The best hiking gloves are going to make your hikes more enjoyable by keeping your hands warm and dry, and are a key staple in any hiking gear collection.
With so many hiking glove options to choose from, it can seem overwhelming at first. We’ll break down our top picks for the best hiking gloves here, along with some helpful tips to assist you in choosing the perfect glove for your needs.
The Best Hiking Gloves – Our Top Picks
| Best Cold-Weather Hiking Gloves | Outdoor Research Men’s Alti Hiking Gloves |
| Best Mountaineering Hiking Gloves | Black Diamond Soloist Finger Cold Weather Gloves |
| Best Fleece Hiking Gloves | Columbia Fast Trek Fleece Hiking Gloves |
| Best Multi-Use Gloves | Outdoor Research Versaliner Hiking Gloves |
| Best Sun & Warm Weather Hiking Gloves | Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Hiking Gloves |
| Best Hiking Gloves & Glove Liners For Sensitive Skin | SmartWool Liner Hiking Gloves |
| Best Hiking Gloves For Women | North Face Etip Hiking Gloves |
| Best Hiking Mittens | Outdoor Research Alti Hiking Mitts |
| Best Waterproof Hiking Gloves | SealSkinz Waterproof All-Weather Hiking Gloves |
| Best Hybrid Work & Hiking Gloves | Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Gloves |
| Best Waterproof Hiking Mittens | Black Diamond Mercury Hiking Mitts |
The Best Hiking Gloves Available Today
Outdoor Research Men’s Alti Gloves
If you plan on hiking in single-digit or sub-zero temperatures, you can’t get any better than Outdoor Research Men’s Alti Hiking Gloves.
These gloves feature a 2-part construction with a waterproof shell and inner lining to offer outstanding warmth while providing moisture resistance.
The long gauntlets will cover your jacket sleeves and feature drawstring cinches that you can easily manipulate with your gloves on.
The inner lining even has a pocket for hand warmers, which is a nice touch!
All in all, these hiking gloves are the perfect mix of dexterity and insulation. Keep in mind that the sizing on these gloves runs slightly small.
Why We Like It:
-Extremely Warm
-Great waterproofing while still being breathable
-Made of durable and high-quality materials
-Grip pattern on palm is very useful
Black Diamond Soloist Finger Cold Weather Gloves
The Black Diamond Soloist Hiking Gloves are made of tough materials and are great for cold weather use.
They feature a split-finger design, which offers the dexterity of a glove while offering the overall warmth of a mitten.
These gloves feature a waterproof insert and removable Primaloft insulated liner, allowing the liner to be removed when wet. Having these two separate allows for different combinations and uses depending on the weather, which is a great value.
The palm is made of goat leather and has Kevlar stitching, making them great for regular hiking, but also excellent for more demanding tasks like rappelling and technical alpine climbing.
They’re a bit pricier than other selections on this list, but offer outstanding moisture protection and are highly durable, so they’re well worth it.
Why We Like It:
-Split finger design offers more dexterity than standard mittens
-Removable liner and waterproof inserts provide flexibility for different uses and faster drying
-Waterproof and highly durable
Columbia Fast Trek Fleece Hiking Gloves
Columbia’s Fast Trek Fleece Hiking Gloves blend comfort, warmth, and low pricing for an all around crowd-pleaser.
They’re made from microfleece, so they’re very soft, and can keep your hands warm even into the low 30’s.
They’re not water resistant whatsoever and high winds will permeate them, so these are best used in milder hiking conditions.
They make a great choice for glove liners or for any hiker looking to hike in late fall or early spring in lower temperatures.
Why We Like Them:
-Elastic wristbands keep warmth in
-Make an excellent standalone glove, also works double-duty as a great glove liner
-Highly affordable
-Microfleece is very soft and comfortable
Outdoor Research Versaliner Hiking Gloves
The Outdoor Research Versaliner Hiking Gloves are a great value, as the fleece liners can be worn on their own or in combination with the insulated shell for added protection.
The inner liners feature a zippered pocket that’s great for storing the outer shell or a hand warmer, making them convenient and versatile.
The outer shell provides outstanding wet weather performance, and the inner shell is highly breathable and dries quickly, keeping sweat and moisture off your paws.
All in all these hiking gloves are an excellent value that provide multiple uses in one convenient package.
Why We Like It:
-Double use as fleece-only lightweight gloves or water-resistant insulated gloves
-Excellent water resistance and warmth
-Inner liners are removable, highly breathable, and quick-drying
-Palm has non-slip silicone print
-Built-in storage for shells or hand warmers
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Hiking Gloves
If you’re a summer hiker – and who isn’t – the Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Hiking Gloves are our top recommendation.
These gloves offer 50+ UV protection and keep your hands cool while you hike due to their highly-breathable material.
Considering they’re designed for high-heat use, they’re fingerless to provide you extra dexterity.
These gloves also have anti-slip palm prints so you still have the benefit of grip while protecting your hands from the sun.
Why We Like It:
-Fast drying and good breathability
-Sun protection levels of UPF 50+
-Lightweight and comfortable
-Fingerless design and palm grips make these easy to use and wear for long periods
SmartWool Liner Hiking Gloves
If you have sensitive skin, breathability and good fit is going to be of high importance to you, and these SmartWool Liner Gloves are a great choice.
They’re a Merino wool blend, which will be more comfortable on your hands than other natural fibers.
They work great as a glove liner, but can also stand up to temperatures in the 40s on their own if you choose.
The Smartwool fabric is odor-resistant and is moisture-wicking, and these gloves fit snugly to prevent chafing – a big factor for hikers with sensitive hands.
Why We Like It:
-Touchscreen compatible
-Superior comfort
-Snug fit
-Work as standalone hiking gloves or as glove liners
-Superior breathability
North Face Etip Hiking Gloves
Sometimes female hikers have trouble finding a hiking glove that fits their hands well. Enter the North Face Etip Hiking Gloves.
These gloves feature a four-way stretch and a fit that’s designed especially for female hands, blending fit and comfort in an excellent glove.
They provide decent warmth for late fall and early spring conditions, work with touchscreens, and even look great – which is an added plus.
Use them standalone or as glove liners depending on what temperatures you’ll be hiking in.
Why We Like It:
-Women-specific fit
-Touchscreen compatible
-Great as a standalone glove or as glove liners
-Stylish
-Palm features a silicon grip
Outdoor Research Alti Hiking Mitts
If keeping your hands warm is your primary concern, you can’t beat the Outdoor Research Alti Hiking Mitts.
They feature fully-taped seams and are great at keeping moisture and cold out.
Although you sacrifice some dexterity with mittens, the three-panel thumb and palm seams help to mitigate that issue.
There’s a featured hand-warmer pocket on the back of the liner to keep your hands extra toasty, and the cinch cords, zips, and pull loops all offer additional adjustment to keep that warmth inside your mittens.
If you’ll be hiking in extreme cold, these are the absolute best hiking mittens we recommend.
Why We Like It:
-Extremely warm
-Good grip
-Waterproof and windproof
-Highly durable, with leather palms and kevlar stitching
-Great breathability and moisture wicking
SealSkinz Waterproof All-Weather Hiking Gloves
If you’re looking for a fully-waterproof hiking glove that can stand up to nearly all conditions, the SealSkinz Waterproof All-Weather Hiking Gloves are your best choice.
They are touchscreen compatible and offer a fleece panel on the thumb for added protection, and even feature a velcro strap on the wrist to keep water out (and warmth in).
The suede palms provide extra grip where it’s needed, and these work great on their own or with a pair of glove liners.
Why We Like It:
-Completely waterproof
-Extremely versatile
-Can be used on their own or with a glove liner for added warmth
Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Gloves
Carhartt has built their reputation on durability for hard-working folks, and that absolutely holds true for the Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Gloves.
Although they’re intended for work use, these do a great job at pulling double duty. They offer a comfortable, snug fit, and will keep your hands warm in a variety of cold conditions.
They feature moisture wicking and pull-on closure with a velcro tightening strap to make sure the heat stays in your gloves, which is a nice added touch.
The removable waterproof insert adds a layer of flexibility, and since they’re a work glove, they’re also highly durable and easy to clean.
Why We Like It:
-Highly durable gloves for both work and hiking
-Very warm
-Waterproof insert included
-Come in a variety of colors to choose from
Black Diamond Mercury Hiking Mitts
The Black Diamond Mercury Hiking Mitts are one seriously tough pair of mitts. These are rated down to -20 F ( -29 C), and have a fully waterproof insert to keep the moisture completely away from your hands.
They feature four-way stretch fabric, allowing you extra mobility and flexibility.
The liners can also be used on their own for extra versatility – always a plus.
These mitts are extremely durable and feature kevlar stitching, a wipe pad, and are lightweight – a great mix of some key features most extreme-cold hikers are looking for.
Why We Like It:
-100% Waterproof liner keeps your hands dry
-Extremely tough materials
-Rated for super low temperatures
-Extra features like a wipe pad are an added plus
-Lightweight and abrasion resistant
How To Choose The Best Hiking Gloves
There are so many types of hiking gloves to choose from that choosing the best pair can seem like a huge challenge.
Eventually, you’ll probably find that you have a few pairs for different types of weather conditions and types of hikes you’ll be going on – for now, let’s walk through what you should be keeping in mind when choosing the best hiking gloves for your situation.
Choose The Best Hiking Gloves For Your Activities
Think about the most common hiking activities you’ll be doing at first – will you be hiking in milder temperatures, or covering long hikes in the snow? These differences will play a big factor in which hiking glove is best for you.
Will you need a lot of dexterity for grabbing things out of your pack, holding a walking stick, or even using a smartphone? These will also help shape your decision and help narrow down your selections.
Keep your activities in mind when selecting hiking gloves!
Choose The Best Hiking Gloves For The Weather
Simply put, it’s tough to find a single pair of hiking gloves that are best for year-round performance.
If you plan on hiking year-round, you’re best off getting a great pair of cold weather hiking gloves and another pair of spring and summer hiking gloves.
Some of the choices we offered above like the Outdoor Research VersaLiner hiking gloves feature an insulated outer shell with a removable glove liner that can also be used on their own, making them a great choice for your first pair.
Choose The Best Hiking Gloves For Your Hand Size
There are a few factors to consider when trying on hiking gloves. Comfort is important, but you also want to think about functionality.
If your gloves are loose and the cuffs don’t seal at the wrist, you’ll lose warmth. If you choose a glove that fits too tight, you’ll lose breathability and flexibility in movement.
Note that manufacturer sizes tend to run a little small in reality, so if you’re shopping online a little trial and error may be needed to find the right size for you.
Choose The Best Hiking Gloves For Your Mobility And Dexterity Needs
What will you be using your hands for on your hikes? Will you be using a walking pole or fiddling with knots? If so, finger dexterity and material thickness is going to be very important.
Experiment with a few different gloves to find the right combination of flexibility and warmth.
The rule of thumb here: as your warmth increases, expect your dexterity to decrease.
Choose The Best Hiking Gloves For The Features You Need
We mentioned touchscreen compatibility earlier in this guide, but there are additional features you may want to make sure are included in your next pair of hiking gloves.
Additional features include (but are not limited to) clips, wipe pads, waterproof features, and even pockets to hold hand warmers in.
Consider If You’ll Be Layering Your Hiking Gloves
If you’ll be using glove liners such as the SmartWool Liner Hiking Gloves, make sure the outer glove you choose allows ample room for a glove liner.
Try the outer gloves on with and without the liners on to ensure a great fit.
Choose The Proper Cuff and/or Gauntlet On Your Hiking Gloves
While longer cuffs can limit your flexibility, they’re great for keeping your hands and wrists warm, which can make a cold-weather hike much more pleasurable.
If you want some extra warmth, some gloves feature gauntlets (which are simply flared cuffs) that can slip over your sleeves and can be tightened down using cinches or pull cords for a nice, tight seal.
Keep The Breathability Of Your Hiking Gloves In Mind
If you have sweaty hands or sensitive skin, you’ll want to pay attention to the breathability factor in your hiking gloves.
The more waterproof your gloves are, the less breathability they’re going to have. Keep this in mind when making your choice.
Choose The Right Hiking Glove Style For Your Needs
Depending on the flexibility you’ll need, you’ll want to pay attention to the glove’s materials, thickness, and design that best suits the use of your hiking gloves.
Most gloves are the five-finger traditional design, such as the Outdoor Research Men’s Alti Hiking Gloves.
Others feature a hybrid split-finger design like the Black Diamond Soloist Finger Cold Weather Gloves.
Or you can sacrifice finger movement for extra warmth with mittens like the Outdoor Research Alti Hiking Mitts.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Hiking Gloves
What Are Hiking Gloves?
Hiking gloves are specially designed gloves that usually take warmth and moisture protection into account to keep hiker’s hands warm at lower temperatures.
Hiking gloves offer the ability to insert waterproof or fleece liners for extra versatility, or even pockets to insert hand warmers, making them different than standard gloves.
Some gloves, such as the Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Hiking Gloves are made for sun protection when hiking in warmer temperatures as well.
What Level Of Protection Do I Need In My Hiking Gloves?
This really depends on where and how often you hike, and the type of hiking you’re doing, along with what additional hiking gear you have.
Ultimately, you’ll want to closely consider the type of weather and temperatures you’ll be hiking in to decide the level of insulation and additional features (like waterproofing) that you may need.
Should I Choose Gloves Or Mittens For Hiking?
When choosing hiking gloves versus hiking mittens, you’ll want to think about how much movement your hands will need while hiking, what temperatures you’ll be hiking in, and how cold your hands naturally get.
Mittens will keep your hands warmer, but allow less movement of your fingers.
If you’ll be trying to use additional items like a GPS, smartphone, or tying/untying knots while you’re hiking, opt for hiking gloves over mittens.
Additionally, there are hybrid options that allow the index finger to move independently from your thumb and other three fingers, which are lobster-style gloves like the Black Diamond Soloist Finger Cold Weather Gloves.
How Should Hiking Gloves Fit?
There are a few factors to consider when trying on hiking gloves. Comfort is important, but you also want to think about functionality.
If your gloves are loose and the cuffs don’t seal at the wrist, you’ll lose warmth. If you choose a glove that fits too tight, you’ll lose breathability and flexibility in movement.
Note that manufacturer sizes tend to run a little small in reality, so if you’re shopping online a little trial and error may be needed to find the right size for you.
How Should I Wash My Hiking Gloves?
Always check the care instructions from the manufacturer when washing or cleaning your hiking gloves. Following these instructions will ensure a long life for the materials in your gloves.
What Other Features Should I Look For In A Hiking Glove?
We mentioned touchscreen compatibility earlier in this guide, but there are additional features you may want to make sure are included in your next pair of hiking gloves.
Additional features include (but are not limited to) clips, wipe pads, waterproof features, and even pockets to hold hand warmers in.
How Much Do Hiking Gloves Cost?
Hiking gloves run the gamut in cost and can vary from as little as $19 for a basic glove all the way to $199 for high-end, high-performance hiking gloves.
What Are The Best Hiking Gloves?
The best hiking gloves for you really depend on your intended use, but for an all-around great set we recommend the Outdoor Research Men’s Alti Hiking Gloves or Outdoor Research Versaliner Hiking Gloves.
Wrapping Up Our Guide To The Best Hiking Gloves
We hope you found this information useful on your hunt for the best hiking gloves. In closing, there are many factors to consider when picking your next pair – just be sure they fit well and perform to the task you’re using them for!
Have any suggestions for the best hiking gloves? Let us know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our guide to the best neoprene socks for hiking.
Thanks for reading, and enjoy the hike!
