Hunting Cold Weather Gloves Kendra Neal, May 2, 2024May 2, 2024 Hunting Cold Weather Gloves or mittens are your first line of defense against harsh winter weather and frostbite. But not all gloves are created equal. Ideal late-season gloves must be warm enough, but not too bulky to reduce dexterity. They must also be breathable and waterproof. This is where a lot of hunters struggle. Cold weather hunting gloves must provide warmth and dexterity, especially in the fingers. Unlike the thick, bulky winter gloves that are used for snow shoveling or other chores, hunting gloves are specifically engineered to meet the demands of hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to being breathable, they also feature targeted areas of warmth instead of full coverage for improved trigger finger and thumb mobility; supple technical materials that allow the hands to move naturally; effective camo patterns for stealth in the blind; impact-absorption and heat-reflecting panels; and reliable waterproof performance for the worst hunting conditions. Hunting gloves are available in a wide range of insulation levels, from thin to heavyweight. Choosing the appropriate level of insulation is based on the time of year, hunting activities, and other environmental factors. For example, in early season and during the pre-rut and rut, temperatures can fluctuate greatly and require a light glove that regulates airflow and provides breathability. For late season, when temperatures are usually at their lowest, a heavier glove is required to combat the elements and keep hunters warm. Some manufacturers offer insulated hunting gloves with half-fingers for the index and thumb that are ideal for bowhunters. Other models are designed for gun hunters, and have a full grip on the index finger to improve trigger control. For serious cold weather, there are even mittens that offer superior warmth and dexterity. For example, the Kuiu Attack gloves feature a smart blend of Pittards almost sticky OilTac leather and Toray’s stretch woven PrimeFlex polyester for a form-fitting, durable, and water-resistant glove that delivers the right amount of insulation and is comfortable in temperatures down to the mid-20s. The Cabela’s Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper mittens are ideal for people who prefer mittens, and are designed to keep the chill out of your hand with Gore-Tex WindStopper technology. No matter what type of hunting you enjoy, a good pair of cold weather gloves is essential for success. With so many options, it is important to select a pair that will be warm, comfortable, and fit well for your specific needs. Waterproofing For those that hunt in rainy, snowy, or wet conditions, a waterproof pair of gloves is essential. Many waterproof gloves, however, are not breathable. That means that if your hands start to sweat, you will quickly lose dexterity and warmth. Luckily, there are many waterproof hunting gloves that are both breathable and provide a good level of warmth and dexterity. For example, the Drake MST Refuge Gore-Tex Double Duty Decoy Glove has a breathable Gore-Tex membrane that will keep your hands dry in harsh winter weather, while also being able to regulate temperature, and even has a goat-leather palm that provides extra gripping strength. The BlackOvis San Juan Fingerless Wool Glove is another great option for those looking for a breathable, warm, and lightweight pair of gloves for cold weather hunting. This pair of gloves can be worn alone or as a liner for other gloves, and can withstand temperatures up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It features a soft and stretchy fleece inner bonded to a tough nylon outer, as well as touch screen enabled fingertips, a tacky palm print for better weapon control, and a wrist cinch to fit over your gun sleeve or mittens. When deciding on a pair of gloves to wear during the cold weather, it is important to consider your personal tendencies and the weapon you will be using. Some hunters prefer mittens over gloves, while others might be more comfortable with a pair of gloves that only have half-fingers on the index and thumb for improved trigger feel. Whether you are an archery or gun hunter, the type of glove you choose will have a big impact on your success in the field. The Kuiu Attack Glove is a great choice for hunters that need a versatile glove to use on cool and brisk days, especially for those with poor circulation or bad hand/finger heat dissipation. It is crafted with a smart blend of Pittards almost sticky OilTac leather and Toray’s Primeflex polyester, making it breathable, durable, form-fitting, and water resistant. It also has a hook-and-loop cuff closure for a secure fit, and a reinforced palm to protect against rough surfaces. Style There’s nothing worse than cold hands during a hunt, but with the right gloves or mittens you can keep your fingers warm and dry without sacrificing dexterity. Look for a pair of gloves or mittens with the following features: Gloves that provide full-finger coverage and allow you to easily manipulate triggers, scopes, bows, guns and other hunting equipment. Some gloves are designed with a textured palm, allowing you to grip objects more securely. Others come with a soft, shearling or wool lining that traps air pockets to retain body heat. Look for gloves with a cinchable wrist or arm cinches that help ensure a snug fit and reduce wind chill. You also want gloves that are designed to easily slip off and on when you need to grab a weapon or adjust your gear in the field. You’ll want to consider the material your gloves are made from as well, especially if you’re going to be using them for archery or gun hunting. The best gloves will be durable, able to stand up to repeated use and withstand harsh conditions. You may also want your gloves or mittens to be compatible with hand warmers, allowing you to stay warm even in the most extreme cold. Some manufacturers include a small pocket within the glove or mitt flap, which is perfect for storing hand warmers. This feature is especially handy if you’re hunting in extreme weather and need an extra layer of warmth. Lastly, you’ll need to choose gloves that are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time. This is important because if your gloves are too tight, they can cause discomfort and restrict blood flow to your fingertips, leaving them feeling cold and numb. Look for gloves that are a bit looser to allow for increased comfort and dexterity. In addition to these important factors, you should also consider the style of your gloves or mittens. There are many different styles available, including fingerless gloves that allow you to operate triggers, and mittens with fold-over mitten covers for added warmth. Some gloves are crafted with a camouflage pattern, ideal for hunters who want to blend in with their surroundings. Fit As a hunter, you know that the right pair of gloves will provide your hands with superior dexterity and warmth. They will allow you to grip a gun or bow handle tightly without sacrificing control and maneuverability. They will also keep your hands warm and dry while you walk through deep snow or wind-driven cold conditions. The right pair of gloves will make the difference between a successful hunt and a miserable one. The material used in your gloves can also make a difference in the fit, durability, and comfort of the glove. Synthetic materials like polyester and fleece are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and easy to maintain. Wool and down feathers, on the other hand, are a bit heavier but provide superior warmth and insulation. Some manufacturers use a combination of both materials in their gloves to provide the best of both worlds. Another important factor to consider is the time of year. During the early season, when temperatures can swing from moderate to cold quite quickly, a breathable glove is essential. A glove with built-in insect repellant will also be helpful, especially if you’re hunting in areas that are known for their bug populations. For the late-fall and early winter, a glove with an adjustable closure is a good choice. The Sitka Gunner WS Glove features a specialized textile that reduces contact with bugs and other pests, while maintaining the dexterity hunters require for accurate shot placement. The Kryptek Vellus Fleece Glove is another good choice for mid-fall through early winter. It uses a pill-resistant 200-gram fleece shell that locks in your body heat and keeps out cold air, while allowing you to retain full fourchette dexterity. The Kuiu Attack Glove is a smart choice for active hunters who need a durable, form-fitting, and comfortable option that can withstand cold and wet conditions. This glove is made of a blend of Pittards’ almost sticky OilTac leather and Toray’s high-quality PrimeFlex polyester. This makes it a waterproof and insulated option that’s ideal for shooting and upland bird hunting. It also features a touchscreen-friendly index and thumb area for use with smartphone or GPS devices while in the field. Hunting Essentials diaphragm reed pouchhunting matrazor blade hunting knivesretractable lanyardstab resistance hunting gloves