We have all had those days outdoors where we are miserable because we can’t keep our extremities warm. Extremely cold temperatures call for a winter glove that goes above and beyond a standard winter glove.
Extras like a fleece lining, waterproof or water-resistant coating, and a windproof membrane can make the difference between comfort and chronically cold fingers while winter hiking or other activities.
Our best winter gloves for those frigid days are the Outdoor Research Bitter Blaze Gloves using NASA Aergol insulation technology and Gore-Tex shell for dry and warm winter hands. Read on to see all our picks of the best gloves for any extreme cold situation.
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Best Gloves for Extreme Cold 2024
- Best Winter Gloves for Frigid Days – Outdoor Research Bitter Blaze Gloves
- Best Premium Mitten – Canada Goose Snow Mantra Mitt
- Best Budget Friendly Glove – Carhartt Men’s W.B. Waterproof Breathable Insulated Glove
- Best Running Gloves for Cold Hands – Black Diamond Wind Hood Gridtech Gloves
- Best Liner Glove – Outdoor Research Merino 150 Sensor Gloves
- Best Cold Weather Winter Ski Gloves – Hestra Women’s Army Leather Gore-TEX
- Best Winter Gloves for Working Hands – Giv’r 4 Season Insulated Work Glove
Best Winter Gloves for Frigid Days – Outdoor Research Bitter Blaze Gloves
If the same Aerogel insulations NASA depends on for space travel are used in a pair of winter gloves, you know the gloves are meant for the coldest of days. Outdoor Research Bitter Blaze Gloves feature Aerogel along with Gore-Tex waterproof fabric for ultimate protection in a winter glove.
Primaloft Gold insulation gives these Outdoor Research gloves the overall warmth for those cold days. The Aerogel, inserted in the palm area along with Pittards® Oiltac goat leather palms and inner thumbs adds to the dexterity while making it easier to grip cold items like shovels and ski poles.
Overlays are added on critical seams for durability. A glove clip, a carabiner loop for tools, and a pull-on loop add to the functionality of these warm gloves. Sizes Small to XL with a men’s and women’s cut version for the right fit. These gloves come in two simple colorways for function, not fashion.
Also check out our full list of best heated ski gloves.
Specs:
- Aerogel offers ultimate insulation for bitter days
- Gore-Tex outer protects from the elements
- Primaloft Gold insulation for warmth and heat dispersion
- Secure fit with hook and loop closure and elastic cuff
- Carabiner loop for functionality
- Pull on loop for easy on and off of this winter glove
- pull-on loop, glove clip, protective overlays on critical seams, construction, and pre-curved construction.
Best Premium Mitten – Canada Goose Snow Mantra Mitt
The Canada Goose Snow Mantra Mitt offers premium style and premium warmth for those severe weather days. Wear the relaxed fit outer layer as a standalone layer against cold fingers or with a liner for even more warmth. A Tri-Durance HS® fabric outer shell offers waterproof protection all day.
With a 600-fill-power white goose-down insulation, these mitts offer superior warmth with wicking properties and breathability. Canada knows colder temperatures, and wearers love the adaptability of these mittens for changing conditions. They depend on these mitts for full-day warmth.
Reinforced at high wear areas including palms, mitten tips, and thumbs, the anti-skid grip and water-resistant leather also add to the durability. The elastic cuff keeps the weather out and heat in. Reflective details, a soft thumb for wiping the nose and carabiners keep the mitts together.
Specs:
- Inner layer of 600-fill-power white goose down insulation
- Protection at high abrasion areas with Tri-Durance PF™ softshell fabric
- A soft fabric thumb doubles as a nose wipe
- Elastic cuff helps with heat retention with locking cord
- D rings with a carabiner keep mittens together
- Comes in a glove version
Best Budget Friendly Glove – Carhartt Men’s W.B. Waterproof Breathable Insulated Glove
Perfect for those outdoor winter chores, snowy weather, and more, the Carhartt waterproof insulated gloves will keep your hands warm without breaking the bank. The polytex shell and Storm Defender fabric are waterproof while still being breathable. The Fastdry lining adds warmth and comfort.
For better usability, the palm, index finger, and thumb areas use goatskin while adding to the durability. Wearers feel like they get bang for their buck with the important features of a cold-weather glove- waterproof materials, insulation, and dexterity for a range of uses.
Keeping the cuff tight and the elements out is a Gauntlet cuff and cord pull with a locking barrel. Inside, the FastDry lining can wick away any moisture. Sizing tends to run small, so order one size larger than normal.
Specs:
- Polytex shell with leather trim
- FastDry lining
- Storm Defender Waterproof fabric
- Gauntlet cuff with locking cord pull
Best Running Gloves for Cold Hands – Black Diamond Wind Hood GridTech Gloves
Cold fingers can end a winter workout quickly. That is where the Black Diamond WindHood GridTech gloves come in for outdoor pursuits in colder temperatures from the skin track to winter running. For those blustery days, this has become wearers’ go-to for changing conditions while outdoors.
The 20D Pertex® Quantum Pro windproof and water-resistant mitt you can stow allows wearers to adjust warmth and weather protection to their needs while on the go. A Polartec® fleece lining adds comfort and warmth when under the flap or when standalone.
A range of sizes from XS-XL makes finding a true fit for these unisex gloves easy. A stretch cuff allows pairing with a jacket to minimize exposed skin. The underglove is touchscreen compatible. Reflective details help in low light.
Specs:
- 20D Pertex water-resistant shell flap
- 224 g Polartec® Power Grid fabric fleece lining
- Touchscreen compatible
- Stretch cuff is low profile to combine with jacket cuff
- Grippy palm
- Reflective
Best Liner Glove – Outdoor Research Merino 150 Sensor Gloves
When you think of the warmest gloves on the market, lightweight gloves don’t usually come to mind.
A liner glove doesn’t have the insulating properties of winter gloves, but the Outdoor Research Merino wool liner gloves are sensor gloves that add more insulation to make your favorite winter gloves your warmest gloves.
Made with Merino wool, these Outdoor Research liner gloves serve as the perfect first layer for keeping hands warm. The wool holds in warmth while also wicking away sweat and moisture that can create cold fingers and hands. That is why buyers depend on these liners for winter protection.
Washable, these liner gloves also add a high level of natural odor resistance. No need to have freezing hands with these sensor gloves that make the thumb and index finger touchscreen-compatible. Find your size for best heat retention in sizes XS-XL in charcoal or black colorways.
Specs:
- Wool adds a barrier of warmth
- Moisture wicking for cold weather
- Sensor gloves for touchscreen compatibility
- Fits under gloves for added warmth and dexterity
Best Cold Weather Winter Ski Gloves – Hestra Army Leather Gore-TEX
From the brand that only makes gloves and mittens, Hestra’s high-performance ski glove for men and women is a premium glove that uses all top-level fabrics and features for the best winter gloves for snow sports in
The Triton fabric on the backhand of this ski glove features a Gore-Tex membrane that allows for heat and moisture to escape from inside while still being wind and waterproof. The goat leather palm and fingers increase durability and dexterity. The 100% polyester lining can hold in heat, even when wet.
Hestra adds convenient features to this ski glove like an elastic strap and Velcro closure for easy on-and-off access and an ergonomic shape that mimics your hand. Plus, these high-performance gloves are available as a mitten, and 3-finger glove and come in multiple colors.
Specs:
- Gore-Tex membrane for waterproof and windproof protection
- Breathable
- Goat leather palm and fingers
- Comes in multiple colors and other configurations
Best Gloves for Working Hands – Give’r Insulated 4-Season Gloves
Finding warm winter work gloves that give the freedom to get projects done can be solved by buying a pair of Giv’r 4 Season Insulated Work Gloves. These go-to gloves for working hands in the cold offer full weather protection in a pair of winter gloves in sizes XS-3XL.
Cowhide leather offers the perfect stretch for fine motor skills with a beeswax coating that makes these warm gloves tough enough for any project. Premium insulation with heat reflection and wind-stop material makes these fleece-lined winter work gloves keep cold hands warm.
The break-in process for these leather gloves allows wearers to get that perfect fit for their own hands and enthusiasts also love the versatility to use this winter work glove in all kinds of weather from light rain or shoveling snow to activities from woodworking projects to a strong warm hold of a ski pole.
Specs:
- Beeswax coating and top-quality cow leather fight wear and tear
- Waterproof membrane
- Thinsulate insulation for cold weather protection
- Customize with up to 3 characters (initials)
- Wrist cuff keeps the weather out
- D-ring for wrist leash
Best Tips for Buying Gloves for Extreme Cold
Many winter gloves will do fine on cold days, but sometimes you may need more protection from cold temperatures. This is where winter gloves and mittens for extremely cold hands come in.
Made with loftier insulation and typically a waterproof shell, these heavy-duty gloves protect your hands and fingers better than other gloves.
Chilly mornings, winter sports, shoveling snow- these are all reasons you may need to find gloves that are the best winter gloves for the conditions you may face. These gloves are ones that you might not use as much as other gloves, but you will be happy you have them for colder temperatures.
There are many things to consider when finding the best winter gloves for extreme cold. Here are some details to think about when purchasing.
Waterproof Material
A waterproof shell is a necessity in warm gloves especially for extreme cold temperatures. To keep cold hands at bay, waterproof gloves will keep wet snow and other elements out.
Water resistance will offer much comfort during cold temps, but waterproof winter gloves will offer you the best protection from the elements over water-resistant gloves.
Insulation
A warm glove features insulated materials from G Loft Synthetic insulation to PrimaLoft. These materials will keep your hands toasty and help to retain heat that is needed for extremities in cold weather. A soft fleece lining will also add to the comfort of any gloves and mittens.
Windproof Material
If cold hands are a problem for you in the winter, wearing windproof gloves will keep the cold air from reaching your hands. Windproof gloves will also do a better job of holding in heat from insulation.
Durability
From a leather palm to a beeswax coating, look for gloves or mittens that feature extras in the palms and thumb areas to help fight wear and tear. This will help extend the life of your winter gloves.
Fit
For gloves to keep hands warm in cold weather, the gloves need to fit properly. Skin-tight gloves restrict blood circulation while bulky gloves aren’t the best for dexterity. Winter gloves or mittens should fit snug but still allow for nonrestricted movement. Allow some room for liner gloves underneath.
Budget
The price of the best winter gloves will vary whether you are looking for a winter work glove, the best women’s winter gloves, or a premium glove for warmth. Materials, brand reputation, and extra features can all affect the price. Think about the max you want to spend and go from there.
Extra Features
What extra features are a must for you in a pair of gloves and mittens you will wear during colder temperatures? Some people may want technology capability while others may want to be able to clip the gloves together for storage. Think about those extras when purchasing winter gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gloves for Extreme Cold
What types of features should I look for in winter gloves?
The best winter gloves will have features that focus on being the warmest gloves for colder temperatures. Leather gloves are often the main material for multipurpose work gloves. Waterproof winter gloves and mittens that are insulated and windproof will keep hands warm for an extended time.
What type of insulation is best for winter gloves for extreme cold?
Lofty insulation from Thinsulate to G Loft is what to search for if you want winter gloves that keep your hands warm in extreme cold. Check to see if the gloves or mittens are windproof as a windproof winter glove will retain heat more than one that isn’t.
How do I prevent my hands from getting cold from sweat while wearing winter gloves and mittens?
Be sure to find winter gloves or mittens that feature removable liners or that are made internally with wicking material to make sure you don’t end up with cold fingers.
Can I wash my extreme cold weather gloves?
To keep the properties from waterproofing to insulation working at their best, following instructions for caring for your cold-weather gloves and mittens is important. Manufacturer care instructions will include washing and storage for your go-to glove for keeping hands warm.
Best Winter Gloves for Extreme Cold
As the Swedish say, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” So, investing in a good pair of winter gloves for the coldest of days is money well spent. Waterproof, windproof, and insulated gloves will give you the most bang for your buck in keeping hands warm no matter the temp.
The Outdoor Research Bitter Blaze Gloves are our pick for long-lasting warmth and cold temperature protection. With good features and a good price point, these gloves are a good buy.
For more warmth for the winter weather check out our picks for Best Heated Ski Gloves and Best Heated Ski Socks.
