Winter Hiking Gloves

When you go hiking in winter it’s important that you keep your hands, and more specifically your fingers, warm. Even simple things, like working the zipper on your jacket or tying laces that have come undone becomes extremely difficult when your fingers become stiff and clumsy. And apart from that, having freezing cold and maybe even wet fingers is just not much fun. It’s better to get a good pair of winter hiking gloves and avoid having cold, wet fingers.

Winter Hiking Gloves

What to look for when you're looking for winter hiking gloves.

• Waterproof – It’s a good idea to have waterproof, or at least water resistant winter hiking gloves. Things like rain and snow can saturate gloves quickly, and will make it that much more difficult to keep your hands and fingers warm.
• Material – There are a few different options available when it comes to the fabric of winter hiking gloves. Fleece is a good material, for instance, but then wool is another option that has a lot of points in its favour. Whatever your preference is, there are plenty of options available.

Best Winter Hiking Gloves

Some of the better winter hiking gloves, for both men and women.

Men's Winter Hiking Gloves

• Outdoor Research Gripper Gloves - These are a great choice for a winter hiking glove. They're a thin fleece glove, but include Gore Windstopper laminate, which helps to cut down dramatically on windchill. The combination of the Windstopper and the fleece also helps to shed quite a bit of water, though these are not waterproof. The palms, along with the pointer finger and middle finger are also reinforced, to weather use and abuse without damage to the fleece. A great all around choice for winter conditions.
• Outdoor Research Ambit Gloves - If you would prefer something waterproof then the Ambit gloves, also from Outdoor Research, are a good choice. They're in the style of a snowboard or ski glove, with a gauntlet drawcord which integrates with your layers to make sure you don't get cold. The exterior is waterproof, and the palms and fingers are reinforced with leather, which makes them especially durable.

Women's Winter Hiking Gloves

• Outdoor Research Gripper Gloves - These are a thinner fleece glove, but with a Gore Windstopper laminate layer, which both adds warmth and will keep windchill out. Fleece can be counted on to shed a small amount of water, and the Gore Windstopper will shed a bit more, making these gloves water resistant, though not waterproof. But if you want something that will keep your hands warm and relatively dry, these are a great choice.
• Outdoor Research Ambit Gloves - The style of a snowboard or ski glove, but perfectly suitable for winter hiking, especially when the temperature dips down low. The gauntlet and drawcord enclosure will help you make sure that you stay seamlessly warm, and the waterproof exterior, combined with the leather reinforced palm and fingers ensure that you will have a durable, long lasting glove. A good choice of winter hiking glove for when it gets really cold.