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5 Best Cross Country Skiing Gloves for Protection: Top Picks for Ultimate Warmth and Comfort

August 05, 2024 7 min read

Cross-country skiing offers both a thrilling adventure and an invigorating workout. As you glide through snow-covered trails, having the right gear is essential for comfort and safety. One crucial piece of equipment is a good pair of gloves.

A snowy landscape with a person wearing cross country skiing gloves, surrounded by trees and mountains. Snowflakes are falling gently from the sky

Choosing the best gloves ensures your hands stay warm, protected, and agile in varying conditions. This article will guide you through the top choices available, helping you make an informed decision for your next cross-country skiing trip.

1) Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves

A pair of Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves lying on a snowy surface, with cross country skis and mountains in the background

When it comes to cross-country skiing, you need gloves that provide both warmth and durability. The Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves offer these essential features.

Crafted with a blend of army goat leather and a Triton fabric upper, these gloves are built to withstand harsh conditions. You can trust them to handle extended periods in snow and cold environments.

The gloves feature a removable liner, which makes them versatile. You can adjust the warmth based on the weather conditions by adding or removing the liner as needed.

The long cuffs with adjustable straps keep snow out and warmth in. This design ensures your hands stay dry and protected, even in deep snow.

Their ergonomic shape provides comfort and dexterity. This ensures you have a firm grip on your ski poles and can move your fingers freely without feeling restricted.

Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves are designed with attention to detail and quality, making them a reliable choice for cross-country skiing.

2) Black Diamond Mercury Mitts

The Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are known for their excellent warmth and durability. They are designed to withstand harsh winter conditions and are a popular choice among serious cross country skiers.

These mitts feature a waterproof and breathable BDry insert, making sure your hands stay dry in wet snow. The shell is made of Pertex Shield, which is durable and provides wind and weather resistance.

Inside, the removable liner is insulated with PrimaLoft Gold, offering high-performance warmth even in cold, wet conditions. The liner also includes a high-loft fleece lining for added comfort.

The split-finger design inside the mitts provides better dexterity while maintaining warmth, making it easier to handle gear without taking off your gloves. The goat leather palm adds durability and offers a firm grip on poles.

The long gauntlet design helps keep snow out, and the adjustable wrist strap ensures a secure fit. These features make the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts an excellent choice for harsh winter outings.

For those needing a reliable and warm glove for cross country skiing, the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts stand out with their combination of advanced materials and thoughtful design.

3) Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II

A Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II glove protects against the elements while cross country skiing. The glove's durable material and secure fit provide optimal protection

The Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II gloves are known for their robust protection against harsh winter conditions. These gloves are equipped with a Gore-Tex insert, making them waterproof, windproof, and breathable. This ensures your hands stay dry and warm, even in wet snow or icy winds.

The gloves feature genuine leather palms and fingers, providing excellent grip and durability. This is especially useful when you need to handle ski poles, adjust gear, or navigate tricky terrain. The insulation is a combination of Megaloft synthetic and Hyperloft, which offers great warmth without bulk.

A notable feature is the zippered heater pack pocket. This allows you to add hand warmers easily, enhancing comfort during extremely cold days. Additionally, the adjustable wrist strap and gauntlet cinch cord provide a secure fit, preventing snow from getting inside.

The GTX Storm Trooper II gloves also have pre-curved construction. This ergonomic design improves dexterity and reduces hand fatigue, letting you enjoy longer ski sessions with ease. The soft nose wipe on the thumb adds convenience without compromising functionality.

You can trust these gloves to perform well in various winter sports, not just cross-country skiing. Their versatility, combined with high-quality materials and thoughtful design, makes them a reliable choice for winter enthusiasts.

4) Outdoor Research Alti Mitts

Outdoor Research Alti Mitts are designed to offer superior protection in extremely cold environments. They are made from a combination of Gore-Tex fabric and Primaloft insulation, ensuring that your hands stay dry and warm. These materials make the mitts waterproof, windproof, and highly breathable.

The mitts feature a reinforced palm for enhanced durability and grip, which is crucial when handling ski poles or other equipment. The removable liner system allows for versatile use and easy drying. This is particularly useful if you need to wear the mitts over extended periods.

They also come with adjustable wrist straps and a gauntlet cuff that can be tightened to keep snow and cold air out. The design is practical and efficient, making them ideal for extreme cold weather activities.

Their versatility lies not just in the liner system but also in the fact that they are suitable for both skiing and mountaineering. This makes them a great investment for those who frequently engage in cold-weather sports.

One of the key features is the pre-curved construction, which enhances comfort and dexterity. This means you can easily grasp and manipulate equipment without feeling restricted.

The mitts are available in various sizes, accommodating a wide range of hand shapes and ensuring a snug fit. This allows for optimal thermal performance and comfort during use.

5) Swany X-Cell II Gloves

The Swany X-Cell II gloves are shown gripping a ski pole while gliding through a snowy, wooded cross-country skiing trail. The gloves feature durable material and protective padding for a comfortable and secure fit

The Swany X-Cell II Gloves offer high-quality protection for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Designed with top-notch materials, they promise warmth and comfort in extremely cold conditions.

These gloves feature Tri-plex insulation, providing excellent thermal retention without bulk. It keeps your hands warm even during long sessions in the snow.

The durable leather shell ensures longevity and durability. You won't have to worry about these gloves wearing out quickly as they are built to withstand harsh conditions.

A moisture-wicking liner helps keep your hands dry by efficiently managing sweat. This added comfort lets you focus on your skiing, rather than distractions caused by dampness.

The Swany X-Cell II Gloves also offer a secure fit with their adjustable straps. This feature ensures that the gloves stay in place during active use, providing a snug and reliable fit.

Finally, the Touch Screen Compatibility allows you to use your devices without removing the gloves. This practical feature ensures you stay connected while staying warm.

Importance of Choosing the Right Gloves

Selecting the proper cross-country skiing gloves is crucial to prevent dangers like frostbite and to ensure you maintain an excellent grip on your poles.

Preventing Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite and hypothermia are serious risks during cross-country skiing. Your fingers are especially vulnerable due to their distance from the heart and constant exposure to the cold. Insulated gloves with materials like Thinsulate or down are essential.

Look for gloves with windproof and waterproof features to block out chilling winds and moisture. Breathable materials help regulate temperature. An adjustable cuff with a secure closure will further seal out the cold and snow.

Maximizing Grip and Control

Having the right grip on your ski poles can make or break your skiing experience. Gloves that have reinforced palms, often made of leather or synthetic materials, provide better control. This is crucial for maintaining balance and performance on the trails.

Choose gloves with pre-curved fingers to minimize fatigue. Velcro or elastic wrist closures can ensure the gloves stay in place. Textured surfaces on the fingers help with manipulating zippers or other gear without removing your gloves, adding to the convenience.

Material Options for Cross Country Skiing Gloves

Cross country skiing gloves displayed with various material options. Top 5 gloves for protection showcased

When selecting cross country skiing gloves, the choice of material plays a crucial role in comfort and performance. Key considerations include the type of fibers and insulation used.

Synthetic vs Natural Fibers

Cross country skiing gloves can be made from synthetic fibers, such as polyester or nylon, or natural fibers, like wool or leather.

  1. Synthetic Fibers: These are often preferred for their durability and water resistance. Common materials like polyester are lightweight, quick-drying, and offer excellent moisture-wicking properties. Some gloves also incorporate elastane for added stretch, providing a snug fit that allows for better dexterity.

  2. Natural Fibers: Wool is a popular choice due to its ability to retain warmth even when wet. Leather is used for its durability and grip, often seen on the palm of the glove. Natural fibers tend to offer more breathability and can be more comfortable over long periods.

Both types have their advantages, and the best option often depends on personal preference and specific skiing conditions.

Insulation Types

Insulation is key to keeping your hands warm during long hours in the cold. Different materials offer varying levels of warmth and breathability.

  1. Thinsulate: A widely used synthetic insulation known for being exceptionally warm without adding bulk. Gloves with Thinsulate are lightweight and provide excellent insulation, making them ideal for high-intensity activities.

  2. PrimaLoft: Another synthetic insulation, PrimaLoft is softer and offers superior warmth even when wet. It's compressible and breathable, which helps in regulating hand temperature during varying activity levels.

  3. Wool: Natural wool insulation provides excellent warmth and breathability. Wool retains its insulating properties even when wet, making it a reliable option for unpredictable weather conditions.

Each insulation type has distinct benefits, and choosing the right one can significantly enhance your skiing experience by keeping your hands warm and comfortable.

Features to Look For

A snowy landscape with a skier wearing protective gloves, surrounded by trees and mountains, with a clear focus on the gloves' features

When selecting cross-country skiing gloves, it's crucial to pay attention to specific features that will ensure both protection and comfort. Notable features include water resistance, breathability, and cuff design. These ensure your hands stay dry and you enjoy a secure, custom fit.

Water Resistance and Breathability

Water resistance is essential to keep your hands dry while skiing. Look for gloves that use materials like Gore-Tex or DWR coatings. These materials prevent water from penetrating the gloves, keeping your hands dry in wet conditions.

Breathability, on the other hand, allows moisture from sweat to escape, preventing your hands from feeling clammy. Materials such as Primaloft or Thinsulate provide warmth while ensuring breathability. Additionally, gloves with ventilated panels can enhance airflow, making them more comfortable for long skiing sessions.

Cuff Design and Closure

The cuff design of your gloves significantly impacts comfort and fit. Extended cuffs that go over your jacket sleeves offer added protection against snow and wind. Some gloves come with elastic cuffs that provide a snug fit to keep out the cold.

Closure mechanisms like Velcro straps or buckle closures ensure a secure fit. These closures allow you to adjust the tightness around your wrist, preventing snow from entering the gloves. Hook-and-loop fasteners also provide an easy way to secure your gloves, even while wearing them. This ensures that your gloves remain tight and protective throughout your skiing adventure.