Waterproof winter gloves

[Litehiker]

Moto13, your leather glove idea is OK as long as the palms are of waterproof material.
And I don't mean just Gore-Tex or some other WPB material but true totally waterproof synthetic outer layer palm,, otherwise your palms will become uncomfortably wet and cold in snowy weather or dangerously cold rain.

I'm an alpine skier and former ski patroller and I've seen some fairly rotten winter weather in my 16 years patrolling so I know what works and what doesn't.

 

[Mikerb]

I gave up looking for them (mostly because the prices are ridiculous) and just wear marigolds under my gloves. I've had "Gore-Tex" gloves that just have the tops with Gore-Tex so they aren't even remotely waterproof.

How are they going to make gloves waterproof when on any other clothing, they use taped seams? How could that work on gloves? Unless it has some sort of Gore-Tex marigold with no seams built into it, I can't see how they would stand up to all the bending.

I suggested Windsurfing gloves. They are usually 3mm neoprene............and they are not fully waterproof either but just like a wetsuit they work on the basis of being a wind block and allowing only a very small amount of water....dampness really....into the glove and that small amount is heated by your hands and acts as a warm insulating layer. In addition they provide really good feel and grip on the bars plus pretty good protection from shrubbery and the trail if you crash. My winter gloves have been used for 3 winter seasons so far and now have some signs of snags etc but keep on working well. Mine are O'Neill and I gave my Gul windsurf gloves to my son to use on his roadbike. He loves them and roadbiking isa far greater recipe for freezing cold hands than MTB.

 

[Litehiker]

Mikerb,
I have 4 mm thick neoprene gloves for duck hunting and decoy setting/retrieval BUT they are not nearly as warm as dedicated ski gloves. You can improve the warmth of any gloves with light ripstop nylon uninsulated mitten shells. They are sold at backpacking websites that sell ultralight goods. Gossamer Gear and others often have these "rain shells".

 

[steve_sordy]

Why do waterproof gloves have to be so bulky? My assumption is that the manufacturers believe that we only need them in the winter, so they add a shed load of insulation. It rains in the other three seasons and despite the rain being a bit warmer, some protection would be nice. Thin and breathable please!

 

[Jurassic]

Why do waterproof gloves have to be so bulky? My assumption is that the manufacturers believe that we only need them in the winter, so they add a shed load of insulation. It rains in the other three seasons and despite the rain being a bit warmer, some protection would be nice. Thin and breathable please!

I totally get what you're saying, one of my pet hates is bulky gloves for mountain biking (or motorbiking when I used to have a bike) but what you're describing does exist. A couple of years ago I bought a pair of Fox Ranger waterproof gloves for that very reason but I have to reluctantly admit that they're pretty crap. Once the outer fabric wets out on them your hands end up freezing cold despite the fact that the membrane keeps the water out of the inner glove liner bit. I've given up wearing them and just use my Briskers and wring them out when they get soaked. If it gets really bad I resort to the Brisker Hydromatics (which I carry in my hip pack just in case). They are a bit more insulated than the Rangers and are my last resort.

 

[Mikerb]

I totally get what you're saying, one of my pet hates is bulky gloves for mountain biking (or motorbiking when I used to have a bike) but what you're describing does exist. A couple of years ago I bought a pair of Fox Ranger waterproof gloves for that very reason but I have to reluctantly admit that they're pretty crap. Once the outer fabric wets out on them your hands end up freezing cold despite the fact that the membrane keeps the water out of the inner glove liner bit. I've given up wearing them and just use my Briskers and wring them out when they get soaked. If it gets really bad I resort to the Brisker Hydromatics (which I carry in my hip pack just in case). They are a bit more insulated than the Rangers and are my last resort.

precisely why windsurf gloves work!! Same principle as a wetsuit. For watersports you can wear a drysuit which as the name suggests keeps you dry ( unless you puncture it...then you are in a world of trouble!!) but not warm. Warmth is down to what you wear beneath it. End result...its bulky!

So the default alternative for active watersports...the wetsuit. A wetsuit is waterproof enough to prevent water flushing throught it but the material will absorb a little water over time and that damp layer is retained between your body and the suit so is warmed. Neoprene is windproof and insulating.........need only be 3 to 5 mm thick.......fits like a second skin.

The gloves work in the same way. If you want even more tactile grip on the bars there are also palmless mitt windsurf gloves..........these are in fact the only one that work for windsurfing and do not cause forearm cramps which full gloves do simply because with a layer between your hands and the boom you tend to grip too hard.

 

[ianiention]

In winter, I used to use washing up gloves with cotton liners underneath. (On my sailboard). I must say I did look a bit of dick with my all-black wetsuit, hood and boots but with canary-yellow gloves!

I laugh, but I've done that too, look like an idiot in the marigolds but have dry hands. Mind you I've not done that for 20 years or so

 

[hogicid]

precisely why windsurf gloves work!! Same principle as a wetsuit. For watersports you can wear a drysuit which as the name suggests keeps you dry ( unless you puncture it...then you are in a world of trouble!!) but not warm. Warmth is down to what you wear beneath it. End result...its bulky!

So the default alternative for active watersports...the wetsuit. A wetsuit is waterproof enough to prevent water flushing throught it but the material will absorb a little water over time and that damp layer is retained between your body and the suit so is warmed. Neoprene is windproof and insulating.........need only be 3 to 5 mm thick.......fits like a second skin.

The gloves work in the same way. If you want even more tactile grip on the bars, there are also palmless mitt windsurf gloves, and if you need assistance, you can reach out to Temu phone number for more information...........these are in fact the only one that work for windsurfing and do not cause forearm cramps which full gloves do simply because with a layer between your hands and the boom you tend to grip too hard.

I'm in search of some high-quality women's cold-weather gloves that can handle temperatures down to at least 30 degrees, ideally waterproof as well. What do you all recommend? Also, is it possible to find cold weather gloves that still allow good dexterity?

 

[steve_sordy]

I'm in search of some high-quality women's cold-weather gloves that can handle temperatures down to at least 30 degrees, ideally waterproof as well. What do you all recommend? Also, is it possible to find cold weather gloves that still allow good dexterity?

I would start with gloves from Sealskinz. Unlike so many things, size is important in this case. Also, pay very careful attention to the specification; Sealskinz have a bewildering product range where one product looks like another and with an almost identical name, but one is waterproof and the other is not (ask me how I know).

 

[Swiss Roll]

We just got the first snow of the year here in zürich, and it was prettty heavy, so its time to tool up for the winter commute!
My gore wear gloves don't really cut it in the depths of winter, do I am going to get some of those neoprene muffs that go around your grips, like motorbikes have. I figure it's a lot cheaper than trying out loads of gloves.
Anyone got any experience with this type of thing?

 

[Jurassic]

We just got the first snow of the year here in zürich, and it was prettty heavy, so its time to tool up for the winter commute!
My gore wear gloves don't really cut it in the depths of winter, do I am going to get some of those neoprene muffs that go around your grips, like motorbikes have. I figure it's a lot cheaper than trying out loads of gloves.
Anyone got any experience with this type of thing?

Yes, they're excellent at keeping your hands warm. I've used them a lot in Scotland where it often tends to be wet as well as cold and although my hands have been wet they've never been cold. I use my ultra thin TLD summer gloves under them as I just like wearing them but bare hands would be fine as well. My ones aren't neoprene, they're cordura type outer with thermal insulation inside (search Hotpogs, UK company). Before someone mentions it, in wet conditions it's almost impossible to keep your hands dry whatever the pogs are made of as the water runs down your arms into them soaking your hands. In my experience it's not a problem though and in cold, dry conditions it wouldn't happen anyway.

 

[Swiss Roll]

Yes, they're excellent at keeping your hands warm. I've used them a lot in Scotland where it often tends to be wet as well as cold and although my hands have been wet they've never been cold. I use my ultra thin TLD summer gloves under them as I just like wearing them but bare hands would be fine as well. My ones aren't neoprene, they're cordura type outer with thermal insulation inside (search Hotpogs, UK company). Before someone mentions it, in wet conditions it's almost impossible to keep your hands dry whatever the pogs are made of as the water runs down your arms into them soaking your hands. In my experience it's not a problem though and in cold, dry conditions it wouldn't happen anyway.

I just saw some neoprene ones by chance last week, whilst getting a new chain, i should have bought them then and there! I have a couple of those hand warmer thingies, i might throw them in there too!

 

[Polar]

Has anyone tried these?

45NRTH Cobrafist Pogies

The most technically advanced winter cycling pogie, Cobrafist puts unrivaled comfort and control into your hands for expedition in sub-zero conditions. - Two zippered vents for temperature...

www.45nrth.com

 

[Jurassic]

Has anyone tried these?

45NRTH Cobrafist Pogies

The most technically advanced winter cycling pogie, Cobrafist puts unrivaled comfort and control into your hands for expedition in sub-zero conditions. - Two zippered vents for temperature...

www.45nrth.com

I've not tried them but 45nrth stuff is usually really good (but really expensive).

 

[Tone461]

A lot of the MX/Enduro shops are having sales at the minute. I've still got a pair of Winter Progrip gloves I still use now and again.

 

[p3eps]

Here's my winter glove thread!

Review - Gore Wear - Gore-Tex Insulated Trigger Gloves

Product name: Gore Wear - Gore-Tex Insulated Trigger Gloves Price paid: £69.99 (with 30% discount coupon) - £99.99 RRP Score (out of 10): 9/10 Review: In the UK, the clocks changed last weekend. Although we’re only at the beginning of November, this usually symbolises the start of the cold...

www.emtbforums.com

 

[Mik3F]

Ive just bought a Pair of Sealskinz All Weather Waterproof Gloves, seems they are being discounted for Black Froday at quite a loft of retailers

 

[Polar]

I've not tried them but 45nrth stuff is usually really good (but really expensive).

I got these two and the thin merino to use inside but still my fingers freeze like hell during wintertime. I have also tried heated gloves and they're not any better. I'm considering trying Pogies.

View attachment IMG_0526.jpeg

 

[Jurassic]

My problem with winter gloves is that you can have warm, waterproof and non-bulky in gloves but not all three together. As I've mentioned earlier on this thread, I hate gloves with bulky palms so I've had to pretty much stick with 100% Briskers and accept if it gets really cold or wet (or both) I'm going to suffer. I do have pogies which work amazingly well but I find them off putting for riding technical trails (I don't know why, I think I'm just weird). My halfway house solution to this problem is to use enduro style brush guards which deflect a bit of wind chill when moving fast (and also deflect a bit of rain if it's falling). I experimented with cheapo hand guards from Amazon and became convinced that they were doing at least some good after I crashed during a ride and broke one of them off. I ended up with one cold hand and one warmer one after the crash (corresponding to the one remaining hand guard). That convinced me to spend on some decent quality ones and I now run SendHit Nock hand guards which can withstand crashes (and actually protect your levers). I take them off in summer because I hate the look of them but they're back on now for the colder months. Not for everyone (if you don't mind bulky gloves or don't have a mental block about seeing your hands then ski gloves, Sealskinz, pogies etc are probably a better option) but if you're weird like me then hand guards are worth a try.

 

[Tim1023]

I just bought some Endura Pro SL Primaloft gloves. Haven't tested them in anger yet, but in case you're considering them, buy at least two sizes bigger than you think. The XXLs are the biggest they have and are a bit small for me. Can't be arsed to send them back, though.

I'd forgotten I'd posted this!
I wore them again last week at around 5° and wet (Hamburg, what do you expect?) Hands were cold. Unimpressed.

Review:
- Size up. They pull a bit at the fingertips, which I feel must reduce the effectiveness of the insulation there
- Tight cuff, which cannot be opened
- Difficult to get on if your hands are wet, e.g. from unlocking your bike
- Inner lining tend to be pulled out with your fingers, especially if your hands are wet
- Hands remained dry, but not warm.

Just ordered some Polaris 2s from GripGrab ("GripGrab Polaris 2 Waterproof Winter Cycling Gloves Primaloft Lined Rain Protection Cycling Gloves Windproof")

I'll report back after another couple of Hamburg commutes.

 

[Mik3F]

My Sealskinz Sutton gloves arrived today.

Initial impressions are according to my lad, they are bulky and he doesnt think he could feel hi sbrakes wearing them

I don't feel that way, yes they are thick, but then again I expecetd them to be thicker than my normal golves due to being fully waterproof

If they keep my hands warm and dry on wet / cold rides then I will be more than happy

 

[Tim1023]

My Sealskinz Sutton gloves arrived today.

Initial impressions are according to my lad, they are bulky and he doesnt think he could feel hi sbrakes wearing them

I don't feel that way, yes they are thick, but then again I expecetd them to be thicker than my normal golves due to being fully waterproof

If they keep my hands warm and dry on wet / cold rides then I will be more than happy

They would have been my other choice. I'd be interested to hear how you get on with them in cold & wet conditions!

 

[Mik3F]

They would have been my other choice. I'd be interested to hear how you get on with them in cold & wet conditions!

Wore them today, it was wet and cold, but my hands stayed dry and warm

They are 100% waterproof with the amount of water that was around today

 

[Bndit]

I'd forgotten I'd posted this!
I wore them again last week at around 5° and wet (Hamburg, what do you expect?) Hands were cold. Unimpressed.

Review:
- Size up. They pull a bit at the fingertips, which I feel must reduce the effectiveness of the insulation there
- Tight cuff, which cannot be opened
- Difficult to get on if your hands are wet, e.g. from unlocking your bike
- Inner lining tend to be pulled out with your fingers, especially if your hands are wet
- Hands remained dry, but not warm.

Just ordered some Polaris 2s from GripGrab ("GripGrab Polaris 2 Waterproof Winter Cycling Gloves Primaloft Lined Rain Protection Cycling Gloves Windproof")

I'll report back after another couple of Hamburg commutes.

I`ve been really happy with Primalofts, they are really warm for mountainbiking and not too bulky (witch is important for me) and 100% waterproof. It`s really important to me that I have a good feeling to my brakes and grips when I ride trails and it`s really difficult to find gloves which are warm/waterproof and not too bulky. These are those gloves for me. You are right that they are tricky to get on when hands are wet because of the cuff design. For commuting and fire road rides there are warmer options, but for trail riding these are good.