Outdoor Gloves 101: How to Pick the Perfect Pair for Cold Weather Adventures
Hey there guys and gals, this is Chris with Ignited by Nature—and today, we’re diving into a topic that’s often overlooked until your fingers start freezing: outdoor gloves.
Whether you’re hunting, hiking, backpacking, chopping wood at camp, or just trying to stay warm during a snowy day, the right pair of gloves can make all the difference between a great time outdoors and a miserable one. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to pick the perfect pair of gloves based on weather, activity, materials, insulation, and a few pro tips I’ve picked up in the field.
Let’s dive in.
1. Understand the Types of Outdoor Gloves
Not all gloves are created equal—and no single pair does it all. Here’s a quick breakdown:
🧤 Liners
Thin, lightweight, and moisture-wicking.
Great as a base layer or for high-output activities.
Not windproof or waterproof on their own.
🧤 Insulated Gloves
Designed for cold weather.
Filled with down or synthetic insulation.
Ideal for stationary or low-movement activities like glassing or treestand hunting.
🧤 Softshell Gloves
Breathable and somewhat water-resistant.
Great for active pursuits like hiking or backcountry skiing.
🧤 Waterproof Gloves
Feature a membrane like Gore-Tex.
Keep your hands dry in snow or rain.
Often bulkier and less breathable.
🧤 Mitts & Lobster Gloves
Combine fingers for maximum warmth.
Mitts are warmer than gloves, but reduce dexterity.
Lobster gloves are a hybrid (think 3-finger design) and offer a balance between warmth and function.
2. Consider the Activity
Your glove needs will change based on what you’re doing:
Backpacking or hiking? Go with a liner or light softshell glove for breathability and comfort.
Cold-weather hunting or glassing? You’ll want an insulated glove or mitt, ideally one that allows for dexterity with a trigger or binoculars.
Mountaineering or skiing? Waterproofing and wind protection become non-negotiable.
Bushcraft, chopping wood, or fire-starting? You might want a durable leather glove with good abrasion resistance.
3. Know Your Insulation
Glove warmth depends on what’s inside:
🔥 Synthetic Insulation (e.g. Thinsulate, Primaloft)
Retains warmth even when wet.
Dries faster than down.
More affordable.
🔥 Down Insulation
Lightweight and ultra-warm.
Compressible for packability.
Loses warmth when wet—best in dry, cold conditions.
🔥 Fleece-lined
Good for shoulder seasons.
Comfortable and warm for moderate cold.
4. Think in Layers
Just like with clothing, layering works with gloves too. My typical setup includes:
A thin liner glove for dexterity and high-output use.
A mid-layer glove or mitt for insulation.
A shell or waterproof glove I can throw on when the weather turns nasty.
You can mix and match depending on your activity and weather conditions.
5. Fit, Dexterity & Grip
A glove should fit snugly, but not cut off circulation. Too tight and you’ll get cold; too loose and you’ll lose dexterity.
Look for:
Articulated fingers for better movement.
Grip materials on the palm (great for trekking poles, bows, or camera gear).
Touchscreen compatibility, if you’re using GPS or taking photos.
6. Don’t Forget About Wrist Closures & Cuffs
A long gauntlet-style cuff keeps snow and wind out, while a short cuff fits under your jacket. Adjustable wrist strapshelp keep the glove secure and the warmth locked in.
Chris’s Pro Tips:
Bring two pairs: One for activity, one for camp or glassing.
Pack hand warmers inside your mitts on especially cold days.
If you sweat a lot, carry a backup liner so you can swap out damp gloves.
Don’t forget to test them with your gear—can you draw your bow, work your optics, or use your stove with them on?
Final Thoughts
The perfect glove doesn’t exist—but the perfect glove system for your adventure does. With the right layering approach, proper fit, and an understanding of what your activity demands, you can keep your hands warm, dry, and functional in any conditions.
If you want to see some of my favorite gloves in action—and how I personally layer them in everything from summer hikes to late-season hunts—be sure to check out the full video:
🎥 Watch: Outdoor Gloves 101 – How to Pick the Perfect Pair
And as always…
Thanks for reading and remember to stay connected to the wild! If you found this article helpful, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more outdoor gear reviews and adventures. You can also follow me on any of the woke media outlets—I mean, social media platforms—if you haven’t already. Let me know in the comments what gloves you're using or if you have a favorite layering system. Once again, I’m Chris with Ignited by Nature. Until next time, guys and gals!
