The Best Winter Gloves of 2021-2022

From lightweight liners to extra-warm options, we found the best winter gloves to meet every budget, temperature, and snow-covered sport.

Keeping your hands warm can make the difference between a memorable time outdoors and a miserable one. Whether you suffer from Raynaud’s disease and need more hand heat than your body can generate or you’re looking for a light layer to keep your fingers warm when you set out for a run, there’s a glove out there that’s perfect for you.

To find the best gloves, we put these winter warmers to the test. We alpine, backcountry, and nordic skied, hiked, fat biked, snowshoed, skated, sledded, dog walked, and had snowball fights in more than 30 pairs of gloves in the American Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest as well as the Rockies, Canada, and Iceland. Temperatures ranged from -20 degrees to so warm we could take them off.

We considered waterproofness, breathability, durability, and how well they kept the weather out, as well as ease of on and off, taking a phone photo, gripping a ski pole, or packing a snowball while wearing them.

And while there isn’t a single glove that suits everyone, we broke them into categories so you can find the best gloves for you. For more help finding the right fit, be sure to check out the buyer’s guide at the end of this article. This article focuses on gloves; if you’re looking for mitts, check out our guide to the best winter mittens.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for:

The Best Winter Gloves of 2021-2022

Best Overall: Norrøna trollveggen GTX

If you want warm hands this winter regardless of what you’re doing, Norrøna’s trollveggen GORE-TEX ($199) can’t be beat. It’s made for mountaineering with a mid-length cuff and goat leather palm.

But you don’t need to have big-mountain summits on your bucket list to wear them. These gloves are significantly lighter and more supple than other big mitts, with a tough cuff that’s light, flexible, and trim, which makes them easy to slip on.

On blustery days, keep the warmth in with the low-profile, one-hand tighten-and-release wrist strap, or seal your hands inside with a pull tab on the cuff. A wool liner under the synthetic-insulated shell wasn’t as fuzzy as fleece but gave the gloves dexterity for gripping a ski pole, gripping a mountaineering axe, or holding onto a sled handle.

It also kept the inside from ever feeling sweaty. Use the stretchy, removable wrist straps to prevent dropping them in the snow when you take these off to send a text or snap a pic.

• Shell/Material: GORE-TEX fabric, goat leather, PrimaLoft, Oeko-Tex-certified fabric, PFC-free DWR, Bluesign-certified fabric

Pros:

• Warm
• Reinforced with leather in high-wear areas
• Lighter and less bulky than most other gloves in the category

Cons:

• Not touchscreen-compatible

Check Price at CampSaver

Best Budget Glove: Jeniulet Winter Gloves 

For less than a bowl of chili and a hot chocolate at the ski resort, these winter gloves ($20) from Jeniulet provide exceptional warmth, quality materials, and touchscreen compatibility.

Made from six layers of wind-resistant and high-density fabrics, these gloves kept many users’ fingers warm and comfortable in temperatures down to -30 degrees. The surface of the palm area is leather, which improves grip and dexterity whether you’re riding a bike, skiing, or working with a snow shovel.

Though they do run quite large, the Jeniulet Winter Gloves simply don’t have many flaws, especially considering they cost less than half of most of their competitors.

• Shell/Material: Cotton and waterproof nylon shell with fleece lining

Pros:

• Affordable
• Touchscreen-compatible
• Versatile

Cons:

• Sizing is tricky
• Run very large

Check Price at Amazon

Best for Fat Biking: Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Cycling Gloves

Cycling in winter conditions exposes your hands and fingers to the harsh bite of frigid air. These cycling gloves ($85) from Pearl Izumi have been designed specifically with cold-weather riding in mind. Insulated with 170 g of PrimaLoft Gold insulation and incorporated aerogel particles, these split-finger, lobster-style gloves offer top-notch warmth without sacrificing dexterity.

Gripping handlebars with cold hands is painful. In addition to ample insulation, these gloves also include 3D-shaped gel palm pads, which reduce bulk and improve grip comfort. Palm patches of Ax Suede Laredo synthetic leather help ensure reliable grip when steering and braking, even in wet conditions.

Fat bike enthusiasts rejoice — the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Cycling gloves are the perfect tool for the job.

• Shell/Material: AmFIB soft-shell main body fabric with synthetic leather palms and PrimaLoft Gold insulation

Pros:

• Grippy on the handlebars and brakes

Cons:

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

Best Winter Work Glove: Mechanix Winter Work Gloves

In cold and damp conditions, a good pair of winter work gloves should provide reliable warmth, grip, and protection. This pair of affordable work gloves ($32) from Mechanix is the real deal. With a wind-resistant outer layer, a Thinsulate fleece lining, and Armortex reinforcement in the palms, these gloves are perfect for any cold-season job.

Thanks to built-in touchscreen compatibility, you won’t need to remove these gloves to answer a call or send an urgent text. Though they’re primarily made for working, many users report these gloves also perform well for skiing, cycling, and other forms of winter recreation.

• Shell/Material: Wind-resistant outer softshell and fleece lining

Pros:

• High dexterity
• Easy on and off
• Touchscreen-compatible

Cons:

• Requires some break-in time

Check Price at Amazon

Best Heated Glove: Black Diamond Solano 

Cold hands and feet can interfere with winter fun. When you’re wearing the battery-powered Solanos ($400), even arctic temperatures won’t keep you inside.

For a bog glove, the Solano is relatively low-profile, with a rechargeable battery pack in the cuff and heating elements that wrap around the inside of your wrist, where blood is close to the surface and can best absorb the heat.

The new Solano has more synthetic insulation in the back of the hand and the palm than previous versions, but not so much it’s hard to grip a ski pole. And you get to pick how warm you want your hands to be.

A switch on the back of this GORE-TEX-lined goat leather glove lets you choose from three settings. We wore these gloves in the deepest freeze that Vermont could muster, alpine skiing, and fat biking down to -20 degrees. And our hands were toasty warm.

• Shell/Material: Full goat leather with two-layer Pertex Shield Nylon gauntlet cuff and GORE-TEX liner

Pros:

• Warm hands in any weather
• Excellent battery life

Cons:

• Expensive
• Batteries in the cuff can feel bulky
• They’re a little stiff

Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon

Best Glove for Ice Climbing: Outdoor Research Mixalot Gloves

When you need to feel everything but also need a barrier against winter weather, the Mixalot ($69) delivers. An ultra-tactile, close-fit, single-layer glove, the Mixalot has a no-slip Pittards Gripster sheep leather palm — the same leather used in golf gloves — that covers all the parts of your hand that touch a tool.

The superb grip paired with gusseted fingers for unrestricted movement gave us total confidence in our tool placements while climbing frozen waterfalls as well as during mixed climbing. A new neoprene cuff and GORE WINDSTOPPER softshell on the back kept biting wind out and warmth in. And the fuzzy thumb absorbed nose drips.

• Shell/Material: GORE INFINIUM with WINDSTOPPER softshell; nylon/spandex face fabric with polyester backer; Pittards Gripster sheep leather palm and overlay

Pros:

• High sensitivity makes it easy to grip
• Easy to get these on and off

Cons:

• Not super warm

Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon

Best Snowboarding Glove: Dakine Team Maverick GORE-TEX Gloves 

Snowboarders usually prefer mitts because they’re typically warmer than gloves. But mitts sacrifice the use of your fingers until you take them off. These short-cuffed and fully waterproof gloves from Dakine offer the best of both worlds: top-notch warmth and dexterity.

The Team Maverick Gloves ($95) are equipped with Hi-Loft insulation and a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane. Seams stitched on the outside, not the inside, reduce pressure points if you’re poling while splitboarding. And they give a better grip whether it’s for a grab or ratcheting your binding.

As an added bonus, these gloves are touchscreen-compatible. Gone are the days of chilly fingers resulting from cold air exposure after sending a quick text.

• Shell/Material: Goat leather outer material with a polyester fleece lining, synthetic insulation, and a waterproof membrane

Pros:

• Good dexterity for a thicker glove
• Very warm and wind-resistant
• Touchscreen compatible

Cons:

• Velcro-close cuff can catch if not closed properly

Check Price at evo

Best Skiing Glove: Hestra Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet Gloves

Slipping your hand into Hestra’s Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet Gloves ($160) is like putting on your favorite sweater. The three-layer dobby polyester melange is soft and molds to your hand over time. The proofed goat leather outer material is durable and water-resistant. Overall, this is a reliable glove fully equipped for harsh conditions.

Inside, the removable five-finger liner is deliciously cozy and warm but not bulky. We like the extended wrist cuffs and integrated Velcro cinch. Even on the deepest of days, these gloves keep bits of snow from entering at the opening.

We recommend these gloves to skiers who spend lots of time in cold conditions with lots of snowfall. They are certainly on the more expensive end of the spectrum, but if you’re looking for high performance and durability, the Patrol Gauntlet is a solid value.

• Shell/Material: Water-repellent leather with a removable polyester liner

Pros:

• Very warm
• Leather repels water but is fully breathable so hands don’t get sweaty
• Extended wrist cuff

Cons:

• Not touchscreen-compatible

Check Price at evoCheck Price at REI

Best Touchscreen-Compatible Glove: The North Face Etip Recycled Glove 

Though they aren’t ideal for the coldest of winter days, the Etip Recycled Gloves ($45) from The North Face are perfect for wintertime active use. From trail running to skiing, these lightweight yet warm gloves are highly versatile and can serve as a glove liner when you need a little extra insulation.

It’s difficult to strike a balance between insulating and breathable, but the Etip Recycled Gloves are up to the challenge. During high-intensity winter activity, these gloves allow ample airflow and prevent sweating. Silicone texture added to the palms provides solid holding power on ski and trekking poles.

Of all the touchscreen-compatible gloves on the market, The North Face’s Etip technology is among the most consistent and reliable. Wearers of these gloves will appreciate frustration-free smartphone operation.

• Shell/Material: Polyester and elastane softshell

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Versatile

Cons:

• Not ideal for sub-freezing conditions

Check Men’s Price at REICheck Women’s Price at REI

Best Running Glove: Outdoor Essentials Touch Screen Running Gloves

For high-output activities when you’ll be sweating despite the winter temps, Outdoor Essentials’ Touch Screen Running Gloves ($17) keep your hands warm but let the sweat out. Wind-repelling, air-permeable polyester offers lightweight warmth and protection.

And when you’re holding a flask, bottle, or phone, the silicone print on the palm and fingers gives an enhanced grip. A touchscreen-compatible patch on the pointer finger was one of the most effective we tested.

• Shell/Material: Polyester, spandex, and silicone

Pros:

• Super packable
• Touchscreen-compatible
• Silicone gripper on the palms

Cons:

• Easy to tear with hard use

Check Price at Amazon

Best for Nordic Skiing: Hestra Windstopper Fleece Gloves

For nordic skiing, less is more. We picked the Hestra Windstopper Tour Gloves ($75) for their lightweight profile, grippy goat leather palm (that never got saturated with snowmelt or sweat), and stylish look.

The Windstopper Tour Gloves are internally lined with GORE-TEX Infinium micro-check material, which keeps the windchill out without sacrificing breathability. Though these gloves include minimal insulation, a layer of fleece on the backhand provides just enough warmth for cross-country touring and other active outdoor activities.

Like all Hestra products, these gloves are well-made and plenty durable for regular use. From a versatility standpoint, we love that these gloves also work well for jogging, running errands, and simply getting your hands warm throughout the winter

• Shell/Material: Melange fleece with a goat leather palm

Pros:

• Well-made
• Durable
• Great dexterity

Cons:

• Relatively expensive for lightweight gloves

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Winter Gloves

“Winter gloves” is a massive category that encompasses many different types and styles. The recommendations that we have included on this list represent a broad spectrum of options, and it can be tricky to identify the best pair for you. While some winter gloves are versatile enough for all sorts of applications, others are specifically designed for a singular purpose.

When choosing a pair of winter gloves, there are many important factors to consider. In this handy how-to-choose guide, we break down each of these factors to help you streamline — and hopefully enjoy — the selection process.

Active vs. Passive Use

If you’ll be using your gloves as activewear — such as holding onto a ski pole, ice axe, or chainsaw — choose a glove that offers dexterity. The most dexterous gloves will allow you to articulate each finger independently for improved grip and active functionality. On this list, The North Face Recycled Etip Gloves and the Outdoor Research Mixalot gloves offer uninhibited dexterity.

If you’ll be using your gloves strictly to keep your hands warm while commuting or walking outside, dexterity and workability are less important. If this is the case for you, we recommend gloves that are warm and well-insulated.

If you don’t need dexterity, you may as well take advantage of maximum warmth. On this list, the Pearl Izumi Lobster Gloves may not be the most dexterous, but they are impressively warm and eye-catching.

How Warm Is Too Warm?

Not every activity warrants the warmest glove. If your gloves are too hot, you’ll end up with hands somewhere between sweaty and swampy. Ultimately, you will want to pick gloves based on your body’s comfort level and temperature regulation.

On this list, the Outdoor Essentials Touch Screen Running Gloves are protective and useful but not stiflingly warm.

Waterproof

Depending on your needs, waterproofing may be a non-negotiable priority. If your primary winter pursuit is manual labor or snowball fights, definitely choose a glove with a waterproof membrane such as the Norrøna trollveggen.

If you’ll be actively generating heat while running or nordic skiing, consider a glove without a waterproof membrane, such as The North Face Etip.

Extra-Warm Options

If you seem to always have cold hands regardless of how thick your gloves are, we recommend that you try a battery-powered self-warming option. They can be a game-changer for people who have Raynaud’s disease or chronically cold hands.

On this list, the Black Diamond Solano are high-quality self-warming gloves with plush comfort and impressive battery life.

Phone Compatibility

Not all winter gloves are touchscreen-compatible. If you will need to access your phone or tablet in cold conditions, look for a pair with “e-tips,” which are conductive fabrics that transfer your body’s electric current into the device.

Constantly taking your gloves on and off gets old (and cold) fast, and being able to text your buddy from the chairlift comfortably is a welcome asset. On this list, the Outdoor Essentials Touch Screen Running Gloves are a quality option with touchscreen compatibility.

Durability and Materials

Durability is an important consideration when choosing winter gloves. Our hands make contact with surfaces more than any other part of our body, and the constant movement and action can cause gloves to wear rapidly.

Ultimately, a glove’s durability comes down to its construction and materials. The longest-lasting gloves tend to be made of high-quality leather.

On this list, the Norrøna trollveggen leather gloves are among the most durable we’ve ever tested. The downside of leather gloves is that they require regular maintenance. A waterproofing treatment such as Sno-Seal or Nikwax can significantly help maintain the waterproofing ability and general quality of a pair of leather gloves.

Nylon outer shells can also offer long-lasting durability. Though not as supple as leather, nylon is hardy and requires less maintenance. On this list, the Jeniulet Winter Gloves are quality and affordable nylon options.

Aside from nylon and leather, many thinner winter gloves are made from wool, fleece, and cotton. Generally, cotton is not ideal, as it takes a long time to dry and tars easily.

Lobster Claws and Mittens

For those who regularly suffer from uncomfortably cold hands, mittens are the warmest form of hand protection. When encased in a mitten, your fingers are able to keep each other warm by proximity.

The major downside to mittens is loss of dexterity. When you need the use of your fingers while walking or snowboarding, for example, mittens are great, but for manual labor or gripping a ski pole, mittens aren’t ideal.

Lobster claws are the middle ground between gloves and mittens. Usually, one or two fingers are isolated from the other 3 or 4, resulting in two separate “claws” that can move independently. This style may be a good option for those who have chronically cold hands but still need some dexterity.

Still, lobster claws are significantly less dexterous than traditional gloves. Winter mountain bikers commonly choose to wear lobster-style gloves. On this list, the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster gloves are excellent.

Skiing and Snowboarding

While all of the gloves on this list are high-quality options and well-qualified for winter use, not all of them are ideal for skiing and snowboarding.

Skiing and snowboarding gloves need to be reliably waterproof, durable enough for active use, and comfortable in all conditions. On this list, the Dakine Team Maverick and the Hestra Army Leather Patrol are solid choices for all-day shredding at the resort or in the backcountry.

Sizing

It is important to choose properly sized gloves. As always, we recommend trying gear on before purchase to ensure a good fit.

Extra space inside an oversized glove is just more air that your hands have to heat before they feel warm. When gloves are too tight, they may restrict blood flow, worsen circulation issues, and cause pain.

---