The Best Hiking Gloves In 2023

Today I wanted to take a look at a gear item I haven’t touched on across the site too much as yet. That is hiking gloves and specifically, what are the best hiking gloves in 2023 to use on the trail.

Gloves are of course a really important part of your complete day hiking kit . Your hands are one of your extremities that are usually exposed to the outer environment so they are on the front line, so to speak, in terms of dealing with the elements.

There are many different types of hiking gloves available and there is the usual mind boggling brand choice available. They run from everything from a light polyester type glove, to a full on ski glove.

Different gloves will have different functionality of course. You can get gloves that have specific features like waterproofing, or touchscreen friendly, (so you can still operate a smartphone screen with them on).

This article contains a lot of information, so a quick explanation on how it is laid out might help. Basically, there are three core sections.

The first lists out the best, what I will describe as, light or 3 season gloves. These are gloves you might use across chilly, but not very cold times of year while on the trail.

The second is dedicated to Winter hiking gloves, these are the gloves you need in tough winter conditions and Arctic expeditions. Finally, the last section is buying advice.

If you have no time for any of that, and just want to cut to the chase 🙂 For general hiking from mild to chilly conditions, we recommend the Black Diamond Crag climbing gloves. For serious winter protection, we recommend the Alti mitts from Outdoor Research.

Best Light Gloves For Hiking

So, on to the first section, let’s look at the best general hiking gloves, for mild to chilly conditions.

1. Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves

Get the Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves on Amazon now!

Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves Features Summary:

• Synthetic leather and breathable stretch mesh fabric
• Knuckle padding
• Synthetic leather palm
• Fingers with reinforced index finger and thumb crotch for durability
• Hook-and-loop cuff closure with pull-on/clip-in loop
• Weight Per Pair :  70 g (2.5 oz)
• CE certified to EN 420 and EN 388 (2131)

Best Uses: Hiking, crag climbing, Mountaineering, belaying, rappelling.

The crag climbing gloves from Black Diamond are a very lightweight but very tough pair of gloves. Although designed for cragging, belaying, etc., their construction features transfer over very nicely to hiking.

They are constructed using synthetic leather and breathable mesh fabric. This enables your hands to breathe. This capability works well in these gloves, as when cragging, etc. you need your hands to be comfortable and dry inside.

The gloves provide further hand protection via the knuckle padding, nice to have if you intend to do a bit of scrambling while out on the trail.

The synthetic leather palm provides extra protection around the soft fleshy part of your hand, and the index finger is reinforced while the thumb has a crotch for durability. Specific features for cragging, but again nice to have.

The cuffs are closed using a hook-and-loop cuff closure. The gloved also have a pull-on / clip-in loop to aid you when putting them on.

On the downside, the gloves are not touch screen compatible and are not suitable for very cold or wet conditions.

Overall, very nice dexterity and a comfortable fit is provided on the material design and construction of these gloves. Our top choice!

2. Best Budget Hiking Gloves – FREETOO Airsoft Tactical Gloves

Get the FREETOO Airsoft Tactical Gloves on Amazon now!

FREETOO Airsoft Tactical Gloves Features Summary:

• Tough gloves designed to protect your hands from abrasion and scratching in sports and activities
• Gloves provide both protection and dexterity
• Snug fit wrapping your palm and all fingers
• Adjustable wrist Velcro
• Flexible and not bulky to allow good movement and digit dexterity.
• Made with odor-free breathable materials employing a functional vent design
• Comfortable to use in hot weather as well as in mild winter seasons.
• Dual-layer synthetic leather palm provides excellent grip
• Reinforced palm, knuckle padding and double stitching
• Designed for heavy use as tactical gloves but also great for work gloves, camping, hunting, shooting and other outdoor gloves
• 3 months warranty

Best Uses: Hiking, hunting, camping, general outdoor use

The FREETOO tactical gloves are made with the military in mind, so you know that you are first and foremost getting functionality and durability as key requirements.

The first thing of note is the design and construction of the gloves. They are made to be very tough and abrasion resistant, while still enabling good movement and dexterity.

These are of course fundamental needs in terms of having to enable the capability to handle a wide variety of uses and tasks as a soldier.

These capabilities transfer nicely across to the world of hiking, where flexibility and being able to protect your hands from scapes and cuts, is a must.

The elastic and spandex material offers a very comfortable fit that lets your hands breathe so they can be used in cold and hot weather, however they are not winter gloves.

They are secured using velcro around the wrists and there are a whole bunch of extra advantages in the construction like knuckle padding, reinforced palm, double stitching and so on.

Overall a rugged and tough pair of gloves at a nice price, and our favorite budget pair!

3. Outdoor Research Activeice Chroma Full Sun Gloves

Get the Outdoor Research Activeice Chroma Gloves on Amazon now!

Outdoor Research Activeice Chroma Gloves Features Summary:

• Fabric: ActiveIce™ – 91% polyester, 9% spandex stretch knit
• Weight: 1.1oz / 30g Avg. Weight for size L
• Active Cooling
• UPF 50+
• Breathable and lightweight
• Excellent wicking and quick Drying
• Reflective Logos
• Perforated
• Durable Palm Overlay
• Tapered Wrist
• Glove Clip

Best Uses: Hiking, climbing, camping, backpacking, paddling, general outdoor use in hot sun

The Activelce Chroma gloves are specifically made with the sun in mind, offering UPF 50+, so very high sun protection.

With that in mind, they are perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time enjoying outdoor activities in the sun, that requires their hands to be protected.

Think hikers, climbers, people paddling, trail runners, backpackers, etc. Anyone who will be out in the sun for long periods, and definitely does not want sunburn on their hands.

The gloves employ ActiveIce™ fabric technology which uses xylitol crystals which cools you as the fabric wicks away sweat. This of course works great for the aforementioned group of activities.

The gloves are perforated so very  breathable and lightweight, so comfortable to wear while out on the trail and easy to pack away. The gloves are not designed to be waterproof, but they will dry quickly should they get wet.

They feature reflective logos with a durable palm overlay with a tapered wrist. They also a glove clip so can be clipped together and on to something when not in use.

They are more pricey than other options, but Outdoor Research are a well known and quality brand, so you know you are getting performance and good protection.

4. Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves

Get the Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves on Amazon now!

Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves Features Summary:

• Fabric: synthetic leather, 88% Polyester 6% Spandex 6% PVC Rubber
• Breathable stretch mesh fabric
• Knuckle padding
• Synthetic leather palm
• Fingers with reinforced index finger and thumb crotch for durability
• Hook-and-loop cuff closure with pull-on/clip-in loop

Best uses: Hiking, running, cycling, general outdoor use.

These outdoor gloves from mountain made are made to offer warmth and performance. They are multi-purpose and so suitable for a whole range of activities, not just hiking.

They are constructed using 88% polyester, 6% spandex and 6% PVC rubber. This construction ensures a nice flexible and comfortable fit. They also have built in grip material across the palms and fingers,

They stretch well in all directions and employ an anti-bacterial treatment to prevent odor. They have an anti-slip zipper design to adjust the fitting to provide the right level of comfort and warmth that you need.

They are absorbent and quick drying, so while not waterproof, your hands should stay warm for a time in them when wet, and they will dry out quickly when the rain passes.

They breathe freely and are also lightweight, so they are easy to carry when not in use. They are designed to preserve heat well keeping your hands in good shape no matter what you throw at them.

A nice pair of gloves for the trail indeed.

5. OZERO Winter Thermal Gloves

Get the OZERO Winter Thermal Gloves on Amazon now!

OZERO Winter Thermal Gloves Features Summary:

• Stylish and nicely designed
• Lightweight, windproof and water resistant
• Touch screen compatible
• Constructed as thermal running gloves
• Elastic cuffs to get a snug fit
• Machine washable

Best Uses: Hiking, running, cycling, golfing, general outdoor use.

Yes, these are listed as Winter gloves, but not in the winter hiking gloves section below, what gives? The Ozero thermal gloves are designed to be a moderately warm pair of gloves, but they are not suitable for really tough Winter conditions, so we kept them in this section.

They are lightweight and have a nice and stylish design providing a comfortable fit. They are touch screen compatible which is a nice thing to have for sure, and they have been tested and work well with many iPhone and Galaxy models.

They feature silica gel particles in the palm, middle finger and index finger, so they offer good grip. The cuffs are elastic offering a snug and comfortable fit. The gloves are designed as thermal running gloves, so their functionality transfers nicely over to hiking.   

The gloves are water resistant and windproof, so they will work well in light rain or light snowy conditions. The fabric of the shell of the gloves is waterproof, not the entire glove, so they are not meant to handle more tough and relentless conditions.

It’s worth noting, that these gloves are designed to be tight, so if you prefer a bit of a looser fit, maybe get a size up.

Finally, they’re a very budget friendly price, so they will definitely not break the bank!

6. Aegend Lightweight Running Gloves

Get the Aegend Lightweight Running Gloves on Amazon now!

Aegend Lightweight Running Gloves Features Summary:

• Fabric: 88% polyester & 12% spandex
• Lightweight and warm
• Breathable and durable
• Wicking an anti-static function
• Anti-slip silicone design for grip
• Touchscreen compatible
• Can be used standalone or as liner gloves
• Zero-piling
• 30-day no hassle returns & 12 months replacement warranty

Best Uses: Hiking, running, cycling, walking, riding, working outside on a mild cold day

These lightweight running gloves from Aegend offer a nice and comfortable fit with a lot functional capability thrown into the mix.

They are constructed using a mix of polyester (88%) and spandex (12%) so they stretch well to enable a good fit.

They are breathable and lightweight, so they can wick moisture and dry quickly should they get wet. The palm of the gloves feature anti-slip silicone, to help ensure you have a secure holding on anything you grip.

Next up, they are touch screen compatible, which is great should you need to take a call or if you are using an app for fitness tracking or for navigational assistance. You can work away without taking off your gloves.

These gloves have the advantage of being able to be used on their own, or they can also work as liner gloves, a glove inside another pair of gloves e.g. under ski mittens.

They are excellent for hiking, running, cycling or just going for a stroll on a chilly Sunday afternoon. They come in three sizes that fit for all women and men, small medium and large.

Aegend provide a 30 day no hassle return policy and a 12 month warranty, so you have time to try them out before committing.

Finally, we have another of lightweight gloves that are wallet friendly, coming in at a very budget friendly price.

Best Winter Gloves for Hiking

In this next section, we look at the best Winter gloves for hiking in Winter. These are the type of gloves or mittens you need for very cold, even Arctic type, conditions.

1. Outdoor Research Alti Mitts

Get the Outdoor Research Alti Mitts on Amazon now!

Outdoor Research Alti Mitts Features Summary:

• Fabric: GORE-TEX 2.5L 100% nylon 40D ripstop shell – Pittards® Armortan® leather shell palm – 100% nylon ripstop liner – PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation 170g in shell and 340g in liner
• Weight: 12.8oz / 364g Avg. Weight for size L
• Waterproof, windproof and breathable
• Wicking
• Fully Seam-Taped
• Water-Resistant Leather Palm
• Moonlight Pile Fleece Liner Palm
• Kevlar Stitching
• Removable Liner
• Heat Pack Pocket
• Removable Leash
• Pull-On Loop
• Glove Clip
• Carabiner Loop
• AlpenGrip Tabs Prevent Slipping
• Elasticized Wrist
• SuperCinch Gauntlet™
• Pre-Curved Box Construction
• Three panel thumb

Best Uses: Serious expedition hiking, mountaineering, climbing 8,000 meter peaks, probably a bit much for general use in cold winters but they will certainly do the job!

So, where to start with the Alti mitts from Outdoor Research, they’re our number one choice. These are serious mittens that are designed and constructed with extremes in mind.

If you are planning to ascend an 8,000 meter peak in the near future, then these are the ticket for you.

Given that they can take on a job like that, any other general outdoor use in tough Winters, will not be a problem for these tough mittens.

They feature a removable liner which is nice to have, and they have some serious construction in them. For example, kevlar stitching … need I say more. These are tough ass mittens.

They have a heat pack pocket so you can add an additional heat source should you need to. The leather palm is water resistant and they feature a moonlight pile fleece liner, which is soft and comfortable.

The wrist is elasticized, and they have a super cinch gauntlet to help get a secure fit.

Overall, you have serious hand protection in the Alti mittens, but they come at a hefty price. The upside is that it is more an investment, as these mittens will last a very long time.

Note that the links above are to the men’s version of these mittens, you can find the women’s Alti mitts on Amazon here.

2. Best Budget Winter Gloves –
Mountain Made Princeton

Get the Mountain Made Princeton Winter Gloves on Amazon now!

Mountain Made Princeton Winter Gloves Features Summary:

• They come in four sizes: small, medium, large and x-large
• Waterproof
• Very warm, can handle cold conditions
• Dual action thermal fit with adjustable tightening strap
• Cuff pulls
• I year warranty

Best Uses: Winter hiking, skiing, outdoor activity in Winter

The Princeton Winter gloves from Mountain Made offer excellent warmth for much colder conditions.

They are constructed using a dual action thermal fit which are secured using an adjustable tightening strap with a cuff pull. That means you can seal the heat in and keep a warm and comfortable environment around your hands.

They come with a top hand pocket which is an interesting touch. Perhaps useful for a key or the like, but also functional if you want to utilise a hand warmer in it.

They are not touch screen compatible, but that is hard to get working well on thick winter gloves. The gloves are waterproof and so will keep you good in tough cold conditions.

The next thing of note is their price, they are very affordable, so functionality at a nice price, always a winner.

In terms of quality, they have a very high user review rating across hundreds of reviews,  so they have a lot of satisfied users.

Overall, we have an excellent pair of budget winter gloves that will keep you good on the trail at the colder times of year.

3. Black Diamond Soloist Finger Cold Weather Gloves

Get the Black Diamond Soloist Gloves on Amazon now!

Black Diamond Soloist Gloves Features Summary:

• Fabric: Shell: 92% nylon/8% Spandex, Palm: 100% Goat Skin, Lining: 100% Polyester
• Weight: 261 g (9.2 oz) – per pair
• -29/-12 ºC (-20/10 ºF)
• 100% waterproof BD.dry™ insert stays with removable liner
• Lightweight, abrasion-resistant, Pertex® Shield shell with four-way stretch
• Removable liner features 340 g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation and high-loft fleece lining
• Goat leather palm, plus palm patch with Kevlar stitching

Best Uses: Hiking in very cold weather, general outdoor use in very cold condition

The Soloist gloves from Black Diamond are another very tough pair of gloves designed for very cold Winter use.

They come with a split finger design, which means you get some of the advantages of mittens, while retaining a bit more dexterity and movement.

They come with a dry waterproof insert and a removable Primaloft insulated liner which dries quickly when wet. This provides good protection in wet Winter conditions.

The waterproof shell can be used as a standalone, when it’s a bit warmer. The fleece lining provides additional comfort and warmth.

The palm is goat leather and is reinforced with Kevlar stitching, so these gloves can easily handle rocky terrain, rappelling, an even technical alpine climbing.

The soloist are an excellent pair of winter gloves that will provide serious protection from the elements.

They will also last you many years so you should get plenty of use out of them. Only downside is their price, they are pricey, but that is expected with a pair of specialized gloves purpose built for seriously tough conditions.

4. Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Mitt

Get the Carhartt Insulated Mitts on Amazon now!

Carhartt Insulated Mittens Features Summary:

• Fabric: Shell: 100% Polyester; Palm: 100% Polyurethane; Lining: 100% Polyester
• Pull On closure
• FastDry technology lining wicks away sweat for comfort
• Durable polytex shell
• Stretch fleece cuff
• Reinforced polyurethane (PU) palm
• Brow wipe
• Hand wash and do not put in dryer.

Best Uses: Hiking in very cold weather, general outdoor use in the depths of Winter.

The Carhartt mittens provide a super snug and comfortable fit, that will keep your hands nice and toasty in very cold conditions.

Mittens are an excellent option instead of gloves in very cold conditions, as they leave your fingers touching inside them, and so sharing the heat directly across your fingers.

These mittens are constructed using 100% polyester on the shell and the lining, with 100% polyurethane in the palm. The shell is durable polytex and the PU on the palm is reinforced. The lining is also very functional and comfortable when wearing.

They come in multiple colors, so come nice options to choose from. The top of the gloves also feature a brow wipe, so you can wipe sweat from your face, without having to take your mittens off.

The face shape is flat and the FastDry technology lining ensures that sweat is wicked away, so you have a comfortable climate around your hands. They also feature pull on closure, so easy to pull the second one on after you have you have put the first one on.

To wash, you need to get a bit of elbow grease in with your hands, as they are not machine washable. Some hot water and detergent is all you need though, and drip dry is the way to go.

Again, they come in at a very wallet friendly price, so there is a lot to like in the carhartt mittens! Note, these link to the men’s version of these mittens.

5. Black Diamond Mercury Mitts

Get the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts on Amazon now!

Black Diamond Mercury Mitts Features Summary:

• Fabric: Shell: 92% Nylon/8% Spandex, 100% Goat Skin Palm, Lining: 100% Polyester.
• Weight: 260 g (9.2 oz) – per pair
• -29/-12 ºC (-20/10 ºF)
• 100% waterproof BD.dry™ insert stays with removable liner
• Removable liner features split-finger design
• Lightweight, abrasion-resistant, Pertex® Shield shell with four-way stretch
• Removable liner features 340 g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation and high-loft fleece lining
• Goat leather palm, plus palm patch with Kevlar stitching
• Wipe pad

Best Uses: Winter hiking, general outdoor use in very cold conditions

The Mercury mittens from Black Diamond are one of their toughest offerings in terms of Winter gloves. Designed to work in temperature range of -20 to -10 F (-29 to -12 C), they  provide rough protection in very challenging conditions.

They feature a fully waterproof insert and primaloft insulation, so you can have a dry and comfortable fit, even in rain or snow. They offer a four-way stretch fabric so they have good mobility and flexibility in the construction.

The liner is removable and features a split finger design, and they can be used on their own. The insert also provides moisture protection in terms of breathability, so whether it’s wet in or outside the mittens, you will be good.

They also feature kevlar stitching so they are a very sturdy pair of mittens that can take on a lot of beating in the tougher seasons, or on tough expeditions. They have a wipe pad too so you can wipe your brow when its cold but your pushing hard.

These are another serious pair of mittens, that are designed for very tough conditions. Again, they are pricey, but also again, mittens of this type and with the attention to detail in construction, will be more expensive.

With the prime brand mark of Black Diamond thrown in for good measure, you have a pair of quality performing mittens in the Mercury Mitts.

6. MCTi Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves

Get the MCTi Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves on Amazon now!

MCTi Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves Features Summary:

• Fabric: Windproof Polyester, Insulate Thinsulate, Waterproof TPU
• 3M Thinsulate Insulation: The gloves are insulated with 40 grams 3m thinsulate and 140 grams warm cotton
• Weight: 260 g (9.2 oz) – per pair
• -12 ºC (10 ºF)
• Waterproof and breathable TPU insert
• Durable and soft nuback palm
• Three composite surface layer
• Adjustable wrist buckle and elastic one pull closure
• Pair clips with connected finger linings
• Heated warmer pocket design

Best Uses: Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, general outdoor use in very cold conditions.

The MCTi gloves are constructed with skiing, snowboarding, and other such winter activities in mind, so using them for winter hiking is a good fit.

They are waterproof and windproof and so will protect you from the nasty stuff outside to a temperature -12 ºC (10 ºF), so good for tough enough conditions.

They come with soft full covered nubuck palm, and reinforced rubber fingers, useful for flexibility, say if you’re using ski’s. The gloves also come with a nose wipe located on the thumb finger.

They are well insulated with 3M Thinsulate Insulation, 40 gms 3m thinsulate and 140 gms warm cotton. Thick enough to keep your hands warm, but with enough movement ability to keep flexible.

I would be a little concerned about the cotton element, as if they get wet, that will be a problem. There are some user reports of the gloves not being very breathable, and so moisture build up on the inside combined with cotton insulation, is not a good recipe.

However, not everyone had issues, and found the gloves to be warm and functional. They have a zipper pocket so a hand warmer can be utilized.

Overall, they are a comfortable pair of gloves that will provide good warmth in tough conditions, and they come in at a good price. They’re basic but functional.

What to Consider when Buying Hiking Gloves

First off, as with any piece of hiking kit, you need to think about where you will be predominantly doing your hiking. That will determine what specific functionality you need to consider.

If you hike only in sunny climes all year round, gloves may not actually be high on your requirements list 🙂 or you may just need something to protect your hands from the sun.

If you like to head out into the Winter snow, then you of course need a much more substantial pair of gloves.

Hand Size

Kind of stating the obvious but if you don’t know what size of gloves you normally wear, you need to find out. This can be easily done in any store and standard gloves will give you a reasonable idea of what size you should run with.

The sizes usually run in Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and most sellers will give you guidance on what size to go for and that kind of thing. So it isn’t complicated or at least it shouldn’t be in most cases.

Waterproof

So, do you need your gloves to be waterproof (or as waterproof as anything can realistically be)? There are different options available and some gloves do perform better than others in this area.

However, keep in mind that I don’t really believe that any hiking gear clothes item is really 100% waterproof. This is even more important if you are going into Arctic type conditions, you need them to keep your hands dry and protected.

Breathability

We’ve discussed breathability on the site before. You’re on the move on the trail so you will sweat and so, in tandem with being waterproof to some degree, your gloves having some wicking capability is a good idea.

Breathability and wicking are two different things really, but overall, air needs to be able to circulate in some form in most cases. You need moisture on the inside to have an avenue out and away from your skin.

Insulation

How much insulation do you need? If your gloves get wet will they still retain warmth? Things worth considering. Normally, synthetic material is better at retaining heat when wet than natural fibers like wool.

My main hiking gloves, which are predominantly polyester and neoprene, are fine when wet, as long as I am moving they keep heat great.

If you are needing serious winter gloves, then this is an even bigger factor. The Insulation should work well, and it’s best to avoid materials that will get cold and water logged if they get wet, like cotton.

Warmth

Tying in with Insulation, will you be hiking in the depths of winter in really cold conditions? How much mobility are you happy to sacrifice to get more warmth?

Logically ski gloves will be warmer than a driving glove style fit. I accommodate this with multiple pairs of gloves which I explain further below.

That’s also why the best gloves listed above are split into two sections. One is specifically for year round hiking, even light Winter. The other category is for when you need serious Winter protection. They’re vastly different in what they need to do, hence the split.

Mobility

Would you like good mobility e.g. still able to work a compass, change settings on your watch, etc. while you have them on? Some gloves will be more restrictive than others so if this is a big one for you, take it into account.

For me, I can usually take a glove off if I need to for some dexterity but my main gloves aren’t actually bad for general hand movement, using a compass and so on.

If you are talking about tough winter gloves, taking them off may not be an option in very cold conditions, so a little bit of movement can be good.

Winter hiking gloves usually come in the form of gloves, mittens, or somewhere inbetween. Mittens are very effective in terms of heat, but obviously, you’re sacrificing mobility.

Good to have a think on this and pick out what is best for your specific needs.

What I Recommend

As always, I want to try and give you my approach to what I do for this. In my opinion, there is a catch all approach which I use that I think should cover most average day hikers year round in most hiking conditions.

(I always say that as if you’re going into extreme conditions e.g. sub-zero temperatures in the Arctic, you will need specialist kit but that doesn’t fall into my category definition of average day hiking).

I have 3 pairs of hiking gloves and I use a combination of them all year round. My gloves are old, so I can’t give you exact specifics on the models of gloves I use.

However, the type of gloves I outline below hit the mark in terms of functionality, align to what I use and also have excellent user reviews.

My Primary Pair of Hiking Gloves – Year Round Use

The first pair is my main stay pair of gloves. They are a pair of gloves I can use in pretty much all conditions. Similar to the Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves listed in the first section of this post, they are an excellent option that can be used on the trail, on their own most of the year round.

The aim of these gloves is to be very functional with minimal limitation. The design is such that you maintain good dexterity for your fingers, while wearing them.

I like a snug fit, and good of protection for my hands, so good abrasion resistance. I want my main pair of gloves to be breathable and odor free, so I can get as much out of them in warm as well as colder weather.

Overall, a middle of the road but rugged pair of gloves that are versatile enough to be utilized in a variety of outdoor activities, not just hiking.

Touch screen compatibility is nice to have, but it’s not a deal breaker for me. You can get a decent pair anywhere between $20 and $60 dollars, for that you shouldn’t go too far wrong!

My Secondary Pair of Hiking Gloves – Spring to Autumn Use

I have a pair of old liner gloves that I use in cooler temperatures in warmer climes. Pictured below are a similar pair of gloves to what I use.

They double up as a glove liner so you can use them in tandem with another pair of hefty gloves if you needed to e.g. thick mittens, gloves. That would only be required in seriously cold conditions though, not average day hiking.

I normally use this pair as my spare pair from mid Spring to Mid Autumn (when it’s not really cold). They also come in handy if someone is short a pair of gloves or, heaven forbid, I lost my primary pair.

Again, they come in and around the $20 to $40 mark, so very accessible in terms or price.

My Secondary Pair of Hiking Gloves – Winter Use

My third pair is basically a pair of ski gloves. In really cold temperatures, I work with the Primary Pair and my Secondary Pair for winter use.

Any of the gloves listed in the Winter gloves section above will work for this. Now, if you are facing seriously cold temperatures, then you may need to invest in a really high end pair of these, say if you are going into Arctice type conditions.

They are however an economical buy with decent reviews which matches what I do use … I will explain that in more detail in the Price section below.

If it’s too cold and I need to heat my hands fast, I pop my ski gloves on (warm mittens also work well). I generally find that after a while, when my hands have warmed up, I can comfortably return to my primary pair, my hands normally actually get too hot in the ski gloves if I wear them too long while hiking.

I’ve never had the need to double up gloves with the ski gloves, they are more than warm enough on their own. However, if that was required, the liner gloves would be the best accompanying partner to the ski gloves. So, overall, I think I have every base pretty much covered.

Price

You can spend a wide variation on gloves. From $20 dollars for a cheap and reasonable Spring pair to $200 dollars for a very hi-tech waterproof, make your breakfast in the morning for you in Everest Base Camp, pair 🙂

I say that only half-jokingly as, from my personal experience, gloves to some degree are one of those areas that you can get away with using a non-fancy pants brand name.

How so? Well, when it comes to my regular main pair of gloves, like the Freetoo gloves above,  I wouldn’t compromise. I wanted to spend a bit of extra money to get a good pair as they are my main pair of gloves used year round when I am out hiking, so I did invest in a pricey brand name pair.

However, as you can see with the gloves listed here, you really don’t need to spend a lot unless you want to. The liner glove ones I use, brand name also, aren’t overly expensive either and a non-brand pair would probably work fine for what they are used for.

As alluded too in the winter glove section above, the pair I use that are definitely not anything special are my ski gloves. I bought them in a standard department store before going skiing two years back.

They were cheap as chips but man do they work a treat for my needs. Ski Gloves can of course be really expensive but I’m not really a skier.

A basic pair of ski gloves is more than enough for my basic hiking needs in the mountains in winter. They keep my hands nice and toasty in very cold conditions.

However, as mentioned above, if you’re tackling hiking in a tough Minnesota Winter, it would be advisable to spend a couple of hundred bucks on a really top pair of winter gloves.

They will provide all the protection you need and will last a long time, due to their more expensive construction.

Conclusion

So, I hope you found this post on what are the best hiking gloves in 2023 informative and useful.

To summarize, I always have two pairs of gloves in my day pack. In winter, I have my primary pair, from the first category above, and my ski gloves, and I alternate between the two utilizing the ski gloves when serious warmth is needed.

Most days, even in winter, my primary pair are enough. The rest of the year, my primary pair of gloves are my main stay gloves and I have my old liner gloves mainly as a back-up pair.

This approach works well for me so if you’re thinking about getting hiking gloves, I recommend you give it a try, assuming it works with te conditions you hike in of course.

As a final note, hiking gloves are one of the things I always have a spare pair off in my day pack, I’ve been caught out once or twice and was very grateful to have a spare set in my pack.

As always, please like and share … you know you want to 🙂