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Winter trips can take you from skiing at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to shopping the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France. Wherever you go, you need a good pair of winter gloves. "I look for warmth and protection from shear [wind] and water, both within and without," says Rue McKenrick, the executive director and founder of the American Perimeter Trail Conference, in Bend, Oregon.
The author of American Perimeter Trail Volume 1 and professional backpacker knows how crucial it is to have the right pair of winter gloves. He recommends a layered approach for maximum warmth and versatility.
"I use a touchscreen liner as the base that's typically made of spandex, nylon or polyester. It doesn't have a layer of insulation. This gives you dexterity to tie knots or use your phone or camera," he explains. "On top, I use over mitts with a layer of insulation. It's a shell that's like wearing rain gear. If it rains or snows, it's a waterproof layer. Depending on your activity and if you get warm or cold, your hands stay a comfortable temperature with these two layers."
The North Face Etip Gloves, our top overall pick, is great for general winter weather. They have a lightweight design, versatile usability, and touch-sensitive fingertips. They're slim enough to layer under a pair of heftier mitts too.
The best winter gloves on our list offer not just warmth, but also durability, waterproofing, dexterity, and in many cases, touchscreen features for capturing gorgeous winter scenes on your cellphone. Here are our top picks.
Besides being warm, the best winter gloves should be made of durable materials to withstand the heavy use that winter travel brings. They should also be weatherproof and provide good movement for lugging suitcases around. Touchscreen capability is also important, either in standalone gloves or as a base layer under mitts. Read on for all the details on our favorite winter gloves.
Why we like them: The North Face Etip Gloves are a near-perfect blend of warmth, functionality, and flexibility that's great for moderate winter conditions. The snug fit and touchscreen capability on each finger make these gloves ideal for a variety of activities, from handling hiking gear to snapping a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower.
We also like that you can wear them under bulkier gloves in colder climes and that they're machine washable.
Keep in mind: While they excel in mild to moderate cold, they do not have enough insulation for extreme temperatures.
Product details: Material: Recycled polyester and elastane double-knit fleece | Insulation: None | Touchscreen: Yes
Why we like them: Hestra's handsewn Jake Leather Gloves combine rugged durability with classic style that suits winter in the city, says Sam Chadwick, a freelance fashion director, who works with brands and editorial clients in New York City. They're naturally wind-resistant and have a knitted wool lining for comfort and warmth. Over time, these gloves will mold to your hands for a custom fit.
Keep in mind: These gloves are not waterproof, so they're better suited for dry conditions.
Why we like them: Luxuriously soft and lightweight, Naadam's Signature Cashmere Gloves are made from responsibly sourced Mongolian cashmere, according to the company. They're naturally breathable and warm, with a touchscreen index finger. We love all the rich jewel-tone colors.
Keep in mind: These cashmere gloves are not waterproof. They're not designed for rugged outdoor activities.
Why we like them: Designed for subzero temperatures, the Coldfront Down Mitts offer weightless warmth with a 100-percent recycled polyester shell and Responsible Down Standard-certified 650-fill power down insulation. McKendrick calls these "a down sleeping bag for your fingers" adding that they're great for sleeping too.
Keep in mind: Because they are mitts, these gloves sacrifice some dexterity compared to regular gloves.
Product details: Material: 100% recycled polyester 20D ripstop | Insulation: 650-fill power down | Touchscreen: No
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Why we like them: With a wool-blend shell and anti-slip dots for maximum grip, these popular touchscreen gloves are on many best lists. Every part of this lightly insulated glove is compatible with "almost every touchscreen," according to the company. They're lightweight enough to be worn as a liner for extremely chilly days too.
Keep in mind: Although they are made with wool, these touchscreen gloves are not as warm as bulkier gloves.
Product details: Material: Wool blend | Insulation: Light | Touchscreen: Yes
Why we like them: For LuAnn Gatti, a K-9 search and rescue volunteer in northwest Pennsylvania, the best part of Hestra's Heli ski gloves is the wrist loop, which allows you to "dangle the glove to do other things without worrying about dropping and losing them," she says. Goatskin leather gives them exceptional grip and the three-layer polyamide fabric backhand offers great waterproofing. We love that the fleece liner is removable and replaceable.
For a less bulky option, try the Vessi waterproof gloves. They're knit gloves made with four-way stretch that the company says is a hundred percent waterproof and touchscreen compatible.
Keep in mind: The price is steep, but the versatility and durability make the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves may be worth the investment.
Product details: Material: Goatskin, "triton polyamide" fabric | Insulation: Fleece and polyester | Touchscreen: No
Why we like them: Thin and stretchy, these winter liner gloves fit snugly under heavier pairs. However, they're warm enough on their own in milder conditions, when you need more dexterity. Because the Power Stretch Connect Gloves come in men's and women's sizes, travelers likely won't have too much trouble finding the right size. We also appreciate that most of the material used to construct these gloves come from post-consumer recycled polyester, according to the company.
Keep in mind: These winter gloves only come in black, which could be limiting for some.
Product details: Material: "Polartec Power Stretch" (recycled polyester and elastane) | Insulation: None | Touchscreen: Yes
Why we like them: The Black Diamond Wind Hood Softshell Gloves pair a stretchy, highly breathable softshell glove with a stowable, weather-resistant flap hood. The mitt-style Pertex Endurance wind hood is fixed on the thumb for easy roll-up in mild weather. PrimaLoft Gold insulation helps combat chilly alpine temps and the patterned grip palm helps you hang onto cross country ski poles and other winter essentials.
These gloves are particularly popular, selling out at many retailers. If you can't find them, you can also try Black Diamond's Gridtech Storm Hoods. They're insulated and also feature a stowable hood for wind and rain, plus touchscreen compatibility.
Keep in mind: Despite their hefty look, the Softshells have limited insulation for extreme cold. The temperature range is 25/40° F.
Product details: Material: Stretch softshell with "Pertex" wind hood | Insulation: "Primaloft Gold" | Touchscreen: No
Why we like them: With rechargeable heating elements and multiple heat settings, the Savior heated gloves can be a game-changer for outdoor winter enthusiasts and travelers with circulation issues like Raynaud's syndrome. Far-infrared carbon fiber heating elements cover the entire back of the hand and fingertips. The heating pad comes with a USB charging cable that can also be used with your phone. According to the company, these winter gloves have up to eight hours of battery life and heat up in a speedy three seconds.
Keep in mind: The battery adds bulk to these winter gloves. You must remember to charge the battery.
Product details: Material: Polyester and spandex | Insulation: Heated | Touchscreen: Yes
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Why we like them: At about $20, these winter gloves are a bargain and come with lots of great features. They're constructed with a suede exterior and an insulated fleece lining. They're wind- and water-resistant, according to the maker, and come in unisex sizes. We love the cheery yellow colorway for especially gloomy days.
Keep in mind: The Ozero winter gloves are not made for extreme cold or wet conditions. They are hand-wash only.
Product details: Material: Deerskin suede, thermal fleece | Insulation: Light | Touchscreen: No
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When compiling our list of the best winter gloves for travel, we took into account different types of destinations and activities. We interviewed gear experts with experience in extreme winter activities and fashion pros. We also used our own experience as longtime gear and travel writers. Here's everything we considered:
* Third-party reviews: We read through real-world experiences from verified buyers, paying particular attention to commonly mentioned pros and cons.
* Material quality: We focused on materials made for durability, functionality, warmth, and wind- and water-resistance.
* User feedback: We analyzed feedback from outdoor gear experts and frequent travelers to identify top performers.
* Purpose and versatility: We prioritized gloves suitable for various activities and weather conditions.
Materials
When shopping for winter gloves, look for waterproof and windproof materials such as Gore-Tex, high-density fabric weaves like ripstop nylon, or PFC-free coatings including Durable Water Repellent (DWR). Insulating materials like fleece, wool, or down provide warmth. Many winter gloves also come with finger pads made with conductive materials that enable touchscreen compatibility.
Type and activity
The best pair of winter gloves for you depends on your destination and what activities you're planning. "If you're running outdoors, you're going to use just your base liner," says McKenrick. "But if you're moving slower on a hike, which means you'll feel colder, add the shell over the liner."
Light liners, especially ones made of merino wool, can be great for layering in snowy areas and winter sports. Leather gloves are durable and naturally wind-resistant, plus they offer a more elevated look. Heated gloves are ideal for dexterity in extremely cold areas.
Fit
In general, winter gloves should feel comfortable when you open and close your fingers. Gloves that are too loose may not be as effective at locking in warmth. If you have very small hands like Gatti, consider shopping in the children's department for gloves and liners as she does. Make sure the cuffs fit snugly around wrists. Gloves with Velcro tabs or snaps at the cuffs may offer a more customized fit.
Features
Many winter gloves come with features such as touchscreen capability, waterproofing, and removable liners -- all of which enhance usability. We also love extras like wrist straps and carabiners that help keep gloves together and safely tucked away in a bag.
Are waterproof gloves good for winter?
Yes, waterproof gloves are essential for wet or snowy conditions. Moisture can make hands feel colder. The best winter gloves have waterproofing, moisture-wicking materials, and fast-drying insulation for warmth.
Which type of gloves offer the best protection from extreme cold?
Insulated gloves with heating elements such as the Savior Heated Gloves or down insulation provide the best protection in extreme cold.
What is the best material for a winter glove?
Wool, fleece, and down are excellent insulators, while leather adds durability and style. Since it's both water- and windproof, recycled polyester is preferable for outer shells.