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Having the right thermal gloves when you’re embarking on a winter adventure can make all the difference between an exciting day and a miserable one. Winter gloves need to do more than just keep your hands warm, they also need to ensure that your hands don’t get too wet, but without adding so much bulk to your mitts that they impede your dexterity.
Today’s thermal gloves are more advanced than ever—they're lighter in weight, better in breathability, and still offer all the warmth you want. The lighter thermal gloves on the market make tackling your favorite outdoor activities easier than their bulky and outdated counterparts so you don’t feel like you’re trying to grip your handlebars or ski poles through a thick layer of foam.
What to Consider
Use
The most important things to consider when buying thermal gloves is which activities you plan to use them for and the weather conditions you expect to use them in. For instance, you wouldn’t want to wear a pair of thin fleece gloves on a day when it’s well below freezing and you’re spending a significant period of time outdoors. Conversely, unless you have particularly poor circulation, you probably wouldn't want a pair of gloves intended for subfreezing mountaineering when you’re out for a late autumn hike and temperatures are in the 50s.
Materials
Use will dictate materials as you'll want premium insulation and weatherproofing on gloves you plan to ski or snowshoe with but can get away with a fleecy, water-resistant pair if you want something for cold-weather runs or rides. The outer materials of the glove is where you'll get weather-resistance the majority of the time so find one with a DWR (durable water-repellant) coating; some gloves have waterproof membranes between the shell and lining of the glove thus protecting your hands from the inside.
The interior of the glove should have insulating materials that help trap in heat. Wool, fleece, and polyester will do a decent job with heat retention, but if you plan on using them in colder temperatures look for premium insulation like PrimaLoft synthetic down, Thinsulate, or other patented insulating technology.
Features
Other factors you'd be wise to take into consideration are the degree of weatherproofing the gloves have, how they affect dexterity, and their style over all. Some of the gloves we've listed are from brands that have been doing this since 1830 and therefore have a more traditional look; others are part of the strictly active and outerwear category thus giving them a sportier, more modern look.
How We Selected
There are hundreds of great gloves out there. We selected the best thermal gloves based on personal use as well as reviews from both customers and other expert sites. We considered best uses for each of these gloves and how they could affect dexterity, as well as the materials they're made of, from their palms to the insulation and weatherproofing technologies that were used or not used in them. We also considered extra features like extended cuffs, glove leashes, closures, and touchscreen compatibility, among others.
Looking for more winter gear? Check out our guides to the best winter coats, winter work gloves, and flannel pajamas for men.
1
Best Overall
Give'r 4 Season Glove with Wax Coating
1
Best Overall
Give'r 4 Season Glove with Wax Coating
Pros
- Waterproof
- Premium insulation
- Durable
Cons
These gloves are billed as year-round but do their best work in the winter time. The reinforced all-leather exterior is wax-coated for added water resistance and durability, but a waterproof membrane between the inner and outer layers is what really keeps out water and keeps in heat while remaining breathable.
It’s lined with Thinsulate insulation for premium heat retention and has steel D-rings at the cuff, so you can keep track of both when packing or traveling. The slightly extended rib-knit cuff sits snug to keep wrists warm and protected.
Give’r gloves are highly rated with customers, who’ve said they’re some of the hardest working gloves they’ve tried, and they stand up to brutal temps. They’re a great all-around option for work and play.
Key Specs
Sizes | S-2XL |
---|---|
Outer materials | Wax coated leather |
Interior | Thinsulate insulation |
Touchscreen-compatible | No |
2
Best Workwear Gloves
Carhartt WP Waterproof Insulated Glove
2
Best Workwear Gloves
Carhartt WP Waterproof Insulated Glove
Pros
- Has a waterproof insert
- Adjustable strap for a better fit
- Flexible shell for dexterity
Cons
Carhartt's revered workwear also extends to their accessories—the brand's function and durability are built into these thermal gloves that are sure to keep you warm and dry while still offering you the dexterity you need.
The polyester shell is weatherproof but includes a moisture-wicking waterproof insert to keep hands dry; the micro-fleece lining provides insulation and some protection against whipping winds. A polyurethane palm gives you the grip you need and the adjustable strap gives you a better customized fit.
These gloves get the job done for most customers in degrees in the mid-20s Fahrenheit range. We noted a lot of reviews saying this pair runs small and many customers suggest going up a size for a truer fit. Even if you have extra wiggle room, you can snug it up with the strap.
Key Specs
Sizes | S-2XL |
---|---|
Outer materials | Polyester, polyurethane |
Interior | Micro-fleece lining |
Touchscreen-compatible | No |
3
Best Down Gloves
L.L. Bean Waterproof 650 Down Gloves
3
Best Down Gloves
L.L. Bean Waterproof 650 Down Gloves
Pros
- Goose down insulation
- Waterproof
- Grippy palm
Cons
A pair best suited for winter hikes and fun in the snow, the windproof, waterproof, and abrasion-resistant nylon shell will make these a go-to for the outdoor lovers. The palm is made of full-grain leather for excellent grip and the 650 goose down insulation ensures your hands stay toasty when braving the cold. They’re machine-washable so cleaning them is a breeze, and they pack down down for easy travel.
These do have a snug fit and there is a bit of a break-in period so don’t think you ordered the wrong size or should size up. A snug fit also gives you better heat retention along with the elastic extended cuffs.
Key Specs
Sizes | S-XL |
---|---|
Outer materials | Nylon, full-grain leather |
Interior | 650-fill goose down insulation, polyester lining |
Touchscreen-compatible | No |
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These GORTEX gloves are built for any and all activity that takes place in the snow. Waterproof, windproof, and breathable, these will keep hands dry and toasty and have a cozy fleece interior for added warmth.
The durable shell is made with overlay panels in areas of high use to ensure these last you for years and a synthetic leather grips ski poles ice tools with ease. A pre-curved profile fits the hand's natural slope so they're comfortable without needing to be broken in for flexibility.
The standout feature for customers is the one-hand-adjustable drawcords on the cuff that let you cinch them up for protection in a pinch.
Key Specs
Sizes | S-2XL |
---|---|
Outer material | DWR nylon |
Interior | Brushed polyester with GORE-TEX insert |
Touchscreen-compatible | Yes |
These ultralight thermal gloves allow maximum comfort and dexterity while still giving you the protection you want—the shell is waterproofed and they have a windproof mid-layer with Thinsulate insulation to keep the chill out.
An elastic cuff extends the protection and helps keep heat trapped in the glove. Their low profile silhouette make them ideal for cycling , skiing, and any other outdoor activities you don't want to stop just because of a little cold weather.
Customers insist this pair is a great value, as they'll keep you warm and dry without a high price tag. Some reviews mention having to size up, but the brand includes a size chart—so be sure to measure your hands for the best possible fit.
Key Specs
Sizes | S-XL |
---|---|
Outer materials | Polyester, TPU |
Interior | Thinsulate insulation, thermal fleece lining |
Touchscreen-compatible | Yes |
These gloves nestle your hands between two premium layer of insulation: Premium Down at the back of the hand and ThermaFill synthetic insulation in the palm. The polyester shell repels moisture and the nylon/polyurethane palm give you grip and durability. They clip together so they’re easier to keep track of, or at least lose both at the same time.
The highly rated gloves have repeat customers with many saying they’re some of the warmest they’ve tried at a reasonable price point. The soft construction offers the dexterity reviewers want in a pair of everyday winter gloves.
Key Specs
Sizes | S/M, L/XL |
---|---|
Outer materials | Polyester, nylon |
Interior | ThermaFill synthetic insulation |
Touchscreen-compatible | Yes |
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Pros
- Premium materials
- Natural insulation with its wool lining
Cons
This retro-inspired pair relies on the classic thermal material that's kept people warm for generations—wool. The interior is lined in 100% wool knitted into a soft terry texture for warmth and comfort; the cowhide body has the natural durable properties of leather and keeps hands protected against windy conditions. It has a stretchy neoprene cuff and adjustable paracord strap allow for a snug fit around the wrists and makes them easier to pull on or take off.
The Wakayama glove provides warmth and protection with old-school design and materials making it a great glove for the purists that appreciate craftsmanship and a vintage look.
Key Specs
Sizes | S-2XL |
---|---|
Outer materials | Cowhide leather |
Interior | Wool terry lining |
Touchscreen-compatible | No |
8
Best Recycled Option
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
8
Best Recycled Option
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
Pros
- Made of recycled material
- Touchscreen-compatible
- Can be layered under bigger gloves
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not windproof
The North Face made their Etip gloves even better by making them out of 93 percent recycled polyester. Etip gloves are a year-in-year-out favorite of adventures who aren’t afraid to get out on snowy days.
These gloves are ideal for chilly runs and hikes, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and uphill adventures. They are incredibly dexterous and the silicone patterns on the palms of these gloves give them gecko-like stickiness, making it easy to take the perfect mountain selfie. With five-way stretch and fleece lining, these are comfortable everyday gloves that excel in the backcountry.
Key Specs
Sizes | XS-2XL |
---|---|
Outer materials | Polyester/elastane blend |
Interior | Fleece lining |
Touchscreen-compatible | Yes |
Pros
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Vegan
Cons
This new triple-layer soft-shell glove is vegan, windproof, waterproof, and stretchy. While breathable, it’s warmer than other soft-shell gloves we’ve tried, making it an ideal glove for uphill workouts and cross-country skiing on cold days when a fleece glove isn’t warm enough.
These thermal gloves feature a touchscreen-compatible index finger and have a textured palm and fingers for gripping, making them ideal for holding onto anything from tree limbs and axe handles to trekking poles. We did notice some water seeping through seams when held underwater, but not through the fabric body.
Key Specs
Sizes | S-XL |
---|---|
Outer materials | Polyester |
Interior | Brushed lining |
Touchscreen-compatible | Yes |
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Pros
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Premium insulation
Cons
When Outdoor Research developed the BitterBlaze glove, they turned to aerogel, a material that NASA used to insulate the space shuttle and astronauts’ space suits from extreme heat and cold, as well as using it to collect space dust.
In the BitterBlaze, Outdoor Research places this wonder material in the palm and finger pads of the glove, adding insulation without much thickness. That creates a dexterous ice-climbing glove for sub-freezing conditions.
To minimize sweating, Primaloft insulation is included on the back of the glove. The slightly articulated fingers make it easy to grasp ice tools and other alpine equipment. Carabiner loops on the fingers make clipping the gloves when not wearing them simple. The hook-and-loop cuff closure ensures they are easily secured under jacket cuffs.
While these are comfortable gloves, some have found the fingers a bit long, which can impact dexterity.
Key Specs
Sizes | S-XL |
---|---|
Outer materials | Nylon, spandex, goat leather, polyester |
Interior | PrimaLoft Gold insulation |
Touchscreen-compatibility | No |
Chris Meehan
Chris Meehan is an internationally published writer, author, and editor with more than two decades of professional experience. He has authored multiple adventure guidebooks with Falcon Guides and his work focusses primarily on the nexus between sustainability and outdoor adventure. He is an experienced gear reviewer, tester, and travel writer who has explored multiple continents.
Danny Perez
Commerce Editor
Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.