Imagine this: you’re hiking through a breathtaking mountain pass, the wind whips around you, and your hands start to feel like ice blocks. Ouch! It’s a common problem for backpackers. Choosing the right gloves can feel like a puzzle. Too thin, and your fingers freeze. Too bulky, and you can’t grip your trekking poles or zip up your jacket. It’s frustrating when your hands get cold and uncomfortable, taking away from the beauty of your adventure.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help you solve this chilly dilemma. This blog post will be your ultimate guide to finding the perfect backpacking gloves. We’ll break down what makes a glove great for the trail, what to look for, and how to avoid those common mistakes. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly which gloves will keep your hands warm, dry, and ready for anything your next backpacking trip throws at you.
Our Top 5 Backpacking Gloves Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Backpacking Gloves Detailed Reviews
1. Unigear Running Gloves
Rating: 8.7/10
The Unigear Running Gloves are designed to keep your hands comfortable and functional during various outdoor activities, even in chilly weather. These gloves are lightweight and offer a snug fit, making them a great choice for anyone who enjoys being active outdoors.
What We Like:
- These gloves keep your hands warm by wicking away moisture.
- You can easily use your smartphone or other devices without taking them off.
- They are versatile and can be worn alone or layered with heavier gloves.
- The anti-slip silicone on the palms helps you grip things securely.
- The fabric is soft, stretchy, and built to last, resisting rips and pilling.
- They offer a tight, comfortable fit for both men and women.
What Could Be Improved:
- While warm for fall and early winter, they might not be enough for very cold conditions.
- The “Large” size might not fit everyone perfectly, so checking the size chart is important.
Overall, the Unigear Running Gloves offer a good balance of warmth, functionality, and comfort for everyday use in cooler weather. They are a solid choice for those seeking reliable hand protection during their activities.
2. FanVince Thermal Gloves Touchscreen Winter Insulated Glove – Windproof Water Resistant for Running Cycling Driving Outdoor Hiking in Cold Weather for Men and Women (Black
Rating: 8.6/10
Beat the cold and stay connected with the FanVince Thermal Gloves. These gloves are designed to keep your hands warm and dry during all your outdoor adventures, from running and cycling to driving and hiking. They offer a great balance of warmth and flexibility, so you can enjoy the winter without sacrificing comfort or your ability to use your devices.
What We Like:
- The gloves are surprisingly warm yet remain lightweight, thanks to their thin polyester shell and soft TR insulation.
- You can easily use your touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets with the sensitive touch screen fingertips.
- The anti-slip silica gel palm provides a secure grip, which is fantastic for driving and cycling.
- They are water-resistant and windproof, keeping your hands warm and dry in chilly weather.
- FanVince offers a satisfaction guarantee, promising replacements or solutions within 48 hours if you’re not happy.
- The gloves come in multiple sizes and are designed for both men and women, with a helpful tip to size down for women for a better fit.
What Could Be Improved:
- For women, it’s recommended to choose one size smaller than usual for the best fit, which might require careful measurement.
These gloves are a solid choice for anyone needing reliable hand protection in cold weather. They offer great functionality and comfort for a variety of winter activities.
3. Achiou Winter Gloves
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of freezing fingers every time your phone buzzes in winter? The Achiou Winter Gloves are here to save your day! These gloves are designed for both men and women, keeping your hands toasty warm while letting you stay connected. Whether you’re running errands, commuting to work, or just enjoying the crisp winter air, these gloves offer a smart solution for staying warm and in touch with your devices.
What We Like:
- The upgraded touch screen feature uses more conductive yarn, making it super easy to use your phone or tablet without taking off your gloves.
- They are really comfortable and warm, thanks to the soft knit lining. This lining is great for driving, running, or just staying cozy.
- The gloves have a special anti-slip grip on the palm, so you won’t drop your phone.
- They fit almost everyone perfectly because they are stretchy.
- The material is breathable, which helps keep your hands from getting sweaty.
- You can use your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to operate touch screens.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the touch screen is upgraded, sometimes very precise actions on a screen might still be a little tricky compared to bare fingers.
- The breathability is good, but for very intense activities where you sweat a lot, hands might still feel a bit damp over time.
These Achiou Winter Gloves are a fantastic choice for anyone who needs warm hands and easy access to their electronics this winter. They offer a great balance of warmth, comfort, and modern convenience.
4. Under Armour Men’s Storm Liner
Rating: 8.8/10
When the weather turns chilly, keeping your hands warm and dry is essential. The Under Armour Men’s Storm Liner gloves are designed to do just that. These gloves are perfect for those cool days when you need a little extra warmth but don’t want bulky layers. They come in a sleek black and pitch gray color, and this review focuses on the medium size.
What We Like:
- The UA Storm technology keeps water out, so your hands stay dry. It also lets your skin breathe, which is great.
- These gloves are thin and fit snugly. You can wear them alone or under other gloves for more warmth.
- The fabric feels super soft. It has a smooth outside and a fuzzy inside that gives you just the right amount of warmth.
- You can use your phone or tablet without taking them off! The Tech Touch on the thumbs and fingers lets you do this.
- There’s extra soft Speedwipe fleece on the back of the thumb and index finger. This is handy for wiping your nose or glasses.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they offer good warmth for their thickness, they might not be warm enough for very cold, snowy conditions.
- The “fitted” nature means if you have larger hands for your size, they might feel a bit snug.
Overall, the Under Armour Men’s Storm Liner gloves are a fantastic choice for everyday wear in cooler weather. They offer great functionality and comfort.
5. Mechanix Wear Original Tactical Glove – High Performance Anti-Slip Grip Safety Gloves – Impact Resistant & Touchscreen Capable – Medium – Coyote Brown
Rating: 8.8/10
Gear up for any challenge with the Mechanix Wear Original Tactical Glove in Coyote Brown. These gloves are built tough to protect your hands while keeping you comfortable and connected. They offer a snug, flexible fit for all-day wear and are designed to handle demanding jobs. Whether you’re working hard or need reliable hand protection, these gloves deliver.
What We Like:
- The Freedom-Flex cuff design lets your hands move freely without feeling tight or bunched up.
- You can use your phone or tablet without taking off your gloves thanks to the touchscreen-friendly palm.
- The gloves protect your hands from impacts and vibrations with a special padded heel and a reinforced thumb.
- They are super tough and resist wear and tear, keeping your fingers safe with strong material.
- The mesh backing helps your hands stay cool and comfortable, even when you’re working up a sweat.
What Could Be Improved:
- While generally durable, the synthetic leather might show wear on the fingertips with very heavy, constant use.
- The sizing can be a bit tricky to get just right, so checking a size chart carefully is important.
These gloves are a solid choice for anyone needing reliable hand protection. They balance toughness with comfort, making them a great companion for various tasks.
Your Guide to Awesome Backpacking Gloves
Why You Need Good Gloves for Backpacking
When you’re out on the trail, your hands do a lot of work. They grip your trekking poles, set up your tent, and prepare your meals. Cold, wet, or rough hands can really ruin a trip. That’s why choosing the right backpacking gloves is super important. They keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, so you can focus on enjoying nature.
Key Features to Look For
- Warmth: This is the most important thing! Look for gloves that offer good insulation. Some gloves have fleece lining, while others use synthetic fills.
- Water Resistance/Waterproofing: If you hike in wet weather, you need gloves that keep your hands dry. Water-resistant gloves can handle light rain, but waterproof gloves are best for heavy rain or snow.
- Breathability: Even though you want warmth, you don’t want your hands to get sweaty and then cold. Breathable gloves let moisture escape.
- Dexterity: You still need to be able to do things with your hands, like tie knots or use your phone. Gloves that are too bulky make this hard.
- Durability: Backpacking can be tough on gear. Good gloves should be made from strong materials that can handle a lot of use.
- Grip: Some gloves have special grippy surfaces on the palms and fingers. This helps you hold onto things better, especially when they’re wet or icy.
- Touchscreen Compatibility: Many modern gloves have fingertips that let you use your smartphone or GPS without taking them off.
Important Materials
The materials used in backpacking gloves make a big difference in how they perform.
Outer Shell Materials
- Nylon and Polyester: These are common because they are strong, lightweight, and dry quickly. They often have coatings to make them water-resistant.
- Softshell Fabrics: These are a mix of materials that offer a good balance of warmth, breathability, and water resistance. They feel soft and flexible.
Insulation Materials
- Fleece: This is a popular choice because it’s soft, warm, and dries fast. It’s great for moderate cold.
- Synthetic Insulation (like Thinsulate or PrimaLoft): These materials trap air to keep your hands warm. They work well even when they get a little wet.
- Down Insulation: This is the warmest option, but it loses its warmth when it gets wet. It’s usually found in very cold-weather gloves.
Lining Materials
- Fleece: A soft fleece lining adds extra warmth and comfort.
- Merino Wool: This natural fiber is warm, soft, and wicks away moisture. It can also help prevent odors.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a glove great or not so great.
What Makes Gloves Better
- Sealed Seams: When the seams are sealed, water is less likely to get through.
- Reinforced Palms and Fingers: Extra strong material in these areas makes gloves last longer.
- Adjustable Cuffs: Being able to tighten the cuffs keeps snow and wind out.
- Articulated Fingers: This means the fingers are shaped to bend naturally, making them more comfortable and easier to move in.
What Can Make Gloves Worse
- Poor Stitching: Loose threads or weak seams can fall apart quickly.
- Materials That Don’t Breathe: If your hands get too sweaty, they’ll get cold.
- Bulky Design: Gloves that are too thick make it hard to do simple tasks.
- Lack of Grip: Slippery palms make it difficult to hold onto things.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you’ll use your gloves.
- Day Hikes in Cooler Weather: Lighter, breathable gloves are perfect.
- Multi-Day Backpacking Trips in Spring or Fall: You’ll need gloves that offer good warmth and some water resistance.
- Winter Backpacking or Mountaineering: Look for heavily insulated, waterproof, and windproof gloves.
- Activities Requiring Fine Motor Skills: Gloves with good dexterity and touchscreen compatibility are best.
Good backpacking gloves are an investment. They protect your hands, which are essential tools on any adventure. Choose wisely, and your hands will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature for backpacking gloves?
A: Warmth is the most important feature. Your hands need to stay warm to be comfortable and functional.
Q: Are waterproof gloves always warmer than water-resistant gloves?
A: Not always. Waterproof gloves keep water out, which helps keep them warm, but the amount of insulation is the main factor for warmth.
Q: Can I use regular winter gloves for backpacking?
A: You can, but backpacking gloves are usually made with lighter, more breathable materials and are designed for active use.
Q: How do I know if gloves are breathable?
A: Look for descriptions that mention breathable membranes (like Gore-Tex) or materials like softshell fabrics and fleece.
Q: Should I buy gloves that are too big so I can wear liner gloves underneath?
A: It’s better to buy gloves that fit well on their own. If you need extra warmth, look for gloves designed to be worn with liners, or consider a glove system with a liner and an outer shell.
Q: How important is grip on backpacking gloves?
A: Grip is very important, especially if you use trekking poles or hike in wet or icy conditions. It helps you hold onto things safely.
Q: What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?
A: Water-resistant gloves can handle light rain or snow for a short time. Waterproof gloves have a special coating or membrane that stops water from getting through completely.
Q: How do I clean my backpacking gloves?
A: Always check the care label. Most can be hand-washed with mild soap and cold water and then air-dried.
Q: Are touchscreen-compatible fingertips really useful?
A: Yes, they are very useful for checking maps on your phone or taking photos without having to take your gloves off and expose your hands to the cold.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on good backpacking gloves?
A: You can find decent gloves for $30-$50, but high-quality, durable, and very warm gloves can cost $70-$150 or more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.