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We've tested dozens of the best gloves for every outdoor activity, from hiking to skiing to yard work, and including top brands like REI Co-op, Carhartt, Arc'teryx, Outdoor Research, Black Diamond, Burton, and more
From wintertime mechanical work to summer climbs, we've put hundreds of pairs to the test over more than a decade.
Credit: Clark Tate
By Clark Tate ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated May 22, 2025
The change in seasons means an update to your outdoor gear kit and what you'll grab for everyday wear. From winter hikes and snow days on the mountain to outdoor chores like early morning commutes, shoveling driveways, and walking the dog, we tried these options in real-world conditions to confirm which ones work and which will leave you shivering in the cold. We took them to the lab to note how they stand up to abrasion, experimented with what types of tasks we could complete while wearing them, and evaluated how well the winter and ski gloves handle cold and wet weather.
After testing over 250 pairs over the past 12 years, we've discovered the best gloves for projects and outings. Our top recommendation for great winter gloves for men is the REI Co-op Gauntlet GTX Gloves, which offers a comfortable, flexible, and waterproof way to keep your hands warm. For women, our favorite winter glove is the Carhartt Quilts Insulated, which provides a huge amount of warmth and decent wind resistance.
Who it is best for: The REI Co-op Gauntlet GTX Gloves are perfect for any winter activity, whether shoveling snow, sledding, commuting from the subway, or tackling a full day outdoors. They are a top recommendation from our winter glove review and a great pick for someone looking for a reliable, full-coverage winter glove without spending a fortune. While they aren't as warm as some premium options, they held their own during a long, chilly Utah winter.
Why we love it: These are warm, Gore-Tex layered, and designed with thoughtful features that stand out at this price. They passed our windproofing and waterproofing tests with flying colors, kept our hands dry, and include touchscreen-compatible fingers and thumb, so you don't have to take them off to scroll or answer a call. The top-end polyester fill traps heat well, and durable synthetic leather covers high-wear areas. “I loved the easy-to-adjust drawstrings,” said one tester. “I can cinch them tightly around my wrists whenever I need extra protection from wind, rain, or snow. It's a simple feature, but it makes a huge difference when you're out in bad weather and want to keep the cold from sneaking in.”
Should you buy it? Yes—if you're after a winter glove that balances durability, performance, and price, these are a smart buy. They're built to last multiple seasons and are comfortable to wear all day. While their touchscreen fingertips are slightly bulky—making long texts a bit clumsy—our testers agreed the convenience outweighed the minor flaws. One tester commented, “Typing long sentences can be tough, but the convenience outweighs the drawbacks. I can still check maps, skip tracks, or send a quick reply without freezing my fingers, which is a game-changer when you're out in the cold.” If you need a warm, waterproof glove with solid touchscreen functionality at a good price, these should be at the top of your list.
Showing all the things. We wore our Gauntlet GTXs during a harsh Utah winter and never had a problem. These gloves passed all of our tests and were comfortable to wear.
Who it is best for: The Carhartt Quilts Insulated women's winter glove is ideal for those with smaller hands seeking a budget-friendly glove that provides serious warmth for everyday winter tasks. It's tailored to fit slimmer fingers and includes wrist straps with hook-and-loop closures to lock in warmth. The thick synthetic palm makes it durable for hands-on work like shoveling, pulling sleds, or making snowballs. While not as dextrous or rugged as some options, they still hold their own in cold, damp weather, making them a good pick for quick outdoor chores and shorter adventures close to home.
Why we love it: Despite not being officially waterproof, these gloves performed surprisingly well in our testing, resisting water and blocking wind completely. During our submersion test, only a small amount of water seeped through one seam after nearly two minutes. The quilted polyester insulation and soft fleece lining keep hands warm and comfortable. A tester told us, “I appreciate the smaller fit and that there is extra adjustability to get it just right. Most gloves feel too roomy in the fingers for me, so it's nice to find one that hugs my hands without cutting off circulation. And the pull tab makes them super easy to get on, even when my hands are wet or cold.”
Should you buy it? Yes, if you want an affordable glove for light to moderate winter use and value warmth over precision. These are are well-priced, reasonably warm, and more water-resistant than advertised. Just note a few limitations: the fleece lining retains moisture and takes up to two days to dry if soaked, and the fingers are too bulky for fine tasks. “These are not the gloves for delicate work,” one tester cautioned. “The short, thick fingers and slick material make it hard to grip small objects, and I noticed some loose stitching early on, which makes me question their long-term durability.” They're a solid buy if you need a glove for rough weather, but plan to stay near home.
The women's Carhartt Quilts glove is a great option to keep your hands warm, holding up through sub-freezing temps and snowball throwing sessions with our pup.
Who it is best for: The Rab Khroma Freeride is ideal for skiers and snowboarders who need a glove that can keep up with long, cold days on the mountain while still allowing full use of their hands. It is the top-scoring model in our men's ski glove review. It's a great fit for those who demand serious weather protection, high dexterity, and durability from their gear. Whether tightening buckles, gripping ski poles, or adjusting gear on the go, this glove's blend of warmth and flexibility makes it a reliable companion. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of some other models, it outperforms nearly every glove we tested regarding all-around mountain performance.
Why we love it: What sets the Khroma Freeride apart is how it nails the balance between warmth and dexterity—traits that usually come at the expense of each other. Packed with insulation and still impressively flexible, it was the only glove in our lineup that felt warm without feeling bulky. A cozy fleece lining keeps the inside soft, while a goatskin leather palm improves grip and adds durability. Thanks to its Gore-Tex membrane and high-quality water-resistant materials, it's also the most weatherproof glove we tested. Our lead tester, who has used the same pair for three seasons with hardly any wear, said, “Some gloves skimp on insulation through the wrist, but these gloves are packed with insulation through the gauntlet. That detail makes a huge difference when you're in biting wind all day.”
Should you buy it? Yes—if you're after a glove that performs across the board with exceptional durability, flexibility, and warmth, this is the one to beat. While it's not as warm as heated options, nothing matched the Khroma's consistent performance in every category. It has the essentials—a removable wrist leash, a soft nose wipe, and touchscreen-compatible fingers—and doesn't overcomplicate things. As our lead tester said, “If I could use only one pair of gloves for the entire ski season, these would be the ones. They're that good.” If you need one glove to do it all, this is it.
Who it is best for: The women's-specific Outdoor Research Revolution II is a versatile, budget-friendly choice for anyone seeking one glove that can handle a wide range of winter activities. Of all the women's ski gloves tested, this is the one we recommend the most. It's best for skiers, climbers, and outdoor professionals who need solid warmth, decent dexterity, and waterproofing without the premium price tag. Whether skiing at the resort, climbing ice, or digging out the driveway, this glove is built to perform. However, if you prioritize extra warmth or have wider fingers, you may want to size up or consider other options for maximum heat retention.
Why we love it: It offers an excellent balance of warmth, protection, and usability. A lofty layer of EnduraLoft polyester insulation keeps your hands warm in everything from 30°F days to below-zero mornings, and a Gore-Tex insert blocks snow and slush. The glove also features welcome extras like a removable wrist leash, cinch closure, and touchscreen-capable fingertips. Our lead tester summed it perfectly: “As a snow professional, I put these to the test—digging snowpits, climbing ice, backcountry skiing, and spending long mornings at freezing ski resorts. I think they nailed the balance between warmth, dexterity, and cost. They feel they were made for women who work and play hard outside.”
Should you buy it? Yes, especially if you're looking for a glove that delivers high performance at a reasonable price. While the waterproofing on the palm did degrade slightly after extended heavy use, it held up well under normal snowy conditions. A few testers noted that the fingers ran narrow—"The fingers run a little narrow for my taste," one said—so sizing up may be smart. Still, the overall performance, comfort, and thoughtful features make this a standout for the cost. If you're after one glove that covers a lot of ground, the Revolution II should be at the top of your list.
The Outdoor Research Revolution II gloves impressed us with their quality of construction and the amount of warmth they were able to provide our chilly fingers.
Who it is best for: The Achiou Touch Screen Thermal gloves are best for those who want an affordable, versatile glove liner that can double as a standalone option in milder weather. They're ideal for anyone building a cold-weather layering system—whether you're running errands in brisk temps, layering up for the slopes, or looking to stay connected on your phone without freezing your fingers. Thanks to their synthetic blend and stretchy fit, they're a solid pick for people with various hand sizes looking for lightweight warmth that breathes well and dries quickly.
Why we love it: These liners balance breathability and insulation, keeping your hands warm while allowing moisture to escape. Our tester was particularly impressed by their wind resistance: “They block wind surprisingly well without getting clammy and sweaty on the inside. That's rare for gloves this thin.” Though they aren't waterproof, their quick-drying material means they bounce back quickly if wet. Touchscreen patches on three fingers work reliably, letting you use your phone without removing your gloves—a real benefit when worn beneath a thicker pair.
Should you buy it? Yes—if you're looking for a low-cost way to boost warmth and tech usability in cold conditions. They have a few drawbacks, like their short cuffs that sometimes slip under outer gloves and an oddly long thumb that makes touchscreen use less effective on that digit. Plus, they require handwashing, which may be a hassle. Still, they offer solid durability and a surprising amount of warmth for the price. If a snugger, more tailored fit is your top priority, consider upgrading, but for most people, the Achiou delivers outstanding value.
Well-priced and durable, the Achiou liner is the best we've tested.
Who it is best for: The Mechanix Coldwork Originals are best for anyone needing a versatile, dexterous glove for light-duty work in cool to moderately cold weather. Ideal for tasks like raking leaves, shoveling snow, or even small engine repairs, they're especially well-suited to those who prioritize precision and comfort over maximum insulation. They're also great for DIYers who frequently consult a phone or tablet while working, thanks to their full-hand touchscreen compatibility. While they come in unisex sizing, those with smaller hands may want to consider alternatives for a more tailored fit.
Why we love it: These gloves offer an excellent blend of comfort, grip, and flexibility without compromising tactile control. The lightweight fleece lining keeps hands warm in temperatures into the twenties, and the softshell exterior—made from a combo of synthetic fabric and rubber—offers durability without bulk. “They move with my fingers so well that I rarely need to pull them off, even to do detail work,” our lead tester said. “I've used them while tuning up my snowblower in freezing temps, and I was impressed by how easy it was to grip bolts and manipulate tools.” The faux leather palms provide reliable traction, and the gloves are breathable enough to keep hands from overheating on warmer days. Bonus: they're machine washable.
Should you buy it? Yes—if you're after a tough, flexible glove that keeps your hands warm and agile in chilly conditions. They're not designed for frigid temperatures or wet environments and don't dry quickly if they get soaked. Also, while they perform well across various activities, they're not ideal for warmer fall days when you need more abrasion resistance than insulation. That said, for mild to cold weather jobs where dexterity matters, these are hard to beat at this price point. If they fit you well, you'll likely get a ton of use out of them.
The Coldwork Original is a great midweight glove that offers better finger movement and precision than more heavily insulated winter gloves.
Credit: GearLab Team
Why Trust GearLab
We've tested close to 200 pairs of the best gloves over the past 11 years, and before each iteration of this review, we carefully researched the market more before deciding which ones to buy and test. From here, we sent our ski and snowboard testing teams out into the cold of winter and the mountains to hang out on the ski slopes. We handed our garden testers shovels and rakes to tackle yard maintenance and snow management around the house while wearing work gloves. We took detailed notes and photos along the way, documenting each model's performance in the real world before taking them back to the lab for repeatable tests.
Testing for our winter and work gloves occurs across North America in locations with brutal and varied winter conditions like Maine, Canada, and Alaska. Our team tackles everything from daily chores to winter runs, small engine repairs, and glacial research. Lead tester Clark Tate has lived in every major mountain range in the US and now resides in Maine. She likes warm hands and loves a pair of gloves that can help her enjoy the snowy peaks of New England through the winter season. Amber King, who moved from Canada to Colorado's San Juan Mountains, is an outdoor educator and winter enthusiast who spends days outside with students no matter the weather. Also contributing to this review is ski patroller Jackie Kearney, who considers a reliable pair of gloves to be an essential tool for her job. Rounding out the team is IFMGA Mountain and Exum Ski Guide Jeff Dobronyi, heading up the men's ski glove review. He spends over 120 days a year on skis and needs handwear to keep up.
We've tested all kinds of protective gloves in the most trying conditions possible.
Types of Gloves
There are many varieties of gloves, but for this review, we'll cover two main categories: winter gloves that are meant to keep your hands warm and garden/work gloves that protect your hands from dirt, abrasions, and blisters. The boom in outdoor recreation has led to the development of many specialized glove options over the years, and we lump these all together in a general category of “sport gloves.” We don't include these categories in this article, but if you're interested, you can check out our advice on climbing gloves and our favorite mountain biking gloves. The specialization is great for your hands but can be hard on your wallet, so we try to point out whenever a glove can work double time for you.
Ski-specific gloves like the Arc'teryx Fission SV include thick layers of insulation to keep you warm while sitting on the lift.
Credit: Amber King
Winter Gloves
The most basic purpose is to protect your hands from the cold. However, cold is a relative feeling. Since winter temperatures vary widely globally and winter activities vary widely across individuals, this category can include everything from classic waterproof snow gloves to heavily insulated mittens to light and breathable liners.
Single vs. Double Gloves — This is self-explanatory: single gloves have only one layer, and double gloves have two — an outer shell and an inner liner. You can pull off the shell to reveal the thinner, more flexible liner when you need to perform detailed tasks without completely exposing your hands to the elements. We generally prefer gloves and mittens with a double construction because they offer the benefit of a weather-protective layer without having to deal with the bulk of one when you need to check your phone or tie a shoe. Double gloves are nearly essential in seriously cold climates where frostbite is a frequent concern. It also allows you to tailor your warmth levels to your environment and activity, as you can use the two layers independently.
Double-layered options like the Mercury Mitten included a removable liner. This makes for a warmer glove that's easier to dry out after a soggy day on the hill.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Liners — If you opt for an unlined or single winter glove, you can always buy a liner separately. Often lightweight and stretchy, they can work wonderfully for high-output activities like running or cross-country skiing. You can use the liner on its own for more active winter pursuits or shoulder season use, and then layer it with your regular winter gloves for more sedentary cold days. Just ensure the combination isn't so tight that it restricts blood flow, essential in allowing your fingers to generate heat.
Utilzing a liner helps increase warmth on cold days and is a versatile lightweight option for warmer pursuits.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Gloves vs. Mittens — Ahh, the great debate. It's likely that you already have a preference one way or the other, but we'll go over the differences anyway. The nice thing about mittens is that they keep all your fingers in the same compartment, allowing them to share heat. The obvious downside is that your fingers aren't available to use. If you want the warmth but know you will need to use your fingers a lot, you can solve this problem by adding a glove liner underneath your mittens in cold weather. Keep your digits cozy in the mittens when you don't need to use them and deploy your liner-gloved hand when you do.
A third and less common option is the lobster claw glove. This style divides the mittens into three sections: one for your thumb, one for your pointer finger, and one for the rest. These shine while biking in the winter, when you need to keep a few fingers on the brake but can use all the warmth you can get.
Ski days can be committing, you want to keep your hands protected no matter how long you're out there.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Ski Gloves — Winter gloves can keep your hands warm while walking from the car to the office. Ski gloves are tasked with keeping your hands warm and dry for a full day, often while spending half of it sitting very still on a chair lift. They are typically more heavily insulated and more waterproof than regular winter gloves. They also often include features like nose wipe patches and large gauntlet cuffs that extend over your jacket sleeve to help keep the snow out. If you spend a lot of time in the backcountry, hiking up the mountain before skiing back down, taking two pairs with you for safety is a good idea. One can be lighter and more breathable for the climb, and the other can be heavier for the way down. You can also wear a pair of liners for the sweatiest part of your day.
Durable and articulate, models designed for work have to be built to last.
Credit: Clark Tate
Garden and Work Gloves
Garden and work options protect your hands from detritus and damage. Rough surfaces, rocks, and wood can abrade or splinter your hands, and tools can quickly cause blisters. A well-fitting pair of work gloves can protect you from this pain and keep you focused on your task. You can buy insulated and non-insulated versions depending on the time of year you plan to use them.
Winter versions of work and garden gloves will have some insulation, and a few are also waterproof. The tradeoff is that insulation is bulky, making it harder to perform detailed work. Gloves meant for warmer weather will be lighter, thinner, and dexterous. They will also protect your hands from the sun and, hopefully, breathe well. Again, you can layer liners underneath these to extend their use into the colder months. (Can you tell we love a good liner?)
Our testing involved using each pair of gloves in as many real-world applications as possible.
Credit: Clark Tate
How Will You Need to Use Your Hands?
When considering the pros and cons of each style, you'll also need to realistically consider how you'll use your hands and whether the pair you're interested in is capable of the task. For example, winter mittens are warm but make it difficult to complete complex tasks like transitioning from skinning uphill to skiing down in the backcountry. A well-fitted, highly dexterous model will let your hands move more naturally, and you'll have to remove it less frequently throughout the day. Other aspects to consider are durability and convenience features like touchscreen compatibility or a wrist leash.
Dexterity and Fit
After pulling on your gloves, you'll first notice whether or not it's easy to use your hands while wearing them. How well they fit will be a factor, but the flexibility and tailoring of the material also dictate how well they can move with your fingers.
Work gloves like the Mechanix have to be articulate with good grip.
Credit: Clark Tate
Insulated winter options are bulky by nature, but you can find models that balance warmth with flexibility according to your preferences. As we mentioned above, mittens are warmer but less dexterous. That's probably fine if you'll be skiing at a resort, riding the lift all day, and having easy access to a lodge for major tasks or adjustments. If you're heading into the backcountry, though, you'll need a more dexterous option that will allow you to use buckles, zippers, and other tools without removing your gloves.
Dexterity should also be a top priority if you work with your hands outside during the winter months. However, options prioritizing dexterity won't be as warm, so you must plan accordingly. Hopefully, you're working hard enough to generate warmth. If you can try on a pair of gloves before you buy them, pay close attention to the flexibility and articulation of each pair. If not, we took notes for you.
Grip
A solid grip is always important, but perhaps it is most important for working. To work safely, you have to be able to hold tools without the risk of them slipping out of your hands. Some models offer leather palms to improve grip, while others employ tacky rubber or gripping patterns on the palm. Since basic winter mittens can be slippery, we don't recommend using them for handiwork. However, we still appreciate models with enough grip to complete simple tasks.
Leather palms, like those on the Wells Lamont Hydrahide, tend to grip well.
Credit: Clark Tate
Common Important Features
Touchscreen compatibility is likely one of the most sought-after features in this modern day and age. A thin, transparent layer of conductive material covers capacitive touchscreens like your smartphone. When you touch them with your bare finger, you interrupt the current, and the device recognizes this as touch. To work on these surfaces, gloves must also include a conductive material. This often comes in the form of a thread pattern or patch of fabric on several of the fingertips.
This technology is increasingly common, especially since people often navigate trails and off-piste slopes using mapping features on their phones, not to mention documenting their epic adventures. Touchscreen compatibility is especially important in liners, which may be left between you and a bitter winter breeze while you figure out where you are on the mountain.
Touchscreen compatible gloves use conductive threads on the fingertips to interact with your phone.
Credit: Clark Tate
The location where your glove meets your jacket can affect how effectively it blocks the wind and weather from reaching your sensitive wrist area. For winter and ski versions, you usually have the choice between a gauntlet style designed to extend over the sleeve of your jacket or a simple cuff that fits underneath your jacket. We usually prefer a gauntlet style, as it creates a double layer that's an effective seal against wicked winter weather. Some gloves also have a velcro or buckled strap around the wrist that helps hold them in place and creates a more snug fit. Small tweaks can improve the function of any handwear.
Gauntlet-style cuffs best prevent snow from getting into your sleeves.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Ski-specific options often have more bells and whistles than the rest because they stand between you and frostbite when you're far from home. A leash, for example, can help you keep track of your gloves if you have to pull them off on the mountain. Keeping your clothing dry and out of the snow goes beyond comfort; it is a safety concern. A nose wipe patch certainly improves your comfort, and fun additions like a Tuskegee to clear the fog from your goggles can come in handy in a pinch.
Gloves like the Achiou Touch Screen Thermal liner offer exceptional value with excellent performance at a below average price.
Credit: Clark Tate
How to Pick the Best Gloves for You
We've established that you need a pair of gloves, but when choosing the exact pair, the most important thing to consider is your intended purpose: i.e., what do you need them for? Consider all the tasks you'd like to tackle while wearing them and what type of weather and conditions you'll likely encounter. Another important factor to consider is your budget. Deciding how much you can afford upfront is important so that the flashiest options won't woo you. There's often a sweet spot where you get nearly top-of-the-line performance without spending top dollar. Our mission is to find those options and steer you to them.
Protect your hands from cold and scrapes with the right pair of gloves.
Credit: Clark Tate
Conclusion
Taking good care of your hands can keep you out on the ski hill, singletrack, or job longer. But with all the models on the market, it can be overwhelming to find your perfect fit. Luckily, our expert testing team has narrowed your options, drawing from years of cold-weather experience to find the best gloves worth considering. We hope we've helped you get a good start on your research.
—Clark Tate, Jeff Dobronyi, Kaylee Walden, and Jason Wanlass
