Joshua Babicz
Are you tired of having cold hands all winter? If you plan on spending any amount of time outside during the coldest days of winter, a good pair of extreme cold weather gloves is a must. Having the best extreme cold weather gloves not only keep your hands warm while skiing or snowboarding but can also be great for dog walking or scraping ice off your car. Keeping your hands warm helps maintain body heat in general and will save your fingers from frostbite.
Not all gloves are created equal so you want to be sure the pair you are choosing will keep your hands warm when you need them too. After extensive testing and research, we have put together this list of the best extreme cold weather gloves to buy in 2022. We have also included a buyer’s guide at the end of this article to help you make an informed purchase decision.
Best Extreme Cold Weather Gloves For 2022
1) Hestra Leather Fall Line – Short Freeride 5-finger Snow Glove
Warmth and insulation
In terms of performance to warmth ratio, this glove is talk of the line. You can expect the Fall Line – Short 5-finger Snow Glove too keep your hand warm with no sacrifice to performance. The foam insulation is low profile to keep your hands warm without sacrificing dexterity. The neoprene cuff is slim to fit under your jacket and has an elastic Velcro strap to create a tight seal. The neoprene material keeps moisture out and retains warmth around your wrist.
Fit
This glove is designed for dexterity and performance when out in the snow. Outside seams along the palms increases comfort and performance by eliminating the bulky feel of internal seams. When choosing a glove size, Hestra recommends to base your choice on your shoe size since our hands are typically proportional to our foot size. The slim cuff is designed to go under your jacket to seal out snow.
Water Resistant
The supple cowhide leather does not provide the best water resistance compared to some of the Gore-Tex gloves on this list. If you avoid soaking the gloves from the outside, you can prevent moisture soaking through the glove. Although cowhide does not have the best water resistance, you can expect a longer life and abrasion resistance from the material.
Warranty
Hestra does provide a warranty for defects in the material or workmanship of the glove. This does not include damage from wear and tear or accidents. If you believe to have a warranty issue, you can contact Hestra directly on their website.
Pros
- High dexterity
- Short under the jacket, neoprene cuff
- Supple, long lasting cowhide leather
Cons
- Not water resistant
- No removable liner included
2) Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Glove – Classic 5-finger Snow Glove
Warmth and insulation
This water-resistant glove is designed to retain its warmth even when wet. The thin polyester fiber with high insulating properties keeps the glove warm and low profile. The removable liner can be cleaned and dried separately from the rest of the glove.
Fit
The Army Leather Heli Ski Glove is designed to be worn over the cuff of your jacket creating and ultimate snow and wind seal. The hook and loop Velcro closure create and tight seal around your wrist. The palm of the glove is sewn to match the natural curve of you hand. Hestra calls this feature eagle grip for the optimal grip and performance the glove provides. Glove sizing is based off of your shoe size.
Water Resistance
Hestra uses their own Triton fabric to make this glove water resistanct. The Triton fabric is windproof, water-resistant, and breathable.
Warranty
Hestra does provide a warranty for defects in the material or workmanship of the glove. This does not include damage from wear and tear or accidents. If you believe to have a warranty issue, you can contact Hestra directly on their website.
Pros
- Removable liner
- Long over the jacket cuff
Cons
- Don’t always perform that much better for the price
3) Hestra Leather Fall Line – Short Freeride 3-finger Snow Glove
Warmth and insulation
The foam insulation is low profile to keep your hands warm without sacrificing dexterity. The neoprene cuff is slim to fit under your jacket and has an elastic Velcro strap to create a tight seal. The neoprene material keeps moisture out and retains warmth around your wrist.
Fit
This glove is designed for dexterity and performance when out in the snow. Outside seams along the palms increases comfort and performance by eliminating the bulky feel of internal seams. When choosing a glove size, Hestra recommends to base your choice on your shoe size since our hands are typically proportional to our foot size. The slim cuff is designed to go under your jacket to seal out snow.
Water resistance
The supple cowhide leather does not provide the best water resistance compared to some of the Gore-Tex gloves on this list. If you avoid soaking the gloves from the outside, you can prevent moisture soaking through the glove. Although cowhide does not have the best water resistance, you can expect a longer life and abrasion resistance from the material.
Warranty
Hestra does provide a warranty for defects in the material or workmanship of the glove. This does not include damage from wear and tear or accidents. If you believe to have a warranty issue, you can contact Hestra directly on their website.
Pros
- Short under the jacket, neoprene cuff
- Supple, long lasting cowhide leather
- 3-finger design for benefits of gloves and mittens
Cons
- Not water resistant
- No removable liner included
4) Black Diamond Soloist Gloves for Extreme Cold Weather
Warmth and insulation
A 100% waterproof insert makes sure to keep hands dry at all times. The primaloft gold removable liner pairs well with the waterproof insert to make sure that your hands are kept warm, even if you have to remove your gloves.
Fit
The fit of these gloves is based on the circumference of your hand around the widest part and the length of your hand from the base to your fingertips. Most find that the glove fits true to your usual size. The gauntlet style cuff is designed to go over your jacket cuff to seal out snow. The pull closure also helps prevent snow form getting inside.
Water resistance
The 100% waterproof insert will keep your hands dry, even on the coldest of days.
Warranty
Black diamond offers a Practical Product Lifetime warranty meaning they will repair or replace a product depending on the wear sustained.
Pros
- Full gauntlet style cuff
- Goat leather palms for durability
Cons
- Some find the temperature performance to be overstated
5) Burton Men’s Gore-Tex Gondy Leather Gloves
Warmth and insulation
The temperature regulating liner will keep you hands warm and dry inside. The lightweight Thermacore insulation provides warmth without being overly bulky.
Fit
This glove has an ergonomic pre-curved fit to provide better grip. The leather cuff is designed to go under your jacket cuff and closes with a Velcro strap. Sizing is true to size so choose a size based on what you would typically pick (small, medium, large).
Water resistance
The Gore-Tex waterproof fabric is sure to keep your hands warm and dry all day.
Warranty
Burton provides a limited lifetime warranty for their gloves. This limited warranty includes manufacturing defects for the reasonable lifetime of the glove.
Pros
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Leather exterior
- Ergonomic pre-curved fit
Cons
- Bulky fit
6) Black Diamond Punisher Extreme Cold Weather Gloves
Warmth and insulation
The polyester fleece lining is fixed inside the glove to provide constant warmth. A 100% waterproof dry insert is sure to keep your hands warm and dry in the toughest conditions.
Fit
The fit of these gloves is based on the circumference of your hand around the widest part and the length of your hand from the base to your fingertips. Most find that the glove fits true to your usual size. The slim Velcro cuff is designed to fit inside your jacket cuff.
Water resistance
The 100% waterproof dry insert will keep your hands warm and dry during wet, cold winter days.
Warranty
Black diamond offers a Practical Product Lifetime warranty meaning they will repair or replace a product depending on the wear sustained.
Pros
- Slim cuff fits under your jacket cuff
- Provide good dexterity
Cons
- Non-removable lining
7) Hestra All Mountain CZone Glove
Warmth and insulation
The CZone membrane is a waterproof and breathable outer layer to provide warmth without letting your hands overheat. The inside is lined with 100% polyester to keep your hands warm on the coldest days on the slopes. If you do struggle with cold hands, handwarmers can but put in the outer pocket on the back of the glove.
Fit
Like other Hestra gloves, the fit of this glove is based on your shoe size. The hook and loop closure helps seal out snow.
Water resistance
Outer durable fabric is windproof, waterproof, and breathable to keep hands warm and dry all day long on the slopes.
Warranty
Hestra does provide a warranty for defects in the material or workmanship of the glove. This does not include damage from wear and tear or accidents. If you believe to have a warranty issue, you can contact Hestra directly on their website.
Pros
- Reinforced fingertips to prevent wear
- CZone waterproof and breathable layer
- Handwarmer pocket
Cons
- Lower quality than is typically expected from Hestra
8) Burton Gore-Tex Gloves
Warmth and insulation
These gloves features DRYRIDE t-layer fabric to keep your hands warm and dry inside. The systematic storm-proofing makes sure to keep wind and water out, even during the coldest of winter storms. A removable DRYRIDE thermex liner gives you versatility in how warm your hands stay inside. The hook and loop closure seals snow out. An external handwarmer pocket can provide extra warmth on the coldest days.
Fit
These gloves run true to size. The pre-curved palm provides excellent grip and dexterity. The cuff can be worn over your jacket cuff to seal out snow.
Water resistance
A combination of DRYRIDE and Gore-Tex material in the layering of this glove is sure to keep your hand warm even in the toughest of storm conditions.
Warranty
Burton provides a limited lifetime warranty for their gloves. This limited warranty includes manufacturing defects for the reasonable lifetime of the glove.
Pros
- Removable liner
- Touchscreen control
Cons
- Not as durable as some of the higher end gloves
9) Burton Insulated, Warm and Waterproof Winter Profile Glove with Touchscreen
Warmth and insulation
The DRYRIDE membrane creates a waterproof layer to keep your hands dry and warm in cold weather. A pull loop closure around your wrist helps seal out snow and moisture.
Fit
Gauntlet style cuff is designed to be pulled over your jacket cuff to seal out snow. This glove fits true to size.
Water resistance
DRYRIDE water resistant membrane helps to keep hands dry during stormy conditions.
Warranty
Burton provides a limited lifetime warranty for their gloves. This limited warranty includes manufacturing defects for the reasonable lifetime of the glove.
Pros
- Similar design and style at a lower price
Cons
- No removable liner
- No Gore-Tex waterproofing
10) Swany Touch Screen Arctic Mitten
Warmth and insulation
These gloves have Primaloft insulation with a Comformax Radiant Shield to keep you warm in cold weather. The attached inner glove liner provides an extra layer of warmth and protects your hands when you do need to expose them for dexterity. Whether you get too warm or cold, you can use this mitt to your advantage. Unzip the back pocket to vent off excess heat, or slide a handwarmer into the back to keep your hands extra toasty.
Fit
These mittens fit true to size with the glove liners permanently attached inside. The fleece storm cuff performs best when tucked just under your jacket cuff. A pull wrist strap helps seal out cold and snow.
Water resistance
These gloves are water resistant and the AuqaGuard Lock-down zipper on the back keep water out as well.
Warranty
Swany offers a 30-day money back guarantee for those who are not satisfied with their mittens once they receive them. They also offer a one year warranty for products damaged due to manufacturing errors.
Pros
- Toaster construction for versatility
- Warmth of mitten with the dexterity of a glove
Cons
- The inner glove liner is too big compared to the mitten size
11) Carhartt W.B. Waterproof Breathable Insulated Glove
Warmth and insulation
The Storm Defender water proof breathable protection will keep you warm while performing cold weather tasks.
Fit
These gloves fit true to size with a pull strap to tighten around your wrist and a Velcro cuff around your wrist. This cuff is designed to be tucked under your jacket cuff.
Water resistance
The Storm Defender waterproof breathable protection keeps water out and your hands dry while working outside in extreme cold weather.
Warranty
Carhartt does not have a specific glove warranty procedure, but if you feel you have a defective product you should contact Carhartt directly through their website.
Pros
- Durable cold weather work gloves
- Budget friendly pricing
Cons
- Too bulky to preform small detailed tasks
12) Flylow Ridge Gloves for Extreme Cold
Warmth and insulation
Super toasty Spaceloft micropuff insulation keeps your hands warm while on the job. An extra layer of insulation on the back of the hand provides additional warmth without sacrificing too much dexterity.
Fit
These gloves fit true to size but may be a little bulky for some small detailed tasks. The knit cuff is easy to slide on and off and tuck under a jacket cuff.
Water resistance
These gloves come with a triple baked Sno Seal beeswax treatment for waterproofing. You can keep up with this treatment at home to increase the life of your gloves.
Warranty
Flylow will warranty their gloves throughout the practical lifespan of the product. This means they will repair or replace products free of charge if they determine there was a manufacturing issue. Otherwise they will repair their products for a small fee.
Pros
- Durable pigskin outdoor work glove
- Great price to durability ratio
Cons
- Sacrifice some dexterity for warmth
13) Kinco Lined Heavy Duty Premium Grain & Suede Pigskin Driver with Knit Wrist
Warmth and insulation
A double-layer of Heatkeep thermal lining provides superior heat retention. The inner TR2 lining helps to trap heat and repel cold while also wicking away moisture.
Fit
These gloves fit true to size with a knit cuff for easy on and off. The angled wing thumb is seamless to provide additional flexibility and comfort.
Water resistance
The Kinco gloves come with Nikwax waterproofing wax for leather so that you can keep up with waterproofing and increasing the life of your gloves at home.
Warranty
Kinco will warranty their gloves if they believe there is a manufacturers defect. In order to warranty a pair of Kinco gloves you must have proof of purchase or a copy of your receipt, description of the defect, and a picture of the defect.
Pros
- You can use these gloves for anything in extreme cold weather from skiing and snowmobiling to ranch work
- Keep on top of Nikwax treatments and they can last a long time
Cons
- Not as flashy as other extreme cold weather glove
14) Black Diamond Solano Heated GORE-TEX Ski Glove
Warmth and insulation
The Solano heated gloves come with two rechargeable batteries and the wall charger so you can have warm, dry hands every day you get outside in extreme cold weather. In addition to the electronic heating elements, the gloves have Primaloft gold insulation to retain warmth.
Fit
These gloves fit true to side. The gauntlet style cuff is designed to be worn over your jacket cuff to seal out snow and moisture and keep heat in.
Water resistance
The fully waterproof Gore-Tex insert keeps hands dry all day long. Waterproof zippers keep the battery pack dry on wet days.
Warranty
Black diamond offers a Practical Product Lifetime warranty meaning they will repair or replace a product depending on the wear sustained.
Pros
- Heated glove if you continuously suffer from cold hands.
- High quality goat leather exterior
Cons
- Expensive
15) Nueve&Five Heated Gloves for Extreme Winter
Warmth and insulation
Heating elements cover the entire backs of your hands to stay warm all day. The rechargeable batteries can be expected to last 6 hours on the lowest setting and two hours on the highest. In addition to the heating elements, Thinsulate insulation traps heat to keep you extra toasty.
Fit
These gloves are designed to be pulled over the cuff of your jacket to seal out snow and moisture and trap in heat.
Water resistance
A waterproof and breathable membrane works to keep hands dry and regulate temperature for all day comfort outside in extremely cold weather.
Warranty
No warranty information is specified for this product. If you think you have a manufacturing defect, contact Nueve&Five directly.
Pros
- Touch screen compatible
- Electronic heating at a budget friendly price
Cons
- Heating elements don’t quite reach the finger tips
Types of Winter Gloves
There are many different types of winter gloves depending on what you want to use them for. Some people prefer gloves for finger dexterity, others prefer mittens so their fingers can share heat together. For those who can’t decide between mittens or gloves, there are three finger gloves.
Gloves
Gloves provide the most dexterity since all of your fingers are free to move separately from one another. You will still be able to preforms simple tasks without having to take your gloves off and risk freezing your hands. Many people prefer gloves for doing cold weather performance activities like skiing, mountaineering, or biking.
Mittens
On the other hand, some people prefer mittens because your fingers are able to share heat together. Rather than having each finger separate, this shared space uses the combined heat of all your fingers to stay warm. Because of this, many people consider mittens to be warmer than gloves. The downside to mittens is that you do not have the same dexterity that gloves provide. Depending on the task you are doing, you may have to take your mittens off briefly to complete the task. This ultimately will make your hands colder having to remove your mittens.
Three-finger gloves
For those who can’t decide between mittens or gloves, three-finger gloves are another great option to consider. Although not as many companies make three-finger gloves they are worth considering. Three finger gloves have a separate thumb and index finger and the remaining three digits are together. This three-finger design provides dexterity and warmth. You have the benefits of both a glove and a mitten.
Features of Extreme Cold Weather Gloves
Waterproofing
A good pair of extreme cold weather gloves will be waterproof. This prevents snow and ice from seeping through the glove and wetting your hands. Keeping your hands dry in cold weather is important to keeping warm. Once your gloves and hands start to get wet, they begin to lose heat. If you have a good pair of waterproof gloves, you shouldn’t have to worry about your hands getting wet on cold days.
Material
What your gloves are made out of makes a difference and in performance and longevity. Leather versus synthetic materials are often used for outer material. Leather gloves are more expensive but tend to last longer, have better waterproofing, and retain heat better. However, leather gloves may feel stiff at first but once broken in will provide excellent dexterity. On the other hand, synthetic gloves are often less expensive but may wear out faster. Most synthetic material is not as durable as leather.
Some gloves combine both synthetic and leather to give gloves better performance without being too expensive. These gloves will have synthetic outer shells with leather palms. The leather palm gives the glove good durability and grip while the remaining synthetic shell keeps the cost lower.
Breathability
If you plan to be active while using your extreme winter gloves, you don’t want your hands to get too hot. When your hands start to get too hot in your winter gloves they get sweaty. Having sweaty hands is the same as having wet hands. Once your gloves are wet with sweat, your hands will start to feel cold.
If you are someone who tends to have sweaty hands, a breathable glove is a good option for winter activities. This allows your sweat to be moved away from your hand and prevent the glove from getting wet with sweat.
Closure
Do you want your glove to Velcro tight around your wrist or do you prefer to be able to pull your gloves off quickly in a pinch? Consider this when choosing a pair of gloves. Some gloves have a Velcro closure around your wrist to keep snow out. Others do not so that the glove can be pulled on or off at a moments notice.
Cuffs
Do you like the cuff of your glove over or under your coat? Your preference should play a big part in what type of glove you buy. Some gloves have a large cuff designed to go over the outside of your jacket. Others have a much slimmer cuff designed to be easily tucked into your jacket sleeve.
Insulation
There are a number of different insulation materials that good extreme cold weather gloves can be made of; synthetic, wool, fleece, or down. Natural fibers like wool or down tend to provide better warmth. However, synthetic material or fleece still provide great warmth and tend to cost less.
Liners and lining
What your gloves are lined with can make a difference in breathability and comfort. Most gloves are lined with fleece but some higher end gloves are lined with wool. Wool is going to retain its warmth better as your hands become sweaty or get damp.
In addition to the inner lining of the gloves, some people prefer glove liners. These are thin gloves that are worn inside your extreme cold weather gloves. Some gloves come with liners and others must be purchased separately.
Dexterity
If you plan to be active while using your extreme cold weather gloves you will want them to have good dexterity. Dexterity means the ability to move and manipulate your fingers to perform tasks. Some gloves are better than others for performing tasks. If the gloves are too bulky, you may not be able to grasp or hold smaller objects.
Hand warmer pockets
If you like using hand warmers because your hands get cold easily, you should consider a pair of gloves with hand warmer pockets. This allows you to store the hand warmer in a separate pocket instead of in the main glove compartment with your hand. This gives you better grip and usage of your hands while still keeping them warm. The hand warmer pocket may either be on the palm or back of your hand. THis also reduces the possibility of a hand warmer burning your hand inside the glove.
Heated gloves
Another great option and less wasteful for those who have perpetually cold hands is heated gloves. These gloves have heating elements that run through the fingers of the glove and use a battery to keep your hands warm. Batteries have come a long way and are much smaller and less bulky than they used to be. This still gives you good dexterity and mobility without sacrificing warmth.
Touch screen capability
In today’s world, most people have touch screen phones and use touch screen devices in their daily lives. Having the ability to use your touch screen without taking your gloves off may be important if you plan to spend a lot of time in cold weather. THis way you can still use your device without having to take off your gloves and sacrifice your hand warmth.
Many of these gloves seem somewhat effective against extreme cold, but none address effectiveness against Reynauds Syndrome, which is more extreme.