You had to cut your hike short because your hands were freezing or that blister just wouldn’t let up?
It’s time you get yourself a pair of the best hiking gloves that are specifically designed for those who love to conquer trails and mountains.
The perfect pair of hiking gloves feels like a second skin, protecting you from the elements while letting you perform intricate tasks with ease.
We’ve tested and researched 12 options so far, so you can confidently choose the right pair.
We’ll talk about gloves that will keep your hands warm in frosty temperatures, ones that won’t give you blisters, and ones that are durable enough to withstand the toughest terrains.
Best Hiking Gloves for Men & Women
Best Overall: REI Co-op Polartec Wind Pro Fleece Gloves 2.0 | Check Price
Best Sun Gloves: Outdoor Research ActiveIce Chroma Full Sun Gloves | Check Price
Best Versatility: REI Co-op Flash Power Wool Gloves | Check Price
Best Warmth: Black Diamond Midweight Screentap Fleece Gloves | Check Price
Best Fingerless: REI Co-op Active Pursuits Sun Gloves | Check Price
REI Co-op Polartec Wind Pro Fleece Gloves 2.0
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
What makes REI Co-op Polartec Wind Pro stand out is their great wind resistance and water repellent feature. Even in harsh conditions, these gloves, made with Polartec Wind Pro hardface fleece, keep your hands dry and cozy.
They don’t sacrifice breathability for this comfort – your hands stay dry inside too.
One of the things I loved was the soft fleece interior – it adds that extra bit of warmth that can make all the difference on a cold day (as low as 30°F).
We all know how frustrating it can be to remove your gloves every time you want to use your phone. With these gloves, you won’t have that problem.
The conductive material at the tips of the thumbs and index fingers allows you to use touch screens while keeping your gloves on. It’s a great option when you need to check the map or take a quick photo.
The gloves also prove their worth with durability. The synthetic suede palms can handle the rough usage of trekking and ski poles. You can feel the quality in your hands.
The tabs at cuffs make it easy to pull the gloves on and off. As for the 2.0 version, it boasts increased durability in both construction and materials.
Altough these gloves are my favorite, they have their limitations too. They may not be the warmest option for sub-zero temperatures and you may find them a bit pricey. But in my opinion, the quality and features justify the cost.
Verdict
If you’re into hiking, the REI Co-op Polartec Wind Pro Fleece Gloves 2.0 is a top choice. They combine comfort, functionality, and durability in a way that few others do.
Black Diamond Midweight Screentap Fleece Gloves
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Black Diamond gloves are from the camp and hike category, specifically designed to keep your hands warm and comfortable on your many adventures.
They serve more than just one purpose, making them a valuable accessory for numerous outdoor activities. Be it mountaineering, snowboarding, snowshoeing or running, these gloves are simply a great option.
Their warmth retention capability tops the list. The gloves have Polartec Power Stretch Pro material on the backs of the hands that offers warmth and flexibility.
This is where the Black Diamond Gloves outshine the REI Co-op Polartec Wind Pro Fleece Gloves 2.0. On a freezing cold day in the Rocky Mountains, I felt those extra degrees of warmth that these gloves provided.
Another big advantage is the screentap feature. The gloves have a conductive leather palm material. This allows you to use your touchscreen devices without taking off your gloves. I’ve sent many a text while on my hikes with my gloves still on!
But this is where I’ll get to the one disadvantage. The screentap feature, though helpful, is not as good as the REI Co-op Polartec Wind Pro Fleece Gloves 2.0.
These gloves have received positive reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Verdict
I can honestly recommend the Black Diamond Midweight Screentap Fleece Gloves. Warm and flexible, they will be your dependable companions on all your outdoor trips.
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Chroma Full Sun Gloves
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
To begin with, these gloves are genuinely innovative for hiking purposes. They’ve got this cool feature called ActiveIce technology that acts as your personal thermostat – it adjusts to your body’s temperature.
When you’re climbing that steep hill and starting to feel the heat, the gloves sort of kick in and cool you down. I felt a differennce!
But that’s not all it boasts. Ever been bothered with sweaty hands while you’re trying to enjoy your hike? Well, these gloves wick sweat away, breathe nicely, and dry up quickly.
As a hiker who’s always conscious about sun protection, I appreciate that these gloves come with UPF 50+ fabric – that’s a top-notch level of sun protection.
The synthetic suede palms are also great as it’s also touch-screen friendly, so you don’t need to constantly take off your gloves when you want to check your GPS or snap a picture.
I love how the gloves have this hook-and-loop cuff tabs. You can adjust them to fit perfectly around your wrists.
The reflective logos come in super handy when you’re hiking early in the morning or late in the evening, adding visibility in low-light conditions.
One downside I noticed during my hikes is that these gloves show dirt quite easily. So, if you’re particular about keeping your gear pristine, you might want to consider this.
Compared to other alternatives I’ve worn, these gloves are somewhat less durable. If you’re into heavy-duty hiking or mountaineering, you might want to look into other options.
Verdict
The Outdoor Research ActiveIce Chroma Full Sun Gloves have their unique advantages with a few drawbacks. But no glove can be perfect for all situations.
Overall, they’re a solid option for hikers looking for lightweight, breathable, and sun-protective gloves with some cool technology features.
REI Co-op Flash Power Wool Gloves
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Polartec Power Wool fleece, is a standout feature of these gloves. This special fabric is like a weather-shielding armor for your hands.
The nylon exterior can take a beating, fending off abrasions from brush, rocks, or any other wilderness encounters.
The inner layer is a wool blend that makes the gloves breathable, a feature you’ll appreciate when you’re tackling steep trails in the heat of the day.
You can freely use your phone or tablet with these on, thanks to their thumb and finger touch-screen compatibility.
Grip is another crucial factor in selecting a pair of hiking gloves. Whether you’re grasping a cross-country ski pole, a hiking stick, or a shovel, these gloves can handle it well.
The rubberized palm pattern ensures a firm hold that I appreciated.
You’ll also find subtle yet thoughtful design elements, like loops for hanging and a clip to keep them together. It’s easy to lose track of gloves on a busy trail, so this feature comes in handy.
Verdict
The REI Co-op Flash Power Wool Gloves offer a blend of durability, functionality, and user-friendly design that makes them a stellar choice for any hiking enthusiast. Their overall performance and utility genuinely set them apart.
REI Co-op Active Pursuits Sun Gloves
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
These sun gloves from REI offer exceptional sun protection. We all know how sunburns can really dampen the experience of an otherwise exhilarating hike. The worst is sunburnt hands that sting every time you touch anything.
Luckily, these gloves tackle that problem head-on with their UPF 50 sun protection, so you can wave goodbye to painful and dangerous sun damage.
Suede palms, thumb, and pointer finger for grip are elements of their design, but in my experience, these gloves can be a bit slippery. In places where you need a firm grip for challenging trails, this could be a downside.
But I’ve found them more than adequate for gentler trails or when you’re holding onto hiking poles.
The gloves are also made of 4-way stretch Lycra spandex and they are super comfortable. During my hikes, my hands never felt restricted or uncomfortable.
They’re also fingerless, so while your palms and back of your hands are protected, you’ve still got the freedom to use your fingers.
The REI Co-op Active Pursuits Sun Gloves are rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on the REI website and it seems well-deserved.
Verdict
Despite the slight issue with the slippery palms, the REI Co-op Active Pursuits Sun Gloves are a solid choice for hikers who want to keep their hands protected and comfortable. They have served me well on my hiking journeys, and I believe they will serve you well, too.
What Are Hiking Gloves for?
Hiking gloves are specifically designed to provide protection, warmth, and improved grip – features you need during hiking activities.
The best hiking gloves are engineered with specific features that cater to the needs of hikers.
One popular type among hikers is fingerless gloves. They offer excellent dexterity and grip, especially when scrambling on rocks.
Comfort, material, fit, and weather resistance are some of the key factors considered when evaluating the best hiking gloves. For instance, some hikers prefer wool blend gloves for cold weather due to their exceptional warmth and comfort.
How to Choose Hiking Gloves? 5 Key Features
Choosing the right hiking gloves involves balancing several factors, including fit, material, comfort, grip, and weather resistance.
- Fit: A well-fitted glove should not be too tight as it can cut off circulation and warmth but also not too loose as you won’t have a good grip.
- Material: Many hikers prefer merino wool liner gloves combined with a non-insulated waterproof mitten for backpacking trips.
- Comfort: The best hiking gloves are evaluated based on their comfort.
- Grip: Your gloves should offer enough grip to hold onto gear and navigate through tough terrains.
- Weather resistance: If you’re hiking in cold conditions, you’ll need gloves that provide sufficient warmth. On the flip side, for hiking in hot or humid conditions, breathable gloves would be more suitable.
Conclusion
Your hands are as important as your feet when hiking. They help you balance, grip, and protect yourself from the elements.
So, just like you wouldn’t compromise on good hiking boots, don’t skimp on your gloves either!
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.
