Insulated Gloves and Mittens

Reviewed by BigRed

The SealSkinz Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Gauntlet is a well-constructed, warm and waterproof glove for getting out and about in the cold. Ideal for downhill skiing and backcountry ski descents when temperature fall below -10˚C / teens F, and as a camp glove in somewhat higher temperatures.

Preliminary Review Sealskinz has provided me with two pairs of gloves to put to the test, these and the All Weather Glove. Sealskinz specializes in waterproof/breathable socks, gloves, mittens, and hats, with nearly 50 options just in the gloves and mitten department. In most garments, waterproofness and breathability are a tradeoff, but Sealskinz claims its products offer “100% waterproof protection whilst being incredibly breathable and dexterous”. Depending on conditions and activity, these two characteristics may be more or less desirable—to have both in abundance could be a dream come true.

Read more: SealSkinz Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Gauntlet review (1)

Reviewed by Sean Van Cleve

Black Diamond's Dirt Bag Mitts are a very warm, durable product at a spectacular price-point ($44.95 USD). These highly water resistant mittens are made with a goat leather outer which is built to last. Ideal for temperatures well under freezing (30°F or less), the Dirt Bag Mitts are designed for snowsports, hiking/backpacking, or general outdoor activities and chores. Note: Black Diamond also offers a Dirt Bag Glove counterpart.

When warmth is a necessity, quality hand-wear is absolutely indispensable. Black Diamond’s new Dirt Bag Mitt falls under the ‘WOW’ category, especially when considering the quality-to-price point ratio. Black Diamond has shown to be a frontrunner in apparel for quite some time, and their gear can be seen everywhere from the trail to the climbing gym since 1957. Although designed as a ski mitt, the Dirt Bag excels as a durable, general-use outdoor mitten.   Specifications: Price: $44.95 USD Size: XS-XL Gender: Unisex Material: Goat leather shell; thermal foam & 100g fleece lining; acrylic knit cuff Color availability: Natural only Weight: 154g/5.5oz (pair) Temperature range: 20-35°F (Black Diamond’s spec)  Note: The Dirt Bag...

Read more: Black Diamond Dirt Bag Mitts review (1)

Reviewed by Sheila Bergin Goss

The Outdoor Research Inception Aerogel Gloves are warm, flexible, and comfortable gloves. They have become go-to gloves that I use on my daily snowshoeing and winter hiking outings. I have used these gloves for more than 60 days, in temperatures ranging from minus 4 (f) to 33 degrees, and in both dry and wet and snowy conditions. As the winter has progressed, in addition to use during my daily snowshoeing and winter hiking outings, I have used them while kick-sledding and shoveling snow. They are not bulky, permit dexterity, and work well with poles. The Inception Aerogel Gloves are well made, and are comfortable for my winter activities.

Introduction I began testing a pair of these Inception Aerogel Gloves in early November, in Northern Vermont, and have used them for more than 60 days of snowshoeing and winter hiking. While engaged in these activities, I actively use poles, so my hands are moving almost all the time. My needs for suitable gloves for my winter activities require that the gloves be comfortable, warm enough in a variety of conditions, large enough to permit use of a glove liner and to accommodate an arthritic thumb, yet not too bulky to easily use with poles.  Sizing and Color Options The gloves are available in two colors options, all black, and a black and saddle (dark tan) combination.

Read more: Outdoor Research Inception Aerogel Gloves review (1)

Featured review by Andrew F.

A very good winter glove for all but the coldest weather. A nice combination of warmth and freedom of movement. Very nice leather palms. Not waterproof, and leather needs to be treated periodically. Also, no gauntlet or leashes.

For me, this is the glove that bridges between cold (30 degrees) and very cold (zero degrees) for most pursuits.  The gloves are insulated with Primaloft, with twice as much insulation on the back of the hands as the palm.  Regular price $129; purchased at one of their 40% off sales for just under 80 bucks. At that price, a great deal.  Back of the hand. Note that leather covers backs of fingers, but the back of most of the glove is nylon. Note the loop on the second finger for hooking with a carabiner if needed.Palm—leather covers fingers and a double layer of leather at the palm.  Another view of the palm, note how part of the palm is doubled up.

Read more: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Guide Gloves reviews (2)

Featured review by Tom Schmit

My new go-to gloves for cold weather!

Well these are now the gloves against which I compare all other gloves and mittens. They are extremely warm and have proven to be very durable so far (I've not had them very long, though). I've used them in -20°F windchill with gusts up to 30 mph and in warmer, wetter weather. They've been bullet proof so far. In fact, these are the first pair of gloves that I've owned that allow my fingers to warm up in sub-zero weather. What I mean is this: usually in sub-zero temperatures, if my bare fingers are exposed it's pretty much game over.

Read more: Outdoor Research Alti Gloves reviews (3)

Featured review by Andrew F.

These are my backup winter hiking mitt/gloves. I really like the heavy-duty feel of these, the lobster design, and some of the thoughtful features. On the downside, the inserts that arrived with these were average, I cut some of the excess straps off because their functionality was iffy, and the leather palms need a little more than usual care. A much better mitt with the replacement inserts. The basic functions—warmth, wind/water resistance, and in particular the deep winter replacement inserts, make these a nice and functional choice for winter.

Edit: As of winter 2021/22, I still wear these Hestra hybrid mitt/gloves in cold weather, wore them today. They have proved to be very durable and warm with the replacement insert. Today’s version has a better-articulated thumb but still appears to be sold with a "fiberfil"l insert rather than Primaloft. 2022 photos, after a number of years of use     Original Review: As you can see from the number of pros and cons, I have a complicated relationship with these mitt/gloves. In some ways brilliant, in others funky and a tad annoying.

Read more: Hestra Heli Ski 3-Finger Glove reviews (3)

Featured review by Casey

Very good mittens that fit well. They are pretty warm but YMMV.

Having a light case of Raynaud's Syndrome (some fingers get cold and won't warm up), I have often struggled to find ski/snowboard gloves and mittens that will work in colder temperatures (below 32F/0C). Now in the Pacific Northwest, temperatures at ski areas typically range from the high teens to the low 30s. After some research, I settled on the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts (Men's). I had very high hopes for them being warm at the colder temperatures. Black Diamond shows their comfort range from -25F to 10F (-31C to -12C).

Read more: Black Diamond Mercury Mitts reviews (3)

Featured review by Andrew F.

These made me a believer in gloves for very cold weather. I have not worn a warmer or more durable glove. The gauntlet is easy to open and close, and having a removable liner is a plus. I grade them below five stars for shipping without an idiot leash.

I carry two pair of hand protection for winter hiking.  After my very old REI mitts plus shells were past their usable life, and a cold day convinced me that Dachstein mitts plus shells weren't enough, I chose Black Diamond's Guide Glove. They're expensive; try to find them on sale, off-season. The outer shell is a combination of goatskin leather and rough-textured nylon. It's a gauntlet-style glove, so it extends well past your cuff to help seal out cold and weather. They say they have Gore-tex; I suspect that membrane surrounds the liner, because the back and palm are leather, and when you remove the liner, the inside surface is also leather.

Read more: Black Diamond Guide Gloves reviews (2)

Reviewed by Andrew F.

A warm glove for winter that’s very comfortable. Removable liner, leather palm, and a proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane in the shell highlight the features that help make this a good cold weather companion. Surprising warmth for the price point, balanced by somewhat limited use of your fingers. A step down from the well-reviewed Black Diamond Guide Glove in anticipated durability.

Palm view Back of hand view BACKGROUND I purchased the Black Diamond Soloist glove to serve as my everyday winter glove. Unlike most gear, I did zero research. I happened to be in a REI store helping our son find a ski parka and pants, and the gloves I have worn the last several years started to have parts of the shell material get brittle and flake off. I tried these on, they seemed to work, and they have become the glove I wear around town and on day hikes in cold weather. However, they could easily be a solid choice for winter trips in all but the most frigid weather.

Read more: Black Diamond Soloist Gloves review (1)

Reviewed by LoneStranger

OR's RadiantX Gloves employ their new HeiQ XReflex insulation technology to provide warmth while active yet retain dexterity to perform tasks without taking them off. Flexible shell material on the back of the hand, durable panels in the grip area with low profile, recycled poly insulation sandwiched between. Nice leash among other features.

  . I spent the entirety of last winter testing Outdoor Research's RadiantX Gloves in a wide variety of conditions. From late fall of 2021 through to early spring of 2022 they were on my hands most days spent outdoors. It took some time to zero in on how to tell their story because it is both simple and complex. That is why I kept extending the testing period so I could try different conditions and activities. I wrote most of this review last spring, but we decided to hold it to publish now when people are starting to think about cold weather.

Read more: Outdoor Research RadiantX Gloves review (1)