Hiking gloves are a must-have item on our kit list for a trip to the hills, and we can include a few pairs to get us through the varied circumstances we may encounter on the day. The types we tested for our best hiking gloves review are three-season, which means they’re appropriate for regular use outside of full winter hill conditions. When you consider the other factors involved in choosing a pair (or several!) of gloves, however, this definition becomes more vague.
Main image: The Extremities Waterproof Power Liner | Credit: Terra Nova
Our reviewers have different needs when it comes to insulation levels, and they will find different designs more suitable and comfortable for their personal use in the same weather. Those of us who ‘run hot’ and have warm hands will need less insulation and so might opt for lighter gloves with better dexterity; cold hands will need bulkier gloves and sacrifice dexterity but might gain something in durability, to offset a potentially more expensive purchase.
Just like with hiking boots, fit is important. A hiking glove that is too tight can make our hands feel the cold quicker. Too loose and dexterity will suffer, meaning we might remove our gloves to complete tasks and thereby risk cold fingers. Wrist cuffs vary greatly; a short cuff will interfere with your waterproof jacket or other layers less and leave a watch more accessible but can leave a potential cold spot at your wrist. Cuffs that are longer and low-profile can tuck easily under a sleeve; looser and they’ll fit over it.
Fabrics vary greatly in performance, and we’ve covered as many options as possible in this review: windproof, waterproof, leather, merino and synthetic. All these fabrics have advantages and disadvantages in different conditions – hence why carrying multiple pairs of gloves is a viable option. Wet and windy will require a different amount of protection to cool and calm.
Hiking gloves can also work well together as a system. The lightest liners can be the only gloves you wear all day and can stay on your hands when the weather changes. Rather than change gloves, you might slip a bigger glove over the top. It means you’ll still have protection if you have to take a glove off to rummage in a rucksack or work with a navigation device.
One thing we realised during the testing was how easy it is to lose a black glove in your hiking pack or at camp, something made worse when carrying and testing multiple pairs – so it’s worth checking to see if the model you like comes in different colours or with an easy-to-spot logo.
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The best hiking gloves we’ve tested
If you’re looking for a mountaineering glove that can withstand winter conditions, read our verdicts on the best winter gloves on the market right now.
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| Best touchscreen compatibility: Black Diamond Deploy (available from Black Diamond) |
| Best versatility: Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro (available from Outdoor Research) |
| Best breathability: Rab Vapour-Rise (available from Cotswold Outdoor) |
| Best Value: Keela Sticky Polartec (available from Outdoor Action) |
| Lightest in test: Montane Trail Lite (available from Montane) |
| Quick drying: Rab Phantom Contact Grip (available from Cotswold Outdoor) |
Best overall
Black Diamond Deploy
Steph Wetherell’s Best in Test
These are a lightweight, versatile pair of gloves that are comfortable to wear but full of well thought-out and designed functionality.- lightweight
- watch access
- versatile
- dot grip might not be for everyone
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| Price: £40 | €40 (available from Black Diamond) Weight: 39g (pair, medium) Materials: 88% Recycled Polyester, 12% Elastane Features: Grippy palm, grid fleece nosewipe, touchscreen compatible Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL Women’s version? Unisex eu.blackdiamondequipment.com |
Because the gloves fit so snugly, the touchscreen functionality works really well both on thumb and finger, and the four seam fingers offer excellent dexterity to the point that I didn’t have to take them off to change layers or even eat my lunch. There’s also a grid-fleece nosewipe on the back of the thumb, which means no faff with tissues on a windy hillside. As someone who wears a watch (albeit an old digital one rather than a smartwatch), I found the wristwatch opening super useful. It meant I could check the time without having to untuck my gloves from my coat, which was great in bad weather, and I can imagine it’s also even more useful if you have your route on your watch. The gloves also have a pairing clip to help keep them together when not being worn.
These are a lightweight, versatile pair of gloves that are comfortable to wear but full of well thought-out and designed functionality. They aren’t the cheapest on the market but they are a pair that you will keep reaching for.
Read more: Steph’s Black Diamond Deploy review
Quick drying
Rab Phantom Contact Grip
James Roddie’s Best in Test
Overall, these are excellent three season gloves, and very much deserve a Best in Test.- quick drying
- excellent warmth to weight ration
- sizing on the large size
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| Price: $42 | £40 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 60g (Size M pair) Materials: Polartec Windpro. 90% polyester, 10% elastane Sizes: S-XL Women’s version: Yes rab.equipment/uk |
The Rab Phantom Contact Grip gloves feature Polartec Windpro, and I found this to offer excellent wind resistance and water repellency. Out of all of the gloves in this test, these took the longest to wet-through in the rain, with very obvious ‘beading’ on the surface. They were also the quickest to dry by some margin. I found these gloves to be the warmest in the test. They are the heaviest by a few grams, but realistically this is not noticeable even when directly comparing, and they offer excellent warmth to weight ratio.
The cuff extends further down the wrist than is often found in this style of glove. I personally like this, as it helps to reduce cold around your wrist when wearing the gloves with a jacket. The cuff edge is reinforced with a lycra rim, helping with durability in this area. The silicone palm grip is amongst the most effective I have ever used. It covers the entire palm, extends to the fingertips, and it is incredibly grippy. There are touchscreen compatible zones on both the forefinger and thumb, and I found that they worked very effectively.
Read more: James’ full Rab Phantom Contact Grip review
Best versatility
Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro
Kirsty Pallas’ Best in Test
Whether it’s wet and windy summer conditions, or a pleasant winter day, these have become a bit of a staple in my bag, because they can handle it all.- Good fit
- Easy cuff
- Big pull loops
- No leather on two fingers
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| Price: $65 / £51 (available from Outdoor Research) Weight: 115g Pros: Good fit, easy cuff, big pull loops Cons: No leather on two fingers Materials: Nylon outer, goat leather palm, polyester lining and insulation Waterproof: Yes, Ventia insert Features: Touchscreen compatible, velcro cuff, pull on loop, connection hook Sizes: S – L Mens version: Yes outdoorresearch.com |
Outdoor Research’s Sureshot Pro hiking gloves are a versatile and lightweight option for outdoor activities. They are warm, waterproof, and not heavy or bulky, with a snug fit and good-length fingers that don’t compromise fine motor skills. The cuffs are flared for easy carrying over hands, watches, or layers, and have a velcro closure for added warmth.
The gloves are stretchy on the back for easy movement, and the goat leather palm is durable and grippy. The lining is soft and cozy, featuring ActiveTemp heat regulating technology for warmth in most weathers. The Ventia waterproof insert ensures warmth even on wet days. The thumb and forefinger work well on touchscreens, allowing users to check mapping or write messages. The gloves have a pull loop for easy access and a connection buckle for easy storage. These gloves are perfect for wet and windy summer conditions or pleasant winter days, making them a staple in any bag.
Read more: Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro review
Best for breathability
Rab Vapour-Rise
James Roddie’s Best in Test
I am giving these gloves the ‘Best in Test’ badge for their excellent breathability, warmth to weight ratio and durability.- highly breathable
- durable
- quick drying
- tight fit
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| Price: $66 / £48 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 80g (medium) Materials: Matrix™ Nylon Features: Touchscreen compatible, velcro cuff, pull on loop, connection hook Sizes: XS – XL Women’s version: Unisex rab.equipment/uk |
The Rab Vapour-Rise gloves have become my gloves of choice for keeping moving in chilly conditions. If you are prone to sweaty hands, then the excellent level of breathability offered will be very attractive. I found the warmth-to-weight ratio to be very good, and better than expected for quite a thin glove. I was happy with the wind resistance capabilities of the materials. Even on a day of biting Northerly winds in January, I was able to wear these for longer than I expected before reaching for something warmer. There is no waterproof lining so your hands will get wet very quickly in the rain. The gloves do dry quickly however.
The forefinger and thumb are touchscreen compatible, but I found this far less effective on the thumb. I found the fit of these gloves to be small. The fingers are slim and a little on the short side, so I would recommend choosing a larger size than normal. I am giving these gloves the ‘Best in Test’ badge for their excellent breathability, warmth to weight ratio and durability.
Read more: Rab Vapour-Rise Gloves review
Best value
Keela Sticky Polartec
James Roddie’s Best Value
At £29.95 the Keela Sticky Polartec Gloves are the least expensive gloves in this test, but this does not translate to lower quality here.- excellent breathability
- price
- not touchscreen compatible
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| Price: $35 | £29.95 (available from Outdoor Action) Weight: 50g (Size M pair) Materials: Polartec Hardface Sizes: S-XL Women’s version? Unisex keelaoutdoors.com |
At £29.95 the Keela Sticky Polartec Gloves are the least expensive gloves in this test, but this does not translate to lower quality here. Keela have used Polartec Hardface in these gloves. I found wind resistance and breathability to be very good. I found myself happily using wearing these for higher intensity activity (cycling in my case) in cold conditions without breathability issues. However, I did find these gloves to be marginally the slowest to dry in the test. The fit seems perfect for my Medium pair, with no baggy areas or spare room at the finger tips.
Overall comfort is excellent, with soft inner material and a cuff with enough stretch to make it easy to pull the gloves on. There is a silicone printed grip, and this is both very effective and has a stylish aesthetic. The silicone is distributed in low-profile contour style lines rather than ‘blobs’, and perhaps this has helped with durability. Weighing a total of 50g for a Medium pair, these gloves are very lightweight. They are thin enough, with a precise enough fit so that I would be happy to use them as liners in winter.
Read more: James’ full Keela Sticky Polartec gloves review
Extremities Waterproof Power Liner
Steph Wetherell recommends
Overall, these are a good option for wearing in poor weather.- Decent degree of waterproofing
- No grip on palm
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| Price: £30 (available from GO Outdoors) Weight: 69g (pair, medium) Pros: A decent degree of waterproofing Cons: No grip on palm Materials: 100% Polyester (at least 90% recycled), PFC Free waterproof liner Features: Touchscreen compatible, waterproof liner Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL Men’s version? Unisex www.terra-nova.co.uk |
The Extremities Waterproof Power Liner gloves were a comfortable and well-proportioned fit, and the four-seam fingers mean that I had good movement. They are the first waterproof stretch fleece glove on the market, and the fabric was comfortable and soft. They are pretty warm to wear, so even if it’s not raining, they are a good option to offer warmth and protection from the wind. Despite the waterproof nature, I found they were still reasonably breathable and my hands didn’t get sweaty. The touchscreen functionality worked well, even when wet. Thanks to the British weather, I was able to test their waterproofness comprehensively.
I found they functioned well when wearing them and kept my hands pretty dry, but after taking them off to eat lunch, when putting them back on they felt wet through and were a uncomfortable to wear. I also found that they took a while to dry out after wetting through, so I would likely still opt to carry an additional spare pair on wet days.
Read more: Steph’s full Extremities Waterproof Liner review
Lightest in Test
Montane Trail Lite
Kirsty Pallas Recommends
They are designed to be light. They also work really well as a liner glove, and I’ve used them a lot this summer when it’s been wet and windier than ideal!- Weight
- Quick drying
- Windproof
- Durability
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| Price: $40 / £30 (available from Montane) Weight: 26g Materials: Nylon and elastane Waterproof: No Features: Windproof, touchscreen compatible, nosewipe Sizes: XS – L Mens version: Yes montane.com |
The Montane Trail Lite is a versatile glove suitable for trail running, hillwalking, and cold scrambling. Its snug fit, good finger length, and minimal fabric around the hand make it easy to use for fiddly tasks. The cuffs are neat and long, with a slightly elasticated hem and more elastic at the base. The back of the hand is made of Chameleon LT softshell fabric, providing an effective windproof layer. The palm is stretchy and breathable, but not windproof. There is no lining, so no additional insulation is provided.
The thumb and forefinger are touchscreen compatible, and there is a soft fleece patch on both thumbs as a nose wipe. The gloves are small enough to fold together like socks, making them easy to carry in a pocket. The stitching is quick for light activities, and they work well as a liner glove, making them a great choice for wet and windy weather.
Read more: Montane Trail Lite gloves review
Mammut Astro
Kirsty Pallas Recommends
The Astro is a neat and warm softshell hiking glove, which has a close fit around your hand.- Good fit
- Warm
- Doesn’t always work with touchscreens
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| Price: $60 / £50 Weight: 110g Materials: Polyester and polyamide, synthetic leather palm Waterproof: No Features: Windproof, touchscreen compatible, connection buckle, nosewipe Sizes: Glove size 5 – 12 Mens version: Unisex mammut.com |
The Mammut Astro is a warm, softshell hiking glove designed for intricate tasks such as zips, laces, and climbing. It features pre-shaped fingers and a wide range of sizes, making it easy to fit. The cuffs are low volume, slightly elasticated, and have a velcro closure, making them comfortable to wear under jacket cuffs. The outer is stretchy with Gore Windstopper material, while the palm is synthetic leather for water resistance. The lining is soft fleece for warmth and comfort.
Touchscreen inserts in the thumb and forefinger work with phones, but require the right angle or push harder. Pull loops on the cuff help with cold fingers. A smooth fabric on the thumb allows for nose wipes, and a connection buckle keeps the gloves together in your bag. The glove is designed to work all year round with touchscreen inserts in the thumb and forefinger, pull loops on the cuff, and a smooth fabric on the thumb for nose wipes.
Read more: Mammut Astro glove review
Montane Fury XT Fleece
James Roddie Recommends
I was really happy with the levels of warmth and breathability provided by these gloves. They stand up well in chilly Autumn or Spring weather, and are thin enough that they can be used as a liner.- Lightweight
- Excellent touchscreen compatability
- Less suitable for wet conditions
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| Price: $45 / £35 Weight: 45g (size Medium pair) Materials: 51% Thermo Stretch Polyester, 39% Nylon, 10% Elastane Sizes: S-XL Women’s version: Yes montane.com |
The Montane Fury XT gloves are lightweight and portable, with a size Medium pair weighing 45g. They can be easily stored in a trouser pocket for quick access. The fabric provides high stretch, making them easy to wear and dexterous. The forefinger and thumb tips have touchscreen compatible zones, allowing users to adjust menu settings on their mirrorless camera. The cuff is semi-elasticated, offering enough stretch for wristwatch access. A silicone print covers the entire underside of the glove, making it grippy and stickable to ice axe shafts or walking poles.
The gloves provide warmth and breathability, standing up well in chilly weather and being thin enough to be used as a liner inside another glove for winter conditions. Although there is no waterproof lining, they are fast-drying, making them ideal for fast-and-light adventures. The gloves are suitable for chilly weather in autumn or spring and can be used as a liner inside another glove for winter.
Read more: Montane Fury XT Fleece review
The North Face Summit Alpine
James Roddie Recommends
At £80 this is an expensive product, but overall this is an excellent hiking glove for three season use.- Warm
- Wind resistance
- Price
- No touch screen capability
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| Price: $80 / £80 Weight: 120g (size Medium pair) Materials: Recycled Polyester and Nylon, goat leather palm. Sizes: XXS – XL Women’s version: No (Unisex). thenorthface.co.uk |
The North Face Summit Alpine Glove is a high-quality hiking glove suitable for three-season use. It is slightly bulkier than other gloves, but warmer and breathable. The gloves have good wind resistance and water resistance due to the DWR finish. The materials and construction are excellent, with a goat leather patch on the palm for protection and a large nose-wipe on the thumb. The cuff is stretchy and highly breathable, effectively wicking away moisture from the wrists. However, the thin and flexible cuff tends to bunch up beneath the jacket sleeve, which is a personal preference. The gloves are not windproof but have good water resistance. The cuff is slightly stiffer than some other gloves, but overall, the North Face Summit Alpine Glove is an excellent choice for three-season use.
Read more: The North Face Summit Alpine glove review
Outdoor Research Backstop Sensor Windpro
Stepth Wetherell’s verdict
These are a warm and practical glove, but best suited for people with long fingers in proportion to their palm size.- warm for the weight
- very long fingers
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| Price: $45 | £45 (available from Outdoor Research) Weight: 56g (pair, womens large) Materials: 3L Polartec Wind ProTM Fleece, 97% Polyester 3% Spandex Features: Touchscreen leather thumb compatible, tapered wrist Sizes: Women: S, M, L Men: S, M, L, XL Men’s version: Yes www.outdoorresearch.com |
The Outdoor Research Backstop Sensor Windpro fleece gloves are lightweight but yet pretty warm, and I found they were well suited to putting on when I was on a windy ridge or having a rest on colder days. I found them too warm to wear when moving, but if you feel the cold in your hands, they would suit well. They have a fairly long wrist that has some light elastic to cinch in snugly, and a clip to keep the pair together when not being worn.
There is light grips on three fingers and on the palm, meaning they were comfortable and practical to use with poles, and the fabric is tough and durable, showing very little wear after a few months of use. The tip of the thumb and first finger is touchscreen compatible, and I found this functionality very responsive. The fingertips are made of goat leather, making them strong and hardwearing, but it’s worth being aware of this if you are not someone who wears leather.
Read more: Steph’s full Outdoor Research Backstop Sensor Windpro review
The North Face Etip
James Roddie’s verdict
These gloves have some fine qualities and are made from 93% recylced materials.- high recycled material content
- pairing clip
- fit
- durability
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| Price: $50 | £40 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 55g (Size M pair) Materials: 93% Recycled Polyester, 7% Elastane Double-Knit Fleece Sizes: XS-XL Women’s version: Yes thenorthface.co.uk |
The high content of recycled materials in the The North Face Etip gloves is a stand-out feature in the specifications. The North Face claim that 93% of the polyester is recycled. This will certainly appeal to many, although of course the overall sustainability credentials of a product extends far beyond the materials themselves. I found the fit to be slightly on the small side overall.
The North Face use R® Powered fleece, which allows touchscreen compatibility on all fingers of the glove. It seems to work very effectively even when the gloves are soaked through. Other features of note are a pairing clip and small internal hanging loops. It is very easy to lose thin gloves such as these, so these are welcome features. These gloves have some fine qualities.
Read more: James’ full TNF Etip gloves review
Sealskinz Harling
James Roddie’s verdict
Overall the Sealskinz Harling is a well-made, durable glove. It is highly windproof, but I might look elsewhere for keeping moisture out in sustained wet conditions.- Rugged construction
- Wind resistant
- Tight fit
- waterproofing could be better
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| Price: $66 / £50 Weight: 100g (size Medium pair) Materials: 52% Polyester, 27% Nylon, 18% Polyurethane, 3% Elastane. Aquasealz waterproof membrane. Sizes: S-XL Women’s version: No (Unisex). sealskinz.com |
The Sealskinz Harling hiking glove is a rugged and durable glove with a suede palm that is suitable for scrambling on rough rock types. It has limited stretch, except in the semi-elasticated cuff. The gloves have a nose-wipe on the thumb for soft and effective dexterity. The rolled fingertip construction aids in dexterity, and touch-screen compatible zones are included on the forefinger and thumb. Pull tabs and a velcro strap secure the glove at the cuff. The gloves are windproof, suitable for cycling and hiking on blustery days. They are also warm for autumn/spring conditions. However, the waterproofing is not as robust as some might expect. The gloves perform well on heavy showers and changeable weather without letting water in. However, they let in water after about 1 hour in sustained moderate rain or wet snow. Overall, the Sealskinz Harling is a well-made, durable glove.
Read more: Sealskinz Harling review
Sealskinz Women’s Kelling
Kirst Pallas’ verdict
These are a good waterproof glove if you have bigger hands with long fingers, but I would like to see a few more features like a pull loop or a connection buckle for more ease of use.- Waterproof
- Price
- Sizing
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| Price: $73 | £55 Weight: 117g Materials: Polyester and neoprene outer, goatskin leather palm, polyester lining Waterproof: Yes, Aquasealz membrane Features: Velcro cuff, nose wipe, touchscreen compatible Sizes: S – XL Men’s version: Yes sealskinz.com |
The Kelling hiking glove is an all-weather glove from Sealskinz, known for their waterproof gloves and socks. However, the fit is unusual, with the small felt too big and extra length on each finger. The neoprene cuffs are flexible and comfortable, but they are one of the shorter in the test. The velcro closure is counterintuitive and harder to adjust.
The outer is slightly stretchy with a goatskin leather palm, while the waterproof membrane is Sealskinz’s Aquasealz, keeping the gloves dry and breathable. The lining is soft brushed fleece, but there is less insulation, making them cooler than some other gloves. The gloves are touchscreen compatible, but they don’t have a way to fasten them together, making them easy to misplace. The Kelling gloves are suitable for larger hands with long fingers, but they could benefit from additional features like a pull loop or connection buckle for more ease of use.
Read more: Sealskinz Kelling glove review
How we tested these hiking gloves
Steph tested these gloves across South Wales and Scotland, in all weathers and especially rain! She has a women’s size large or unisex medium hands and is prone to cold hands when standing around but hot hands when moving. She also usually walks using trekking poles.
Kirsty has small hands with wider palms and short fingers. All the gloves tested are a size S or glove size 6. The gloves were tested in the wet winter of 2023 and the spring 2024 season of working in the Scottish Highlands, both on snow and rock. All weights are from Kirsty’s own scales. These reviews were first published in 2024.
How we tested James tested these gloves in a variety of conditions during winter, spring and early summer in the Scottish Highlands. Weather included high winds, heavy rain showers, and bright and breezy days. James usually wears size medium gloves and his hands run slightly cold. Weights were measured on James’s own scales.
How to choose the best hiking gloves for you
Choosing the right hiking gloves can be tricky. There are many factors to consider, and your choice of glove can have a big impact on your overall comfort on the hills. For this test we have covered three-season hiking gloves – meaning they are broadly suitable for use outside of winter conditions. The blustery, chilly days of autumn and spring are where gloves of this type will be a crucial part of your kit list.
It is important to consider your own personal needs when it comes to choosing a glove. Some people feel the cold in their extremities far more than others. If so then you will want to opt for a glove with more insulation. If you are highly prone to sweating then look for breathability as a priority. A glove with a waterproof membrane will keep moisture out for much longer, but will generally be a little heavier and slower to dry out if they get saturated.
There are a few features to look out for. If you use a smartphone for navigation or photography then you will probably prefer a glove which has touchscreen compatible ‘zones’ on the forefinger and thumb. Wrist leashes will allow you to briefly take off the gloves without putting them on the ground or in your bag. Look out for clips and button attachments to help keep the gloves in pairs, or karabiner loops to hang the gloves easily. All of these features will add weight however, so this needs to be considered if you are counting every gram in your pack.
Fit is important for overall comfort and dexterity. A glove which is too big will feel clumsy and make simple tasks difficult. Too tight a glove will allow the cold to creep in more quickly. Cuffs vary in length and profile. Short cuffs allow easy access to a wristwatch but can let in a draught around your wrists. Long cuffs tend to be easier to tuck under or over your sleeves. Cuff materials are sometimes substantially less water or wind resistant than that found in the rest of the glove.
Features of the best hiking gloves
Seams
Whilst you might think your feet see most of the action on the hills, your hands are also in almost-constant motion – from gripping trekking poles to scrambling up rock or reaching for water. A good glove will be constructed with seams that minimise rubbing, and some offer taped seams to improve water resistance. Ensure the inner seams don’t rub and the glove is constructed well externally.
Clips
To avoid the frustration of one lost glove, look for a pair that comes with a leash or clip that can be used to attach your gloves to each other – or, even better, to your pack too.
Cuffs
Exposing the wrists is one of the most efficient ways to dump heat. Longer cuffs are warmer, whereas a low-profile cuff will be more breathable and less likely to interfere with your other layers or a watch. A Velcro strap or cord closure can improve the fit on your wrist and offer additional protection from rain and snow.
Grip
Textured, reinforced fingers and palms can offer much-needed grip when using trekking poles. Leather options are bulkier and less dexterous but are generally more durable than their synthetic counterparts.
Touchscreen compatibility
Whilst less important in three-season gloves than in winter gloves, it’s still handy (pardon the pun) to have good touchscreen compatibility in a hiking glove, especially for those who use smartphone hiking apps to help with navigation or who are prone to snapping photographs. The usability of touchscreen fingertips varies wildly between models, so test this out before purchasing if it’s an important feature for you.
Leashes
If you remove your gloves, it’s useful to be able to clip them together to dangle across a rucksack hipbelt or hook onto side straps. Wrist leashes and clips prevent your gloves separating or being dropped if you take them off.
Measurements
Bizarrely, gloves are usually measured in inches. To find your size, measure around the widest part of your hand – usually the circumference of your palm and knuckles – with a tape measure (excluding your thumb). It’s best to measure your dominant hand as it can be fractionally bigger. If you’re between sizes, you’ll usually be warmer in a bigger glove, as air insulates.
Sizing
There’s no major difference between men’s and women’s gloves, except in sizing. Women’s gloves tend to go to much smaller sizes, and often have slightly shorter fingers and narrower palms.
Nose wipe
A good three-season glove doesn’t have to be all-singing and -dancing, but a nose wipe can prove a godsend on a windy, cold day!
How to waterproof your hiking gloves
Some manufacturers advise you reproof your gloves each season, while others say you should after each soaking. It’s a matter of personal preference; a balancing act between maintaining your kit and not splurging on a new bottle of waterproofing treatment every single time your gloves get wet – which will happen. A lot. If the gloves require cleaning, that’s usually a good indicator they’ll need a waterproofing treatment, too.
It’s best not to wash your gloves too often – probably once or twice a year unless very soiled. So, when you do get the cleaning products out, it’s a convenient time to give your gloves a full groom – cleaning, conditioning and waterproofing – in one fell swoop.
Read the manufacturer’s guidance before starting, remove liners, and ensure your gloves are clean before waterproofing as debris can cause products not to take to the fabric of your gear. Most fabric glove waterproofing treatments can be applied gently and evenly with a sponge yourself or an accompanying sponge applicator that comes with the product. You should pay particular attention to the seams and stitching of your gloves, which are vulnerable areas.
When the treatment has been evenly applied, leave it to absorb for a few minutes – as per the product guidance – and then remove the excess treatment with a damp cloth. Ideally, synthetic fabric and insulated gloves should be air-dried but some manufacturers say tumble-drying is possible if necessary. For leather gloves, Creams and waxes are often the waterproofing treatment of choice for leather gloves, providing durable water repellancy (DWR) as well as protecting the fabric while maintaining breathability.
Read more about how to keep your gloves waterproof for longer.
What is the difference between hiking gloves for winter, summer and liner gloves?
Ideally, when mountaineering in winter, you’ll want to keep your gloves on at all times to prevent numb extremities impacted by snow, rain and windchill, which facilitate heat loss, not to mention the risk of frostbite. For this reason, cold weather mitts and gloves are built with highly insulating and usually waterproof materials. Close-fitting cuffs are a helpful addition to prevent snow and ice from getting into the glove and making contact with the skin and also fit under the cuffs of your jacket sleeves. Alternatively, gloves or mitts may have long gauntlet cuffs that fit over your sleeves.
Those who walk all year round could invest in a hybrid glove and liner combination as the liner can be worn in combination with your waterproof outer in extreme cold but also as a glove in its own right on more temperate days. Unlined waterproof shell mitts are also a lightweight way to boost warmth and waterproofness.
Three-season gloves (in other words, those that are lighter insulating) are a happy medium for your hand. Generally, designs are kept as lightweight and flexible as possible while also being carefully constructed with durable and protective materials and seams. To keep your hands comfortable, dry and warm throughout mild winters, spring, and autumn you’ll likely be looking at a compromise between warmth and dexterity when it comes to three-season gloves.
That brings us to base layer gloves or ‘liner gloves’. While some more recent liner glove models are waterproof and incredibly insulating, you’ll pay a lot for the additional features. Most are simply designed to sit underneath an outer shell glove and, as a consequence, focus on comfort, dexterity of movement and breathability. As you’d expect, summer gloves are not designed for heat retention. Liner gloves are often the best lightweight and packable option to keep with you for these ‘just in case’ moments.
Any gloves used for scrambling, whether insulated or liners, need reinforcements on the fingers and palms or they’ll wear out very quickly.
