9 Best Hiking Gloves of 2024- Our Top Picks

HomeHiking9 Best Hiking Gloves of 2024- Our Top Picks

Hiking gloves are essential gear for any hiker, regardless of experience level. Gloves provide protection from the elements and improve grip on hiking poles and other equipment. In addition, gloves can help prevent blisters on your hands, mainly when you use sticks or hold trees to climb on steep trails. Not only will they keep your hands warm, but gloves can be essential for starting a fire if you’re camping in the winter. While many different types of gloves are available, most hikers prefer a lightweight model that provides enough warmth and protection. When choosing the best hiking gloves, it is important to consider the climate in which they will be used and the type of activity.

The hiking gloves are essential for hiking kits despite the weather conditions. Therefore, if you are planning to invest in gloves for hiking, there are a few considerations to need to look at before making a purchase which we will discuss in detail at the end of this article.

Editor Picks: Hiking Gloves

Lets start with the reviews of our top picks.

Best Overall Hiking Gloves

1. PETZL Cordex Gloves

Features

  • Material: Leather, stretch nylon, neoprene, velcro
  • Closure: Hook and loop
  • Hand orientation: Pair
PETZL Cordex Gloves
PETZL Cordex Gloves

The Petzl Cordex gloves are comfortable and durable gloves that provide a good grip when you carry your poles or climb steep trails. They are also lightweight and compact to carry even in your backpack. These gloves perform well when digging a hole with a shovel or using a hiking saw or camping axes.

They also have double-layer leather on the palms, which is good when you are on long hikes to save the hand from blisters or wounds. Additionally, the cuff closures keep the gloves in place even during rigorous hiking. Also you can even attach it to your backpack using the provided hole at the top.

Furthermore, they are resilient, we tried all sorts of things that would usually damage the gloves, and they held up well. They are well stitched, and stitching doesn’t lose even with time.

But you might not get good performance in the cold weather conditions as they don’t protect much from the snow. However, they are suitable for almost all weather conditions except extreme cold. Overall they are rugged, affordable, and good-quality gloves for hiking and camping-related activities.

Pros

  • Ergonomic design
  • Durable and flexible
  • Double layer protection
  • Breathable
  • Hole for attachment

Cons

  • Not for extreme cold

Best Lightweight Option

2. Koxly Winter Gloves Touch Screen

Features

  • Material: Polyurethane, Wool
  • Closure: Zipper
  • Hand orientation: Pair
Koxly Winter Gloves Touch Screen
Koxly Winter Gloves Touch Screen

Koxly’s Touch Screen Gloves are suitable for winter hiking when cold freezes the hands. They provide better protection from the snow than PETZL Cordex Gloves. Due to the windproof material, you won’t feel the heaviest and coldest winds on your hands. Even if it rains, you will still be protected due to its waterproof zipper, which keeps the water out of gloves.

Their grip on the hands is excellent, and they don’t move around even if you are digging or holding a tree to climb. Additionally, you can use your phone while wearing these gloves with the help of its touchscreen feature, which works well in most situations. We did not notice any moisture, even when it was hot or we were wearing them for long hikes.

Furthermore, they are a bit stretchy, so when it comes to fitting, you probably have to keep this in mind before placing the order. However, they are suitable for cold weather but don’t provide enough warmth when it becomes too cold. Even though they are not good-looking, they provide good comfort.

Pros

  • Windproof
  • No abrasion, soft to the skin
  • Anti resistant design
  • Insulated inside
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Not for harsh weather conditions
  • Not good looking

Best Budget Option

3. SIMARI Winter Gloves

Features

  • Material: Polyester, Spandex
  • Closure: Elastic
  • Hand orientation: Ambidextrous
SIMARI Winter Gloves
SIMARI Winter Gloves

These gloves are comfy enough to make your August and October adventurous journeys pleasant. These are the perfect partners for walking, hiking, and climbing activities. These gloves are crafted as excellent grippers to ensure ample safety during hiking. Further, they are not just slip-resistant but also water-resistant. So, no moisture can come in contact with your hands, keeping your hands warm and acting during the cold rushing wind.

Another go-to and advanced feature is its screen-touching ability. It allows you to interact with electronic screens smoothly, so a hassle-free buddy. While firm and warm, these pairs of gloves, with an underlying layer of heated fleece, are still not bulky. Hence, they retain the hand’s sensitivity, allowing you to perform all the intended functions.

Additionally, they are palm friendly, meaning they effortlessly glide onto hands. Being washable in a machine without distorting their quality is also what the SIMARI gloves have. On the other hand, these may not be perfect for more chilling weather.

Although keeping hands dry from atmospheric moisture, they are not waterproof. Moreover, they have grip elements on the fingertips and the palm area but not along the length of the fingers. Overall, this is the perfect choice for the Autumn season.

Pros

  • Anti-slip
  • Touchscreen
  • Comfortable and warm
  • Indoor and outdoor use

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • Not too warm

Best All Around Option

4. WTACTFUL Tactical Gloves

Features

  • Material: Microfiber
  • Closure: Hook and Loop
  • Hand orientation: Ambidextrous
WTACTFUL Tactical Gloves
WTACTFUL Tactical Gloves

If you want something to fit perfectly in heavy-duty scenarios, WTACTFUL Tactical Gloves are a go-to. These have a more tough grip, providing extra protection for your hands. They have been built more versatilely by possessing a double stitch feature. While being strenuous performers, they are lightweight.

Although many gloves keep hands warm, they still get wet because of hand sweat. But WTACTFUL Tactical Gloves don’t! The reason lies in the very minute integrated pores. This means while being warm, they are also breathable, therefore no more uncomfortable, sweaty hands.

Furthermore, these gloves still need the touch-screen sensitivity function. Hence, your experience is enhanced, easily swiping and playing screens. The touch sensitivity areas are inserted at the thumb and middle finger.

There a firm hook at the glove’s outer entrance, making it easy to pull on and off. Besides, these loops can also be used to hang it somewhere up, which makes it more accessible instead of getting wrapped up somewhere in the clothes.

Talking about its downside, it does have a touch screen functioning at the thumb and middle finger, but it may be better for precise touches. However, summing it up, it’s a useful and affordable entity.

Pros

  • Reinforced palm fitting
  • Lightweight
  • Touchscreen finger
  • Breathable
  • Wear-resistant
  • Anti slip palm

Cons

  • Sizing is tricky

5. Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves

Features

  • Material: 65%goat skin 25% polyester 8%Neoprene 2%Lycra
  • Closure: Hook and Loop
  • Hand orientation: Ambidextrous
Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves
Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves

These gloves have a title that accurately resonates with their name. When rumbling out for adventures, we ensure we have all the necessities, but adventures can’t be undertaken without a good hand grip. So, this function is well performed by Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves.

These are the best options for hiking and climbing the rocky and stretchy mountains. Besides other material constituents, they are mainly made of premium and soft goat skin. They are excellently convenient for long-term wear because they are breathable, so no sweat, no slip! Plus, they even allow you to touch screens. In addition, they are not just functional but also trendy and classy.

As said, being a great reflector of its name, these gloves have built-in carabiner holes for attaching the gloves to the harness. Hence, allowing you to maintain dexterity by tying a good knot. They also have a clasp closure which will help you customize the glove size at the end part. However, the back may get stained black, but only for the first few uses. These gloves are the perfect option for all level hikers or climbers.

Pros

  • Soft and comfortable
  • Durable
  • Breathable
  • Flexible
  • Soft neoprene cuff

Cons

  • It leaves stains on hands

Best For The Winter

6. Unigear Winter Waterproof Gloves

Features

  • Material: Velvet
  • Closure: Zipper
  • Hand orientation: Ambidextrous
Unigear Winter Waterproof Gloves
Unigear Winter Waterproof Gloves

As an excellent pair of water-resistant gloves, these buddies are crafted from polyester and PU leather. This makes them ergonomic and can proficiently engage in harsh colds and out-pouring rains. Besides being waterproof, the gloves are made super warm with underlined soft fleece.

Moreover, it has an extended fist length to keep the wind from going up the arms. This extended length has a zipper that does not pinch on the skin. It just gives them a classy look, which helps to easily remove them by opening the zips. The Unigear Winter Gloves, too, have screen touch sensitivity. Hence, helping to add an extra boost of warmth. Plus, it has a competent grip, specifically in the palm area.

However, it has a gap between the outer and inner layer of the gloves’ tips which does not make it an efficient touch sensor. Also, it’s not 100% waterproof. It may get wet if you keep in contact with water or ice for an extended period.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Anti-skid
  • Touchscreen finger
  • Comfortable fit
  • Every day and outdoor use
  • Reinforced sewing; anti ripping

Cons

  • Fingertips are a little bulky
  • Touch is not efficient

Best Of The Rest

7. Ski Waterproof Gloves

Features

  • Material: Polyester, Faux Leather, Rubber, Polyurethane
  • Closure: Buckle, Drawstring
  • Hand orientation: Ambidextrous
Ski Waterproof Gloves
Ski Waterproof Gloves

The main feature of hiking gloves is that is waterproof and breathable, while ski gloves are particularly crafted to keep hands warm. These specific features may somehow overlap in both types of gloves. However, both types have good palm grips in common.

The Ski Gloves have sturdy and robust synthetic-leather palms, which makes them purposeful in providing high protection to your hands. Now, the 3D flexible bending grips and size alterable wrist straps make these gloves stand out. These are incarnated to allow you to securely grip ski or hiking poles.

Additionally, these gloves have a safety clasp that acts as a clinger to your backpack. It has a versatile backpacker design which comes in handy when you want to put stuff like car keys, a phone, etc. And lastly, it possesses a pull-on loop, making it an efficient addition to putting on or taking off the glove. And not to forget, it’s waterproof too.

The downside is that machine washing is not a good practice for its cleaning. It loses its color and shine. But, it is not something to worry about because many gloves require hand washing methods. After all, it’s a good purchase, being solid yet flexible.

Pros

  • Ergonomic design
  • Best for winters
  • Windproof
  • Waterproof
  • Comfortable tricot lining

Cons

  • None to be found

8.Columbia Tumalo Mountain Glove

Features

  • Material: Nylon
  • Closure: Pull-On
  • Hand orientation: Ambidextirous
Columbia Tumalo Mountain Glove
Columbia Tumalo Mountain Glove

These extra-protective and heavy-duty sustainers are best for hiking, skiing, and other adventurous activities. These are robust gloves that are designed to work efficiently in harsh environments. It has an amazing 240g insulated layer to keep it extra warm. This gauntlet feature makes it an immaculate option in challenging conditions.

Further, it has a one-hand shock cord fixed with elastic, which allows you to tighten the entrance after wearing it. This will prevent snow from entering your gloves. Its grip allows you to pull over rocky and dangerous areas.

Now, the point that makes it distinct from other gloves is the addition of a nose-wiping fabric at the thumb. So you don’t have to pull out a tissue while passing tricky terrains.

Their drawback is that they are a bit stiff, which makes it difficult to handle small things. However, these are designed to provide extra mountain protection.

Pros

  • Waterproof breathable fabric
  • Elastic adjustable wrists
  • One hand shock cord
  • Nose wipe on finger
  • Hem adjustments
  • Abrasion-resistant palm

Cons

  • Not good for sub-zero
  • Size chart is tricky

9. The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves

Features

  • Material: Recycled-polyester
  • Closure: 4-way stretch
  • Hand orientation: Ambidextrous
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves

The last one on our good list is the North Face Etip Recycled Gloves. As the name reflects, these environmentally friendly gloves comprise 93% recyclable polyester. These gloves are super flexible and composed of a silicon rubber palm, being the king of super grip. This will assist you in not dropping your valuables. These gloves are adjustable, although not perfect for chilly weather. They will warm your hands during winter but will remain cool during summer.

They also have super screen sensitivity allowing them to interact with electronic screens without inhibition. Also, these gloves are comfortable enough to wear for a long duration. So, no weighing down your fingers. They even possess a remarkable feature of radiometric articulation which keeps your hands in their relaxed resting position. We would also add that these North Face Etip Recycled Gloves are the most dash option for women.

On the other hand, these are not a suitable choice for chilling or wet conditions. Overall, an exquisite option both in terms of style and function.

Pros

  • Touchscreen compatible
  • Superior grip
  • Silicon grip palm

Cons

  • May be tight for some

Comparison Table: Hiking Gloves

We have created a hiking gloves comparison table to help you find the best gloves for your needs. This table includes price, weight, uses, breathability, insulation, waterproofing, and other performance parameters. By looking at this table, you will quickly see where each glove stands in terms of performance.

For example, if you need a lightweight and breathable glove, the options from OPETZL Cordex Gloves and TrailHeads Gloves would be best suited for you. However, if you need an insulated and waterproof glove, then the options from Intra-FIT and Columbia Tumalo would be better suited for your needs.

NamePriceWeightBest ForWaterproofBreathabilityInsulation
PETZL Cordex Gloves$39.950.1 KGCamping HikingNoYesYes
TrailHeads Gloves$15.950.09 PoundsRunning Camping HikingNoYesNo
Koxly Winter Gloves Touch Screen$10.590.40 Poundswalking in the street, biking to work, running in cold conditions, riding motorcycle in snow, driving and in other outdoor activities.YesNoNo
SIMARI Winter Gloves$152.08 OuncesSkiing, Running, Winter Casual ActivitiesYesYesYes
WTACTFUL Tactical Gloves$15.990.26 PoundsCycling, hiking, riding, driving, workNoYesNo
Intra-FIT Climbing Gloves$24.993.52 Ounces    Camping and HikingNoYesYes
Unigear Winter Waterproof Gloves$18.990.2 KgRunning, Walking, Cycling, Biking and DrivingYesYesYes
Ski Gloves Waterproof Gloves$14.500.51 LbSkiing Winter Casual Activities HikingYesYesYes
Columbia Tumalo Mountain Glove$6045.5 GSkiing Outdoor activities Sports ActivityYesYesYes
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves$22.48 – $83.751.4 OzRunning on Chilly Mornings Hiking Outdoor activitiesNoNoYes

How To Choose Hiking Gloves: Buying Guide

Here is a handy guide with comprehensive analysis and information to consider while buying gloves for hiking.

Waterproofing

It’s important to analyze whether the gloves you intend to buy are water resistant, which is even more crucial when shopping for snowy or wet conditions. Look for gloves made from waterproof or water-resistant materials, such as Gore-Tex or other breathable, waterproof membranes. These materials will help keep your hands dry while allowing them to breathe. Another reliable example of water-resistant glove material is neoprene.

Another factor to consider is the insulation of the gloves. Although the glove you selected is water-resistant, it should also have heavy insulation. The main reason is that even water-resistant gloves feel cold if there is no insulation. Other gloves may be thinner with less insulation but still effective at keeping your hands dry.

The fit of the gloves is also important when shopping for water-resistant gloves. You’ll want to choose gloves that fit snugly but still allow for some flexibility and movement. Look for gloves with adjustable cuffs that can be tightened to keep out water and snow, and choose gloves with reinforced palms and fingers to withstand the wear and tear of hiking or other outdoor activities.

Hence, a hiking glove with effective water-resisting ability can considerably increase the enjoyment of your outdoor activities. However, for moderate activity in light rain or snow, a higher waterproof rating may not be necessary. For example SIMARI Winter Gloves is water resistant gloves.

Cuffs and Gauntlets

The type of cuff or gauntlet on a glove can significantly impact its performance and suitability for different activities. Firstly, the simplest form of glove enclosure is cuffing. They consist of a traditional elastic or Velcro strap that closely fits around your wrist, which assists in positioning the glove. Cuffs are common in lightweight gloves, such as running gloves, but may not be effective in removing snow or water.

Now, moving to the second form of enclosure, the gauntlets. These are updated versions of cuffs that extend to the forearm. These are designed to provide extra protection and go well in heavy outdoor duties like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. They are often designed with drawstrings or adjustable straps that allow you to cinch the gauntlet tightly around your wrist and forearm to keep out snow and water.

Besides protecting from harmful elements, gauntlets can also protect against abrasion. For example, some ski gloves feature hard plastic inserts in the gauntlets to protect against collisions with trees or other slope obstacles.

So, these two forms of enclosures, cuffs, and gauntlets, should be chosen according to the activity type and your requirements. A gauntlet-style glove may be your best option if you are in wet or snowy conditions. However, a simpler cuff design may be more suitable if you need more flexibility and mobility.

Layers

Layering is an important concept in outdoor gear, and it applies to hiking gloves as well. Layering refers to wearing multiple layers of clothing or gear to provide better protection and comfort in changing conditions. The same concept can be applied to hiking gloves, with different layers providing different levels of protection and insulation.

The three layers of gloves are typically the liner, insulation, and outer layer. The liner layer is closest to your skin and provides a comfortable, moisture-wicking surface. Liner gloves occur to be manufactured with different kinds of materials like wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics like polyester. So, liner gloves are a kind of extra layer that can be used as a base layer in colder or milder conditions. Of course, these liner gloves are thin and lightweight.

The insulation layer is the middle layer of the glove and provides warmth and protection. Insulation can be made from various materials, including synthetic fibers like down. In contrast to liner gloves, insulator gloves are thicker and warmer. They can be attired independently or layer with a liner glove in harsh conditions.

The glove’s outer or top layer helps shield it against wind, rain, and snow. Outer gloves can be made from various materials, including Gore-Tex or other breathable, waterproof membranes. They often feature adjustable cuffs or gauntlets to keep out snow and water and may also have reinforced palms and fingers for added durability.

Furthermore, as the weather conditions change throughout the day, you may need to adjust the layers of gloves. So, carrying an extra liner glove with you is a good idea.

Breathability & Moisture Wicking

Breathability and moisture-wicking are important features to consider when choosing hiking gloves, especially if you’ll be engaging in activities that will cause your hands to sweat. These features help to keep your hands dry and comfortable by allowing moisture to escape from the gloves.

In the case of hiking gloves, breathable materials like Gore-Tex or other synthetic fabrics allow sweat to escape from the gloves while still keeping out wind and moisture. This helps to regulate the temperature inside the glove and prevent your hands from getting too sweaty or clammy.

Now, moisture-wicking is about the glove material sucking out moisture away from the hand and transferring it into a fabric where it can easily evaporate. Many hiking gloves feature moisture-wicking liners or fabrics designed to pull sweat away from your skin and keep your hands dry. This assists with the prevention of chafing and irritation. Further, it has an effective role in body temperature regulation.

So, you should look for gloves with synthetic fabrics made for outdoor use. These gloves provide the most efficient combo of breathability, moisture-wicking, and durability. Choosing gloves with these features ensures that your hands stay comfortable and dry during even the most strenuous hikes.

When hiking in cold weather, insulation is an essential aspect to consider. Insulation provides warmth by trapping air between layers of material, creating a barrier that helps to keep your hands warm even in frigid conditions.

Insulation

The level of insulation depends on what weather you intend to go hiking. Thicker insulation will provide more warmth but may be too bulky for activities that require a lot of agility. Thinner insulation may not provide enough warmth in very cold conditions. Some popular insulation materials used in hiking gloves include synthetic fibers like Thinsulate and natural materials like down.

Thinsulate is a popular insulation material because it is lightweight and provides excellent warmth even in wet conditions. It is often used in hiking gloves designed for activities like skiing and snowboarding. Down is known as a natural insulator that is ultralight-weight and highly compressible. These features make it an ideal option for using gloves to be stuffed in your backpack for transport. However, down can lose its insulating properties when wet, so it may not be the best choice for activities in wet or snowy conditions.

So, when searching for the best-insulated hiking gloves, the insulator type and the insulation amount need to be known. In conclusion, choosing gloves with the right insulation ensures that your hands stay warm and comfortable during even the coldest hikes.

Dexterity

Dexterity in hiking gloves refers to the level of manual agility and fine motor control that a hiker has while wearing gloves. This follows up with the fact that not only is the level of protection and warmth of the glove important, but its level of flexibility is another crucial consideration.

Hiking gloves with high dexterity provide a comfortable and natural fit that allows hikers to easily grip objects, such as trekking poles or rocks. These gloves are typically made with flexible and lightweight materials that enable hikers to maintain a secure hold on their gear without having to remove their gloves.

Gloves with low dexterity can make it difficult to grip objects and perform simple tasks, such as adjusting a backpack strap or opening a zipper. This can be frustrating and lead to decreased performance and enjoyment while hiking.

Several factors can affect the dexterity of hiking gloves. The first significant factor is the kind of material. In this regard, gloves crafted from thin and stretchy fabrics possess more dexterity than stiffer ones. For instance, spandex is a good one.

Another factor is the design of the glove. Hiking gloves with pre-curved fingers and articulated knuckles are more likely to provide a natural, comfortable fit that promotes dexterity. Additionally, gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips can be useful for hikers who want to use their phones or GPS devices without removing their gloves.

In conclusion, when choosing hiking gloves, it is important to consider the level of dexterity they provide. Gloves with high dexterity allow for increased comfort and flexibility while hiking, making for a more enjoyable and successful outdoor adventure.

Sizes

The right size gloves ensure better dexterity, grip, and control when handling tools and equipment. An ideal piece of advice when shopping for best-fitting hiking gloves is to compare the size of your hand with the gloves sizing chart. Also, remember, don’t use the same size chart picked from 1 brand for other brands, too, because each brand has its own distinctively designed size charts.

Although the common sizes are small, medium, and large, some specific brands offer more precise and narrow-down sizes like small/medium or medium/large. In addition, if you are confused about the size, you can get a large one with adjusting straps and enclosures.

In addition to the glove size, it is also important to consider the fit. If the glove is too tight, this can restrict the blood flow, while a loose when can make use lose the grip and control and may even cause blisters. In conclusion, size is a crucial factor to consider when buying hiking gloves. Thus, a well-fitting hiking glove will offer maximum protection, comfort, and control, enhancing your outdoor experience.

Other Features

Additional factors enhance the experience of a hiking glove. They could either provide more safety or comfort. Features like zippers to keep your small stuff in or loops to hang the gloves in a specific place so they won’t be lost, or to hook in ropes, a clinch pull cord to tighten the area around the wrist, hence blocking the cold air from entering in.

Or touch screen-sensitive fingers, which allow you to swipe and click pictures without interrupting the comfort of the warm glove. Or even a nose-wiping patch could be thrown into the washer and then attached back. So, these extra things somehow perform essential functions everyone would love to have.

Summary

We hope our list of top 9 gloves will have helped make your decision easier. Our detailed analysis and guide will help you choose the right gloves for outdoor activities.

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