With winter comes a variety of cold-weather sports, such as snowboarding and skiing, that people enjoy. While it’s easy to wear layers on the rest of the body, the hands can get quite cold. Therefore, it is best to purchase the warmest gloves possible.
We will focus on five different products designed to be worn in cold weather. Here, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of each one. At the end, we’ll give you our opinion of the best winter hiking gloves so that you have a better idea of what to consider.
The MCTi brand is a popular one, though it isn’t as well-known as others. It’s not easy to find information about the company. However, we know that it primarily sells its products on third-party e-commerce sites like Amazon.
Product Highlights
You’ll find that the MCTi Waterproof Men's Ski Gloves feature three different materials. These include waterproof TPU, windproof polyester, and Insulate Thinsulate.
With the 3M Thinsulate insulation, you get 40 grams of the Thinsulate with 140 grams of cotton. This is thick enough to protect the hands and keep them warm. It is ideal for a variety of winter needs, including hiking, winter riding, skiing, and snowboarding.
With three layers included, your hands will stay warmer, and the cold wind won’t hit them. Since it is waterproof, no part of the hand will feel cold. Sweating, though, can occur because of the waterproof outer shell.
What We Like
We especially liked the zippered pocket, which allows you to carry your ID, cars, or some cash. It also features an adjustable wrist strap so that you can ensure no cold air gets inside the gloves.
What We Don’t Like
Though there was a helpful chart, it was a little confusing to determine the right size. It will require a lot of measurements, which are essential to get the right fit.
2. Velazzio Waterproof Breathable Snowboard Ski Gloves
Velazzio is another up-and-coming brand that has become quite popular. It offers many products, including gloves, ski goggles, and helmets. Primarily, you can only find its items online through third-party websites, such as Amazon.
Product Highlights
When searching for breathable and waterproof gloves, the Velazzio Waterproof Breathable Snowboard Ski Gloves is ideal. It's light and isn’t as bulky as some of the others, but still features 3M Thinsulate insulation to trap body heat and give more warmth.
These gloves are moisture-wicking, while others tend to hold in sweat and wetness on the hands. Therefore, you won’t feel that your hands are soaked in sweat while you’re out for extended periods.
What We Like
When we initially saw these gloves, we worried that they wouldn’t be warm enough. However, the Fan-Tex membrane keeps the product waterproof while still allowing moisture to get out.
What We Don’t Like
We like the idea of the zipper pocket, but its positioning was quite odd. It’s at the bottom of the gloves, which means if you open it while your hand is upright, the items inside could fall out.
PROS
- Well insulated
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Lifetime guarantee
CONS
- Oddly placed zipper
- Drawstring closure (at the end) left something to be desired
- Quite off sizing
Regardless of what you want to buy, it is important to know how to choose the right product for your needs. When it comes to winter hiking gloves, there are many factors to consider. For example, if you don’t think about the fit, materials, and size, you may end up with something that isn’t suitable.
1. Materials
Most winter hiking gloves utilize a variety of materials to help your hands stay as warm as possible. When temperatures aren’t too frigid, you might be able to wear insulated gloves or wool. However, you’re going to stay warmer if you use waterproof and windproof gloves.
Manufacturers usually focus on three layers within the glove system. The liner is the base layer, and it sits next to your skin. Next, you have the insulating layer with a waterproof shell, which is the part that you see on your hand.
Sometimes, these are an all-in-one system. Nevertheless, you may be able to find gloves that have separate or peel-off layers so that you can choose the one that best fits the temperature and your needs.
Generally, it is best if you have a waterproof TPU shell outer layer with synthetic materials on the palms. The insulating layer is usually going to be Thinsulate, which also includes cotton. This layer should be thick enough so that the hands stay warm regardless of the activity.
2. Size
The one thing most people overlook is the fact that you will likely have three layers of gloves on your hand. They aren’t designed for delicacy and will be quite bulky. You need the system to come together correctly.
If each of the layers is too tight, it’s going to be uncomfortable to wear for long periods. The glove could also cut off the circulation to your hands, meaning they feel colder. Plus, you should be aware that if your hands are already chilled, they won’t slide easily into a tight glove.
It’s ideal for the liner part of the glove to fit your actual hand size. If it is a three-layer system, the manufacturer will account for the bulk and sizing differences. Generally, you will pick the size that represents your hand and won’t have to order a bigger glove.
3. Fit
Now that you understand the sizing constraints, it’s time to focus on fit. As mentioned earlier, the glove is going to look and feel a bit bulky. That’s normal.
The bulkiness should still be in proportion with your hand size, though. If the glove is overly large, there could be openings where cold air can get inside.
The base layer should fit your hand perfectly with the insulation and outer shell, adding a slight bulk. You should still be able to hold things, such as a ski pole, and feel the hand inside the glove.
4. Price
When it comes to buying winter hiking gloves, you can expect them to cost a bit more. Those "magic" stretchy gloves are inexpensive because they don’t offer much protection from the cold.
That said, you can’t just find the most expensive pair of gloves and buy them. Price isn’t the only consideration here. You still need to think about fit, material, and style.
1. What Kind of Gloves Are Best for Winter?
Generally, most people believe that mittens are warmer than any glove because they can keep their fingers warm. With the advancements in technology, though, gloves can be quite warm.
Ideally, you want to choose a glove that is waterproof and uses Thinsulate as the insulation. That way, you won’t have to worry about snow getting on the gloves and the moisture seeping inside to chill the hands and fingers.
2. How Do You Keep Your Fingers Warm in Gloves?
When wearing gloves in freezing weather or for extended periods, it is best to wear multiple layers. Some manufacturers produce gloves that feature the base, insulation, and weatherproof outer shell. These are the best options available because they have almost everything you need in one convenient package.
Make sure that the fit is right. Your fingers should lightly touch the inside tip of the glove but not be pressed against it. This can allow for a tiny air pocket, which can actually keep the fingers warmer.
3. How Can I Make My Gloves Waterproof?
The best way to ensure that you own waterproof gloves is to buy products that offer waterproof TPU as the outer shell. Do note, though, that with time, the waterproofing feature can dissipate.
If that happens, you can purchase a waterproofing solution. Make sure it is suitable for gloves and follow the directions on the can. This way, you can re-waterproof your gloves every season and get more use out of them.
4. Are Fleece Gloves Warmer than Wool?
Warmth primarily originates from your body heat, so it is actually better to ask which gloves insulate better. Both fabrics can retain heat effectively when wind and rain or snow aren’t part of the equation.
When the elements are at play, wool tends to be better for both windy, rain, and snowy conditions. Wool features a natural water repellent called lanolin, but it can still get soaking wet. Plus, it takes longer to dry.
Fleece will get soaked faster and will not insulate at all. It can dry faster once you get out of the rain or snow. Concerning wind, wool is usually better at protecting the hands and keeping them warm.
When it comes to choosing the best winter hiking gloves, we think we found a winner. The MCTi Waterproof Men's Ski Gloves had everything we desired, and the price was right. It featured a zipper toward the fingers, buckle and drawstring, and Thinsulate insulation.
