When the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so….nowhere to be seen! And you’re freezing your chestnuts off, its time to step things up.
Once the weather dips, standard gloves just won’t cut it anymore, which you’ve probably experienced already.
Also, our fingers and toes are more susceptible to the cold due to our body focusing on raising our internal temperature, says Dr. Albert Ahn (an intern at NYU Langone Medical Center).
To combat this we need to warm our extremities, this can be done with gloves made specifically for extreme weather conditions. We will learn what differentiates them from standard winter gloves, heated gloves, the quality of fabrics, stitching and design used.
They utilize thermal materials that retain the heat, warming the mitts for extended periods of time. Also, the waterproofed fabric will be used on the top models, to prevent water penetration and dampening of the glove.
- Check out our top heated gloves to really warm those cold hands
What are Extreme Cold Weather Gloves for?
There is a wide variety of uses ranging from working outdoors, gardening, skiing, bike riding and just generally braving the elements. You will require a slightly different design for each use, flexibility, and freedom of movement are key if we are looking at gardening or bike riding for example.
Whereas if you were after a military-style pair or a mitten for work and insulation, you can settle for a less dexterous glove and aim for full warmth. Popular among photographers and hunters alike as cold hands are proven to reduce dexterity, while these 2 activities require the highest nimbleness.
10 Best Extreme Cold Weather Gloves For Men and Women
Thousands of users, plus our team here at Online Best Canada, have helped us source out the best. Then we’ve tried and tested them ourselves for cross-referencing. The winners were filtered into this list, providing a variety for a different use, additionally those suitable for men and women alike.
1. Burton Gore-Tex Mitten
828 Reviews | 4.4 Stars | Best Winter Waterproof Glove
What we think:
A premium glove from Burton here which employs Gore-Tex in the manufacture. If you’re not familiar with this material, its insanely waterproof and often used in hiking and camping gear, to resist harsh weather conditions. This will be the main reason for the exorbitant price tag, however, they are built to last.
They’ve also notched up the best seller accolade for best snowboarding glove, proving great performance on the slopes for skiers and snowboarders alike. They also have the highest expected fit rating at a staggering 90%. The women’s glove is also available in the same sizes and color themes.
What you think:
“My last pair of Burton mittens lasted me over 10 years. I decided to buy new mitts this year and I couldn’t be more happier with this glove. While boarding in the glades the temperature dropped down to -30 and they kept me going. They are awesome and the inner glove is great. You can easily slip the glove off/on and your hands remain warm. I went with a larger size so I didn’t have an issue sliding the inner glove off and on. Also plenty of room in there for hand warmers.”-Source: high rated user comment from Amazon_verified purchase
Key Features
- 5 Unique Designs
- Gore-Tex Quality
- Thermacore Insulation
2. Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II
303 Reviews | 4.6 Stars | 90% Expected Fit
What we think:
Although this glove has 5 designs in total, we especially love this Legion Blue and Tan combo. The others are more neutral with black, brown and grey options. They have an incredibly high fit rate, not running big or small on either side.
Like the Burton model, they also utilize Gore-Tex to increase weather resistance and completely impede water penetration. A cool feature is the heaterpack pocket which sits on the top of the hand area for storage. The index finger and thumb are reinforced, to provide additional protection and grip.
What you think:
“I’m from the mid-west, where it’s currently cold and snowy. I bought these to use while shoveling snow and to possibly go snowboarding with. Although I haven’t gone snowboarding yet, they are awesome for shoveling snow, warm with great grip to control the shovel handle. Very satisfied with this.”-Source: high rated user comment from Amazon_verified purchase
Key Features
- Beautiful Color Theme
- Gore-Tex Resistance
- Gauntlet Cinch Closure
3. Carhartt Cold Snap Work Glove
238 Reviews | 4.6 Stars | Best Cold Weather Work Glove
What we think:
A glove specifically designed for working in cold weather. This comes with some serious resistance and protection. The lining of the mitten is moisture wick, which keeps it waterproof and stops wet from soaking in.
They are also breathable so your hands don’t get too hot and moist inside, effective during long working hours. A nose wipe material is evident, so we can wipe the sweat from or brow or runny nose.
What you think:
“We bought 4 pairs for my employees in our warehouse. We work in warehouses without heating on the East River in Brooklyn. So we know what cold and wind really feels like. This is the 3rd time in 10 years I’ve purchased these glove for the guys and they still love them! Amazon has the probably best price and delivery time online.”-Source: high rated user comment from Amazon_verified purchase
Key Features
- Storm Defender Technology
- Moisture Wick Lining
- Insulated Work Glove
4. Carhartt W.P. Waterproof Mitt
178 Reviews | 4.6 Stars | Waterproof Glove
What we think:
A fully waterproof and insulate pair that are perfect for the slopes, snowmobiles and other snowy activities. Given the design, they won’t be the right pair for anything too intricate, but what they lack in flexibility, they definitely make up for in pure warmth.
In 5 sizes and 4 very cool color designs you will have no trouble finding the right size, with their 80% expected fit ratio, they have one of the highest fit performance. With a polyester shell and a polyurethane palm, you don’t need to worry about water droplets soaking in, it is fully resistant.
What you think:
“Minnesota winters are brutal, this year has been the worst in many years. I was tying to find something to help deal with my age related and worsening circulation in my fingers. These mittens are great and I found them after an exhaustive search. They’re really warm and they come in the XL size that I wanted, plus they’re a lot less expensive than most. I’m really pleased that I made the purchase.”-Source: high rated user comment from Amazon_verified purchase
Key Features
- 5 Sizes and 4 Color Designs
- Fully Waterproof
- Fast Dry Technology
5. KINCO Men’s Pigskin Leather Glove
435 Reviews | 4.0 Stars | Pigskin Leather
What we think:
A very stylish cold-weather glove that utilizes genuine pigskin leather, known to outlast it’s cowhide counterparts. 3 sizes and 1 color scheme, however, we love the design and color on this glove.
Fitted with a ‘heatkeep’ thermal lining to keep the glove extra warm during harsh conditions. The vulnerable areas of the glove, usually the palm and fingertips, have been reinforced with additional leather patches. This also helps to avoid any abrasion making it a good pair for various outdoor activities and work.
What you think:
“I highly recommend these as some of the best valued gloves for winter, period. They are warm, fit well, the leather and stitching hold up during intensive use. They actually got more comfortable as I broke them in. Initially they are a bit stiff, you need to use a season for a complete break-in. I have applied a few applications of snow seal and mink oil over the last year to keep the leather soft and waterproof. I also attached leather shoe laces fashioned into loops to secure them on my wrists, so I can take them off during chairlift rides to get in my pockets etc.”-Source: high rated user comment from Amazon_verified purchase
Key Features
- Genuine Pigskin Leather
- Reinforced Palm and Tips
- Free Waterproofing Wax
6. Windrider Waterproof Winter Glove
139 Reviews | 4.3 Stars | Touchscreen Winter Glove
What we think:
A glove designed as an economical touchscreen model, which can still be used in extreme cold. A unisex glove that is waterproof and has small storage pockets on the sides of the glove.
This glove is also designed and manufactured in America, Minnesota to be precise. So they know cold weather when they see it, also they boast full waterproof, not only resistance. This means that when submerged water will be unable to penetrate. This makes a great working glove for wet tasks, not only activities like riding ski mobiles, snowboarding and ice fishing.
What you think:
“Gloves are well worth the money. They aren’t as feature-full as the Ice Armour glove, but they are a good $20-30 cheaper. I used them to build the Red Bull crashed ice track while the temperature was down -15 to -25 the entire time, in St. Paul. I was working in the wet occasionally and they held up pretty well. I’d strongly recommend them.”-Source: high rated user comment from Amazon_verified purchase
Key Features
- Multi Purpose
- Fully Waterproof
- Touchscreen Friendly
7. OZERO Winter Gloves for Driving
434 Reviews | 4.1 Stars | Best Driving, Motorbike Glove
What we think:
Ozero is renowned and their previous model of this glove has racked up a staggering 3000+ reviews online, with a 4/5 star rating. This is the newer model which is gaining steam equally.
They have 5 sizes and have already achieved an expected fit rating of over 80%, which is well above average. As you can see the price is economical yet they have some premium features such as touchscreen, double-layered goatskin fingertips, and an insulated velvet interior.
What you think:
“These have a quality feel to them. While I haven’t tested them at the touted -30 degrees, and hope I never have to, they kept my hands warm on a two hour mountain hike. Bear in mind the hike was in sub freezing temperatures this past weekend, they performed well during the hike and I wouldn’t hesitate to repurchase. “-Source: high rated user comment from Amazon_verified purchase
Key Features
- Elasticated Knitted Cuff
- Touchscreen Friendly
- Extreme Cold Resistance
8. MCTi Cold Weather Glove
1219 Reviews | 4.2 Stars | Amazons Choice Award
What we think:
A functional and flexible glove that will keep your hands warm while out in the elements. Complete with a small zipper pouch on the top of the glove to store any small items of importance.
Not the biggest range of variety, but with 3 sizes and 2 colors they do the trick and fit well around the hand. This is due to the material used, with polyester and thick warm cotton, it can envelop the hand well, trapping warmth. A nice feature is the reinforced rubber fingertips, which will aid in gripping tools, hiking sticks or ski poles.
What you think:
“So far so good I used them on my commute in -7F/-21C and my fingers were much warmer than with my old gloves. Happy with my purchase and the quality of these gloves. I must warn you that the gloves are pretty bulky but that is to be expected. My normal walking commute is 15-20 min to the subway and back, everyday. It is in Chicago’s blustery cold and wind. Have I worn better gloves? Yes at 4 times the price tag. These are exactly what I needed and I think would hold up well on a good ski vacation too.”-Source: high rated user comment from Amazon_verified purchase
Key Features
- Warm Cotton
- Pouch Pocket
- Nose Wipe Fabric
9. Heritage Extreme Winter Glove
926 Reviews | 3.7 Stars | Best Riding Glove
What we think:
A feature-full winter glove that has become a top choice for riders. Mainly because of its flexibility and rock solid grip, you can hold onto the handlebars or reins with ease, for any riding type. These also come in 10 different sizes, which is the most variety of any pair in this list.
Much like the MCTi glove, they also have a warmer pocket on the hand, the addition here is that they are also touchscreen-friendly, allowing use with phones and tablets, etc.
There is a 64% expected fit rate for these, although before dismissing the rather mediocre score, we can understand that with 10 sizes, compared to the usual 3-5, there is plenty of room for human error in ordering. Utilize a proper sizing chart to avoid disappointment.
What you think:
“I use these for jump lessons in the mid-west, where it gets pretty cold. Due to El Nino, it’s not been quite as cold as usual, but so far these gloves have been great. They keep my fingers warm and also have durable reinforcement between the pinky finger and ring finger for the reins. Even when I have to take them off to tighten the girth or put on the bridle, once I put them back on, my fingers warm up. My only gripe is that the fingers are still about half an inch too long. This is why I have to take them off to fix the girth and bridle. However once riding they have great grip and I don’t have to readjust.”-Source: high rated user comment from Amazon_verified purchase
Key Features
- 10 Different Sizes
- Great Riding Glove
- Touchscreen Friendly
10. Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves
1860 Reviews | 4.2 Stars | Best Unisex Glove
What we think:
Coming in 4 sizes, very economical price tag and a 74% expected fit average, it’s clear to see why this cold weather glove fast became a best seller. Notching up 1860 reviews, 1434 of which were completely positive, they have been met really well by the public.
A great basic glove that will keep your hands warm during all outdoor activities. Versatile and lightweight, it also utilizes touchscreen technology, so using your phone or tablet while wearing is possible. A multi-purpose glove that’s suitable for riding, cycling, driving, and shooting, etc.
What you think:
“I have delayed reviewing these gloves for a while to give them some proper use beforehand. I must say, they continue to perform almost a year later. Used them at Mount Whitney, at Yosemite twice. They offered ideal grip and protection, and did not show any signs of wear. I even passed someone on my way down who was wearing the same gloves! Mountain Made offers great value in their products and I look forward to seeing more from them in the future.”-Source: high rated user comment from Amazon_verified purchase
Key Features
- Suitable for Men and Women
- Multi-Purpose Glove
- Touchscreen Friendly
Conclusion
Before choosing a pair, first, you must consider what you’re actually going to be using them for. If an expensive, long-lasting Gore-Tex isn’t really needed, and it’s just a short trip with friends or family, then settle for an economical glove.
If you need something a bit more durable, look at the working gloves and waterproof versions. For functionality go with a flexible glove with touchscreen etc. As with all gloves make sure you measure up which size is for you.
