Hiking gloves are a must-have item on our kit list for a trip to the hills, and we can include a few pairs to get us through the varied circumstances we may encounter on the day. The types we tested for our best hiking gloves review are three-season, which means they’re appropriate for regular use outside of full winter hill conditions. When you consider the other factors involved in choosing a pair (or several!) of gloves, however, this definition becomes more vague.
Our reviewers have different needs when it comes to insulation levels, and they will find different designs more suitable and comfortable for their personal use in the same weather. Those of us who ‘run hot’ and have warm hands will need less insulation and so might opt for lighter gloves with better dexterity; cold hands will need bulkier gloves and sacrifice dexterity but might gain something in durability, to offset a potentially more expensive purchase.
Just like with hiking boots, fit is important. A hiking glove that is too tight can make our hands feel the cold quicker. Too loose and dexterity will suffer, meaning we might remove our gloves to complete tasks and thereby risk cold fingers. Wrist cuffs vary greatly; a short cuff will interfere with your waterproof jacket or other layers less and leave a watch more accessible but can leave a potential cold spot at your wrist. Cuffs that are longer and low-profile can tuck easily under a sleeve; looser and they’ll fit over it.
Fabrics vary greatly in performance, and we’ve covered as many options as possible in this review: windproof, waterproof, leather, merino and synthetic. All these fabrics have advantages and disadvantages in different conditions – hence why carrying multiple pairs of gloves is a viable option. Wet and windy will require a different amount of protection to cool and calm.
Hiking gloves can also work well together as a system. The lightest liners can be the only gloves you wear all day and can stay on your hands when the weather changes. Rather than change gloves, you might slip a bigger glove over the top. It means you’ll still have protection if you have to take a glove off to rummage in a rucksack or work with a navigation device.
One thing we realised during the testing was how easy it is to lose a black glove in your hiking pack or at camp, something made worse when carrying and testing multiple pairs – so it’s worth checking to see if the model you like comes in different colours or with an easy-to-spot logo.
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The best hiking gloves we’ve tested
| Quick List |
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| Best in Test (women’s): Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro – buy now from Outdoor Research |
| Best in Test (men’s): Rab Vapour-Rise – buy now from Cotswold Outdoor |
| Best Value: Trekmates Ogwen Stretch Grip – buy now from Go Outdoors |
| Lightest in test: Montane Dart Lightweight Liner Gloves – buy now from Montane |
| Best for touchscreen compatibility: Montane Fury XT – buy now from Montane |
| Best for dexterity: Alpkit Mica gloves – buy now from Decathlon |
Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro
Kirsty Pallas’ Best in Test
Whether it’s wet and windy summer conditions, or a pleasant winter day, these have become a bit of a staple in my bag, because they can handle it all.- Good fit
- Easy cuff
- Big pull loops
- No leather on two fingers
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £51 Weight: 115g Pros: Good fit, easy cuff, big pull loops Cons: No leather on two fingers Materials: Nylon outer, goat leather palm, polyester lining and insulation Waterproof: Yes, Ventia insert Features: Touchscreen compatible, velcro cuff, pull on loop, connection hook Sizes: S – L Mens version: Yes outdoorresearch.com |
Outdoor Research’s Sureshot Pro hiking gloves are a versatile and lightweight option for outdoor activities. They are warm, waterproof, and not heavy or bulky, with a snug fit and good-length fingers that don’t compromise fine motor skills. The cuffs are flared for easy carrying over hands, watches, or layers, and have a velcro closure for added warmth.
The gloves are stretchy on the back for easy movement, and the goat leather palm is durable and grippy. The lining is soft and cozy, featuring ActiveTemp heat regulating technology for warmth in most weathers. The Ventia waterproof insert ensures warmth even on wet days. The thumb and forefinger work well on touchscreens, allowing users to check mapping or write messages.
The gloves have a pull loop for easy access and a connection buckle for easy storage. These gloves are perfect for wet and windy summer conditions or pleasant winter days, making them a staple in any bag.
Read more: Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro review
Rab Vapour-Rise Gloves
James Roddie’s Best in Test
I am giving these gloves the ‘Best in Test’ badge for their excellent breathability, warmth to weight ratio and durability.- highly breathable
- durable
- quick drying
- tight fit
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| Price: £48 Weight: 80g (medium) Materials: Matrix™ Nylon Features: Touchscreen compatible, velcro cuff, pull on loop, connection hook Sizes: XS – XL Women’s version: Unisex rab.equipment/uk |
The Rab Vapour-Rise gloves have become my gloves of choice for keeping moving in chilly conditions. If you are prone to sweaty hands, then the excellent level of breathability offered will be very attractive. I found the warmth-to-weight ratio to be very good, and better than expected for quite a thin glove. I was happy with the wind resistance capabilities of the materials. Even on a day of biting Northerly winds in January, I was able to wear these for longer than I expected before reaching for something warmer. There is no waterproof lining so your hands will get wet very quickly in the rain. The gloves do dry quickly however.
The forefinger and thumb are touchscreen compatible, but I found this far less effective on the thumb. I found the fit of these gloves to be small. The fingers are slim and a little on the short side, so I would recommend choosing a larger size than normal. I am giving these gloves the ‘Best in Test’ badge for their excellent breathability, warmth to weight ratio and durability.
Read more: Rab Vapour-Rise Gloves review
Montane Women’s Windjammer Lite Windproof Gloves
Francesca Donovan’s Best in Test
These Windjammer Lite Windproof hiking gloves are fast becoming my go-to pair in changeable conditions for longer mountain days where they warrant that slightly higher price tag.- Durability
- Fit
- Details
- women’s sizing
- Inner Seams
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: $70 | £50 (Available from montane.com) Weight: 64g Materials: shell face: 85% nylon, 15% elastane / shell backer: 100% polyester Features: nose wipe, low-profile cuff, goat leather palm Sizes: XS- L Women/men version: yes |
The Windjammer Lites are a go-to pair for longer mountain days due to their durable fabric and goat leather palm and fingers. They offer a great range of movement, contoured shaping, and a snug fit. They are windproof and fast-drying, but the beading is impressive. They are less breathable than other gloves, but the nose wipe is a great design feature. The inner seams are slightly bulky and may irritate if the fit isn’t right.
Read more: Montane Women’s Windjammer Lite Windproof gloves review
Alpkit Mica Glove
Peter Macfarlane’s Best in Test
The Mica is a very capable outdoor glove with a chunky knitted wool and nylon blend cuff and back.- comfort
- durability
- warmth
- wet weather performance
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: $55 | £42.99 Weight: 114g (Size XL) Materials: leather, 50/50 wool/nylon blend, polyester Features: leather reinforcing, low-profile stretch cuff Sizes: XS – XL Women/men version: unisex alpkit.com |
The Mica is a very capable outdoor glove with a chunky knitted wool and nylon blend cuff and back. It is warm and windproof, but performs poorly in rain. The palm is soft leather that is supple enough to require little breaking in, and the area between first finger and thumb is reinforced. The leather at the fingertips is ‘rolled’, giving excellent feel and dexterity. Breathability has worked well for me, and handwashing them is straightforward enough to keep them fresh. It’s worth noting that I tested an XL of the 2022 model where I usually wear a Large. Alpkit says this sizing issue will be addressed.
Read more: Alpkit Mica Glove review
Montane Women’s Trail Lite Gloves
Kirsty Pallas Recommends
They are designed to be light. They also work really well as a liner glove, and I’ve used them a lot this summer when it’s been wet and windier than ideal!- Weight
- Quick drying
- Windproof
- Durability
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £30 Weight: 26g Materials: Nylon and elastane Waterproof: No Features: Windproof, touchscreen compatible, nosewipe Sizes: XS – L Mens version: Yes montane.com |
The Montane Trail Lite is a versatile glove suitable for trail running, hillwalking, and cold scrambling. Its snug fit, good finger length, and minimal fabric around the hand make it easy to use for fiddly tasks. The cuffs are neat and long, with a slightly elasticated hem and more elastic at the base. The back of the hand is made of Chameleon LT softshell fabric, providing an effective windproof layer. The palm is stretchy and breathable, but not windproof. There is no lining, so no additional insulation is provided.
The thumb and forefinger are touchscreen compatible, and there is a soft fleece patch on both thumbs as a nose wipe. The gloves are small enough to fold together like socks, making them easy to carry in a pocket. The stitching is quick for light activities, and they work well as a liner glove, making them a great choice for wet and windy weather.
Read more: Montane Trail Lite gloves review
Mammut Astro Glove
Kirsty Pallas Recommends
The Astro is a neat and warm softshell hiking glove, which has a close fit around your hand.- Good fit
- Warm
- Doesn’t always work with touchscreens
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £50 Weight: 110g Materials: Polyester and polyamide, synthetic leather palm Waterproof: No Features: Windproof, touchscreen compatible, connection buckle, nosewipe Sizes: Glove size 5 – 12 Mens version: Unisex mammut.com |
The Mammut Astro is a warm, softshell hiking glove designed for intricate tasks such as zips, laces, and climbing. It features pre-shaped fingers and a wide range of sizes, making it easy to fit. The cuffs are low volume, slightly elasticated, and have a velcro closure, making them comfortable to wear under jacket cuffs. The outer is stretchy with Gore Windstopper material, while the palm is synthetic leather for water resistance. The lining is soft fleece for warmth and comfort.
Touchscreen inserts in the thumb and forefinger work with phones, but require the right angle or push harder. Pull loops on the cuff help with cold fingers. A smooth fabric on the thumb allows for nose wipes, and a connection buckle keeps the gloves together in your bag. The glove is designed to work all year round with touchscreen inserts in the thumb and forefinger, pull loops on the cuff, and a smooth fabric on the thumb for nose wipes.
Read more: Mammut Astro glove review
Montane Fury XT Fleece
James Roddie Recommends
I was really happy with the levels of warmth and breathability provided by these gloves. They stand up well in chilly Autumn or Spring weather, and are thin enough that they can be used as a liner.- Lightweight
- Excellent touchscreen compatability
- Less suitable for wet conditions
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £35 Weight: 45g (size Medium pair) Materials: 51% Thermo Stretch Polyester, 39% Nylon, 10% Elastane Sizes: S-XL Women’s version: Yes montane.com |
The Montane Fury XT gloves are lightweight and portable, with a size Medium pair weighing 45g. They can be easily stored in a trouser pocket for quick access. The fabric provides high stretch, making them easy to wear and dexterous. The forefinger and thumb tips have touchscreen compatible zones, allowing users to adjust menu settings on their mirrorless camera. The cuff is semi-elasticated, offering enough stretch for wristwatch access. A silicone print covers the entire underside of the glove, making it grippy and stickable to ice axe shafts or walking poles.
The gloves provide warmth and breathability, standing up well in chilly weather and being thin enough to be used as a liner inside another glove for winter conditions. Although there is no waterproof lining, they are fast-drying, making them ideal for fast-and-light adventures. The gloves are suitable for chilly weather in autumn or spring and can be used as a liner inside another glove for winter.
Read more: Montane Fury XT Fleece review
The North Face Summit Alpine Glove
James Roddie Recommends
At £80 this is an expensive product, but overall this is an excellent hiking glove for three season use.- Warm
- Wind resistance
- Price
- No touch screen capability
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £80 Weight: 120g (size Medium pair) Materials: Recycled Polyester and Nylon, goat leather palm. Sizes: XXS – XL Women’s version: No (Unisex). thenorthface.co.uk |
The North Face Summit Alpine Glove is a high-quality hiking glove suitable for three-season use. It is slightly bulkier than other gloves, but warmer and breathable. The gloves have good wind resistance and water resistance due to the DWR finish. The materials and construction are excellent, with a goat leather patch on the palm for protection and a large nose-wipe on the thumb. The cuff is stretchy and highly breathable, effectively wicking away moisture from the wrists. However, the thin and flexible cuff tends to bunch up beneath the jacket sleeve, which is a personal preference. The gloves are not windproof but have good water resistance. The cuff is slightly stiffer than some other gloves, but overall, the North Face Summit Alpine Glove is an excellent choice for three-season use.
Read more: The North Face Summit Alpine glove review
Trekmates Ogwen Stretch Grip
Francesca Donovan Recommends
At this price, Trekmates has produced an excellent pair of three-season gloves that should suit many hillwalkers looking for a first investment. They are also worth considering as an affordable option- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Comfort
- Durability
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: International shipping available | £18 (Available from sportshoes.com) Weight: 46g Materials: 92% polyester, 8% elastane Features: one-piece silicone print palm, four-way stretch Sizes: S-XL Women/men version: unisex |
Trekmates have produced an excellent pair of three-season hiking gloves at an affordable price. The soft inner and outer brushed back jersey fleece material offers unparalleled comfort and warmth, while the four-way stretch material provides the widest range of dexterity without compromising on warmth. The slim fit contributes to both comfort and warmth, and aids touchscreen compatibility. The one-piece silicone print palm offers decent grip, but some pilling on the palm may be an aesthetic consideration.
Read more: Trekmates Ogwen Stretch Grip review
Extremities Evolution Waterproof Glove
Peter Macfarlane Recommends
The Extremities Evolution Waterproof hiking glove is fully waterproof but is also extremely stretchy, aiming to give a wide range of use across varied conditions- Comfort
- Waterproof
- Warm
- Touchscreen tips rarely work
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: International shipping available | £55 (Available from amazon.co.uk) Weight: 64g (Size L) Materials: X-Dry Stretch, merino wool Features: waterproof fabric, silicone grip palm Sizes: XS-XL Women/men version: unisex |
The Evolution is a waterproof and stretchy glove made from Extremities X-Dry Stretch, a three-layered fabric with an inner made of a merino wool and acrylic mix, a waterproof and breathable membrane, and a nylon and elastane mix. It is windproof and has excellent DWR, with touchscreen-compatible tips on the thumb and forefinger and a reflective logo for nighttime safety. The cuff is long and slim-fitting to seal gaps with clothing layers, and the palm’s silicone print grips poles and ice axes effectively. Dexterity is excellent with the seamless close-fitting design.
Read more: Extremities Evolution Waterproof Glove review
Hestra Infinium Fleece 5 Finger
Peter Macfarlane recommends
The Extremities Evolution Waterproof hiking glove is fully waterproof but is also extremely stretchy, aiming to give a wide range of use across varied conditions.- Comfort
- Performance
- Durability
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: $70 | £55 (Available from alpinetrek.co.uk) Weight: 68g (Size 9) Materials: Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper Features: zoned inner fleece, PU palm grip print Sizes: 6-11 Women/men version: unisex |
The Infinium is a three-layer laminate with a windproof breathable membrane in the middle. Two different weights of Infinium are used in the gloves, with a lighter jersey knit fabric with gridded microfleece inner for the palm and inside of the fingers and a heavier fabric with pile-style inner fleece for added insulation. The gloves are pre-shaped with curved fingers and have a polyurethane printed pattern for added grip. Dexterity is good, but the softer fleece on the palms and inner fingers is liable to abrasion damage. Breathability is good, although some clamminess is generated when working hard. The cuffs are short and are neither wide nor low-profile, making them easier to wear with a watch.
Read Peter Macfarlane’s full Hestra Infinium Fleece 5 Finger review
Sealskinz Harling
James Roddie’s verdict
Overall the Sealskinz Harling is a well-made, durable glove. It is highly windproof, but I might look elsewhere for keeping moisture out in sustained wet conditions.- Rugged construction
- Wind resistant
- Tight fit
- waterproofing could be better
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £50 Weight: 100g (size Medium pair) Materials: 52% Polyester, 27% Nylon, 18% Polyurethane, 3% Elastane. Aquasealz waterproof membrane. Sizes: S-XL Women’s version: No (Unisex). sealskinz.com |
The Sealskinz Harling hiking glove is a rugged and durable glove with a suede palm that is suitable for scrambling on rough rock types. It has limited stretch, except in the semi-elasticated cuff. The gloves have a nose-wipe on the thumb for soft and effective dexterity. The rolled fingertip construction aids in dexterity, and touch-screen compatible zones are included on the forefinger and thumb. Pull tabs and a velcro strap secure the glove at the cuff. The gloves are windproof, suitable for cycling and hiking on blustery days. They are also warm for autumn/spring conditions. However, the waterproofing is not as robust as some might expect. The gloves perform well on heavy showers and changeable weather without letting water in. However, they let in water after about 1 hour in sustained moderate rain or wet snow. Overall, the Sealskinz Harling is a well-made, durable glove.
Read more: Sealskinz Harling review
Rab Women’s Geon Glove
Kirsty Pallas’ verdict
A nice, simple lightweight glove for summer walking or walking into the snowline in winter, that can also be worn as a thick liner glove for a waterproof over glove or mitt.- Price
- Weight
- Not touchscreen compatible
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £23 Weight: 37g Materials: Polyester and elastane Waterproof: No Features: Thermic fleece, connection buckle Sizes: S – L Mens version: Yes rab.equipment |
The RAB Geon is a basic no frills fleece hiking glove that provides a snug fit with good length fingers. It has a simple cuff that is slightly elasticated and low volume, making it suitable for layering, jacket cuffs, and a watch. However, there is no adjusting cuff, making it a bit drafty. Thermic fleece material with integrated elastane is stretchy and warm, with a grid pattern that keeps heat in and provides wind protection.
The brushed back inside is soft and cosy, but not windproof. The gloves are fast-drying and not touchscreen compatible, so they require taking them off to use a phone. They have a connection buckle to keep the pair together in your bag. The RAB Geon is a lightweight glove suitable for summer walking or winter walking into the snowline, and can also be worn as a thick liner glove for a waterproof over glove or mitt.
Read more: Rab Geon gloves review
Sealskinz Women’s Kelling Glove
Kirst Pallas’ verdict
These are a good waterproof glove if you have bigger hands with long fingers, but I would like to see a few more features like a pull loop or a connection buckle for more ease of use.- Waterproof
- Price
- Sizing
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £55 Weight: 117g Pros: Waterproof Cons: Price, sizing Materials: Polyester and neoprene outer, goatskin leather palm, polyester lining Waterproof: Yes, Aquasealz membrane Features: Velcro cuff, nose wipe, touchscreen compatible Sizes: S – XL Mens version: Yes sealskinz.com |
The Kelling hiking glove is an all-weather glove from Sealskinz, known for their waterproof gloves and socks. However, the fit is unusual, with the small felt too big and extra length on each finger. The neoprene cuffs are flexible and comfortable, but they are one of the shorter in the test. The velcro closure is counterintuitive and harder to adjust.
The outer is slightly stretchy with a goatskin leather palm, while the waterproof membrane is Sealskinz’s Aquasealz, keeping the gloves dry and breathable. The lining is soft brushed fleece, but there is less insulation, making them cooler than some other gloves. The gloves are touchscreen compatible, but they don’t have a way to fasten them together, making them easy to misplace.
The Kelling gloves are suitable for larger hands with long fingers, but they could benefit from additional features like a pull loop or connection buckle for more ease of use.
Read more: Sealskinz Kelling glove review
Montane Dart Lightweight Liner Gloves
Peter Macfarlane’s verdict
The Montane Dart Lightweight Liner hiking gloves are vital kit, and I generally carry two pairs with me when I’m out in the hills.- Comfort
- Compatability with other gloves
- A lot of seams
- Undersized
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $29 | £20 (Available from sportsshoes.com) Weight: 17g (Size L) Materials: recycled polyester Features: Polygiene odour control Sizes: S-XL Women’s version: XS-L |
The Darts are a lightweight liner glove that has all the necessary features of an ideal liner glove. They have full freedom of movement and insulation, but the construction is overly complicated. The fabric face is smooth and the Darts stay in place when removing the over glove, but they don’t layer as well with the fabric reversed. A simpler construction could increase comfort and take full advantage of the fabric’s excellent performance for less than the £20 price.
Read more: Montane Dart Lightweight Liner Gloves review
Outdoor Research Waterproof Liner
Francesca Donovan’s verdict
Outdoor Research Waterproof Liner gloves do what they say on the tin but they suffer from sizing issues.- stormproof
- warm
- bulk
- baggy fit
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: $55 | £46 (Available from shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk) Weight: 78g (Size S) Materials: Ventia insert: 95% polyester, 5% spandex / 100% polyester tricot lining / synthetic touchscreen suede Features: Ventia waterproof technology, pull loops Sizes: XS-XL Men’s version:unisex |
The OR Waterproof Liner hiking glove is noteworthy for its warm, windproof qualities. It has excellent seam taping and Ventia waterproof construction technology, and was used in rain, sleet and snow. The sizing on this unisex pair of gloves is generous, and the pull loops can be used to attach the gloves to a pack when not in use. However, the sizing and fit issues mean no ‘Recommended’ this time, but the glove is still a solid performer.
Read more: Outdoor Research Waterproof Liner review
Rab Transition Windstopper
Francesca Donovan’s verdict
With plenty of wiggle room for gripping, the durability exceeds expectations on such a lightweight model.- low bulk
- breathable
- dexterity
- not rainproof
- less warmth
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $45 | £35 (Available from sportsshoes.co.uk) Weight: 40g (Size S) Materials: 97% polyester / 3% elastane Features: low bulk three-layer membrane Sizes: XS-XXL Men’s version:unisex |
The Windstoppers are the lightest offering by 6g in my tests, yet they provide surprising levels of warmth. The Gore-Tex Infinium material with the Windstopper technology’s light weather resistance keeps hands warm and comfortable in high places on quick jaunts. They are ideal for staying comfortable on super-fast ascents and for quick blasts in the spring and summer. The all-over silicone palm grip is ergonomically designed and provides plenty of wiggle room for gripping. The durability exceeds expectations on such a lightweight model.
Read more: Rab Transition Windstopper review
How we tested these hiking gloves
Kirsty Pallas
Kirsty has small hands with wider palms and short fingers. All the gloves tested are a size S or glove size 6. The gloves were tested in the wet winter of 2023 and the spring 2024 season of working in the Scottish Highlands, both on snow and rock. All weights are from Kirsty’s own scales. These reviews were first published in 2024.
James Roddie
James tested these gloves in a variety of conditions during autumn and winter 2023/24 and into spring in the Scottish Highlands. Weather included 45mph + winds, heavy rain/wet snow, and some unseasonably mild spring conditions. Temperatures ranged from -3°C to +12.5°C. James usually wears size Medium gloves and his hands run slightly cold. Glove weights were measured on James’s own scales. These reviews were first published in 2024.
Francesca Donovan
Francesca tested these gloves hillwalking and scrambling in snow, rain and high winds, as well as on unseasonably milder days in the Southern Uplands, Eryri (Snowdonia), the Lake District and the Peak District throughout spring 2023. Temperatures ranged from just below freezing to 10 degrees. She says her hands run hot. Francesca wears a size Small and weights (per pair) are supplied from her own digital scales. Her reviews were first published in the May 2023 issue of The Great Outdoors.
Peter Macfarlane
Peter wears a size Large in gloves. He suffers from cold hands, and so he wears them almost every time he leaves his house. His review pairs were tested daily over many months throughout 2023 from front door to mountain top and everything in-between. The gloves have seen extensive use on the Scottish hills and trails with ice axe and pole use on the Munros and their dexterity has been tested doing everything from camp cooking, fitting crampons, making emergency repairs to a deer fence using tools and wire, and changing a mountain bike tyre on the trail. All weights are for a pair and from Peter’s digital scales. His reviews were first published in the May 2023 issue of The Great Outdoors.
How to choose the best hiking gloves for you
Choosing the right hiking gloves can be tricky. There are many factors to consider, and your choice of glove can have a big impact on your overall comfort on the hills. For this test we have covered three-season hiking gloves – meaning they are broadly suitable for use outside of winter conditions. The blustery, chilly days of autumn and spring are where gloves of this type will be a crucial part of your kit list.
It is important to consider your own personal needs when it comes to choosing a glove. Some people feel the cold in their extremities far more than others. If so then you will want to opt for a glove with more insulation. If you are highly prone to sweating then look for breathability as a priority. A glove with a waterproof membrane will keep moisture out for much longer, but will generally be a little heavier and slower to dry out if they get saturated.
There are a few features to look out for. If you use a smartphone for navigation or photography then you will probably prefer a glove which has touchscreen compatible ‘zones’ on the forefinger and thumb. Wrist leashes will allow you to briefly take off the gloves without putting them on the ground or in your bag. Look out for clips and button attachments to help keep the gloves in pairs, or karabiner loops to hang the gloves easily. All of these features will add weight however, so this needs to be considered if you are counting every gram in your pack.
Fit is important for overall comfort and dexterity. A glove which is too big will feel clumsy and make simple tasks difficult. Too tight a glove will allow the cold to creep in more quickly. Cuffs vary in length and profile. Short cuffs allow easy access to a wristwatch but can let in a draught around your wrists. Long cuffs tend to be easier to tuck under or over your sleeves. Cuff materials are sometimes substantially less water or wind resistant than that found in the rest of the glove.
Features of the best hiking gloves
Seams
Whilst you might think your feet see most of the action on the hills, your hands are also in almost-constant motion – from gripping trekking poles to scrambling up rock or reaching for water. A good glove will be constructed with seams that minimise rubbing, and some offer taped seams to improve water resistance. Ensure the inner seams don’t rub and the glove is constructed well externally.
Clips
To avoid the frustration of one lost glove, look for a pair that comes with a leash or clip that can be used to attach your gloves to each other – or, even better, to your pack too.
Cuffs
Exposing the wrists is one of the most efficient ways to dump heat. Longer cuffs are warmer, whereas a low-profile cuff will be more breathable and less likely to interfere with your other layers or a watch. A Velcro strap or cord closure can improve the fit on your wrist and offer additional protection from rain and snow.
Grip
Textured, reinforced fingers and palms can offer much-needed grip when using trekking poles. Leather options are bulkier and less dexterous but are generally more durable than their synthetic counterparts.
Touchscreen compatibility
Whilst less important in three-season gloves than in winter gloves, it’s still handy (pardon the pun) to have good touchscreen compatibility in a hiking glove, especially for those who use smartphone hiking apps to help with navigation or who are prone to snapping photographs. The usability of touchscreen fingertips varies wildly between models, so test this out before purchasing if it’s an important feature for you.
Leashes
If you remove your gloves, it’s useful to be able to clip them together to dangle across a rucksack hipbelt or hook onto side straps. Wrist leashes and clips prevent your gloves separating or being dropped if you take them off.
Measurements
Bizarrely, gloves are usually measured in inches. To find your size, measure around the widest part of your hand – usually the circumference of your palm and knuckles – with a tape measure (excluding your thumb). It’s best to measure your dominant hand as it can be fractionally bigger. If you’re between sizes, you’ll usually be warmer in a bigger glove, as air insulates.
Sizing
There’s no major difference between men’s and women’s gloves, except in sizing. Women’s gloves tend to go to much smaller sizes, and often have slightly shorter fingers and narrower palms.
Nose wipe
A good three-season glove doesn’t have to be all-singing and -dancing, but a nose wipe can prove a godsend on a windy, cold day!
