No matter how much you love the great outdoors, no one enjoys frozen fingers!
I always say that a good pair of warm hiking gloves for winter is as important as your boots or your backpack and it’s ALWAYS on my packing list.
We’ve scoured the market and tested out the best winter hiking gloves for both men and women that offer top-notch insulation, breathability, and durability – all without sacrificing dexterity.
By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed choice and keep those busy hands warm and cozy on your winter hikes.
What Are the Best Winter Hiking Gloves?
Best Overall: REI Co-op Flash Power Wool Gloves | For Men & Women
Best for Extreme Cold: The North Face Apex Heated Glove | For Men & Women
Best Versatility: REI Co-op Fleece Gloves | For Men | For Women
Best Dexterity: The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves | For Men | For Women
Best Lightweight: Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves | For Men & Women
REI Co-op Flash Power Wool Gloves
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The REI Co-op Flash Power Wool Gloves are comfortable enough for a variety of outdoor activities. They’re not just good, but one of the best hiking gloves I’ve ever worn!
What sets these gloves apart is their Polartec Power Wool fleece. A combination of an abrasion-resistant stretch nylon exterior with a breathable, brushed wool blend interior.
It’s soft, warm, and tough. Just what you need for a challenging hike.
Another distinctive feature is their optimal touch-screen compatibility. It’s not just limited to your thumbs, even the fingertips provide that convenience.
Worried about losing grip on your cross-country ski poles or a shovel? The gloves come with a super handy, grippy rubberized palm pattern.
They even thought of storage! Loops for hanging or as an attachment point are included. The gloves can clip together when not in use, keeping the pair together.
An average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by fellow hikers and outdoor enthusiasts is proof of the satisfaction these gloves provide.
Verdict
Next time you’re planning to hit the trails, remember to pack your REI Co-op Flash Power Wool Gloves. They’ll be your reliable companion, providing warmth and durability every step of the way.
The North Face Apex Heated Glove
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The unique selling proposition of these gloves is the heat technology. Powered by a rechargeable battery, they provide ample warmth in severe winter conditions.
Additionally, the waterproof shell and insulated liner ensure dry and comfortable hands throughout your hiking journey.
They offer superior heat control, allowing you to select from three levels of heat settings. They are also designed with durable leather and PrimaLoft insulation, providing excellent hand protection.
However, you might find the gloves a bit challenging to put on due to their snug fit. Some hikers have also highlighted concerns about battery life.
The battery provides up to 1 hour of heat, which may not be enough for long-haul hikers, although for me it’s usually enough for this price.
You also have a back-of-hand pocket for the discrete storage of an extra battery.
To truly enjoy the benefits of these gloves, try the following tips:
- Recharge the gloves overnight before your hiking day.
- Always start with the lowest heat setting and gradually increase if necessary.
- Avoid soaking the gloves in water as this may damage the heating mechanism.
Hikers have shared positive feedback about these gloves from various locations, including the snow-covered trails of Colorado and the frosty landscapes of Alaska.
My recommendation is to keep an extra pair of gloves while hiking in severe weather conditions.
Verdict
If you’re a hiker heading out to a cold-weather adventure, The North Face Apex Heated Gloves could be a great choice. They are reliable, warm, and loaded with features that meet your hiking needs.
REI Co-op Fleece Gloves
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The REI Co-op Fleece Gloves are a top budget-friendly option for those who want quality gloves but are wary of the prices. These gloves are a cheaper alternative to the more insulated REI Co-op Flash Power Wool Gloves, yet they still deliver quality.
Even though these gloves aren’t as warm as other gloves, they still retain enough heat for hikes above 20°F.
You don’t have to expose your skin to the harsh winter air to use your devices thanks to the touchscreen compatibility at the tips of the thumbs and index fingers.
In winter conditions, you need a glove that can handle ice, snow, and slippery surfaces. The durable synthetic suede palms on these gloves ensure a secure grip.
The integrated pull tab of these gloves allows for fuss-free and comfortable wearing and removal.
If you’re planning to hike in extremely cold temperatures, these gloves might not be the best choice. These gloves will serve you well for hikes above 30°F but might be inadequate for the very cold days.
Despite their limitations, REI Co-op Fleece Gloves is loved among hikers with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 166 reviews, it’s clear that the hiking community appreciates the quality and performance of these gloves.
Verdict
REI Co-op Fleece Gloves offer an affordable and reliable option for hikers seeking winter gloves. While they do not provide the same level of warmth as more expensive alternatives, they are still highly regarded by the hiking community.
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
One of the best things about these gloves is their performance. These gloves are known for their excellent dexterity. You can easily handle gear, take photos, and adjust your backpack straps without the fuss of removing your gloves.
The silicone gripper palms of these gloves provide a superior grip, ensuring that you don’t lose grip of your hiking pole, camera, or your morning coffee.
Another thing you’ll love about these gloves is their commitment to sustainability. Made from recycled materials, these gloves help minimize environmental impact, while providing great performance.
However, there’s a slight catch as washing these gloves can be a bit of a challenge. You can’t machine wash or dry clean them, and spot cleaning is the recommended method.
So, remember to treat them gently and follow the care instructions provided by The North Face to keep them in top shape for your next adventure.
Verdict
The North face Etip Recycled Gloves are an excellent choice for winter hikers. They offer fantastic performance, are environmentally friendly, touchscreen compatible, and provide a great grip. A bit hard to wash, but a well looked after pair of these gloves can be your hiking companion for many journeys to come.
Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
These gloves are a fantastic lightweight choice. They’re incredibly easy to wear because they stretch nicely to fit your hands.
The Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves boast 195g Polartec Power Stretch pro on the back of their hands that provides a combination of warmth and superior comfort as you hike through different trails.
Additionally, they feature conductive material on the fingers and the whole palms, which worked well enough for me.
So, how do the gloves perform according to the reviews? They scored an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 78 reviews on REI. This information alone paints a pretty positive picture.
Hikers praise these gloves for their touchscreen compatibility and their warmth and I have the same opinion about them.
But like any product, they have their shortcomings too. The gloves might not be the warmest option in sub-zero temperatures.
If you’re planning for a winter hike in extremely cold locations, you might want to consider pairing them with a warmer pair or choose a different option altogether.
Verdict
The Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves are a solid choice for your winter hiking adventures. They offer a balance of comfort, utility, and warmth on your journeys and they never let me down during cold winter days above 25-30 degrees.
How to Choose the Best Winter Hiking Gloves?
Every winter activity demands a different type of glove. A casual stroll through Central Park might only require a thin pair, while a hike up a snowy mountain would need heavy-duty hand protection. Think about where you usually hike and how cold it gets there.
Just as important as the weather are your personal preferences. Some people run hot and prefer lighter gloves, while others might feel the cold more and opt for heavier ones.
And let’s not forget about the fit – a glove that’s too tight or too loose can ruin your hike. Remember, you’ll be wearing these for hours at a time!
Material Considerations
There’s a whole world of materials out there, each with its own pros and cons.
Wool is a classic choice. It’s warm, breathable, and retains heat even when wet. However, it can be a bit scratchy and isn’t very durable.
Fleece, on the other hand, is soft and cozy, but it doesn’t do well with wind and rain.
Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are tough and water-resistant, but they might not offer the same level of coziness as natural fibers.
5 Features to Look For
- Waterproofing is essential if you plan on hiking through snow or rain. There’s nothing worse than wet, cold hands on a hike!
- Insulation keeps your hands warm. Down insulation is light and cozy, but loses its effectiveness when wet. Synthetic insulation, however, performs better in wet conditions.
- A good grip is crucial, especially if you use hiking poles. Look for gloves with textured palms.
- Adjustability features like cuffs and straps can help you get that perfect fit, and keep the cold air and snow out.
- These days, touchscreen compatibility is a must-have feature for many hikers.
Are Fleece Gloves Good for Hiking?
Absolutely, fleece gloves can be a fantastic choice for hiking, especially in chillier conditions.
Fleece is known for its excellent insulation properties, providing warmth without adding significant weight. This makes it an ideal material for hiking gloves where bulk can hinder dexterity.
But fleece isn’t just warm, it’s also highly breathable. While they keep your hands toasty, they also allow sweat to evaporate, preventing dampness and chills. Fleece gloves or mittens are usually warmer and considerably more breathable than tightly knit ones.
While fleece gloves alone may not be enough for extreme cold or wet conditions, they make an excellent part of a layering system. Pair them with a waterproof shell for protection against rain or snow, and you’ve got a winning combination for winter hikes.
Conclusion
Take your time to consider all the factors we’ve discussed, from the material and insulation to the fit and additional features.
A higher price tag often means better durability and performance, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on warmth and protection.
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.
