Best Winter Gloves
 
 

When the temperature drops, your blood flows to your core and away from your extremities, which is why your hands tend to be the first to get cold. A good pair of gloves will help keep you comfortable, so you can enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather.

We tested a range of gloves from lightweight liners to heavily-insulated mitts for snowsports. We assessed them for warmth, comfort, and value to bring you this list of the best winter gloves on the market.

Closeup of the Black Diamond Guide Gloves

The Black Diamond Guide Glove is incredibly warm & durable enough to last for many years of hard use

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

The REI Fleece Gloves are a comfortable, practical & affordable option for winter walks and everyday outdoor wear.

The REI Fleece Gloves are a comfortable, practical & affordable option for winter walks and everyday outdoor wear

What’s Most Important To You In A Winter Glove?

PRICE - You don’t have to spend a boatload of money to get a great pair of winter gloves, but we find that spending a little more for a pair of high-quality gloves is often well worth the cost for the increase in comfort, weather performance, and durability. We recommend gloves at a variety of price points below to make it easy to find a great option that fits your budget.

Lightweight liner gloves cover most of our needs on casual snowshoe trips unless conditions are really cold or wet.

Lightweight liner gloves cover most of our needs on casual snowshoe trips unless conditions are really cold or wet

INSULATION - The warmest snow sports gloves have a shell to block out wind and water and a thick layer of wool, down, or synthetic fill to keep body heat in. More insulation means less dexterity and less breathability though, so it’s best not to go with gloves that are overkill if conditions don’t call for it. Consider your typical local conditions, how warm your body runs, and your activity level.

The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner Gloves are great worn alone or as a base layer with heavier gloves.

The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner Gloves are great worn alone or as a base layer with heavier gloves

VERSATILITY - If you dabble in lots of different outdoor sports throughout the year, you know how quickly gear adds up - in your garage and your bank account. The best solution we’ve found is to choose versatile products that can be used for various seasons and activities. The most versatile gloves can be worn in layers so you can beef up or whittle down your clothing system to suit the occasion.

The REI Minimalist GTX Mittens are an ultralight waterproof shell that can be layered for a variety of activities.

The REI Minimalist GTX Mittens are an ultralight waterproof shell that can be layered for a variety of activities

QUICK-DRYING/BREATHABILITY - Sweat happens when you’re active, even in the winter. Unfortunately, damp hands are far more susceptible to getting chilled than dry ones. Thankfully, simple wool or synthetic liner gloves are super effective at wicking moisture away from the skin and evaporating it quickly to keep heat loss to a minimum. Liner gloves can be worn alone or layered with heavier gloves to increase warmth and manage moisture.

The Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners protect your hands from cold, wet surfaces.

The Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners protect your hands from cold, wet surfaces

WATERPROOFING - Some gloves have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment on the outer shell, but DWR alone is best for mildly wet conditions. Gloves with a waterproof membrane, like GORE-TEX are best for more severe conditions. Leather gloves are stylish and durable, but they will need to be regularly waxed to maintain their water-resistance.

The Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners are fully waterproof & adventure-ready.

The Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners are fully waterproof & adventure-ready

DEXTERITY - Fleece and knit liner gloves offer the most dexterity when you need the accuracy of a bare hand. They fit closely and are usually stretchy to allow unencumbered movement. If you need more warmth, pair liner gloves with warm, insulated overmitts with a leash so you can drop your mitt and pull out your hand when you need more dexterity.

Not all gloves that say they are touchscreen compatible work well, so be sure to check the pros & cons above.

Not all gloves that say they are touchscreen compatible work well, so be sure to check the pros & cons above

DURABILITY - Durability is important, especially when it comes to winter gloves for work or snowsports. Many heavy-duty gloves are entirely leather or are reinforced with leather in the places that tend to take the most beating. If you work and play hard outside, consider spending more on high-quality winter gloves that will hold up to years of wear and tear.

The Smartwool Ridgeway Gloves are tough leather on the outside & warm, comfy wool on the inside.

The Smartwool Ridgeway Gloves are tough leather on the outside & warm, comfy wool on the inside

Best Winter Gloves of 2023

BEST WARM MITTEN FOR SNOWSPORTS

MSRP: $120

BEST USE: Snowsports

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 11 oz.

SIZING: Unisex & Women’s

PROS: Very warm, waterproof, durable, lightweight, leashes, removable waterproof insulation liner with split-finger (great for winter camping), great value

CONS: Low dexterity, not touchscreen compatible

BOTTOM LINE: If your hands get cold easily, the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are a real game changer. The mitten style allows your blood to flow freely and promotes warmth through finger-to-finger contact. The high-loft synthetic insulation traps heat like a champ, and the lightweight shell is entirely waterproof. One of the features of the Mercury Mitts we like most is that the insulated liners are removable, waterproof, and have a split finger design for times when you need more dexterity. The Mercury Mitts are solid performers and an excellent value for winter sports or daily wear in very cold climates. 

BEST DURABLE SNOWSPORTS GLOVE

MSRP: $180

BEST USE: Snowsports

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 11 oz.

SIZING: Unisex & Women’s

PROS: Warm, waterproof; durable, removable & waterproof wool liners, padded knuckles for impact protection, soft nose-wipe thumbs, leashes

CONS: Expensive, low dexterity, not touchscreen compatible

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for the ultimate glove to keep you comfortable for frequent trips to the mountains, the Black Diamond Guide Gloves are some of the very best. They’re practical, super warm, and built tough so they’ll last for many seasons. We really like that these gloves are essentially 2-in-1. The removable liners are waterproof, so your hands stay fully protected even when you drop the shell layer. The Guide gloves are perfect for those who log a lot of mountain days and take comfort and functionality seriously. The Guide Gloves are also available in 3-Finger style.

BEST WATERPROOF LINER GLOVE

MSRP: $55

BEST USE: Multisport, hiking, cross-country, everyday wear

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 2.8 oz.

SIZING: Unisex - check size chart

PROS: Water/windproof, warm for liners, lightweight, packable, works well with touchscreen, pull-loops for easy on/off, versatile, good value

CONS: Feels a bit thicker/less dexterous than other liners, runs slightly large, no connector

BOTTOM LINE: We’re stoked on the Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners because they have a great balance of weather protection and dexterity. It’s rare to find gloves that are both low-profile and fully waterproof, so when we discovered these babies, we knew we had to have them. They deliver the perfect amount of warmth and protection for active days in the rain or snow. During testing, these gloves were our favorite to wear for everyday tasks in wet weather, like scraping ice off our windshields. The OR Waterproof Liners are a glove we think just about everyone will appreciate, and they’re our top liner glove pick for winter based on protection, value, and versatility.

BEST BUDGET GLOVE FOR SNOWSPORTS

MSRP: $80

BEST USE: Snowsports

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 8.4 oz.

SIZING: Men’s & Women’s

PROS: Great value, warm, waterproof, removable liners, works well with touchscreen, heat-pack/vent pocket, leashes, soft nose-wipe thumbs, connecter to keep gloves together

CONS: Low dexterity, liner gloves are difficult to put on (limited stretch in the wrist)

BOTTOM LINE: If you need a pair of warm, waterproof gloves for snowsports, the Burton GORE-TEX Gloves are a great value buy. They have all the practical features that you want on the mountain, like leashes, a heat pack pocket, and functional touchscreen capabilities. Plus, they come with a pair of warm, fleece-lined liner gloves. We also love that these gloves are fully waterproof without regular waxing like some of the other leather gloves on our list. Overall, we’re impressed with the quality of the Burton GORE-TEX Gloves, and they’re one of the most attractive and affordable options for skiers and snowboarders on a budget.

COMFORTABLE & AFFORDABLE FLEECE GLOVE

MSRP: $30

BEST USE: Multisport, hiking, cross-country, everyday wear

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 2.5 oz.

SIZING: Men’s & Women’s

PROS: Affordable, warm for a liner, breathable, good dexterity, quick-drying, works well with touchscreen, lightweight, packable, machine washable, synthetic suede palm for grip, connecter to keep gloves together

CONS: Not wind/waterproof, not as durable as some

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Fleece Gloves are a great practical option for everyday wear in fall and winter. They’re warm, yet breathable, and they work well with touchscreens so you can easily snap photos or pick up a call while you’re out. Since the REI Fleece Gloves are so affordable, you can pick up a couple pairs to cycle between when they get wet and dirty. We love that they’re soft and easy to wash too - ‘cause let’s face it, gloves are the best for wiping your nose when you’re out in the cold. The REI Fleece Gloves are awesome for everything from your morning walk to a variety of winter sports in mild weather. For more protection in wet conditions, pair them with a shell like the REI Minimalist GTX Mittens 2.0.

DURABLE LEATHER GLOVE FOR OUTDOOR WORK & EVERYDAY WEAR

MSRP: $90

BEST USE: Outdoor chores, everyday wear, spring snow sports

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 6.2 oz.

SIZING: Unisex - check size chart

PROS: Durable, comfortable, good dexterity for a leather glove, wool back panel for stretch and soft nose wipe, connecter to keep gloves together

CONS: Requires wax treatment to maintain water resistance, not touchscreen compatible, not as warm as some, slow drying

BOTTOM LINE: With soft, yet durable leather and a warm merino wool lining, the Smartwool Ridgeway Gloves can pull double duty for outdoor chores, everyday wear, and even snowsports in mild conditions. They fit snug and stretch in all the right places for top-notch comfort and plenty of dexterity for the task at hand. The Ridgeways are warm as long as you’re active, though they might not be insulated enough for leisurely winter activities or really chilly conditions. That said, they’re some of our faves for driving, collecting firewood, or hitching up a trailer. Just keep in mind that they need a wax treatment to be water resistant. Overall, we’re very impressed with the high quality of the Ridgeway gloves and consider them a great buy for hardworking people who need maximum durability and comfort. The Smartwool Ridgeway is also available in Mitten style.

BEST ULTRALIGHT LINER GLOVE FOR LAYERING

MSRP: $49

BEST USE: Multisport, hiking, cross-country, everyday wear

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 0.9 oz.

SIZING: Unisex - check size chart

PROS: Thin and layer-able, breathable, very quick-drying, great dexterity, ultralight, packable, pull loop for easy on/off

CONS: Not wind/waterproof, not very warm when worn alone, limited touchscreen capability, no connector

BOTTOM LINE: If we had to pick just one liner glove to use year-round, it’d be the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liners. They have a phenomenal fit and they’re incredibly thin so they feel like they’re barely there. The Capilene fabric wicks sweat and evaporates moisture in a flash, so our hands stay dry and comfortable whether we’re wearing them alone or using them as a base layer under heavier gloves. We wish the touchscreen sensors worked better, but we’re willing to look past that since these gloves are so perfectly form-fitting and versatile. If you’re looking for a new go-to glove that you can use year-round as part of a layering system, look no further than the Capilene Midweight Liners.

ULTRALIGHT WATERPROOF MITTS

MSRP: $50

BEST USE: Multisport, hiking, cross-country, everyday wear

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 2.2 oz.

SIZING: Unisex - check size chart

PROS: Waterproof, great for layering, versatile, lightweight, packable, connector to keep mittens together

CONS: Not insulated, low dexterity, not touchscreen compatible

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Minimalist GTX Mittens 2.0 are the perfect ultralight solution for those that want a single pair of gloves that work for a variety of activities throughout the year. They’re meant to be layered over other gloves, so you can dial in your level of protection based on your needs. We like to pair ours with a thin liner glove during rain with mild temperatures. And when it’s really cold, we add our choice of fleece or wool gloves to the mix. The Minimalist GTX Mittens make any gloves water and windproof, which make a huge difference in your comfort.

PREMIUM MOUNTAIN SPORTS GLOVE FOR SEVERE CONDITIONS

MSRP: $199

BEST USE: Snowsports, mountaineering

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 7.8 oz.

SIZING: Unisex - check size chart

PROS: Waterproof, warm, lightweight, durable, good dexterity, easy on/off, leashes

CONS: Very expensive, insulation isn’t removable (for drying/camp), not as warm as some

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a pair of winter gloves that can handle the harsh conditions of mountaineering and snow sports without the bulk, check out the Arc'teryx Fission SV. They’re Arc'teryx’s warmest glove offering, and they’re fully waterproof for ultimate protection in severe conditions. The fuzzy lining does an excellent job of managing moisture and efficiently traps heat to keep your hands dry and comfortable. A double layer of flexible goat leather reinforces these gloves for long-lasting durability in all the most vulnerable places.  The Fission SV Gloves are expensive, but these are well worth the cost if you want a long-lasting glove with a premium look and feel. Fission SV Mittens are also available.

DURABLE & STYLISH MIDWEIGHT GLOVE FOR SNOWSPORTS

MSRP: $165

BEST USE: Snowsports

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 8.3 oz.

SIZING: Unisex & Women’s-specific

PROS: Durable, lightweight, removable liners, comfortable cuffs, good dexterity for a snowsports glove, wrist leashes, grommets & carabiner to connect gloves

CONS: Expensive, needs to be waxed to maintain water resistance, not as warm as some

BOTTOM LINE: If you appreciate quality craftsmanship, durability, and style, check out the Hestra Fall Line Gloves. They’re built by a company who’s been honing the craft of glove making for decades and the artistry shows in the intricate stitching. The Fall Line Gloves are more than good looks though - they’re super comfortable and have just enough padding for snowsports or a variety of winter activities. We also love how well the cuffs stay put under jacket sleeves. Since the Fall Line gloves are leather, they need to be waxed to maintain their softness and water repellency. But, if you’re willing to give them some love on occasion, the Fall Line Gloves will keep working hard for you for years to come. The Fall Line Gloves are also available in Mitten (women’s) and 3-Finger Mitten styles.

SLEEK, WIND-RESISTANT GLOVE

MSRP: $69

BES USE: Multisport, hiking, cross-country, everyday wear

WEIGHT PER PAIR (Men's L): 2.2 oz.

SIZING: Unisex - check size chart

PROS: Water/wind resistant, lightweight, packable, quick-drying, good dexterity, works with touchscreen, loops to attach carabiner

CONS: Expensive, not fully waterproof, not as breathable as some

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a pair of flattering, low-profile gloves that are as at home in the city as they are in the backcountry, you’ll love the Arc'teryx Venta. Their tailored fit and seamless fingertips offer great dexterity for things like taking photos and navigating jacket pockets. We also love the Venta’s balance of low weight and weather protection. They’re warm and resistant to wind and light rain without feeling cumbersome. The Venta Gloves are on the expensive side for lightweight gloves, but since they’re comfortable and practical, we wear them a ton and consider them a good value.

Honorable Mentions

The following winter gloves didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these gloves might be perfect for you:

The Arc'teryx Venta glove is highly weather resistant, which keeps your hands warmer for much longer in cold, wet conditions

Critical Winter Glove Considerations

MITTENS VS. GLOVES - In extreme cold, mittens are usually warmer since they allow finger-to-finger contact, and your blood can circulate more freely without constriction around each finger. Gloves offer better dexterity though, and are more convenient for tasks like using tools, adjusting bindings, or taking photos with a cell phone.

The Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners & Smartwool Liner Tech-Compatible Gloves are great for everyday winter use.

The Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners & Smartwool Liner Gloves are great for everyday winter use

GAUNTLET VS. SHORT CUFFS - The choice between gauntlet (over the sleeve) or short (under the sleeve) cuffs comes down to personal preference. Gauntlet gloves provide more protection and are usually best for intense, cold-weather conditions. Short cuffs are generally more comfortable, versatile, and less expensive.

Need More Gear Advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

  • We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

  • We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

  • We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

  • We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

The Smartwool Ridgeway gloves are tough, stylish & versatile.

The Smartwool Ridgeway gloves are tough, stylish & versatile

More Information

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

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About the Author
About the Author

Heather Eldridge is an accomplished backpacker and camping aficionado. She cut her teeth on winter camping and rock climbing trips as a youngster then went on to thru-hike over 6,000 miles of America’s longest trails. She now lives on a farm in Oregon where she works as a full-time gear tester, writer, and photographer.

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