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Gloves and Mittens

Types of Gloves and Mittens

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Glove Liners

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Soft Shell Gloves and Mittens

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Fleece Gloves and Mittens

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Waterproof Gloves and Mittens

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Insulated Gloves and Mittens

Top Picks

How we choose: The best gloves and mittens highlighted here were selected based on 215 reviews of 168 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.

How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.

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Top Insulated Glove/Mitten

Outdoor Research Alti Mitts

user rating: 5 of 5 (6 reviews)

I’ve used my Alti Mitts for years and have found them to be of the highest quality. They have outperformed every other mitt I have owned prior to them.

Reasons to Buy

  • Light
  • Warm
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Tough
  • Waterproof

Fit and Comfort: Although dexterity is somewhat limited in a thicker mitt, I am more than willing to trade a lack of digit wiggling for warmer hands. I live in MN where temps often fall below 0°F. From my 5 years of experience with the Alti mitt, they perform exceptionally well in temperatures down to -20°F (assuming little activity—e.g. sitting in camp. If moving and working, they perform well below -20°F). When slipping on this version of the Alti model, you’ll notice right away that the sleeve is longer than the insert.

Read more: Outdoor Research Alti Mitts reviews (6)

Top Waterproof Glove/Mitten

Give'r Classic Give'r Gloves

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

An unusually durable shoulder to winter season glove. These gloves are well-finished, have a moderate amount of insulation, and arrive pre-waxed so they resist wetting out. Sizing can be an issue, so be careful when you order. Also, there are less-expensive alternatives.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfort
  • Durability
  • Finishing/features
  • Moderately warm

Reasons to Avoid

  • Price
  • Not ideal for colder conditions

SUMMARY I purchased these gloves after reading a review on Trailspace and because finding a good glove for cooler but not freezing weather has been challenging. In my experience, gloves that give you reasonable use of your hands and a fair amount of resistance to abrasion aren't that warm...or aren't as durable as one might want. Back of the glove Palm—note the clip by the wrist and my initials branded on them BASIC INFO Give'r Classic gloves are all leather cowhide with a light fuzzy insulating layer inside.

Read more: Give'r Classic Give'r Gloves reviews (2)

Waterproof Glove/Mitten / Insulated

SealSkinz Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Gauntlet

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The SealSkinz Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Gauntlet is a well-constructed, warm and waterproof glove for getting out and about in the cold. Ideal for downhill skiing and backcountry ski descents when temperature fall below -10˚C / teens F, and as a camp glove in somewhat higher temperatures.

Reasons to Buy

  • Very comfortable and warm
  • Sturdy construction
  • Precurved fingers
  • Waterproof over the wrist
  • Grippy leather palm

Reasons to Avoid

  • Can get a little humid inside

Preliminary Review Sealskinz has provided me with two pairs of gloves to put to the test, these and the All Weather Glove. Sealskinz specializes in waterproof/breathable socks, gloves, mittens, and hats, with nearly 50 options just in the gloves and mitten department. In most garments, waterproofness and breathability are a tradeoff, but Sealskinz claims its products offer “100% waterproof protection whilst being incredibly breathable and dexterous”. Depending on conditions and activity, these two characteristics may be more or less desirable—to have both in abundance could be a dream come true.

Read more: SealSkinz Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Gauntlet review (1)

Insulated Glove/Mitten

Black Diamond Dirt Bag Mitts

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

Black Diamond's Dirt Bag Mitts are a very warm, durable product at a spectacular price-point ($44.95 USD). These highly water resistant mittens are made with a goat leather outer which is built to last. Ideal for temperatures well under freezing (30°F or less), the Dirt Bag Mitts are designed for snowsports, hiking/backpacking, or general outdoor activities and chores. Note: Black Diamond also offers a Dirt Bag Glove counterpart.

Reasons to Buy

  • Extremely warm
  • Durable
  • Not bulky
  • Very weather resistant
  • Incredible price-point

Reasons to Avoid

  • No pull loop/can be difficult to put on
  • Questionable breathability
  • One color (subjective)

When warmth is a necessity, quality hand-wear is absolutely indispensable. Black Diamond’s new Dirt Bag Mitt falls under the ‘WOW’ category, especially when considering the quality-to-price point ratio. Black Diamond has shown to be a frontrunner in apparel for quite some time, and their gear can be seen everywhere from the trail to the climbing gym since 1957. Although designed as a ski mitt, the Dirt Bag excels as a durable, general-use outdoor mitten.   Specifications: Price: $44.95 USD Size: XS-XL Gender: Unisex Material: Goat leather shell; thermal foam & 100g fleece lining; acrylic knit cuff Color availability: Natural only Weight: 154g/5.5oz (pair) Temperature range: 20-35°F (Black Diamond’s spec)  Note: The Dirt Bag...

Read more: Black Diamond Dirt Bag Mitts review (1)

Insulated Glove/Mitten

Outdoor Research Inception Aerogel Gloves

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The Outdoor Research Inception Aerogel Gloves are warm, flexible, and comfortable gloves. They have become go-to gloves that I use on my daily snowshoeing and winter hiking outings. I have used these gloves for more than 60 days, in temperatures ranging from minus 4 (f) to 33 degrees, and in both dry and wet and snowy conditions. As the winter has progressed, in addition to use during my daily snowshoeing and winter hiking outings, I have used them while kick-sledding and shoveling snow. They are not bulky, permit dexterity, and work well with poles. The Inception Aerogel Gloves are well made, and are comfortable for my winter activities.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable
  • Warm within the range as designed
  • Palms provide secure grip
  • Water resistant
  • Maintain pliability even at very cold temperatures

Reasons to Avoid

  • Touchscreen option performs inconsistently

Introduction I began testing a pair of these Inception Aerogel Gloves in early November, in Northern Vermont, and have used them for more than 60 days of snowshoeing and winter hiking. While engaged in these activities, I actively use poles, so my hands are moving almost all the time. My needs for suitable gloves for my winter activities require that the gloves be comfortable, warm enough in a variety of conditions, large enough to permit use of a glove liner and to accommodate an arthritic thumb, yet not too bulky to easily use with poles.  Sizing and Color Options The gloves are available in two colors options, all black, and a black and saddle (dark tan) combination.

Read more: Outdoor Research Inception Aerogel Gloves review (1)

Top Glove Liner

Patagonia R1 Daily Gloves

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

This is a lightweight shoulder season glove, or it’s also useful as a liner glove. I like the larger-than-normal "grab loops" because they’re easy to snap into a light carabiner. The swirlies on the palm look funky, but don’t expect them to provide much grippiness. The pointer fingers are touchscreen compatible. Pricy, but very useful.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable
  • Oversize grab loops
  • Warm enough

Reasons to Avoid

  • Price
  • Don’t expect "grip" in the palm

 BACKGROUND The gloves. They clip together, nice for such a light glove. out for a walk, mid-30s.  backhand view Sized from XS to XL, the R1 Daily gloves are a successor to gloves Patagonia used to sell as capilene liner gloves. The polyester fabric feels like relatively substantial stretch fleece. It’s smooth on the inside, no grid like some of Patagonia’s other R1-named products.  inside surface; cuffs are finished inside and out. Some basic features/upgrades from basic liners: large loops are easy to clip to a small carabiner.

Read more: Patagonia R1 Daily Gloves review (1)

Top Fleece Glove/Mitten

The North Face Denali Etip Glove

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

Warm, lightweight, wind and water-resistant gloves. The e-tips work every time, and for me at least they’re warm at temps much lower than most reviewers report.

Reasons to Buy

  • Warmth
  • Wind and water resistance
  • Length
  • Fit
  • Cost

Reasons to Avoid

  • Ummm...the inside catches the cuts and cracks on my hands?

i bought my TNF Denali Etip gloves this past winter for use in warmer winter temps, and they worked great while hiking and snowshoeing in those temps maybe 5 degrees either side of 32°F that seem to be so hard to keep hands warm in.  What I found out this winter, however, is that the Denali Etips keep my hands nice and warm snowshoeing in temps in the mid single digits Fahrenheit and wind chills about 10-15 degrees colder. It’s nice not having to pull off heavier gloves to take pics, at least until the cold kills the battery.  The Denali Etips are mostly fleece, with nylon reinforcement over the backs of the hands and a synthetic suede palm with silicone gripper dots.  On the hood of my trusty Jeep after a bit of snowshoeing today.

Read more: The North Face Denali Etip Glove reviews (2)

Insulated Glove/Mitten

Eddie Bauer First Ascent Guide Gloves

user rating: 4 of 5 (2 reviews)

A very good winter glove for all but the coldest weather. A nice combination of warmth and freedom of movement. Very nice leather palms. Not waterproof, and leather needs to be treated periodically. Also, no gauntlet or leashes.

Reasons to Buy

  • Warm
  • Comfortable
  • Reasonably good hand movement
  • Sale pricing

Reasons to Avoid

  • Not waterproof
  • Not up to the coldest weather

For me, this is the glove that bridges between cold (30 degrees) and very cold (zero degrees) for most pursuits.  The gloves are insulated with Primaloft, with twice as much insulation on the back of the hands as the palm.  Regular price $129; purchased at one of their 40% off sales for just under 80 bucks. At that price, a great deal.  Back of the hand. Note that leather covers backs of fingers, but the back of most of the glove is nylon. Note the loop on the second finger for hooking with a carabiner if needed.Palm—leather covers fingers and a double layer of leather at the palm.  Another view of the palm, note how part of the palm is doubled up.

Read more: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Guide Gloves reviews (2)

Outdoor Research Highcamp 3-Finger Gloves

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

Good but not perfect. A compromise between warmth and dexterity that works reasonably well in most situations.

Reasons to Buy

  • Dexterity is good
  • Very warm
  • Excellent fit after fiddling
  • Reasonably water resistant

Reasons to Avoid

  • Supplied liner glove and velcro is redundant
  • Could be more breathable
  • Not really true to size

I had a pair of the original Mutant and wanted to replicate the functionality of the original, the military version being too heavy and stiff by comparison. Going by the OR website sizing guide I ordered a pair of XL but they were too big, I then ordered a pair of Large but they turned out to be a tad small and tight. Luckilly I had in my stash a pair of early OR liner glioves in a very LW single sided fleece that were less than a third the thickness of the supplied liners and this changed the fit from slightly tight to superb.

Read more: Outdoor Research Highcamp 3-Finger Gloves reviews (2)

Explore more top-rated gloves and mittens from Outdoor Research:

Insulated Glove/Mitten

Hestra Heli Ski 3-Finger Glove

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3 reviews)

These are my backup winter hiking mitt/gloves. I really like the heavy-duty feel of these, the lobster design, and some of the thoughtful features. On the downside, the inserts that arrived with these were average, I cut some of the excess straps off because their functionality was iffy, and the leather palms need a little more than usual care. A much better mitt with the replacement inserts. The basic functions—warmth, wind/water resistance, and in particular the deep winter replacement inserts, make these a nice and functional choice for winter.

Reasons to Buy

  • Tough materials
  • Great gauntlet adjustment
  • Lobster design keeps the small fingers warm
  • Outstanding Primaloft replacement insert
  • Shell material blocks wind and water
  • Nicely articulated palm and index finger

Reasons to Avoid

  • Thick wrist straps were of limited value
  • Original Quallofil inserts were just OK
  • Stock elastic wrist straps unable to accommodate thick sleeves
  • Leather palms need occasional dressing
  • Thumb not articulated — meh

Edit: As of winter 2021/22, I still wear these Hestra hybrid mitt/gloves in cold weather, wore them today. They have proved to be very durable and warm with the replacement insert. Today’s version has a better-articulated thumb but still appears to be sold with a "fiberfil"l insert rather than Primaloft. 2022 photos, after a number of years of use     Original Review: As you can see from the number of pros and cons, I have a complicated relationship with these mitt/gloves. In some ways brilliant, in others funky and a tad annoying.

Read more: Hestra Heli Ski 3-Finger Glove reviews (3)

More Gloves and Mittens

Trailspace reviewers have shared 215 reviews of 168 different gloves and mittens. Narrow your search and view more specific glove/mitten recommendations in these categories:

Glove Liners

Soft Shell Gloves and Mittens

Fleece Gloves and Mittens

Waterproof Gloves and Mittens

Insulated Gloves and Mittens

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