Warm hands. That’s all you’re thinking about when you can barely feel your digits from the cold air. How can you make your hands warm? But now gloves are capable of doing more than just a quick fix of heat. They have technology that pairs with exactly what you’re doing outdoors.
Need to have dexterity and waterproofing (say, for ice climbing)? What about durability and coverage higher than your wrist (let’s say you’re skiing)? Here are samples of what’s on the market today for making your outdoor activity seamless, because your gloves need to fit like a glove.
1. Lodestar
Breathable, durable, and wind- and water-resistant Polartec Power Shield High Loft are the buzzwords here. These gloves have a secure grip and are fast-drying.
–They have a soft-shell (good for climbing in cold conditions)
–They have precurved construction, like your hands do
Source: Outdoor Research
2. Caden
These gloves can fit under shell jackets and provide uphill protection while skiing or boot packing. They’re waterproof, windproof, and do snow-shedding.
–There’s an N80p-X Gore-Tex Pro 3L outer shell, and a leather palm overlay with Tri-Dex technology, allowing for nimble wear
–Warmth comes via fleece knit insulation
Source: Arcteryx
3. Da Goose IV GTX
This is a glove designed for the uber-cold, with a heavy denier fabric and three-layer thermal ply. It is waterproof, windproof and breathable.
–The Naturaloft insulation package has goose down
–Gore-Tex keeps the heat inside and everything dry
Source: Gordini
4. Ergo Grip OutDry Dexterity Short
These gloves are made of goat leather and flexible tricot fabric, so you’re looking at comfort and protection no matter what kinds of conditions. They’re windproof, waterproof and breathable.
–Expect a lot of finger mobility
–There’s a fleece lining
Source: Hestra
5. Steep Saiku Glove
It’s called a “big mountain glove,” which translates to being a waterproof and insulated ski glove. There’s even a removable Wrist Oven leash that give extra warmth when mated to a handwarmer.
–Gore-Tex inserts and a thermal-mapped construction aim for dryness and warmth, respectively
–Radiametric Articulation allows hands to stay in their natural, relaxed position
Source: The North Face
6. Burton Gore-Tex
With these, you can wear the shells and liners separately if you’re not freezing your arse off. If you are, these have two-layer Dryride Ultrashell exterior fabric to shed off the wind and snow. They are breathable, windproof and waterproof, plus there are wrist cinches to seal out the air and snow.
–There’s reinforcement material on the palms and fingers so that you can text and use a touch screen
–Zippered pockets on the back fit handwarmers
Source: REI
7. Pow Gloves Gem
You want comfort? Check. Warmth? Check. There’s an insert for waterproof protection, and the fabric’s equal dexterity and breathe-ability. The gloves are worth considering for snowboarding.
–There’s a microfleece lining
–Nose and goggle wipes are on the thumb
Source: Backcountry
8. Mercury Mitts
This is a year-round mitt and it has a waterproof insert and PrimaLoft insulation.
–Take out the split-finger liner for better finger movement
–There’s four-way stretch Pertex Shield fabric
Source: Black Diamond
9. Winter-Style Touchscreen
These gloves have extra thickness and warmth for the cold season, but they don’t lose their purpose: they’re touch screen–compatible gloves.
–They’re double-lined and have a brimmed cuff
–There’s an antislip grip on the palms for holding the phone or device
Source: Glider Gloves
10. ColdGear Infrared Storm Stealth
These utilize ColdGear Infrared technology — so, there’s a thermoconductive inner coating to absorb and keep in your body heat. And, they’re windproof.
–A special finish repels water, but your hands can still breathe
–The fingertips are touchscreen-friendly
Source: Under Armour
11. Wrist Freeride
These have all the musts: They’re waterproof, windproof and breathe. They also utilize Thinsulate insulation, which has the comfort and wicking handled.
–There’s knuckle padding and a goggle wipe on the thumb
–The gloves are made of high-quality goatskin
Source: POC
12. Arctic Silk Glove Liner
Have the gloves but need the warmth? Check out this liner, which fits any glove. And yes, warm silk is what gets the job done, and it’s a wicking fabric, so your hands will stay dry.
–It won’t stretch from wear
–It slides right into a glove or mitten
Source: Seirus Innovation