX insert
- Weight: 312g (per pair)
Pros:
- Exceptional warmth
- Durable and solid build
- Removable liner for versatility
- Removable liner feature
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky for casual hikers
- Expensive
2. Outdoor Research Alti Mitts
The Outdoor Research Alti Mitts are not your average gloves—they’re mittens! Mittens naturally offer better warmth because your fingers are all together. These are perfect for extreme cold-weather hiking. With GORE-TEX waterproofing and a removable insulated liner, they provide top-tier warmth and dryness even in snowstorms. So, iff you prioritize warmth over dexterity, these will keep your fingers toasty.
Specs:
- Material: Nylon shell, leather palm
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold
- Waterproof: Yes, GORE-TEX insert
- Weight: 376g (per pair)
Pros:
- Supreme wind protection
- Ideal for very cold conditions
- Waterproof and breathable
- Premium quality
Cons:
- Reduced finger dexterity
- Heavy for long-distance hikes
3. Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves
Originally designed for skiing, the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves are a fantastic option for winter hiking. These gloves offer a mix of goat leather on the palm for grip and waterproof synthetic fabric on the back for protection against snow. They feature a long gauntlet to keep snow out, which is perfect when trekking through deep snow on a cold-weather hike. Their fit is slightly more tailored than some bulky winter gloves, making them more comfortable for long hikes.
Specs:
- Material: Army goat leather and Triton polyamide fabric
- Insulation: G-Loft polyester
- Waterproof: Yes, with treated leather
- Weight: 220g (per pair)
Pros:
- Convenient features
- Durable construction
- Excellent grip with leather palm
- Lightweight for the warmth they provide
Cons:
- Less insulation than some heavier gloves
- Require regular leather treatment
4. Marmot Randonnee Gloves
If you’re looking for an all-rounder that’s great for both casual cold-weather hikes and more intense winter expeditions, the Marmot Randonnee Gloves are an excellent pick. They’re loaded with high-quality insulation, have a waterproof GORE-TEX insert, and a soft fleece lining for added comfort. The lightweight materials and snug fit mean these gloves provide adeptness without sacrificing warmth.
Specs:
- Material: Nylon shell, leather palm
- Insulation: Thermal R synthetic
- Waterproof: Yes, GORE-TEX insert
- Weight: 255g (per pair)
Pros:
- Great balance of dexterity
- Durable with leather reinforcement
- Very fixable wrist cuff
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Not ideal for extremely cold
- Feel snug for those with larger hands
5. Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves
For those who want a bit more freedom of movement without compromising warmth, the Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves are a fantastic choice. These gloves are completely waterproof and windproof, yet still breathable enough for longer hikes. They have a three-layer construction, combining an outer shell, waterproof membrane, and a soft fleece inner lining. Perfect for hiking in wet and snowy conditions.
Specs:
- Material: Synthetic shell, fleece lining
- Waterproof: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Weight: 215g (per pair)
Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Waterproof and windproof
- Ideal for milder cold-weather hikes
- Good value for the money
Cons:
- Not insulated for extreme cold
- Less durable in rugged conditions
6. Arc’teryx Fission SV Gloves
For those who are serious about winter hiking and need the absolute best in insulation and weather protection, the Arc’teryx Fission SV Gloves are a premium option. These gloves are insulated with PrimaLoft Gold. The outer shell is made from waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX. They have a reinforced leather palm for durability and grip. The overall design is ergonomic, which ensures a comfortable fit even during long hikes.
Specs:
- Material: Nylon shell, leather palm
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold
- Waterproof: Yes, GORE-TEX insert
- Weight: 200g (per pair)
Pros:
- Excellent warmth
- Weather resistance
- Durable and long-lasting
- Ergonomic fit for comfort
Cons:
- Pricey
- Slightly bulky for casual hikers
7. The North Face Etip Gloves
If you’re looking for a pair of gloves that offer decent warmth but prioritize proficiency and touch-screen compatibility, then The North Face Etip Gloves are a great option for casual winter hiking. They’re not designed for extreme cold, but they are great for mild cold-weather hikes where you need to use your phone or GPS without constantly removing your gloves.
Specs:
- Material: Stretch fleece
- Insulation: None
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 70g (per pair)
Pros:
- Excellent dexterity
- Touch-screen compatible
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Ideal for mild cold conditions
Cons:
- Not suitable for extreme cold
- No waterproofing
How to Choose the Best Hiking Gloves for Cold Weather
I’ll guide you through the most important factors you need to consider when choosing the best hiking gloves for cold weather.
Insulation Type: Warmth Matters
First off, the main reason you’re buying winter gloves is to keep your hands warm. Insulation plays a massive role in this. Most winter hiking gloves use either synthetic insulation like PrimaLoft or natural materials like down.
- Synthetic insulation (like PrimaLoft or G-Loft) is great for wet conditions because it retains heat even when damp. It’s durable and quick-drying, which makes it perfect for unpredictable winter hikes where you might encounter snow, sleet, or even rain.
- Down insulation, on the other hand, is super warm but loses its insulating properties when it gets wet. It’s better suited for extremely cold and dry environments. For most winter hiking, you’ll probably prefer synthetic insulation due to its versatility.
Waterproofing: Keep the Wet Out
Winter hikes often mean wet conditions, whether it’s from snow, slush, or rain. That’s where waterproof gloves become essential. Gloves with GORE-TEX or other waterproof inserts are great for keeping your hands dry while still allowing them to breathe, so you’re not stuck with sweaty hands.
If you’re in an area where wet snow or freezing rain is common, you’ll definitely want to prioritize waterproof gloves. But if you’re hiking in dry, cold conditions, water resistance might be enough.
Dexterity: Don’t Sacrifice Movement
I know, when you’re shopping for hiking gloves for cold weather, warmth might seem like the only thing that matters. But being able to use your hands is just as crucial. Gloves that are too bulky will restrict your movements and make it hard to do things like adjust your pack, unzip a jacket, or take photos.
Look for gloves that balance warmth with flexibility. Some gloves come with articulated fingers that allow more natural hand movements. If you’re doing more technical hiking or trekking in rugged conditions, dexterity will be even more important. However, if your hike is less intense, you will be okay with slightly bulkier gloves that focus more on warmth.
Liner vs. Shell Gloves: Layering for Versatility
One of the key things to look for in cold weather hiking gloves is whether they come with a liner or are compatible with one. Liners are thin, lightweight gloves that you can wear on their own in milder conditions or underneath your primary gloves for extra warmth in really cold conditions.
Many of the best winter hiking gloves, like the Black Diamond Guide Gloves or Outdoor Research Alti Mitts, come with removable liners. This gives you versatility: you can wear just the liner if it’s not too cold, or add the outer shell when temperatures drop. Having layers also lets you regulate your body temperature better, removing a layer if you’re starting to overheat.
Durability: Look for Longevity
Winter hiking can be tough on your gear. From gripping hiking poles to pushing through branches or scrambling over rocks, your gloves need to be durable enough to handle it. Gloves with reinforced palms, often made from leather or other tough materials, provide extra grip and help your gloves last longer.
For heavy-duty hikes in rugged terrain, gloves like the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves are fantastic because of their durable construction and reinforced palms. However, if you’re just going on more casual hikes, you might not need gloves with as much reinforcement.
Fit: Comfort is Key
Let’s talk fit. Gloves that are too tight will restrict circulation and make your hands colder. On the other hand, gloves that are too loose may let cold air in. You want a snug but comfortable fit, with enough room for your fingers to move without feeling cramped.
Also, consider the cuff style. Long gauntlets offer more protection from snow getting inside the gloves, while shorter cuffs can be more comfortable but might let in cold air if your sleeves ride up.
Touchscreen Compatibility: Stay Connected
If you’re like me and like to take photos or use GPS on your phone while hiking, touchscreen-compatible gloves are a game-changer. Gloves like The North Face Etip Gloves are designed to allow you to use your phone without taking them off, which is incredibly handy when the weather’s cold. Although these aren’t the warmest gloves for extreme cold, they’re perfect for milder winter hikes.
Weight: Balance Warmth with Portability
The weight of your gloves will affect how comfortable they are over long distances. Heavier gloves are often warmer but can be bulky and cumbersome for casual hikes. If you’re doing a lot of movement and need to carry other gear, you might want to opt for lighter options that still provide enough warmth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a demanding cold-weather hike with deep snow and freezing temperatures, invest in something durable, waterproof, and heavily insulated. From heavy-duty alpine gloves like the Black Diamond Guide Gloves to lightweight options like The North Face Etip Gloves, the best gloves depend on the type of hiking you’re doing. For more casual hikes, a lighter glove with good dexterity and wind protection might be more than enough.
