The 8 Best Mittens of 2021

Best Overall: Black Diamond Mercury Mitts

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The Black Diamond Mercury Mitts showcase high-quality material for maximum warmth and durability. Their temperature range is -20 degrees to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, so they are great for snowy vacations. The flexible outer bomber shell consists of a four-way stretch nylon and Spandex blend fabric that resists abrasions. For increased durability, it has a goat leather palm with Kevlar stitching.

When you need to move your fingers, peel off the outer shell. The interior glove has moisture protection, so it will resist moisture without the protective shell. It includes a removable Primaloft and high-loft fleece lining that feels warm. Even with the interior gloves, the mittens are light at 9.2 ounces, so they will not take up a lot of room in your luggage.

Best Fingerless: Outdoor Research Men's Lost Coast Mitts

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Outdoor Research’s Lost Coast Mitts are stylish and functional. They consist of a blend of rag wool and nylon, which resists wrinkles, wicks moisture, and feels breathable. When you need to use your fingers to check your phone or some other task that requires extra dexterity, secure the finger cover with the hidden magnetic attachment. The cover has a sherpa lining for additional insulation. The palm area uses synthetic suede reinforcement that gives the mitten an elevated look and the user extra grip. 

These mittens will not provide as much protection as other options in the market because of their standalone wool material. While not warm or waterproof enough for snowy activities, they will keep your hands cozy in cold temperatures if you do not touch anything wet.

Best Leather: L.L. Bean Buckskin Chopper Mitts

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Aside from its stylish look, leather mittens make for a durable alternative to nylon or knit mittens. Enter Maine-based L.L. Bean, which offers a well-constructed, tough pair with the Buckskin Chopper Mitts. The ultra-warm leather mittens consist of two layers: a 100 percent deerskin leather outer shell that stands up against the elements, and a 100 percent Shetland wool shell underneath with a soft inner liner (80 percent wool, 20 percent nylon). Even more, there's a wing on the thumb seam for durability. Although the woodsman's gloves are meant for hunting, ice fishing, and other outdoor work, they're also great for sledding or winter hiking. Choose from either Brown or Gold.

Best for Extreme Cold: Canada Goose Arctic Down Mitten

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When winter is especially brutal, look no further than Canada Goose's line of winter apparel and accessories. The Arctic Down Mittens combine a nylon tough shell with goose down-filled insulation and water-resistant fabric for extreme warmth. Ideal for skiers, the mittens feature a quilt design for evenly distributing heat and the extra-long stretch cuffs offer even more coverage. You can rest assured the heat inside the gloves won't go anywhere, thanks to elastic drawcords and velcro closures at the wrist that helps lock in warmth. Additionally, the ribbed cuff and an adjustable strap ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Best for Skiing: Hestra Army Leather Winter Mittens

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Mittens are indispensable for any ski trip. Hestra’s Heli Mittens join high-quality material with thoughtful design for your cold, but activity-filled skiing trips. The eagle-grip, pre-curved shape follows the natural form of your hand for maximum ergonomics. The mittens consist of windproof and water-resistant Triton fabric with goat leather reinforcement. The mittens also have additional features for blocking out the cold, such as snow lock straps with Velcro closures and handcuffs to secure them to the wrists.

When it gets hot, you can wear the glove liner without the shell. The liner is adequate on its own, coming with warm polyester and fiberfill insulation. If you’re visiting a resort during warmer weather or in the spring, wear the shell and remove the liner to prevent slush from getting on your hands.

Best Knit: FoxRiver Double Ragg Mittens

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Knit mittens look sophisticated and provide basic warmth for your winter trips. FoxRiver’s extra heavyweight double-layered mittens will keep your hands warm throughout your winter trips to colder regions. A blend of 85 percent wool and 15 percent nylon, the outer shell resists shrinking and wicks moisture. It has an interior terrier liner that feels soft to the touch and provides additional insulation. The wool material resists shrinking, feels breathable and stays free of wrinkles. Reviewers love how warm the mittens feel, even in harsh Midwest and East Coast winters.

There are caveats to consider. The stylish brown tweed mittens are perfect for casual strolls in cold weather but will not protect you during direct contact with snow for prolonged periods. If there is enough moisture, the wool will get wet. Winter sports participants will benefit more from mittens with external synthetic shells. Additionally, some reviewers mention the inconsistencies of the sizing. The extra large sizes feel loose, whereas the small sizes are snug. Those with small and medium hands should consider sizing up, while those with larger hands should opt for a smaller size.

Best for Kids: SnowStoppers Kids' Waterproof Mittens

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Vacation playtime is a necessity during family trips, but for cold winters, you’ll want to invest in a decent pair of mittens to keep your kids safe and warm. At around $20, these mittens have excellent quality for their price and will not be difficult to depart from when your kids outgrow them. The waterproof nylon shell resists moisture from snow, ice and rain, so snowstoppers do what their name implies — stop the snow. Their extra long cuffs fit beneath coats and jackets, blocks out the snow and ensure that the mittens stay on. They have a waterproof Drypel liner and Thinsulate insulation that provides warmth without adding unnecessary weight to your travel bag. The mittens also have grip palms for skiing, snowboarding and sledding beginners who need extra help in the snow.

Kids will appreciate the color selection available for these mittens. While most mittens are black, the Snowstoppers come in black, black/red, lime green, navy blue, red, fuschia, navy blue/lime green and more.