REI Polartec Wind Pro Fleece Gloves 2.0

Lightweight fleece gloves that provide good wind resistance and warmth for cool weather hiking. I have a condition where my fingers get very cold easily, and these performed surprisingly well in the 30 to 40 degree range. They are not quite as warm as mittens but worked well for active hiking and general trail use. A good option for shoulder season hiking or cold weather activity where dexterity is still needed.

I picked these up primarily for hiking and backpacking in cooler weather. Most of my hiking is in Western Washington where conditions can be damp, windy, and chilly, so I wanted something lightweight that still offered decent protection from the wind.

One thing worth noting is that I have a condition where my fingers tend to get cold very easily, so gloves can be hit or miss for me. These actually performed pretty well in the 30 to 40 degree range while hiking. They are not quite mitten level warm, but they provided enough warmth for active movement on the trail without my fingers getting uncomfortably cold.

The Polartec Wind Pro fleece does a good job blocking wind compared to standard fleece gloves. On breezy sections of trail they stayed noticeably warmer than lighter liner style gloves. They also breathe well, which is nice when you’re hiking uphill or moving at a steady pace.

They pack down easily and are light enough to keep in a jacket pocket or pack. I’ve used them while hiking and around camp and they’ve been comfortable for both.

They are not designed to be a heavy winter glove, so in very cold conditions I would probably pair them with a shell or switch to mittens. They are also not waterproof, which is something to keep in mind in wetter environments.

Overall they have been a solid lightweight glove for hiking and backpacking in cool weather.

Background

I regularly hike and backpack, mostly in Western Washington where conditions are often wet, windy, and cool. I’ve used a variety of lightweight gloves over the years and typically carry something like this for shoulder season hiking and colder trail conditions.