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5 Best Snowshoeing Gloves for Protection: Top Picks for Winter Adventures

August 12, 2024 7 min read

Snowshoeing can be an exhilarating way to explore winter landscapes, but it requires the right gear. One of the most crucial pieces of equipment to ensure a safe and comfortable experience is a reliable pair of gloves.

Snowshoeing gloves displayed on a snowy landscape with mountains in the background, showcasing their durability and protection against the cold

Finding the best snowshoeing gloves can greatly enhance your performance and protection against the elements. In this article, we'll explore options that combine durability, warmth, and functionality for your winter adventures.

1) Black Diamond Mercury Mitts

Snowshoer wearing Black Diamond Mercury Mitts, trekking through snowy forest, hands protected from cold and wet, enjoying winter adventure

The Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are renowned for their durability and warmth. These mitts feature a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex insert that ensures your hands stay dry in wet snow conditions. The PrimaLoft Gold insulation provides excellent heat retention, making them ideal for extremely cold temperatures.

The inner liner is removable, allowing for better flexibility and faster drying when the mitts get wet. This removable liner can also be used independently in milder conditions. The mitts have a rugged goat leather palm, offering a superior grip when holding trekking poles or other equipment.

These mitts come with an extended gauntlet to keep snow out, and the adjustable wrist strap ensures a snug fit. The gauntlet easily fits over the cuffs of your jacket, providing extra protection against snow ingress.

Despite their robustness, the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are relatively lightweight, ensuring that your hands do not feel fatigued during long snowshoeing sessions. The mitts are also designed with a reinforced thumb and index finger, providing additional durability in high-wear areas.

The pre-curved fit of the mitts helps in maintaining dexterity while gripping or adjusting gear. They are available in multiple sizes, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your hands. The mitts are also compatible with hand warmers for extra warmth on particularly cold days.

2) Outdoor Research Alti Mitts

A pair of Alti Mitts lying on top of a snow-covered log, with snowshoes and a winter landscape in the background

The Outdoor Research Alti Mitts are designed for extreme cold and high-altitude conditions. Constructed from durable GORE-TEX material, they provide excellent waterproofing and breathability. These mitts are lined with PrimaLoft insulation, ensuring your hands stay warm and dry.

You’ll appreciate the robust shell fabric which offers great protection against harsh winds and snow. The removable liner gloves add versatility, allowing you to adjust for varying conditions. They also feature a pre-curved design to enhance grip and dexterity.

The Alti Mitts come with cinch gauntlets, providing a secure fit and preventing snow from entering. Reinforced palms and fingers add durability, making them suitable for tough terrains. You can trust these mitts for long-lasting performance in extreme environments.

If comfort and protection are your priorities, the Outdoor Research Alti Mitts are a reliable choice.

3) Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves

The Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves are surrounded by snowshoes, creating a protective and adventurous scene

When snowshoeing, your hands need reliable protection, and the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves provide just that. These gloves are known for their durability and warmth.

The outer shell is made from windproof, waterproof, and breathable HESTRA Triton fabric. This ensures that your hands stay dry and comfortable even in harsh conditions.

The palm and fingers are reinforced with Army Goat Leather. This material enhances grip and durability, giving you better control over your hiking poles or snowshoes.

Inside, the removable liner is insulated with G-Loft, a synthetic material that is lightweight and retains heat well. This can be easily removed for drying or replaced with a different liner based on your needs.

These gloves feature adjustable wrist straps and cuffs, allowing you to secure them tightly. This helps in keeping snow and cold air out while maintaining optimal warmth inside.

Additionally, the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves come with a convenient carabiner. You can clip them onto your backpack or belt, making them easy to carry when not in use.

These gloves are available in various sizes and colors, ensuring that you can find a pair that fits well and matches your gear.

4) Montane Super Prism Mitts

Snowshoeing gloves lie on a snowy trail, surrounded by evergreen trees and a mountainous backdrop. The Montane Super Prism Mitts stand out, offering protection and warmth in the wintry landscape

Montane Super Prism Mitts offer exceptional protection in cold environments. These mitts feature Pertex Quantum fabric, known for its lightweight and windproof qualities. This ensures your hands remain warm even in harsh weather conditions.

Inside, the gloves use PrimaLoft Gold insulation. This material is highly efficient at trapping heat while remaining breathable. You can count on retaining warmth without your hands becoming overly sweaty.

The mitts are also highly compressible, allowing for easy storage when not in use. This makes them ideal for carrying in your pack without taking up much space.

Montane Super Prism Mitts come with a pre-curved box wall construction. This design enhances the fit, making your movements more natural and less restrictive.

The durable water repellent (DWR) finish ensures your hands stay dry in snow and light rain. This treatment offers added protection from the elements without sacrificing comfort.

The mitts also include loops for attaching to your wrists. This feature helps prevent losing a glove, a handy addition when taking them off temporarily.

5) Marmot Ultimate Ski Glove

A pair of Marmot Ultimate Ski Gloves lying on a snowy surface, surrounded by snowshoes and other winter gear

When you need high-performance gloves for snowshoeing, the Marmot Ultimate Ski Glove is a reliable choice.

These gloves feature a durable GORE-TEX insert which provides waterproof protection, keeping your hands dry in wet snow conditions. This ensures comfort during prolonged periods in the snow.

For warmth, the Marmot Ultimate Ski Glove includes PrimaLoft insulation. This material is known for its high insulation value and breathability. Your hands stay warm without overheating.

The glove's design includes a reinforced leather palm for durability and better grip. This is particularly useful when handling poles or navigating rugged terrain.

Marmot has also added a nose wipe feature on the thumb. This is a practical addition for those cold days when a runny nose is inevitable.

The gauntlet-style cuff is adjustable. This helps in sealing out snow and cold air, providing further protection as you move through deep snow.

The combination of functional features and durable materials makes the Marmot Ultimate Ski Glove a strong choice for any snowshoeing adventure.

Importance of Quality Snowshoeing Gloves

Snowshoeing gloves lay on a snowy trail, surrounded by pristine winter scenery. The gloves are durable, insulated, and waterproof, emphasizing their importance for protection in cold conditions

Quality snowshoeing gloves are essential to keep you protected from harsh weather, ensure a secure grip on poles, and provide a comfortable fit to maintain dexterity during your snowshoeing adventures.

Weather Protection

When you are out in the snow, your hands are exposed to extreme cold, wind, and moisture. High-quality gloves provide insulation to keep your hands warm even in freezing temperatures. Waterproof materials prevent snow and water from seeping in, maintaining dryness throughout your activity.

You should look for gloves with breathable fabrics to minimize sweat buildup inside. Windproofing features also play a crucial role in shielding your hands from cold gusts. These aspects ensure that you stay warm and dry, avoiding potential frostbite or discomfort.

Enhanced Grip and Dexterity

Proper grip and dexterity are vital when handling snowshoeing poles and navigating tricky terrain. Textured palms and fingers on quality gloves ensure a secure grip, reducing the risk of the poles slipping from your hands.

Maintaining dexterity allows you to adjust straps, open zippers, and handle other gear without needing to remove your gloves. Look for gloves with flexible materials and articulated fingers to enhance your freedom of movement. These features are essential for performing tasks efficiently, making your snowshoeing experience safe and enjoyable.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort and fit are just as important as functionality. Gloves that are too tight can restrict blood flow, making your hands cold. Conversely, overly loose gloves can cause chafing and blisters.

Adjustable cuffs and closure mechanisms help in achieving a snug fit that keeps out snow and wind. The inner lining should be soft and smooth, adding an extra layer of warmth and comfort. Properly fitting gloves ensure that you can focus on your snowshoeing activities without distraction, ultimately making your outing more enjoyable.

Materials Used in Snowshoeing Gloves

Snowshoeing gloves laid out with various materials like waterproof fabric, insulation, and durable palm grips. Top 5 gloves displayed for protection

When choosing snowshoeing gloves, understanding the materials used is crucial for ensuring warmth, durability, and water resistance. The three primary materials often found in high-quality snowshoeing gloves include synthetic insulation, leather, and waterproof membranes.

Synthetic Insulation

Synthetic insulation is prized for its ability to retain warmth even when wet. Popular types of synthetic insulation include Thinsulate, PrimaLoft, and Thermolite.

Thinsulate offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, making it lightweight yet highly effective.
PrimaLoft mimics the warmth and compressibility of down but performs better in wet conditions.
Thermolite is another efficient insulating material known for its lightweight properties and thermal efficiency.

These materials typically have quick-drying capabilities, making them ideal for extended outdoor activities.

Leather

Leather is frequently used in the construction of snowshoeing gloves due to its durability and flexibility.

Full-grain leather is the highest-quality leather, offering maximum durability and abrasion resistance. It's often treated for water resistance, ensuring your hands stay dry and protected.

Split-grain leather and synthetic leather are also used but tend to offer less durability. They are often combined with other materials to enhance flexibility and comfort.

Leather gloves often require regular maintenance, such as applying waterproofing treatments, to maintain their protective qualities over time.

Waterproof Membranes

Waterproof membranes are essential for keeping your hands dry in wet snow conditions.

GORE-TEX is the most widely recognized membrane, offering breathability and waterproofing. It ensures moisture can escape while preventing water from entering.

eVent and OutDry are other popular options. They provide similar benefits, with eVent known for its superior breathability and OutDry for its ability to keep water out by bonding the membrane directly to the glove's shell.

These membranes are crucial in ensuring long-lasting comfort and protection in wet and snowy environments.

Caring for Your Snowshoeing Gloves

Snowshoeing gloves laid out neatly, with snowshoes and winter scenery in the background

Proper care extends the life of your snowshoeing gloves and ensures they perform well in harsh conditions. Focus on cleaning, drying, storage, and maintaining waterproofing.

Cleaning and Drying

Keep your gloves clean to maintain their performance. Hand wash with mild soap in lukewarm water. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners since they can damage the material. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

To dry, squeeze out excess water gently. Lay flat on a towel to air dry. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight. Heat can warp or shrink the gloves, compromising their fit and function.

Storage Tips

Store your gloves properly when not in use. Ensure they are completely dry before storage to prevent mold and mildew. Use a breathable bag, like a mesh sack, to allow air circulation.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid squishing them under heavy items to maintain their shape and insulation properties. Keep them accessible for the next adventure.

Maintaining Waterproofing

Waterproofing ensures your gloves remain effective in wet conditions. Reapply a waterproofing spray specific to your glove material as needed. Typically, once a season suffices, but adjust based on usage.

Before reapplying, make sure gloves are clean and dry. Follow manufacturer instructions for the best results. This keeps your hands dry and warm, enhancing your snowshoeing experience.