For all of you who have been working outdoors or skiing, you’ve probably endured the feeling of super cold hands and digits. My poor little pinky is catching frostbite! One might scream if you’re a tad dramatic and a newbie to the slopes.
However, if you do plan on being outdoors in the cold for extended periods of time, or hitting the ski course for a good few hours, cold can soon set in. Once it sets in, you won’t get rid of it until you get back to your hotel and there are a few dangers of prolonged cold on your hands.
Unless of course, you use a pair of heated gloves to keep your hands warm.
- If you prefer regular gloves and mitts, check out our best extreme cold weather glove picks
- Something for the garden? check these top gardening gloves for all weather
What are Heated Gloves?
Battery and electric powered ski gloves that can heat your hands for 2-3 hours all the way up to 8 hours on a medium setting.
Utilizing an internal heat source they produce heat that circulates the interior, heating your cold hands. The batteries aren’t bulky and fit subtlety into the glove near the wrist.
Removable and rechargeable, they can be charged like your phone at a wall socket. The market holds an insane amount of models and styles for various different activities like motorbike riding, gardening, and construction.
These below are specifically designed for the slopes and to endure harsher temperatures than the latter, performing in extreme weather. Be careful not to take a standard pair on the slopes as they won’t live up to expectations.
7 Best Heated Gloves for Outdoors and Ski
1. Savior Heated Gloves
319 Reviews | 4.3 Stars | 89% Fit as Expected
What we think:
A bestseller from Savior, these heated ski gloves are perfect for men and women and utilize a rechargeable Li-ion battery. With 3 heat settings, you can change between temperatures seamlessly, using the high setting for a fast boost when you’re feeling the cold. Warming the gloves within 30 seconds.
Our favorite feature is the heating elements made from carbon fiber, it’s lightweight and powerful, boosting circulation. Alleviating things like arthritis and Raynauds. These work in sub-zero temperatures and will provide 2-6 hours of warmth depending on which setting you use. Remember to charge the battery fully to prime it, before your first use.
What you think:
“These gloves work seriously well, even in your fingers and thumbs. I bought them for my cycling commute to and from central Ohio. So far I’ve had four seriously cold days that warranted these gloves and they worked great! I am a female with frequently cold hands and I used to use mittens with chemical warmers, but they were awkward for shifting and braking. However, these gloves are a game changer with excellent dexterity and grip, more even heat and rechargeable.”-source: high rated user comment from a verified purchase on Amazon.
Key Features:
- Powerful Li-Ion Battery with a 6-hour charge
- 3 Heat Settings
- Works in Sub-Zero Temperatures
2. Volt Heated Gloves
220 Reviews | 3.2 Stars | 63% Fit as Expected
What we think:
A respectable pair of nylon waterproof gloves that are marketed towards men. They are indeed heated and use 7v heating technology which basically works to keep the interior heated for extended periods of time. It works, with a longer charge than most gloves, maxing out at around 8 hours. They seal well around the wrist too, with an elastic cinch cord fitted in the cuff area. This helps to stop drafts and moisture coming in up the sleeve. Also fully waterproof so can be used for fishing and snow work alike, without any real issues.
What you think:
“So far, I’ve bought 3 pairs of these gloves. I bought a pair for my daughter in Minneapolis, a pair for myself, and a pair for a good friend who is also in New York. We all LOVE them! I have Raynaud’s in my hands, this makes my fingers turn white when my hands are cold and when they warm up, they get purple and hurt. These gloves prevent this painful symptom completely. They are wonderful!”-source: high rated user comment from a verified purchase on Amazon.
Key Features:
- Extended Charge Time – 8 Hours
- Fast Recharge Time 2-4 Hours
- Tight Fit around the Cuff
3. Savior Upgraded Heated Ski Gloves
90 Reviews | 4.3 Stars | 7 Sizes
What we think:
With 7, yes 7 different sizes available, they are extremely versatile and suitable for both men and women. No matter the shape or size of your little mitts, there should be a snug fit here for you. Made with sheep leather and polyester, they are warm and comfy, yet waterproof. The interior has a breathable fleece fabric so it doesn’t get so moist inside.
These are particularly great for arthritis and Raynauds as it utilities infrared heating technology, which is known to stimulate the flow of blood. This can also help people who suffer from stiff joints etc. A reasonable charge rate heating up to 6 hours and the batteries can be fully recharged within around 4 hours tops.
What you think:
“I’ve only used these a few times, but so far I love them. I usually where an XL but ordered a XXL and like the way they fit, still snug but perfect for riding my motorbike. I rode for almost 2 hours on a single charge and they were still making good heat. The charger charges both batteries simultaneously. They also come with a nice bag to store everything in.”-source: high rated user comment from a verified purchase on Amazon.
Key Features:
- Well Priced
- Touch Sensors
- Suitable for Arthritis and Raynauds
4. Snow Deer Heated Ski Gloves
21 Reviews | 4.8 Stars | 8 Sizes
What we think:
Definitely one to consider besides the Savior model, this heated mitten from Snow Deer is a fine competitor. Gaining accolades for their small, medium and X-Large sizes on Amazon, they are performing well in various sizes on the market. Made from sheep leather on the palms and fingers, this offers a tactile surface and flexibility in your hand.
The charge and heat settings are standard, with 6 hours of charge and 3 various heat settings, from low to high. The wrist area has a Velcro strap, which helps to fit the glove tightly around the cuff area, trapping the warmth inside. It also comes with a 1 year warranty on the product and with such a huge variety of sizes available, they are a decent unisex ski glove.
What you think:
“One of the best purchases I have made. Skiing in Idaho while the temperature was 11 degrees, I was able to Ski all day with these mittens on low or medium. There was plenty of battery left at the end of the day. They are very comfortable and my thumb finally stayed warm!”-source: high rated user comment from a verified purchase on Amazon.
Key Features:
- Well Priced
- 8 Different Sizes
- Tactile Sheep Leather Palms
5. Smilodon Unisex Explorer Glove
36 Reviews | 4.2 Stars | 5 Sizes
What we think:
This unisex pair is suitable for men and women alike tearing up the slopes and also heats well in low temperatures. The infrared heating system makes sure of that, with an 8 hour charge, slightly longer than other models on the market. The real value comes from the batteries that can be charged 500+ times without losing quality or duration in use.
When we consider a charge to carry 8 hours of heat, this is substantial. A feature we are yet to see is the touch screen feature, that the explorer does indeed have. You are able to still use phones and tablets with these gloves, which is perfect for you die hard Instagrammers out there!
What you think:
“I have used these once – skiing in 29 degree weather. They are well made, comfortable and functional heated gloves. They have various adjustable straps and leashes which have goggle/glass wipers on both thumbs. Regarding the heating feature, the batteries are in the wrist area and are pretty unobtrusive. The system seems to work fine but the heat is concentrated in the palm. They will not make your hands or fingers toasty warm but it does take the edge off the cold. Overall, I am happy with them.”-source: high rated user comment from a verified purchase on Amazon.
Key Features:
- Fit Gauntlet Style Cuff
- 8 Hours of Charge
- Touch Screen Compatible
6. Hestra Heated Gloves
18 Reviews | 3.5 Stars | 84% Fit as Expected
What we think:
Possibly the most exorbitant pair of heated ski gloves on the market, although the size 10’s have achieved Amazons Choice status, so they have been well received. They use goat leather for the fabric and on the palms, which does create some flexibility in your grip. They fit tightly, not so loose and bulky, its a nice feeling.
There are 3 heat settings, pretty much as standard for most winter gloves. Additionally waterproof so you don’t need to worry about snow melting and setting in through the mitt. The battery is pretty robust too lasting pretty long, even on occasions we forgot to charge them it still lasted the afternoon.
What you think:
“I ski yearly in December and no matter the temperature, my fingers and thumbs always get cold. My husband and I decided to make an investment (which was quite substantial) in these mitts and we are very happy so far. It was well below zero while we were skiing and these mitts kept our fingers warm. The charging is easy to do and the gloves are very comfortable. If they were less expensive, it would be even better but I still think that they are worth the investment because they enabled me to ski the whole day without getting uncomfortable. Much better than the hand warmers that you insert inside your gloves.”-source: high rated user comment from a verified purchase on Amazon.
Key Features:
- Suitable in Extreme Cold
- Robust Goat Leather Material
- Long Lasting Charge
7. Outdoor Research Lucent Heated Gloves
47 Reviews | 4.0 Stars | 69% Fit as Expected
What we think:
At first glance, we can all see the price is considerably higher than others, and to be honest, id probably pass on these if I was skiing only once every few years. However, if you do spend a lot of time in cold weather and face particularly chilly winters, you get bang for your buck here. The main reason for the price is the luxurious and quality materials used.
The heated mitt utilizes goat leather strips which are resistant to abrasion. Next, we have the gore-tex inserts, which as we know, gore-tex has insane waterproof properties. Additionally, a tactile palm helps you with flexibility and grasp while out on the slopes. Obviously the mitt design makes it less appropriate for detailed things, like working with tools or gardening, but for protection and gripping they are unbeatable.
3 sizes and 3 heat settings make up the somewhat low variety in sizes of the Lucent glove, however, the quality provided by the materials take it far beyond that.
What you think:
“These heated mitts are all I hoped they would be! I’m loving the heated thumb! It Fit’s like a men’s small, so it’s a little big for me with a women’s small hand. However given time, mittens shrink in size once they form to your hands. The cuff is quite is narrow, enough to look good and stiff enough to easily slip over jacket sleeves. These mitts are really good-looking and fashionable. I’ve already used them on the slopes in well-below zero wind chills and they worked perfectly. Have even turned them off as my hands got plenty warm! I highly recommend for anyone who gets cold fingers and thumbs downhill skiing. I would definitely purchase them again!”-source: high rated user comment from a verified purchase on Amazon.
Key Features:
- Tactile Palm
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
- Abrasion Resistant
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Heated Gloves worth it?
Absolutely, thousands of user reviews paint the picture and have been proven to work very well for skiers, bikers and cyclists alike, in cold temperatures. They are additionally helpful for people with Raynaud’s and Arthritis in their hands, as observed in our real user reviews.
Can they help Arthritis and Raynauds?
Many of these gloves can help alleviate arthritis and Raynauds, which really helps when braving the cold elements. They work to improve blood circulation in extreme cold. Users have expressed their amazement when experiencing reduced symptoms and pain while wearing heated gloves.
How do they help with Raynauds and Arthritis?
Raynaud’s can cause pain in the form of pins and needles. Additionally, paleness, and sensations of cold or numbness when exposed to cold temperatures. When the episode subsides or the area is warmed, the blood flow returns, and the skin color first turns red, and then back to normal.
Source-Wikipedia
Why are they expensive?
Due to the fact they utilize heating components in the glove, that can stay heated for up to 8 hours, these aren’t cheap to design and make. There’s also the battery packs and charging equipment. Lastly, the durable leathers that are used such as cow, goat, and sheep, which are top quality.
More expensive than traditional cotton or polyester gloves, for example with kids gardening gloves them sell them cheap and by the dozen. All in all, they are designed to perform continuously in extreme cold, so they require some quality tech and materials in production.
Where can I buy them?
Widely available in various skiing shops and online, via websites like Amazon, Walmart, for example, is probably your best bet. We say this because physical shops may throw on some extra dollars to cover their business costs.
How long do they last?
Generally speaking, the charge lasts between 3-8 hours depending on the model of the glove and the setting. Most top models include 3 different charge settings, low, medium and high. A high charge will heat the glove more intensely, thus consuming more power and providing a lower charge time. The medium setting seems to be a happy medium (pardon the pun) for skiers, providing decent warmth and long enough to cover you for 5 hours on the slopes.
Will they fit men and women?
We have taken the time to select the best gloves that are suitable for both men and women. Apart from the exception of the Volt model, all others seem to be perfect for both men and women with a variety of sizes to choose from.
Do they get moist inside?
After a few days of continual use on the slopes, you may notice a build-up of moisture in the glove. The best way to prevent this is to prop them open each night after use, to allow the material to breathe and dry out for the next day.
Can I use extra batteries?
Sure, it’s a smart move to invest in a set of backup batteries that you keep charged and take along for the ride. This way you get a double charge in case you aren’t able to fully charge the first set. Allowing you to hit the slopes again the next day with no worries.
Conclusion
A great way to keep your mitts warmed up during your winter break and ski trip. They can even be used for other general activities when needed, although you could probably settle for a cheaper, less specific pair for those reasons. When you will be in very cold weather, you can’t beat these.
Have you tried heated ski gloves before? What was your experience with them? Let us all know below, we would love to hear from you guys too.
