5 Best Paddling Gloves for Protection: Top Picks for Comfort and Durability

September 25, 2024 5 min read

When you're out on the water, having the right gear is crucial for both performance and safety. Paddling gloves play a significant role in protecting your hands, ensuring you can enjoy your time without discomfort or injury.

Water splashes as a paddle hits the surface, protected by a sturdy glove. Five different designs lay out, showcasing their durability and grip

Finding the best paddling gloves can make the difference between a pleasurable outing and a painful experience. We will guide you through the top choices that combine durability, comfort, and protection, helping you select the ideal pair for your needs.

1) NRS HydroSkin Gloves

The NRS HydroSkin Gloves offer exceptional comfort and protection for paddlers. Made from 0.5 mm Neoprene, these gloves provide a snug fit that reduces water absorption and insulates your hands effectively.

The PowerSpan exterior offers four-way stretch, ensuring a full range of motion. This feature is crucial for maintaining grip and maneuverability on the paddle.

Inside, the ThermalPlush lining adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort. It feels soft against the skin and helps keep your hands cozy even in colder water.

These gloves are designed to provide excellent grip through silicone patterning on the palm. This helps maintain a steady hold on wet paddles, reducing the risk of slippage.

They also include a quick-drying feature, so you won't have to deal with damp gloves for long periods. This feature is especially useful during multi-day trips or frequent paddling sessions.

2) Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Ultra Grip Gloves

A pair of Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Ultra Grip Gloves are shown gripping a paddle, with water splashing around them

The Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Ultra Grip Gloves are designed for a variety of weather conditions, ensuring your hands stay dry. These gloves feature a three-layer construction for enhanced durability and comfort.

You will appreciate the dexterity offered by the seamless close-fitting design. The gloves provide excellent grip, thanks to the silicone-dotted palm and fingers.

Whether it's raining or just windy, these gloves are built to protect you from the elements. The waterproof feature ensures your hands remain dry during paddling activities.

For those who seek a reliable and functional pair of gloves for outdoor adventures, Sealskinz offers a compelling option. While offering protection, they do not compromise on flexibility and performance.

3) Stohlquist Toaster Gloves

A pair of Stohlquist Toaster gloves lay on a rocky shore, surrounded by paddles and a kayak, ready for the next adventure on the water

Stohlquist Toaster Gloves offer superior warmth for paddlers in cold conditions.

The gloves feature a curved finger design, making it easier to grip paddles for extended periods.

3mm neoprene construction provides excellent insulation, keeping your hands warm even when wet.

With durable seams and a snug fit, the gloves minimize water entry, enhancing their thermal protection.

The textured palm improves grip on wet surfaces, ensuring that your paddle stays secure.

Adjustable wrist straps allow you to customize the fit, preventing cold water from seeping in.

These gloves are also versatile, suitable for various water activities beyond paddling.

If you often paddle in colder climates, these gloves can make your experience much more comfortable.

4) Kokatat Lightweight Hand Jackets

A close-up of Kokatat Lightweight Paddling Gloves on a kayak paddle, surrounded by water droplets and splashes, showcasing their protective features

Kokatat Lightweight Hand Jackets provide excellent protection for paddlers seeking comfort and durability. Made from durable materials, these gloves ensure your hands stay protected from blisters and abrasions during long paddling sessions.

The design focuses on breathability and flexibility. The gloves feature a lightweight fabric that allows for adequate ventilation, keeping your hands cool and dry.

The grip on these gloves is impressive, providing a secure hold on paddles without sacrificing comfort. The material ensures you maintain control, even in wet conditions.

These gloves are easy to put on and take off, thanks to their adjustable wrist closures. The secure fit helps prevent water from entering, keeping your hands drier.

Kokatat Lightweight Hand Jackets are available in a range of sizes, catering to different hand shapes and sizes. This ensures a snug fit, enhancing your paddling experience.

5) NRS Maverick Gloves

A pair of NRS Maverick gloves lay on a rocky shore, with a kayak and paddle in the background, ready for a day of paddling

The NRS Maverick Gloves offer a robust design tailored for paddlers. Made from 2mm neoprene, these gloves provide excellent insulation against cold water, keeping your hands warm during extended sessions. The material is both durable and flexible, ensuring a snug fit without restricting your movement.

Silicone patterning on the palms delivers a secure grip on your paddle. This feature helps maintain control, even in wet conditions. The gloves also have liquid-sealed seams to enhance water resistance, reducing the risk of water seepage.

The extended cuffs with hook-and-loop closures offer additional wrist protection and a customizable fit. This prevents debris and water from entering the gloves, ensuring comfort throughout your paddling adventure. The gloves excel in enhancing your overall paddling experience without compromising on any essential aspect of comfort or safety.

Why Use Paddling Gloves?

Paddling gloves offer numerous benefits, including enhanced grip, prevention of blisters and calluses, and sun protection. Each of these advantages can significantly improve your comfort and performance on the water.

Enhancing Grip and Control

Paddling often involves managing wet, slippery paddles. Gloves with textured surfaces increase friction, making it easier to maintain a steady grip. They help you paddle efficiently, especially in rough conditions or during intensive workouts.

Improved grip also means less energy wasted adjusting your hold, translating to better overall control. Many gloves offer silicone grips or rubberized palms, enhancing your handling of the paddle.

Preventing Blisters and Calluses

Repeated friction with bare hands can result in painful blisters and tough calluses. Paddling gloves serve as a barrier, absorbing the friction between your hands and the paddle. This helps avoid damage to your skin, keeping your hands smooth and pain-free.

Blisters and calluses can disrupt your paddling experience, causing discomfort or even forcing you to take breaks. By reducing the likelihood of these issues, gloves ensure you enjoy longer, more comfortable outings.

Ensuring Sun Protection

Long hours on the water expose your hands to harmful UV rays, which can lead to sunburn and other skin issues. Many paddling gloves come with UV protection to shield your skin from damage. Gloves designed with this feature often offer UPF 50+ ratings.

Wearing sun-protective gloves helps prevent burns and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage. In addition to sun protection, these gloves can also keep your hands cooler by reflecting UV rays, providing added comfort during hot, sunny days.

Material Options for Paddling Gloves

A table displaying various types of paddling gloves with different materials and features. The gloves are arranged neatly with labels for easy comparison

Selecting the right material for paddling gloves is crucial to ensure optimal protection, comfort, and durability. Each material type has distinct advantages and features.

Neoprene

Neoprene gloves are widely used for their excellent insulation properties. These gloves keep your hands warm in cold water environments, making them ideal for paddlers in cooler climates. Neoprene's flexibility allows for a snug fit, enhancing grip and dexterity.

This material is also highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, it provides a good level of protection against abrasions and blisters, ensuring your hands remain comfortable during long paddling sessions.

Synthetic Leather

Synthetic leather gloves offer a combination of durability and comfort. They mimic the feel of real leather while being more resistant to water and faster to dry. These gloves are particularly good for reducing friction, which helps prevent blisters.

The material also provides robust protection against cuts and abrasions. Lightweight and breathable, synthetic leather gloves can keep your hands relatively cool even in warm conditions, making them versatile for various paddling activities.

Mesh and Lycra

Mesh and Lycra gloves are favored for their breathability and lightweight nature. These materials ensure optimal air circulation, keeping your hands cool and reducing sweat build-up. This lightweight feel does not compromise the glove's protective qualities, making them suitable for warmer weather conditions.

They also offer a good balance of stretch and comfort, fitting snugly while allowing free movement. Mesh and Lycra gloves dry quickly, which is beneficial if you get wet frequently, ensuring your hands stay dry and comfortable.