You’ve probably found yourself standing in the outdoor gear aisle, eyeballing the mittens and gloves section, scratching your head in confusion. I mean, which one is really better for hiking – mittens or gloves?
In my years of hiking, I’ve had the chance to test out both gloves and mittens in various conditions and each has its own time and place for me.
But which one comes out on top?
Are Mittens or Gloves Better for Hiking?
Over the years, I’ve found that specialized hiking gloves tend to be better than mittens for most hiking scenarios because they offer unmatched flexibility and dexterity.
They allow me to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, like adjusting equipment or opening snack wrappers, with relative ease. This is something that mittens, due to their design, can’t quite match.
That said, I appreciate mittens for their warmth. When your fingers are together, they can share warmth, making mittens generally toastier than gloves.
So, if warmth is your top priority, rather than flexibility and dexterity, then mittens may be the better option.
Understanding Mittens and Gloves
Are you a mitten person, or do you swear by gloves? Let’s dive into the specifics of each to help you make an informed decision for your next hiking adventure.
Mittens: Warmth and Coziness
Let’s start with mittens. The design is pretty straightforward – there’s a cozy compartment for your thumb, and another larger one that houses all your fingers together.
This design is based on a simple principle of thermodynamics. Your fingers generate heat, and when they’re together in a shared space, they can effectively share and retain that warmth.
Now, if you’re planning a hike in extremely cold conditions, say in the snow-clad trails of Mount Rainier, mittens could be your best choice.
They’ll keep your fingers toasty and ward off the frosty air. But remember, the trade-off here is dexterity. Opening a snack or adjusting your backpack straps might become a little tricky.
Gloves: Dexterity and Precision
Ever tried picking up a penny while wearing mittens? Not the easiest task, right? With separate compartments for each finger and the thumb, gloves give you the freedom to perform intricate tasks without having to expose your hands to the cold.
But gloves can also offer a good amount of warmth, especially if you opt for specialized hiking gloves. These are often insulated and water-resistant, making them ideal for hikes in places like the damp trails of the Pacific Northwest.
For added warmth, consider using liner gloves under your regular hiking gloves. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and can provide that extra layer of insulation when the temperature drops.
Mittens vs. Hiking Gloves: Comparison Table
| Features | Mittens | Score | Hiking Gloves | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warmth | Mittens offer superior heat retention | 10 | Gloves provide good warmth, but less than mittens | 7 |
| Dexterity | Limited finger movement with mittens | 4 | Gloves offer excellent dexterity | 10 |
| Versatility | Mittens are ideal for very cold conditions and stationary activities | 6 | Gloves are suitable for a wide range of activities and climates | 9 |
| Protection | Great coverage for fingers with mittens, but less protection against abrasions or cuts | 7 | Gloves provide better protection against abrasions and cuts | 7 |
| Total Score | 27 | 34 |
While mittens do score highly in warmth, hiking gloves have the upper hand in dexterity, versatility, and protection. With a total score of 34 out of 40, hiking gloves come out on top for me and many hikers.
Considerations for Hikers: Mittens vs. Gloves
Climate and Weather Conditions
Cold Weather: If you’re heading towards frosty areas or the chilly terrains, mittens are simply great. They offer superior warmth because your fingers share a compartment, creating a cozy environment inside.
Score: Mittens 10/10, Gloves 7/10
Mild Weather: For milder climates, like a spring hike in Yosemite or a fall trek in the Appalachian Trail, gloves might be your go-to. They provide sufficient protection without causing your hands to overheat.
Score: Mittens 6/10, Gloves 9/10
Activity Level
Intense Activities: For strenuous hikes or climbing activities where you need to use your hands extensively, gloves win the race decidedly. Their design allows for excellent dexterity, making tasks like using trekking poles or adjusting gear easier.
Score: Mittens 4/10, Gloves 10/10
Stationary Activities: If your activities involve minimal movement or prolonged periods of stillness, like bird-watching or photography, mittens are suitable. They provide continuous warmth, which is perfect when you aren’t moving much.
Score: Mittens 10/10, Gloves 7/10
Personal Preferences
Comfort: Some hikers find the shared compartment of mittens more comfortable, while others prefer the flexibility and freedom that gloves offer. Choose what feels best for your hands.
Prior Experience: Consider your past experiences with handwear during outdoor activities. If you’ve always used gloves and found them to be comfortable and practical, stick with them. However, if you’ve struggled with cold fingers even with gloves on, it might be worth trying out mittens.
3 Expert Tips
Layering: Warmth and Versatility
One trick that seasoned hikers swear by is layering. If you’re heading to a cold location or planning a winter hike, think about pairing liner gloves with mittens.
This combination always gives me the warmth of mittens and the dexterity of gloves. You can slip off the mittens when you need to perform intricate tasks and put them back on once you’re done.
Testing: Finding Your Perfect Fit
The best way to know what works for you is to test both options during shorter hikes or trial runs.
Try gloves on one hike and mittens on another. Pay attention to how your hands feel.
- Are they warm enough?
- Do you have enough dexterity for the tasks you need to perform?
Flexibility: The Best of Both Worlds
If you’re still unsure whether to choose mittens or gloves, why not opt for convertible gloves? These clever creations offer the versatility of both.
You can flip the mitten cover back when you need to use your fingers and flip it back on when you need more warmth.
Convertible gloves are a great choice for those unpredictable weather days or if you’re doing a mix of active and stationary activities.
You could be setting up camp one minute and photographing wildlife the next.
Conclusion
We’ve shared a trail together discussing the ins and outs of mittens and gloves for hiking and here’s my personal takeaway: while both have their places, I generally find that gloves are my go-to.
But I never leave my mittens behind. Even though gloves are usually my first choice, I always pack my mittens in my backpack because when the temperature drops, there’s nothing like the shared warmth mittens provide.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Maybe you’ll become a glove person like me, or perhaps you’ll swear by mittens.
Lukas Heller
Hey there! I’m Lukas, co-founder of BigfootHiking.com, alongside my adventurous wife Martha. Originally from Germany, I landed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2015, where I’ve been scouting out new trails ever since (though they’re getting scarce!). By day, I’m a software developer, but my heart belongs to hiking – I’m always plotting our next trip. When I’m not coding or on the trails, you’ll find me hanging out with our Pit Bull, Zeus.
