In the unpredictable weather of hillwalking, reliable hiking gloves are indispensable. Peter Macfarlane and Francesca Donovan recommend being prepared for ever-changing conditions by packing a versatile pair. In their comprehensive review, they explore various factors to consider when selecting the perfect gloves for your hiking adventures.
Top Picks: The Best Hiking Gloves of 2024
The article showcases a curated list of the best hiking gloves tested by the experts. Each glove is meticulously reviewed, considering factors like durability, fit, comfort, and performance. Here are a few of the standout choices:
- Women’s Windjammer Lite Windproof Gloves | $70 | £50 (Available from montane.com) | Francesca’s Best Buy
- Trekmates Ogwen Stretch Grip | International shipping available | £18 (Available from sportshoes.com)
- Outdoor Research Waterproof Liner | $55 | £46 (Available from shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk)
- Rab Transition Windstopper | $45 | £35 (Available from sportsshoes.co.uk)
- Alpkit Mica Glove | $55 | £40 | Pete’s Best Buy
- Extremities Evolution Waterproof Glove | International shipping available | £55 (Available from amazon.co.uk)
- Hestra Infinium Fleece 5 Finger | $70 | £55 (Available from alpinetrek.co.uk)
- Montane Dart Lightweight Liner Gloves | $29 | £20 (Available from sportsshoes.com)
Hiking gloves are a crucial item on any adventurer’s kit list, especially for hillwalking. The reviewers, Peter and Francesca, emphasize the importance of having multiple pairs to handle diverse weather conditions. They delve into the intricacies of choosing gloves beyond the standard three-season category, taking into account factors like insulation, fit, and fabric types.
Peter and Francesca highlight the diverse needs of hikers based on their personal preferences and tolerance to cold. Individuals with warm hands might prioritize lighter gloves for better dexterity, while those with colder hands may opt for bulkier, warmer options sacrificing some dexterity. They emphasize the significance of a proper fit, considering factors like wrist cuffs and overall glove dimensions.
The article delves into the performance variations of different glove fabrics such as windproof, waterproof, leather, merino, and synthetic materials. Highlighting that each fabric has its advantages and disadvantages, Peter and Francesca endorse the idea of carrying multiple glove pairs to adapt to changing conditions. They also introduce the concept of glove systems that work together to provide enhanced protection and flexibility.
The testing phase reveals practical insights. The reviewers stress the importance of gloves working as a system, with lighter liners offering all-day protection, and larger gloves being added when weather conditions worsen. The challenge of losing gloves in a hiking pack is addressed, with a recommendation to choose models with distinctive colors or logos for easy identification.
Francesca and Peter share their hands-on experiences with the tested gloves, providing detailed insights into their performance in various weather conditions. Francesca, with her warm hands, evaluates women’s gloves during hillwalking and scrambling, while Peter, who often suffers from cold hands, rigorously tests men’s gloves in diverse terrains and activities.
WINTER GLOVES COMPARISON TABLE
WINTER GLOVE | TREELINE AWARD | MSRP | TOUCHSCREEN COMPATIBLE? | MATERIAL | INSULATED? | CLOSURE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The North Face Denali Etip Gloves Unisex |
Best Overall Read why |
$50 | Yes, 5 finger | Polyester fleece | Yes | Zipper on back of hand |
Arc’teryx Fission SV Gloves Unisex |
Best for Extreme Cold Read why |
$200 | No | Leather, Gore-Tex, PrimaLoft | Yes | Elastic wrist straps |
Castelli Perfetto RoS Gloves Women’s Men’s |
Best for Cycling Read why |
$70 | Yes, index finger | Gore-Tex Infinium, fleece | Yes | Neoprene cuff |
Terramar Adult Thermasilk Unisex |
Best Liner Read why |
$18 | Not easily | 100% silk | N/A | Elastic |
Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gloves Unisex |
Best Heated Gloves for Raynaud’s Syndrome Read why |
$339 | Thumb, forefinger | Gore-Tex, EnduraLoft, leather | Yes | Cinchable gauntlet |
Give’r 4 Season Gloves Unisex |
Best Waterproof and Windproof Read why |
$119 | No | Leather, Thinsulate, waterproof membrane | Yes | Wrist cuff, pull tabs |
Achiou Winter Knit Gloves Unisex |
Best Touchscreen Read why |
$6 | Yes | Acrylic, polyester, spandex | No | Pull-on elastic |
FAQs About Best Hiking Gloves 2024 For Winter
Q1: How do I determine the right size for hiking gloves?
A: Measure around the widest part of your hand, excluding the thumb, using a tape measure. Opt for the larger size if you fall between two sizes, as a slightly bigger glove can provide better insulation.
Q2: Are men’s and women’s gloves significantly different?
A: The main difference lies in sizing. Women’s gloves often have smaller sizes and slightly shorter fingers. However, the performance and features of the gloves are generally similar.
Q3: What is the purpose of touchscreen compatibility in hiking gloves?
A: Touchscreen compatibility allows hikers to use smartphones for navigation or photography without removing their gloves. It’s a useful feature for those who rely on digital devices during outdoor activities.
Q4: How can I prevent losing gloves in my hiking pack?
A: Choose gloves with distinctive colors or logos for easy identification. Additionally, consider models with leashes or clips that allow you to attach gloves to each other or your pack when not in use.
Q5: Why is it important to have multiple pairs of hiking gloves?
A: Weather conditions can change rapidly during outdoor activities. Having multiple pairs of gloves allows you to adapt to varying circumstances, ensuring you stay comfortable and protected in different environments.