Outdoors Gear The 10 Best Mountaineering Gloves of 2022 Gloves are a vital piece of the gear quiver for mountaineering missions By Nathan Borchelt Nathan Borchelt LinkedIn American University Nathan Borchelt has been working in the travel industry for more than 15 years as a writer, photographer, editor, and product manager. He covers everything from trail cameras to ski equipment. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 01/18/22 Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Mountaineering, whether as a multi-day assault or a solo day of peak-grabbing, ranks as one of the most exciting outdoor adventures open to the intrepid traveler. The sport, which combines many disciplines like climbing, rock scrambling, careful navigation, and–potentially–the chance to carve fresh tracks on skis or a snowboard. And in order to have a successful mountaineering outing, you need the right gloves. As opposed to regular ski or snowboard gloves, mountaineering ones need to be able to stand up to the abuse of rope work and using ice axes and other tools. They should keep your hands warm and dry without hampering your dexterity and should perform admirably in the variable climates that characterize the activity. From the best gloves for light-and-fast outings to mittens that can handle the serious cold, these are the best mountaineering gloves on the market. The Rundown Best Overall: Black Diamond Soloist Finger Glove at Blackdiamondequipment.com The three-finger design adds warmth akin to a mitten but keeps your index finger free for ample dexterity. Best Budget: Black Diamond Men's Glissade Glove at Backcountry.com Suitable to handle cold, snowy conditions as well as spring expeditions. Best Ultralight: Arc'teryx Venta AR Gloves at Arcteryx.com Constructed of breathable Fortius softshell fabric that’s both comfortable and stretchy. Best for Speedy Dawn Patrol Laps: Mammut La Liste Glove at Amazon Marketed as a freeride glove, the La Lista from Mammut boasts loads of features an ambitious ski mountaineer will love. Best for Snowboards: Burton Men's [ak] Gore-Tex Clutch Mitten at Backcountry.com The fixed liner is made of brushed microfiber to wick moisture from your hands and ample Thermacore insulation keeps hands toasty. Best for Skiers: Outdoor Research Men's Carbide Sensor Gloves at Nordstrom Ideal for alpinists who are constantly searching for untracked powder. Best for Ropes: Mountain Hardwear Unisex Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Glove at Amazon The pre-curve design lets your hands maintain their natural position. Best for Frigid Conditions: Hestra Men's Army Leather Expedition Mitten at Amazon It comes with a flexible, waterproof softshell outer material that works with durable, impregnated goat leather. Best for Dexterity: The North Face Summit Lhotse Glove at Evo.com The soft-knit brushed tricot lining keeps things comfortable, elastic at the wrist assures a tight fit. Best Battery-Powered: Outdoor Research Lucent Heated Sensor Gloves at Backcountry.com They come with ALTIHead battery-powered heat tech that runs off rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Table of contents Expand Our Picks Final Verdict What to Look for in Mountaineering Gloves Why Trust Tripsavvy Best Overall: Black Diamond Soloist Finger Glove View On Blackdiamondequipment.com View On Moosejaw.com View On REI What We Like Versatile Three-in-one glove options What We Don't Like Some may want all fingers free, which Black Diamond supports in their Soloist Gloves You really do get the best of all worlds with the versatile Soloist Finger Glove from alpine-warriors Black Diamond. The three-finger design adds warmth akin to a mitten but keeps your index finger free for ample dexterity. A proprietary BD.dry insert provides breathable waterproof protection, with additional coverage via an Empel DWR treatment on the recycled, stretchy outer shell. The long gauntlet cuff makes it easy to layer with all types of jackets, and goat leather palms with reinforcement patches will stand up to serious punishment. Better still, the insulated inner liner can be worn solo–offering three glove solutions into one. Wear the shell to keep out water on warmer, wet days, use the inner fleece liner (which boasts 170 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation) for highly dexterous activities, or go with both on truly frigid days. Material/Fabric: Polyester, goat leather, fleece | Insulation: 170 grams of PrimaLoft Gold | Waterproofing: BD.dry plus GTT Empel DWR finish Best Budget: Black Diamond Men's Glissade Glove View On Backcountry.com View On Moosejaw.com What We Like Budget, yet quality Lightweight What We Don't Like No removable liner Suitable to handle cold, snowy conditions as well as spring expeditions, the Black Diamond Glissade Gloves keeps things simple, with a BD.dry insert for waterproof and breathable protection and an additional layer of Empel DWR on the outer shell to stand up to the elements for several climbing seasons. The abrasion-resistant outer shell comes with a four-way stretch to improve dexterity and fit, while 100 grams of Thinsulate have been integrated at the palm and back of the hand, which partners with a 100-gram fleece lining for ample insulation. Bonus: A reinforced goat leather palm and Kevlar stitching will fend off any damage from ropes or unruly ice axes. Material/Fabric: Polyester, goat leather, fleece | Insulation: 100 grams of fleece, plus 100 grams of Thinsulate at the palm and back of the hand | Waterproofing: BD.dry waterproof/breathable insert plus Empel WDR treatment Best Ultralight: Arc'teryx Venta AR Gloves View On Arcteryx.com View On REI What We Like Dexterous Streamlined design What We Don't Like Some may want more warmth Constructed of breathable Fortius softshell fabric that’s both comfortable and stretchy, the Venta AR Glove from Arc’teryx uses Gore-Tex Infinium to block out the wind and rain, with a high-loft fleece for warmth. The slim-fitting glove also provides near-perfect dexterity, thanks to both the glove’s patterning (which moves with the hand) as well as goat leather reinforcements on the palm and finger. Pull handles at the cuff make them easy to get on and off, while an elasticized wrist fits well under jackets. Mind you, they don’t offer the full-on protection you might get from a longer gauntlet-style cuff, but when you’re going ultra-light, you want to shave off every ounce that you can. These gloves do just that. Material/Fabric: Fortius soft shell and high-loft fleece | Insulation: Fleece | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Infinium The 9 Best Mittens of 2022 Best for Speedy Dawn Patrol Laps: Mammut La Liste Glove View On Amazon View On Moosejaw.com What We Like Warm and versatile Includes a soft shell nose wiping section What We Don't Like The elastic cuff may not be everyone’s first choice Marketed as a freeride glove, the La Lista from Mammut boasts loads of features an ambitious ski mountaineer will love. The entire hand is constructed of durable goat leather, with extra-secure grip leather on the thumbs and palms for serious durability and control. And they layer in various insulation (133 grams of PrimaLoft Silver on the back, and 60 grams of PrimaLoft Gold on the palm) to help you endure the cold, shadowy conditions of the early morning. Gore-Tex Active assures waterproof and breathable protection, and the pre-shaped construction delivers ample dexterity. They also add plenty of connection points—a hook to attach the gloves, finger webbing for carabiner loops on the cuffs, and a glove leash—that cater to the particular needs of mountaineering. Material/Fabric: Bemberg fleece, polyester, goat leather | Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold (60 grams on the palm) and Silver (133 grams on the back of the hand) | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Active The 9 Best Base Layers of 2022 Best for Snowboards: Burton Men's [ak] Gore-Tex Clutch Mitten View On Backcountry.com View On Burton.com What We Like Wrist leash can be removed Three-finger design What We Don't Like Those braving truly frigid temps may want more warmth Boasting a three-finger design that provides the warmth of mittens and the dexterity of a glove, the Burton Clutch Mitten delivers midweight warmth and protection against the elements. It combines an abrasion-resistant Gnar Guard leather outer on the palm and knuckles with a breathable Gore-Tex membrane for waterproof assurance. The fixed liner is made of brushed microfiber to wick moisture from your hands and ample Thermacore insulation keeps things toasty. The pre-curved construction provides ample dexterity, while an extended storm cuff helms seal the gloves to your jacket for truly bomber protection. And you don’t have to take ‘em off to control your go-to device as both the thumbs and index fingers are touchscreen-compatible. Material/Fabric: Leather, polyester, microfiber | Insulation: Thermacore | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Active Best for Skiers: Outdoor Research Men's Carbide Sensor Gloves View On Nordstrom View On Backcountry.com View On REI What We Like Solid warmth Great gauntlet What We Don't Like The insulation may be too warm on bluebird spring days Outdoor Research integrated loads of skin-friendly features in their Carbine Sensor Glove, making it ideal for alpinists who are constantly searching for untracked powder. Gore-Tex provides wind and water protection, while 200 grams of poly insulation amps the warmth. The removable wrist leashes fit flat and comfortable, and oversized gauntlet cuffs sync down easily to really lock out the elements. Dexterity comes from the pre-curved construction, and touchscreen-friendly index fingers and thumbs let you snap a photo or cue up a playlist without removing the gloves. The Carbine Sensor Gloves also look great in either the two-tone olive green and black or the all-black color option. Material/Fabric: Stretch nylon, polyester | Insulation: 130 grams of polyester at the back, and another 200 grams in the lining | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Best for Ropes: Mountain Hardwear Unisex Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Glove View On Amazon View On Moosejaw.com View On Mountainhardwear.com What We Like Dexterous and warm What We Don't Like Some customers report that they fit tight, so consider sizing up Whether you’re belaying or setting rope, you want a glove that’s durable, warm, resistant to soaking out due to a wet rope, and dexterous enough to perform all the required tasks without shrugging them off. And the Exposure/2 from Mountain Hardwear delivers. The pre-curve design lets your hands maintain their natural position, while Gore Grip tech, which bonds the internal layer together, prevents any sliding inside the glove. That and the four-way stretch fabric assures optimal dexterity, while the Pittards goat leather and Kevlar threads in high-use areas like the palms will stand up to serious abuse. PrimaLoft Gold insulation makes the gloves plenty warm, while Gore-Tex blocks out the wind, rain, and snow without overheating. Material/Fabric: Polyester, goat leather | Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Best for Frigid Conditions: Hestra Men's Army Leather Expedition Mitten View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com What We Like Serous insulation Loads of variations thanks to two inner liners What We Don't Like Expensive The warmest glove in Hestra’s expansive line, the Army Leather Expedition Mitt is designed for the coldest of conditions. It comes with a flexible, waterproof softshell outer material that works with durable, impregnated goat leather and kangaroo leather reinforcements for serious durability, along with a removable insulated mitten, and a three-finger PrimaLoft liner, which affords the ability to layer or use various configurations if things warm up a bit. Ample gauntlet cuffs add more cover, and all the right details–including a carabiner and wrist adjustments with a duckbill–round out the features. Material/Fabric: Polyester, goat, and kangaroo leather, fleece, softshell | Insulation: Fiberfill | Waterproofing: Softshell The 9 Best Ski Socks of 2022 Best for Dexterity: The North Face Summit Lhotse Glove View On Evo.com What We Like Kevlar threads at the sheep leather palm for enhanced durability Lightweight What We Don't Like May not be warm enough in really cold climates The lightweight Summit Lhotse Glove from The North Face dodges the trap of less-dexterous, more-insulated gloves by using two thin layers of insulation to create an air pocket to help keep the warmth in without sacrificing any finger movement. The soft-knit brushed tricot lining keeps things comfortable, elastic at the wrist assures a tight fit, and the three-layer bonded construction blocks out the elements. The fingers all work with touchscreen devices, and wrist leashes prevent them from dropping when not in use. Material/Fabric: Polyester, polyethylene, sheep leather | Insulation: 80 grams of Heakseeker Eco Pro at the palm, and 120 grams at the back-of-hand | Waterproofing: FlashDry and DWR Best Battery-Powered: Outdoor Research Lucent Heated Sensor Gloves View On Backcountry.com View On Outdoorresearch.com What We Like Serious warmth for any condition What We Don't Like Expensive When sub-zero temps rear their frigid heads, mere layers of insulation won’t cut it. Instead, turn to the Lucent Heated Sensor Gloves from Outdoor Research. In addition to providing ample insulation for milder temps (33 grams of poly at the back, and 133 at the palm and gauntlet), they come with ALTIHead battery-powered heat tech that runs off rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Hit the easy-to-use power button and you get eight hours of reliable, electric heat when you go with the low mode, and 2.5 hours on high. A Gore-Tex insert blocks out the elements and molded EVA foam knuckles, goat leather overlays, and abrasion-resistant goat leather palms add durability and dexterity. Tricot lining the back of the hand pairs nicely with a pile fleece palm in the wicking liner, and pull-on loops make them easy to wear. The Lucent Heated Sensor Glove also gets all the little details right, including a locking zipper compartment for the batteries, touchscreen-compatible index fingers and thumbs, removable wrist leashes, a glove clip, and a pre-curved construction to improve dexterity. Material/Fabric: Polyester, goat leather fleece, and tricot | Insulation: Enduraloft, 333 grams at the back, and 133 grams at the palm and gauntlet cuff, plus battery-powered heat available in three settings | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex. Final Verdict It’s hard to beat the versatility of Black Diamond’s Soloist Finger Glove (view at Moosejaw), which uses a three-finger construction to provide the warmth of a mitten and the dexterity of a glove. Waterproof and breathable, it delivers 170 grams of PrimaLoft insulation as well as a removable fleece liner that can be worn solo. But if you want a more streamlined option, go with the Arc’teryx Venta AR (view at Arc’teryx) a softshell glove that comes with high-loft fleece for warmth and an overall slim fit to improve dexterity. Gore-Tex Infinium blocks out the elements, and goat leather reinforcements amp the durability. What to Look for in Mountaineering Gloves Waterproofing Even on bluebird days, your hands are going to get wet while mountaineering, whether from making contact with the snow and ice while climbing or while belaying and holding onto a cold, wet rope. So waterproof protection is essential. Most modern mountaineering gloves come with waterproof and breathable protection via a Gore-Tex or a proprietary membrane that will give you bomber protection without the risk of overheating. Materials The most common materials in mountaineering gloves consist of some sort of durable outer layer–either a hard- or softshell–made of polyester, typically treated with DWR to help block out moisture, layers of insulation, and inner linings, which are typically fleece or some other soft-against-the-skin fabric that helps wick any moisture off your hand, so that the sweat can evaporate to keep things comfortable. Look for leather in key areas like the palms and fingers, or any other spots that will get a lot of abuse while you’re climbing or rock scrambling. Kevlar-reinforced seams are also great and will add longevity to the gloves for several seasons of active use. Breathability The secret to a comfortable glove lies at the intersection of warmth and weather protection, but if the gloves don’t breathe, your hands could get clammy and start sweating, which can effectively reverse the insulation properties of a glove. Modern gloves hurtle this by integrating waterproof membranes that also breathe, which allows the sweat to be wicked off your skin so that it can evaporate and thus avoid wetting out the inside. Some gloves also integrate breathable panels in key areas to help dump heat, a nice feature if you’re heading out in milder temperatures. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use my normal ski or snowboarding gloves for mountaineering missions? While certain key features–insulation for warmth and waterproof protection to block out the elements–are consistent in both mountaineering and ski/snowboarding gloves, mountaineering gloves should deliver two other key features: durability and dexterity. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, you use your hands a lot when mountaineering, whether it’s when you’re navigating through rock, snow, and ice while climbing; using an ice ax; belaying your climbing partner; or setting lines, so you need fabrics that can handle a lot of abuse.And because you’re using your hands to do more than buckle your boots or hold onto poles, you need gloves that don’t hamper your dexterity, so you can work with your harness and carabiners without fumbling and perform all the other actions with confidence. Some mountaineers prefer “systems,” using a waterproof/breathable outer layer along with a weather-resistant inner layer that provides more dexterity for the more finite manipulation you might need without exposing your skin to the cold. What sort of insulation should I look for in mountaineering gloves? In general, the level of insulation should take into account your target area of mountaineering as well as when you’re setting out on your mission. Cold environs demand more warmth, so look for gloves with lots of insulation wrapped around a breathable/waterproof outer shell. But if you’re targeting warmer weather, you can cut down on the insulation a bit, and go with a pair of gloves that protect your hands from cold gear and rope work without overdoing it on insulation. How important is dexterity? The simple answer is VERY. Mountaineering often requires all the gear you’d need for rock climbing, so you need a pair of gloves that let you belay comfortably, set up gear without issue, and also handle all the other micro-movements required for the sport.The tricky part is to find the right mix of dexterity with the insulation you need to keep warm; more insulation–or using mittens or gloves with only one finger free–will impact a glove’s dexterity. But it’s always better to have a warmer glove with a modest impact on dexterity versus trying to climb with cold-numb fingers. How do I wash and care for mountaineering gloves? Most manufacturers will provide washing instructions, outlining the cleaning solution that takes into account the variable fabrics and materials used in the gloves. But in most cases, you can hand wash the outside of your mountaineering gloves using a small amount of sensitive detergent and cold water to get off any external grime or dirt.Machine washing is also possible; use the gentle cycle, put the gloves in a pillowcase to keep them contained and avoid anything getting caught, and then use a small amount of sensitive detergent. Squeeze out all the water afterward (but don’t wring them out, as that can damage the protective elements) and air dry. But if you have leather anywhere on the glove, avoid the washing machine and look for leather-specific hand-cleaning products. Why Trust Tripsavvy Nathan Borchelt has been rating, reviewing, testing, and obsessing about outdoor and travel gear for decades, and has spent loads of time in high-alpine environments throughout the world. All the items in this review were evaluated based on their core features, including waterproofness, breathability, dexterity, and durability, supplemented with referrals to both verified customer reviews and professional evaluations. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 10 below. Continue to 9 of 10 below.