The 4 Best Gloves of Winter 2020
Get the warmth you need—and ditch the bulk you don't.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Warm hands are a necessity in the backcountry—but picking out the perfect glove to get you there isn’t always simple. First, consider your activity level: If you’re moving fast, you’ll want lighter gloves to compensate for your output, while if you’re lounging around, you’ll want the thickest gloves you can get. Then, consider the conditions: Will you need waterproof gloves to keep out snow and slop, or is breathability your primary concern? These four pairs will keep your digits warm and flexible no matter what.
When you make a purchase through our site, we may earn a commission.
Most Breathable: Seirus HW Gore-Tex Infinium Trace Glove
Think of this windproof, water-resistant number as a supercharged softshell liner for days when you want weather protection but not the warmth or coverage of an insulated glove. Built with Gore-Tex Infinium fabric, which deflects slushy snow or spring rain while still breathing better than full waterproofing, the Trace excelled on early season hiking, trail-running, and fat-biking missions around Colorado’s Roosevelt National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park. Buy the Seirus HW Gore-Tex Infinium Trace Glove Now / Read the Full Review
Best Dexterity: Gordini Spring Glove
When you need your fingers on a fair-weather outing but still want protection from cold temps and sharp ski edges, this is the glove you should grab. The lightweight, tricot-lined Spring Glove’s stretchy spandex shell helps maintain a snug-yet-comfortable fit, while its goatskin palm and thumb are durable without compromising mobility. Buy the Gordini Spring Glove Now / Read the Full Review
Best Protection: Black Diamond Recon Glove
For steep-and-deep missions, the Recon is your faithful friend. Black Diamond’s proprietary waterproof/breathable insert wards off precip, and we didn’t experience any leakage during an all-day snowstorm while touring in Grand Teton National Park. “It was cold and wet enough that I needed to keep my gloves on the entire time, but my hands stayed dry throughout,” one tester says. Buy the Black Diamond Recon Glove Now / Read the Full Review
More: Get gear reviews straight from readers like you with Gear 360.
