If you have ever been into cold regions without a good pair of gloves with you, you must have realized the importance of good backpacking gloves. Stiff-fingers, Frostbite are just some on the long list of dangers of not having good gloves on a trek.
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How To Choose The Best Backpacking Gloves
Here are some of the features which the best backpacking gloves would need to have.
1-Breathability
While hiking your hands are of the utmost importance as they establish your grip on the trail. However, wearing gloves would lead to building up moisture in them. If this moisture is not properly released into the atmosphere, your skin could suffer, leading to your hands not working very effectively.
2-Fitting
Getting the perfect fit is a crucial part of finding the perfect backpacking gloves. In the event that you have a glove that is tight, the blood circulation in your hand would be affected.
Grabbing a pair of gloves that are too loose would risk your hand not having proper insulation from the cold. This could easily cause Frostbite.
3-Shell
This is the outside covering of the glove. The material for this coverage may vary with the type of glove. A glove designed for hiking in cold conditions would have good insulation, it would be windproof and waterproof as well.
A glove designed for function in moderate temperature would be lighter.
4-Waterproof
If you have ever spent a long trip hiking with wet gloves, you the importance of waterproofed gloves. This could potentially be the only thing between you and frostbite. Water freezes up quickly and pulls out the heat from your body.
Wet gloves could also reduce your grip on your trekking poles which can lead to accidents.
5-Insulation
Needless to say without proper insulation your finger would lose a lot of heat. As opposed to natural materials, gloves made with synthetic materials are known to provide much more insulation.
Cold fingers would mean lesser strength in your finger. This could bring down your efficiency.
6-Warmth
Warmth is something that should not be compromised upon. Different materials and different styles of gloves aim to provide the most warmth.
Some gloves have longer cuffs which would provide more protection from the cold. Well, insulated gloved would be able to provide you with the most amount of warmth.
7-Design
Some gloves come with added features that would be designed to help the user while trekking such as pockets. These are strategically designed features that would be an added advantage and extra protection.
These features could include wrist clips, palm grips and pockets which would give them the upper hand compared to the average glove.
8-Durability
The toughness of a glove is integral in order for it to be the ideal backpacking gloves, A glove that would get torn from branches or shrubs would need constant replacement and thus couldn’t be a trusted companion while your trekking.
If the gloves are not tough and durable they could leave you with your finger cold in freezing conditions.
A durable glove might be something that could save your life on a trek.
Here is A List Of 7 Best Backpacking Gloves
Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves for Men & Women
This multipurpose glove is made out of synthetic fabric. This glove is lightweight which makes it ideal for backpacking. The fabric used in this type of glove is moisture-wicking which means it would keep the moisture away from your body.
The multidirectional stretchable fabric means it will fit nicely over your hand, maximizing not only grip but comfort. The antimicrobial properties help the glove to avoid catching odour. This would be useful in a long trek.
This fabric however is not waterproof which could be set back on a trail. The glove is lightweight and breathable.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Has stretchable fabric
- Does not catch odor easily
- Moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
- Is not waterproof
- Does not have good insulation
- May shrink in warmer conditions
Outdoor Research Ultralight Ditty Sacks
These pairs of gloves are designed to keep you warm under the roof of the world. These gloves are made from Goretex fabric. This glove is not only lightweight and warm, but it is also fully seam-taped to maximize insulation.
The fabric used in this glove allows it to be waterproof which is ideal for cold treks. Furthermore, it is breathable for your hand and also windproof which would protect your hand from getting frostbite making it one of the best backpacking gloves.
It features a moonlight pile fleece liner palm, which is extremely effective in keeping your hand warm at heights such as 8000m. The wicking fabric would keep unnecessary moisture away from your hand.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Has good insulation
- Moisture wicking fabric
- Windproof
- Breathable
- Durable
Cons
- The thumbs are not insulated as good as the fingers, however insulation on the thumb is still decent.
FREETOO Men Tactical Backpacking Gloves
This tough pair of gloves is perfect for tactical activities. The material used is 20% nylon-mesh. It features a dual-layer synthetic palm. This glove is designed to protect your hand from physical obstacles that might be in your trail, making it perfect for trails that include a hefty amount of bushes, shrubs and branches.
It has PVC knuckles which are padded from the inside to give your knuckles exceptional protection. The reinforced palm and double stitching would prevent your hands from any abrasions or cuts. This can help you avoid life-threatening infections.
The leather palm helps to establish a strong grip. These gloves are breathable and do not catch an odour easily. It has adjustable wrist Velcro which you can later adjust to your liking.
These gloves are best suited to hot weather or mild winter seasons.
Pros
- Waterproof
- It has breathable vents
- Tough and durable
- PVC knuckles for extra protection
- Anti-skidding fabric
- Adjustable Velcro wrists.
Cons
- These are not suited to freezing temperatures
TrailHeads Running Gloves
The TrailHeads Gloves are designed to keep your hand warm in temperatures as low as 30F. These gloves are made using a blend of polyester/spandex and nylon. This allows it to have many useful properties.
It is moisture-wicking, thus it will absorb moisture from your hand and spread it in the fabric resulting in quick evaporation of the moisture. Furthermore, it can be used on touch screens, so you won’t have to take your gloves off to use your smartphone.
It has decent insulation, however, it does not overheat as it has mesh insets that provide ventilation and help in regulating the body temperature.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Can be used on touch screens.
- 4-way stretch
Cons
- It is not waterproof
- Not effective in freezing temperatures
Gordini Men’s Gore Gauntlet Glove
This glove is an amazing companion when trekking in freezing conditions. It has amazing insulation due to its Megaloft Synthetic fabric used. It is made from 100% polyester. This glove not only is waterproof but also windproof giving you exceptional protection from the cold and harsh climate.
This glove is breathable as it has Gore-Tex inserts. The textured palm and finger enhance the grip, reducing slip accidents. It also has a moisture-wicking lining to keep your skin healthy and fresh. It features a gauntlet cuff with draw-cord closure and wrist strap, this means you could tuck it into your clothes for extra insulation.
It also has a durable polyester shell with mini-ripstop trim for extra toughness.
Pros
- Able to withstand freezing temperature
- Has exceptional insulation
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Breathable
- It provides strong grip
- Moisture-wicking
- Long cuffs and adjustable as wel
Cons
- Does not have ability to function on touchscreens
Smartwool Merino Wool Liner Glove
Smartwool’s gloves are a decent match for you on your next trek in snowy climates. This is made of 45% Merino Wool and 45% acrylic and 9% nylon. This glove has a warm lining of merino wool to keep your hand from getting cold during your trek.
The soft-brushed merino wool against will not only keep your hand warm but will also provide you with a comfortable feel while wearing these gloves. The windproof overlay would prevent any wastage of body heat keeping your hand warm.
The gloves are touchscreen compatible, this does not compromise your hand’s protection.
However, this glove is not waterproof which could be a problem during a trek in the brutal winter, and could lead to frostbite. We recommend layering a waterproof glove above it for safety.
Pros
- Warm
- Lightweight
- Windproof
- Touchscreen compatible
Cons
- Does not provide extra grip which might lead your hands to slip on the trekking poles
- These are not waterproof
Black Diamond Mercury Mitts Cold Weather Mittens
The Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are one of the best pairs of mittens for the coldest winters. These provide exceptional insulation. They maximize your hand’s protection by combining the lightweight nature of the fabric with the abrasion-resistant, Protex shield design of the shell.
This pair is also water-resistant so your hand is safe from frostbite as much as possible. You can use it in warmer conditions as well with a different liner.
This pair is able to withstand temperatures as low as -20 F.
However, as this is a mitten it would compromise your dexterity on the trek which could be a disadvantage.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Provides exceptional insulation
- Abrasion-resistant
- Lightweight
Cons
- Compromises dexterity
- Not touchscreen compatible
Conclusion
The clear winner for the best backpacking gloves is the Outdoor Research Ultralight Ditty Sacks. This pair of gloves is an exceptional glove that would help you on your trek in every way. This glove is waterproof, windproof and lightweight which not only increases dexterity but also your comfort.
The moisture-wicking fabric is also breathable, keeping your hands healthy and fresh for the upcoming treks.
This glove is cost-effective as well and does not compromise your hand’s protection at all.
