The cold winters can be rather debilitating for sports enthusiasts such as mountaineer, winter cyclists, and skiers along with professional handymen and truck drivers. The human body is made in such a way that the hands are farthest from your heart and tend to be the first ones to go during cold. Your hands require utmost care and protection particularly in winters and no one is looking to freeze their hands, which is why it’s best to prepare yourself for the dropping temperatures.
Of course, there are no specific gloves for all situations and activities of winter. While skiers look for wick and breathability of a glove, ice climbers are more concerned with the grip and protection. Similarly, the general public appears to look for additional insulation for protection.
Here’s a list of the best of lot daily wear that should fit your needs regardless of your planned activities this winter:
How to Choose Winter Gloves
You have the basic choice of choosing between over-the-cuff and under-the-cuff type of gloves. Most activities are covered by both, but you should consider the following for making the right decision:
- Weather conditions and general range of temperatures
- How easily do your hands get cold?
- Your activities
- Warm and thick gloves are overkill for activities such as skate skiing.
- Under-the cuff gloves are preferably used for outings that last a few hours.
- Over-the-cuff gloves are best used for all-day and long hours outside particularly in snow.
Under-the-Cuff Gloves
Outdoor Research PL 400 Sensor Gloves
Price: $22.94 – $160.97
Sizes: small- to XL
Pros:
- These come with a warm lining
- Lightweight
- Brilliant dexterity
- Touch-screen fingertips
Cons: They are not weatherproof.
These are double-layered gloves that tend to stay put on your hands regardless of the activity. These are best used for times when you need dexterity during cold temperatures. The gloves consist of stretchy fleece liner. These create a balance between light-weight material and additional warmth. These tend to extend a tad bit beyond your wrist for better coverage from the cold. The breathability of fabric is quite nice, wicks sweat, and it dries out quickly as well. The fingertips consist of a silicone print to avoid slipping. The tips are compatible with touch-screens although you might have to tap with slightly more deliberate motions as compared to bare hands.
Outdoor Research Afterburner Gloves
Price: $35.37 – $59.00
Sizes: Small to XL
Pros:
- These are weather resistant
- Touch-screen finger tips
- Light-weight
- Great value for money
Cons:
- The sizing is Unisex which might not be the best for women.
- There are no quick clips for connection.
These gloves are best used for high-intensity activities in winters or during moderate weather conditions. You can forget about your cold fingers with “water-resistant suede palm overlays”, the stretchy nylon fabric, and the neoprene. These features help create breathability and water repellency of the gloves. The lining is of polyester fleece to keep your hands comfortable in all activities. Good level of dexterity is offered and you will be able to use your smart-phone with great ease thanks to the touch-screen sensitive fingertip on both gloves. Swiping appears to be easier than typing with these.
Ibex Merino Wool Adult Kilometer Gloves
Price: $55.96 – $67.37
Sizes: Small –XL
Pros:
- Extended cuff
- Fast-drying and water resistant
- Lightweight and great fit
Cons:
No touch-screen sensor.
These gloves are made for aerobic activities such as running, skiing, backpacking, cold weather hiking and walking. Your hands will be provided with warmth and dexterity along with breathability to expel sweat. Your grip is enhanced with the leather suede overlays. For repelling snow, the synthetic fabric shell along with synthetic suede palm come in hand. Your wrists will be kept warm thanks to the cuffs that extend approximately two inches beyond your wrist bones and the wool material that keeps them dry.
Over-the-Cuff Gloves
The North Face Triclimate Etip Glove
Price: $62.99-$90
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros:
- Touch-screen compatibility
- Water proof and warm
- Affordable
- Elasticized wristband
Cons:
- The fit is slightly large which might compromise on the touch-screen compatibility.
- The wrist band can be inconvenience for some skiers.
These gloves are best used for snowshoeing, alpine climbing, back country skiing, and winter hiking. During chilly weather of below zero temperatures, your hands are least likely to feel cold thanks to the 200g insulation at the back and the 100g insulation used in the palms. The liner is removable and the fabric is thin and light for utmost comfort. Breathability is offered by the waterproof Hyvent lining. Great grip is provided by the synthetic leather. Moisture is repelled thanks to the nylon fabric. A natural position is attained for your hands by the curved fingers.
Outdoor Research Luminary Sensor Gloves
Price: $96-$129
Sizes: Small –XL
Pros:
- Versatile and warm
- Fully featured
- Great touch-screen compatibility
Cons:
If you’re looking for spring skiing or mild temperatures then this might not be the best pick.
These gloves are best used for winter hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and alpine climbing. The gloves feature a three-in-one system that will have you covered from cold single digits to the chilly winds of subzero temperature. The “removable wood-blend inner glove” offers good warmth along with the water resistant shell of the outer glove which stops the chilling wind effects from getting in. The insulation is placed in the lining instead of the shell glove so you can manage hand temperatures according to the surrounding conditions.
The leather palms offer great grip and the leather overlays provide additional durability. The nylon loop makes pulling the gloves on easier and the touch-screen compatibility in the index finger and thumb is excellent with the full system as well.
Final Thoughts
Make the best of your outdoor activities with these five picks. Don’t allow the weather conditions stop you from having fund. Enjoy the chilly weather and the snow activities without worrying about your hands. These gloves have you covered for everything.