If you are a mountaineer, hiker, or trekker, you know that you need to arm yourself with gear that prepares you for the harsh conditions. Having a pair of the warmest mountaineering gloves at the ready can protect you from frigid temperatures, wind, rain, and snow, preventing hands and fingers from numbness, pain, and ultimately frostbite.
As with all outdoor gear, not all of the best mountaineering gloves are created equal. They come with different levels of insulation, thickness, mobility, and modularity. They may have removable layers, or be a mitten style, or even have a pocket for slipping in a heat pouch for ultimate immediate warmth. And they will be made with different materials and padding in different key areas.
So before choosing the warmest mountaineering gloves for your needs, consider the climate and topology you’ll be in, and the extent to which dexterity will be important in your outings. For example, a technical ice climb may require a different glove than a high altitude trek. Whichever pair you choose, your goal is to minimize the effects of your surroundings that can impede your performance, so that you can have the best experience possible.
Outdoor Research Alti Gloves
Among the finest expedition gloves in the Outdoor Research lineup, Alti gloves offer supreme warmth and high durability. Waterproof, insulated, and reinforced, these top of the line sports gloves can handle the coldest of temperatures and most rugged technical climbing conditions.
Notable Features:
- Waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex inserts keep hands moisture free
- PrimaLoft insulation in the shell and integrated liner wicks moisture while keeping fingers warm without excessive bulkiness
- OR’s 3Dfit technology with pre-curved styling provides an ergonomic fit that allows maximum dexterity
- Reinforced Alpen grip palm are grippy and abrasion resistant
- Stretchy spandex on the back of the hands ensures a good close fit without impeding mobility
Colors: Black, Charcoal/Natural
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Outdoor Research Meteor Mitts
For those who prefer the added warmth that mittens can bring by maintaining more natural body heat, these Meteor Mitts from Outdoor Research are rich with features that will keep your hands warm and dry in a variety of conditions. By design, mittens can conserve more body heat because they keep fingers joined. But do note that this also means less dexterity, as you don’t have individual fingers separated and available to perform finer tactile tasks. These mittens are a top choice for adventurers and campers because with a removable liner, they offer the ultimate in versatility – wear shell, liner, or both together.
Notable Features:
- Removable mitten liners are constructed of ultra warm 300 weight fleece
- Liners have fold-back flaps so to free fingers as needed
- Magnetic flip top retainers keep opened flaps in place
- Pocket for heat pack in back for convenient immediate added warmth just when needed
- Loops at ends of cuff for easy pull on and off, and for clipping together when not in use
Colors: Black/Charcoal
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Black Diamond Punisher Cold Weather Gloves
With extreme comfort, warmth, and dexterity, it’s no wonder that users rave that these Black Diamond’s are their go to glove for the hardest climbing and trekking in the harshest weather. And they boast among the broadest ranges of sizes available, making them an ideal choice for men, women, and youth.
Notable Features:
- 100g fleece lining provides non-bulky warmth
- 100% waterproof lining insert protects agains rain and wet ice
- Highly durable construction with abrasion-resistant material and 4-way stretch shell for comfort and flexibility
- Goat skin palm provides soft yet long-lasting grip
- EVA padded knuckles provide extra protection for the most vulnerable areas
Colors: Black
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Gordini Men’s GTX Storm Trooper II Gloves
These reasonably priced GTX Storm Trooper Gloves from Gordini provide the best value without compromising on quality. Those on a budget take note – these mountaineering gloves deliver all of the features found in higher priced gloves, and come highly rated by hikers and adventurers of all levels.
Notable Features:
- Stretchy woven fabric construction provides cool, moisture wicking comfort
- Pre-curved design follows the anatomy’s natural shape, minimizing hand fatigue
- Mega loft insulation provides supreme warmth
- Gore-Tex inserts are waterproof and breathable
- Superior grip with digital grip palm, thumb, and wrap caps with stick grip finger tips
- Integrated pocket for stashing a heater pack when extra warmth is needed
Colors: Black, Gun Metal / Black, Black / Tan
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Outdoor Research Lodestar Gloves
Outdoor Research makes our list of warmest mountaineering gloves yet again with their highly acclaimed Lodestar Gloves. Winner of the 2013 Backpacker Magazine Editor’s Choice award, these hearty gloves continue to come out on top in reviewer polls year after year. Fast drying, ultra warm, and highly tactile, these are a great option for high alpine climbing in severe weather conditions.
Notable Features:
- Polarity Power Shield High Loft material utilizes cutting edge technology to deliver a lightweight, breathable, highly durable glove
- Water resistant as well as moisture wicking, keeping hands dry from inside and out
- Goat leather palm and ToughTek LT tabs prevent slippage and provide a secure grip when wet or dry
- Back of liner features a heat pack pocket
- Awarded the Editor’s Choice Award from Backpacker Magazine
Colors: Pewter/Black
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Simplicity Women’s 3M Thinsulate Waterproof Gloves
Keep your hands warm and dry in style with these Women’s 3M Thinsulate Waterproof gloves from Simplicity. With narrower finger slots and palm spread than men’s gloves, these gloves are specially designed to follow the contours of the anatomy of the typical women’s hands. These means a superior, more secure fit without uncomfortable bunching or excess material getting in the way and losing heat. These are perfect for hiking and mountain climbing, as well as skiing and other cold weather activities.
Notable Features:
- Lining of 3M Thinsulate delivers lightweight insulation and ultimate warmth
- Membrane insert is 100% waterproof for protection in even the wettest conditions
- Tear resistant reinforced textured grip on palms provides a solid grip
- Machine washable for easy long-term care
Colors: Assortment of over a dozen color options
Sizes: S, M, L,