You don’t need to have experienced hiking in winter to know that when the temperature drops, it’s your extremities – like your toes and fingers – that first start to feel cold. Conserving body warmth is one of the most important rules to survive a winter hike.
To this end, a good pair of hiking gloves that are durable and can effectively keep moisture out should be a central part of your hiking gear. They’re not all made equally, though, so check out our list of recommended products to see which pair of waterproof hiking gloves are the best for you.
Quick NavigationWhen to use hiking glovesDifferent types of waterproof hiking glovesOther tips for picking hiking glovesThe top 10 waterproof gloves for hiking
Comparison Chart
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Name |
Price |
Rating |
Notes |
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$$$ |
Removable liner gloves have waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex XCR® inserts to keep hands dry |
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The North Face Men’s Apex Etip Glove  |
$$$ |
MEN’S ETIP RUNNING GLOVES: These touch-screen compatible gloves for men are made of four-way stretch fleece, helps keep hands relaxed in a natural position & feature a silicone surface along the palm for better grip. |
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LANNIU 3-Finger Waterproof Winter Gloves  |
$$$ |
CONTINUOUS INSULATION& COMFORTABLE – The warm gloves for men with 180G 3M Thinsulate ensures maximum warmth in cold weather conditions of -20°F, 1MM velvet locking thermal and keep the inside of the glove warm and dry. |
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Carhartt Men’s A616 Waterproof Insulated Mitt  |
$$$ |
Durable, all-purpose polytex with softshell trim |
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Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners
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$$$ |
Waterproof/breathable fleece offers comfort and weather protection |
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Alpine Swiss Waterproof Gauntlet Ski Gloves  |
$$$ |
Gloves are insulated with 40g of 3M Thinsulate material that is thick enough efficiently trap heat and keep your hands warm. |
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Seirus Xtreme Hyperlite Gloves
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$$$ |
The waterproof Xtreme DryHand™ inserts provide superior breathability and comfort in most conditions |
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Craft Sportswear Split Finger Waterproof Gloves  |
$$$ |
Fabric: (back of hand) 80% polyester, 20% elastane, (palm) 94% polyester, 6% spandex, (thumb panels) terrycloth, (liner) fleece |
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REI Co-op Minimalist GTX Mittens
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$$$ |
3-layer Gore-Texˊ shells are fully taped and deliver performance-oriented waterproof/breathable protection |
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Arc’teryx Sabre Insulated Glove
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$$$ |
Fortius 1.0 exterior shells have GORE-TEX inserts to keep out the elements |
When to use hiking gloves
As with any piece of gear, waterproof hiking gloves can still be dead weight if you bring them to a hike where you don’t need them. While gloves are generally recommended if you’re going out into the bush, waterproof hiking gloves are a bit more specialized. If you want your hands to be protected from the elements, there are a few drawbacks that you’ll have to live with.
PROS
- 1Keeps your hands warmWaterproof hiking gloves are specifically designed to keep your hands warm and dry, especially when hiking in winter. Beneath the waterproof shell, these gloves are lined with an insulating material that slows down the rate at which your body loses heat to the environment. Gore-Tex, one of the most popular waterproof fabrics, is also windproof. Outside of hiking, common use cases of waterproof gloves are in skiing and snowboarding. Hiking in particularly humid environments also presents an excellent opportunity to wear waterproof hiking gloves. If you’re anticipating heavy rain on a hike, then bringing a pair of waterproof gloves might be a good idea to keep your hands from getting soaked.
- 2Heavy-dutyThe combination of a waterproof shell and an inner insulated lining makes waterproof gloves exceptionally thick. While this has drawbacks, it also means that they are some of the toughest gloves out there.Even on hikes that aren’t particularly cold, we appreciate the sense of security that waterproof gloves provide. The reasoning is pretty simple – if the fabric can keep out water, then it effectively also wards off thorns and spines on plants that you may have to hold on to. Some waterproof fabrics are also abrasion-resistant, so they can withstand a few scrapes against jagged rocks. Just don’t abuse this characteristic – there’s no such thing as an unbreakable pair of hiking gloves.
CONS
- 1Reduces dexterityAt some points in the middle of a hike, you may have to check your phone or monitor your track on a GPS device. Doing this with waterproof hiking gloves is difficult because of the thickness of its fabric. In most cases, you’ll have to take off your gloves to be able to do the most basic operations on your phone or GPS receiver.The loss of dexterity isn’t a problem that concerns just the use of electronic devices. Even the mere act of fishing something from your pocket or opening a water bottle can be difficult. If this is a huge concern for you, you may want to look at options that offer fingertip sections that can be opened.
- 2Heavy and bulkyThe double layer of a waterproof shell and thick insulation necessarily makes waterproof hiking gloves heavier and bulkier than those designed for hiking in temperate weather. They also take a really long time to dry should the internal insulating layer get wet. For these reasons, most people prefer to bring waterproof gloves only when absolutely necessary.
Different types of waterproof hiking gloves
Choosing a pair of waterproof hiking gloves isn’t just a matter of picking the right material or fit. You might be surprised to find some waterproof gloves that look far different from the usual hiking gloves. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and picking one depends on your priorities as a hiker.
Finger-fitting
Simply put, a finger-fitting waterproof glove looks just like your standard glove, albeit with a waterproof lining. Finger-fitting gloves offer the highest level of dexterity. If you tend to fiddle with your gear frequently during a hike, then finger-fitting gloves may be the most comfortable for you. The downside is that they have the highest surface area exposed to the environment. In very cold weather, this design leads to rapid heat loss.
Mittens
Mittens have a single compartment for your four fingers and a separate one for the thumb – just like the mittens used in the kitchen. This design does a better job of keeping your hands warm since all the fingers maintain contact and there’s less surface area exposed to the cold weather.
However, this warmth comes at the price of a massive drop in dexterity. In fact, wearing mittens for a long time can take some getting used to. Not being able to physically separate your fingers can be a disorienting experience. This is a good choice if you prioritize keeping warm and don’t mind not being able to use your gear as easily.
Lobsters
Lobster gloves are somewhat of a middle ground between finger-fitting and mitten gloves. Instead of a single compartment for all four fingers, a lobster glove has a separate index finger. This is enough to fiddle with your phone or with a GPS device or to do some limited precision work. It’s not as restrictive as mitten gloves, although the disorienting experience is somehow still there. When you don’t want to go to the extremes of warmth and dexterity, then lobster gloves are the way to go.
Composite
Composite gloves can convert between finger-fitting and mitten forms using a removable mitten shell. This is probably the most versatile option for waterproof hiking gloves. If you need to stay warm, you simply keep the mitten shell on so that your fingers all maintain contact. If the temperature is more forgiving or if you need dexterity, the mitten shell can be simply removed to reveal the finger-fitting gloves. Removing and putting on the mitten shell is still a bit of work, but versatile and dual-purpose hiking gear is always welcome.In summary, picking between the different types of waterproof hiking gloves is an exercise in prioritizing either warmth, dexterity, or convenience. Your measures, as well as the conditions of your hike, may vary.
Make sure they are actually waterproof
If you’re looking specifically for waterproof hiking gloves, then there’s a good chance that you consider it very important that the hiking gloves are ACTUALLY waterproof. Far too often have we heard of hikers and backpackers who have purchased hiking gloves marketed as waterproof only to find their gloves getting soaked during a cold or wet hike. This is going to be a miserable experience that we would like you to avoid.There are several ways to achieve waterproofing in gloves or any type of fabric. The most common is either through the use of a waterproof membrane laminated to the insulating material, a coating that is applied to the fabric, or a waterproof fabric insert placed between the insulating material and the outer shell. In any case, the choice of material plays a central role in determining the waterproofing effectivity of a pair of gloves.With this in mind, it would be best to stick with waterproof fabric brands that have excellent track records. Gore-Tex technology is very popular in all types of waterproof hiking gear, as well as for gear used in snowboarding and skiing. Other popular brands also have their proprietary waterproof fabric technologies, such as the HyVent from The North Face and the MemBrain from Marmot.One thing to keep in mind is that waterproof gloves can still get wet from the inside. This could be a problem if your hands get sweaty inside the gloves or water gets in the gloves through the cuffs.
Other tips for picking hiking gloves
Even if you’ve picked between mitten, finger-fitting, or lobster gloves, there are still a few other factors to consider before you come to a final decision.
Materials
When it comes to materials, there are two parts to consider: the shell and the insulating material. The shell is responsible for waterproofing while good insulation helps maintain the warmth of your fingers.We’ve already discussed a few examples of reliable waterproof shell materials. Your best bet would be to go with a brand with a solid reputation and good customer feedback. Popular and proprietary waterproof shell materials from big-name brands are probably some of the safest picks.As for the insulation, you have the option of going with a down material or with synthetic insulation. Down is a lot warmer, lighter, breathable, compressible, and generally more comfortable. However, it’s quite expensive and quickly loses its insulation when it gets wet.Synthetic insulation is another alternative. It’s a slightly cheaper option to down insulation but is not quite as warm. It also lacks the compressibility of down, so it might end up being thicker and bulkier if you want the same level of warmth. The selling point of synthetic insulation is that it’s much cheaper than down.
Fit
Getting the fit just right can be hard for gloves. Getting a pair that’s too loose makes it hard to grip on objects and will not effectively keep your hands warm. On the other hand, a tight pair of gloves is simply uncomfortable and can even cut off circulation to your fingers.Most brands will offer sizing charts for their gloves which you can use as a reference. If you have the opportunity to test the gloves personally, making a fist with the gloves on would make a good and quick trial. The gloves should not feel restricted with such a motion. Just as well, make sure that there is no more than 1/4 of an inch from the tip of your fingers and the corresponding fingers of the gloves.
Length of cuff
The cuff of the gloves extends from your hand to the middle of your forearm, providing added insulation. It also protects from moisture infiltration into the inner lining of the gloves. Longer and thicker cuffs provide better protection but will naturally make gloves heavier and bulkier. We also suggest getting cuffs that come with adjustable wrist cinches so that they can be worn more snugly, keeping them secure in your hands and creating a slightly more comfortable fit.
Dexterity
The decision to wear waterproof hiking gloves necessarily means sacrificing a certain degree of dexterity. How much you’re willing to sacrifice is a matter of personal taste. For instance, mitten gloves drastically reduce dexterity but are vastly superior in terms of warmth. Even for form-fitting gloves, the thickness of the material still plays a crucial role in how freely you can move your fingers around. No matter which type of gloves you get, keep in mind that a good fit will almost always ensure better dexterity.
The top 10 waterproof gloves for hiking
1. Black Diamond Guide Gloves
Features
- Comes with removable Gore-Tex XCR inserts
- internally lined with PrimaLoft One insulation and fleece
- Long gauntlet cuffs with adjustable wrist cords
The Guide Gloves from Black Diamond is one of the best hiking gloves for winter. Thick and robust, these gloves are seriously well-built and feature a premium combination of materials from the inside to the outside.Waterproofing is provided by a pair of removable Gore-Tex XCR inserts. The versatility that these inserts provide is top-notch. You can simply remove them if they are not needed and allow for quick drying of the inner wool inserts. The PrimaLoft Insulation and fleece lining keeps your hands warm even below 20 F. On the side of the knuckles, a layer of molded EVA foam provides another layer on insulation and cushioning to keep your hands safe from impact.The outer shell is made of premium goat leather that gives these gloves an elegant look and a healthy dose of abrasion resistance. The shell also has woven nylon sections that give it a bit of flexibility, helping maintain dexterity despite its thickness. Make no mistake, though: these are very thick gloves and you’re not likely to do any precision work with your fingers with them on.
PROS
- Thick and warm
- Stretch shell fabric aids in dexterity
- Goat leather provides good grip
CONS
- Expensive
- Thickness impedes dexterity
- Putting on the liners can be a bit of a chore
2. The North Face Men’s Apex Etip Glove
Features
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
- Lightweight soft shell with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish
The Apex Etip Gloves from The North Face is an excellent choice if you’re looking for waterproof gloves that aren’t so thick and bulky. It’s not a particularly warm pair, but it does come with a lot of useful features to make sure that you can do all your normal activities even with them on.One of the primary benefits of these features is its Etip feature. All the fingertips of these gloves are compatible with touchscreen devices, so you can use your phone, tablet, or GPS device as normal without having to take the gloves off. The WindWall outer shell material has been treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) lining, keeping it windproof and waterproof.The short cuff, combined with the thin fabric, means that the Apex Etip gloves aren’t as warm as those that are made specifically for hiking in winter. If you’re not expecting near-freezing temperatures during your hike, then this might be a comfortably tactile choice. The fleece-lined WindWall material somehow helps in maintaining your hands’ internal temperature to a limited degree.The palm portion of the Apex Etip gloves has been treated with a silicone layer with the purpose of improving grip. This doesn’t work in practice and makes the surface slightly slippery when it gets wet.
PROS
- Thin and lightweight
- Provides excellent dexterity
- Snug and comfortable fit
CONS
- Not suitable below temperatures of 20 F
- Slippery outer shell material
3. LANNIU 3-Finger Waterproof Winter Gloves
Features
- Lightweight nylon outer layer and TPU membrane
- 3M Thinsulate insulation material
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
- Adjustable Velcro cuffs with cinch-cord
Lobster gloves are quite rare so it’s pretty tough to find a pair that we can recommend. Thankfully, this 3-finger winter gloves from Lanniu comes with very good reviews. Picking a pair of 3-finger gloves means sacrificing a good deal of dexterity. This might be non-negotiable for others, but the design helps make the Lanniu waterproof gloves exceptionally warm while still being comfortably lightweight and compact. The waterproof and insulating capabilities of the Lanniu gloves are made through a multi-layer design that combines a nylon waterproof fabric, an Oxford cloth, a soft sponge material, the Thinsulate insulator, and an inner velvet lining. The composite material is highly wear-resistant, can be used comfortably at temperatures below 10 F, and is augmented by tight and durable double stitches.The Lanniu waterproof gloves may only allow free motion of the index finger, but the good news is that the tip of this finger is compatible with touchscreen devices. Answering calls or checking your position on GPS will not be problems. The cuffs of the Lanniu waterproof gloves aren’t so long, but the combination of Velcro straps and a drawstring cord will help your hands warm and dry.All in all, the level of comfort and security that the Lanniu gloves are more than enough to make up for any dexterity reduction because of its lobster design. It’s also a surprisingly inexpensive pair of gloves, considering its quality.
PROS
- Very warm, even at temperatures below 10 F
- Embossed palm surface provides good grip
- Comfortable internal velvet lining
- Inexpensive
CONS
- Limits dexterity
4. Carhartt Men’s A616 Waterproof Insulated Mitt
Features
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
- Polytex shell with softshell trim
- Fleece-lined cuffs
As we’ve mentioned, mitts provide exceptional warmth by sacrificing a great deal of dexterity. This is a necessary compromise, even for a high-quality product like the A616 waterproof mitt from Carhartt.The outer shell of the Carhartt is made of a durable Polytex polyester compound. This is a suitably heavy-duty material that can withstand use in skiing or snowboarding. Softshell trim material keeps the outer shell fairly flexible and enhances mobility.An extra-long cuff lined with stretchable fleece helps keep your hands warm and dry. The wrist section has a flexible band that helps secure the gloves, but an adjustable nylon belt can be tightened if the gloves are still too loose. The Nitrile surface lining the palm section provides an excellent grip for wet and dry conditions without losing breathability.The main problem with a fleece-lined glove with a permanent waterproof shell is that it’s very hard to dry, should the inner fleece lining get wet. Moisture retention can be a huge problem if it happens in the middle of a hike, as the insulating capability of fleece will be drastically hindered.There’s another selling point we haven’t mentioned yet – this pair of waterproof mitts only costs less than $30. That’s incredible value for a pair of gloves, as long as you can handle the loss of dexterity.
PROS
- Warm and comfortable even in winter
- Tough, heavy-duty material
- Inexpensive
CONS
- Lining takes a long time to dry
- Poor dexterity
5. Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners
Featured
- Lightweight polyester and spandex shell
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
- Silicone palms and fingers
These waterproof liners from Outdoor Research are for those who already have a favorite pair of heavy-duty and robust gloves but would like to upgrade them with waterproof capabilities. This thin and lightweight pair can be worn under larger gloves to protect your hands from moisture and to give them a bit of extra warmth.The outer shell of these waterproof liners is made of a blend of polyester spandex treated with a waterproof breathable laminate. Patches of silicone at the palm and fingers enhance grip, although to only a limited degree. A thin layer of fleece at the inner surface provides a bit of warmth. Again, these liners are a bit too thin to be worn in winter comfortably by themselves.A huge advantage of using these thin waterproof liners is that your dexterity doesn’t suffer as much as a result. The fabric is so thin and lightweight that you don’t lose out on your hands’ tactile response. The fingertips are also touchscreen-compatible, so you don’t need to completely expose your hands just to answer a call or write a text message.The Outdoor Research waterproof liners are a good option for those who prefer to continue using their tried and tested work gloves or hiking gloves. Considering that these liners aren’t meant to be used as standalone gloves, they are certainly on the higher end of the price spectrum.
PROS
- Gloves can be worn under thicker gloves
- Highly breathable fabric
- Excellent dexterity
CONS
- Does not provide a lot of warmth
- No way to tighten the cuffs
- Expensive
6. Alpine Swiss Waterproof Gauntlet Ski Gloves
Features
- Outer shell made of 150D polyester
- Insulated with 3M Thinsulate material
- Fleece-lined cuffs
Ski gloves have proven to be a nice alternative when looking for waterproof hiking gloves. After all, they are designed to be used in winter and are rugged enough to withstand the punishment of a physically demanding sport. The Waterproof Gauntlet Ski Gloves from Alpine Swiss is an excellent example of this unique use case.The 150-Denier polyester material of the outer shell is very tough and feels hefty, yet breathable and has a good deal of flexibility. The palm side of the gloves is lined with a TPU material that improves grip while maintaining breathability and waterproofing. The extra-long cuffs come with both an elastic band and adjustable safety straps. A fleece lining extends from the inner section of the gloves to the cuffs, ensuring maximum insulation. The fit is quite snug, which helps improve dexterity and avoid getting blisters on your hands.As is the usual problem with bulky waterproof gloves like this pair from Alpine Swiss, it’s very hard to dry the inner insulation material should it get wet. This is inevitable, as the gloves can be warm enough to make your hands sweat. If you are hiking in anything outside of extremely cold conditions, then you may want to look into more lightweight and easy-to-dry options.
PROS
- Keeps your hands warm in below-freezing temperatures
- Comfortable and snug fit
- Available in several colorways
CONS
- Difficult to dry if insulation material gets wet
- Inconsistent stitching quality
7. Seirus Xtreme Hyperlite Gloves
Features
- Outer shell made of polyester and nylon with Xtreme DryHand waterproof insert
- Spandex cuffs
- Polyurethane grip patches
Striking a balance between warmth and dexterity is always a tough feat, particularly for waterproof gloves meat for heavy outdoor activities while hiking. Perhaps this was the goal for the Xtreme Hyperlite Gloves from Seirus – a pair that foregoes some warmth and waterproofing for the sake of comfort and ease of movement.True to its name, the Xtreme Hyperlite is one of the lightest waterproof gloves that you can buy today. Its outer shell is made of a blend of polyester and nylon with polyurethane patches on the palm, thumb, and forefinger to enhance grip.The Xtreme Hyperlite gloves achieve impressive dexterity by having next-to-skin fit. This is excellent for hikers who find themselves adjusting straps and retrieving their gear every now and then. If you need to set up camp in winter, these gloves will come in very handy for working while in the cold.The next-to-skin fit is also very helpful in keeping in the warmth of your hands. This is great because the Xtreme Hyperlite doesn’t offer much by way of insulation. Fortunately, they are thin enough to be paired with another pair of bulkier and warmer gloves.
PROS
- Next-to-skin fit provides optimal dexterity
- Lightweight and compact build
CONS
- Does not provide a lot of warmth
- Water uptake through the stitches is possible
8. Craft Sportswear Split Finger Waterproof Gloves
Features
- Outer shell made of polyester and elastane
- Fleece internal lining
- Polyester and spandex palm sections
- Terrycloth thumb panels
Again, we turn towards the realm of other outdoor sports to support our hiking needs. This time, we’ve taken an interest in this unusual pair of winter cycling gloves from Craft.The form factor of the Craft waterproof gloves is quite unique. It looks like a lobster glove except that it’s split right down the middle. The benefit of this is that your fingers are kept together in pairs, which is better for keeping them warm. However, this grouping of fingers is very non-intuitive and can take a lot of time to get used to. Gripping can also be difficult and doesn’t feel much better than a pair of mitts.Fortunately, Craft makes up for the drop in dexterity with an impressive overall build. The choice of polyester and elastane for the outer shell gives these gloves a good range of motion while retaining waterproofing. Small spandex sections are dispersed throughout the palm and finger areas to enhance grip. The terry cloth thumb is a nice little bonus for when you need to wipe a dripping nose.The inner layer of the gloves is lined with warm fleece. The insulation extends all the way to the cuffs, which have elastic bands and Velcro closures.As these gloves were designed for high-performance cycling, it’s no surprise that its waterproof and windproof characteristics are top-notch. Suitably rugged for any hike, its only real drawback is the learning curve of having to deal with the split-finger design.
PROS
- Impressive construction and materials
- Very warm, even in winter
- Provides very good grip
CONS
- Poor dexterity
- Smaller than average sizes
9. REI Co-op Minimalist GTX Mittens
Features
- Made with a triple layer of Gore-Tex shells with fully taped seams
- Designed to be worn over wool or cotton gloves
Not every situation calls for waterproof gloves. On a clear and sunny day, your standard knitted or cushioned hiking gloves can provide all the protection that your hands need. However, a sudden downpour can quickly result in these gloves getting sodden.This is exactly the situation that calls for the REI Minimalist GTX Mittens. These are mitten-type gloves that you can wear over standard hiking gloves, providing a completely waterproof layer. The waterproof material is a three-layer Gore-Tex shell that has fully taped seams.If you’re getting these mitts, then get them about two sizes higher than your normal hiking gloves. This should be enough clearance for you put them on easily, yet snugly. Hook-and-loop Velcro straps allow for tightening of the cuffs.The main thing you need to remember about the GTX Mitts is that they are literally just waterproof shells. They do a great job of keeping moisture out but have no insulating material whatsoever. For all the impressive properties of Gore-Tex, it’s also true that they can easily get torn should they get snagged on thorns when hiking in the bush.
PROS
- Lightweight waterproof material
- Easy to wear
- Features a simple hook-and-loop cuff for tightening
CONS
- Provides no insulation
- Prone to tearing
10. Arc’teryx Sabre Insulated Glove
Features
- Made with Fortius 1.0 nylon with a Gore-Tex breathable insert
- The interior lining of PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco
- Leather-reinforced fingers and palms
If money is no issue, then you might want to get the Sabre Insulated Gloves from Arc’teryx. One of the most expensive waterproof gloves we have seen, Arc’teryx has thrown in some of the most premium materials in this product. The result is a pair of gloves that both look and feel superior to most of the other gloves in this list.The construction of the Arc’teryx Sabre is impressive. The Fortius 1.0 Nylon feels tough and rugged, while the leather reinforcements provide added weather protection and enhanced grip. This is the type of glove you go with if you’re worried about abrasions during your hike. Despite the robustness of the material, the gloves don’t feel like they massively hinder your hands from working with tools.The inside surface of the gloves is outfitted with the signature PrimaLoft Gold Insulation, which is a combination of synthetic materials and goose down. This strikes just the perfect balance of bulk and warmth. The insulation extends all the way to the cuffs which are secured by an elastic band and adjustable Velcro straps.It bears emphasizing that the Arc’teryx Sabre is three to five times more expensive than the other hiking gloves on this list. It’s a premium pair with an accordingly premium price. However, it’s tough to argue with its level of quality. Ativador Torrent
PROS
- Thick and bulky build provides all-season warmth
- Highly durable shell fabric with leather reinforcements
CONS
- Very expensive
Hiking in very cold or very wet conditions is something that requires a ton of preparation. While appropriate tents, jackets, and backpacks are undoubtedly important, smaller pieces of gear – like gloves – should not be neglected. Hiking gloves with waterproof characteristics aren’t very common, making it quite difficult to come up with a more nuanced selection. However, the right pair of waterproof hiking gloves can massively improve your quality of life during a hike.
