Black Diamond

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Other mittens will be leaner with less insulation, but that’s because they are made for a specific activity like running or cross-country skiing. You’ll get plenty of breathability though with such styles like the Hestra XC Over Mitt or the Salomon Fast Wing Winter. This should ensure they last you many ski trips, without being destroyed. While the mittens are water-resistant to a point and should do well with a bit of water here and there, they aren’t the best for environments where the snow is incredibly wet. Also, it is important to remember that the palm isn’t water-proof, so be sure to add some sort of treatment to the leather a couple of times a year. Value and Extra Features Many of the mittens on this list claim to be waterproof. Typically, a “waterproof” mitten is constructed with a layer of breathable membrane such as GORE-TEX. This layer is designed to keep moisture from reaching the inside of the glove and also allow moisture from the hands to evaporate out.

Out of the 100+ gloves we researched, we looked for gloves with premium insulation (think PrimaLoft Silver and Primaloft Gold Insulation) designed to keep cold out and warmth in. Insulation in ski gloves varies. We might be splitting hairs here, but when the battery died (happened on the Prevails, too), they did seem marginally warmer than the Prevails when not running the heating element. This could be due to slightly warmer conditions testing the EB clim8, which was around 25-30° F, or due to them fitting just slightly more roomy relative to the Prevails, and potentially encouraging better circulation. The leather palm provides plenty of grip, and the three-panel thumb construction allows for even better dexterity to grab gear. We like the longer cuff for its all-around sturdy construction, which kept snow from sneaking in. In line with current health and safety guidelines, we reserve the right to refuse any items that are (for whatever reason) not returned to us in a clean and hygienic condition. Waterproofing: One of the biggest complaints people have about ski gloves is that they wet through. Waterproofing doesn’t last forever, but you can restore the waterproofness of your gloves. To maintain or restore the waterproofing of your gloves, consider using a waterproofing spray or wax designed for gloves. See our section above on Waterproofing gloves for step-by-step instructions and always follow the manufacturer guidelines.

We researched gloves that had withstood not only temperature tests but rugged use, too. For that, we looked to guides, outdoor professionals, rescue workers, and the military for their take on “heavy hitters” that could handle a hard day on the slopes, as well as a hard day’s work. DEXTERITY Powder Magazine told the tale of a ski professional noticing Kinco Leather Gloves at the beginning of his ski coaching career, only to notice that all of the old-timers (aka, the best skiers on the hill) were all wearing them. Outside Magazine concisely proclaimed, “Kinco's Insulated Pigskin Leather Ski Gloves are as tough as they are well priced, but you'll have to waterproof them yourself.” Folks also tend to like Kids’ Burton Vent Mittens most for their different size options (kids’ mittens really shouldn’t be one size fits all), ease of use and adjustability, and warmth. Parents rave at the length of the cuffs and cinches that do a great job of keeping snow out. The price isn’t bad, either.

A tester-favorite when it comes to the details: A soft, velvety patch of fabric wrapped across the exterior thumbs of mittens is super handy and comforting to use as a wipe for your runny nose. When you’re out in frigid temps and don’t have access to a tissue, a nose wipe panel is key. Editor’s Note: We updated our winter mittens buyer’s guide on September 21, 2023, adding 14 sections and 5 FAQs and reworking several additional sections in the buyer’s guide to support buyer education. The Best Winter Mittens of 2023-2024To calculate the fill, a one-ounce sample of down is put into a cylinder and then compressed. A higher number indicates a warmer option, which also means that you’ll need less down to get the same amount of warmth as lower-fill down. A higher fill number means the down can trap more air, which leads to warmth, in the piece of apparel or gear. For you, that means a lighter, more compressible piece of gear. To be considered for each category, we measured each glove or mitten against standardized criteria: they had to be warm, affordable, durable, comfortable, highly water-resistant, windproof, and dexterous. While this list doesn’t cover every mitten ever made, suffice it to say we’ve been thorough in narrowing it down to our favorites. These are the best winter mittens that we can’t stop raving about — the ones we recommend and rely on all winter long. If you tend to frequently take your mittens on and off throughout the day, wrist leashes will be your best friend. Use glove leashes: Many ski gloves come with wrist leashes to prevent you from losing them on the mountain. Always attach the leashes to your wrists to ensure you don't drop or misplace your gloves. Cleaning and drying instructions

Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Mitt– This simple and well-made option is incredibly budget friendly and offers a lot of warmth and protection. It is outfitted with a durable shell, has fast-dry technology, a waterproof insert and is made of 100% polyester. These mittens come in a variety of different color choices, as well. Mittens have lots of pros — namely, providing a toastier warmth than gloves can — but they do go down a notch in the functionality department, specifically dexterity. Drying: To dry your gloves, avoid using a tumble dryer or direct heat sources like radiators or heaters. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and then let them air dry at room temperature. Ensure the gloves are dried completely before storing them. Caring for leather ski gloves Aside from polyester and leather, other winter mittens are made from wool, fleece, and cotton, which typically result in a leaner mitten overall. Generally, cotton is not ideal, as it takes a long time to dry and easily tears. Liner materials — whether they are removable or not — most often are made with a soft fleece material that has a bit of stretch. Certain tasks are still achievable with mittens on like tightening a velcro cuff; (photo; Jason Hummel) Connectivity We chose the Outdoor Research Alti II Mitts as the Best for Powder Days and Raynaud’s because, well, they’re just warm. (Not to mention their waterproofness, durability, versatility, and comfort.)

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While they will perform with a little bit of water, if you are skiing in an area prone to wet conditions and wet snow, these might not hold up. In particular, the leather palm has no water resistance, which can lead to it soaking through to your hand, which can hurt the mittens ability to keep your hands warm. The Alternatives Burton Women’s GORE-TEX Under Mittens: Manufacturer confirmed they do not publish fill amount of ThermocoreECO synthetic insulation The comfort of a pair of mittens is another important factor to consider when shopping around for options. These mitts offer a fleece-like softness, and the insulation will ensure your hands stay comfy all day long. They are crafted well and ensure your hand can stay in a comfortable position.

Some liners are constructed with touchscreen capability, too, so you can send a text message or make a phone call without needing to remove the layer. Liners can also function on their own on warmer wintry days, so they’re never a bad investment. Reviewers especially liked the longer cuff length and upgraded insulation. With 133 grams of Primaloft Gold and 200 grams of Primaloft Silver insulation in critical places, a durable and reinforced double-layer of premium goat leather, and waterproof yet breathable GORE-TEX inserts for stormproof protection, these are the powerhouse of the glove world.In the skiing world, personal preferences abound, and none so much as a skier’s preference for gloves versus mittens. Here’s the skinny on both styles: WHY YOU SHOULD GET GLOVES VS. MITTENS RIVMOUNT Winter Ski Gloves– If you still want some warmth, but prefer the dexterity offered by gloves, these are a good choice to consider. They feature an ample amount of insulation, are both wind and waterproof and offer great palm protection for those many falls you may encounter on your skiing journey. In our experience, mittens don’t change our ability to grip a ski pole; (photo/Jason Hummel) How We Tested Winter Mittens Gear Institute said, “Arc’teryx’s Fission Gloves are good all-around gloves and a great choice in most conditions for skiers who prefer over-the-cuff design. They’re lightweight and comfortable with good dexterity, but don’t offer enough warmth to make them a good choice for extremely cold weather.” Gear Institute called the Guide Gloves “heavy duty work-horse gloves that will last years and keep your hands warm in nearly any condition.” They also mentioned the sacrifice of dexterity for bulk and warmth but deemed it a worthy sacrifice.