Snowboarding in an incredible hobby and truly one of the most thrilling ways you can spend your time. Each adventure barrelling down a mountain at breakneck speeds truly puts life into perspective in a way that few other sports can ever hope to achieve.
But with such a risky endeavor comes the need to use the finest equipment available. One of the most important gear items in the set is snowboarding gloves. Without them, any boarder would feel naked while on the snow. They keep your hands warm and safe as you careen down the mountain and inevitably touch the snow.
Much Awesome: Table of Contents
Best Snowboard Glove Comparison
Product |
Image |
Rating |
Purchase |
| Hestra Army Leather Heli 3 Finger Glove |   |
★★★★ | Buy Now |
| Outdoor Research Alti Snowboard Gloves |   |
★★★★ | Buy Now |
| Burton Gore-Tex Snowboarding Gloves |   |
★★★★ | Buy Now |
| Arc’teryx Alpha FL Glove |  |
★★★★★ | Buy Now |
| Gordini Promo Gauntlet Gore-Tex Gloves |   |
★★★★★ | Buy Now |
| Black Diamond Men’s Guide Gloves |   |
★★★ | Buy Now |
| Dakine Men’s Titan Snowboard Gloves |   |
★★★★ | Buy Now |
| Outdoor Research Men’s Revolution Gloves |   |
★★★★ | Buy Now |
| Gordini Men’s GTX Storm Trooper II Gloves |   |
★★★★★ | Buy Now |
How to choose the perfect Snowboarding Gloves
There are several factors that come into play when choosing the best snowboarding gloves for your specific situation and location. Here are the most important things to consider before ultimately making a purchase.
Insulation
Insulation is normally measured in grams but it isn’t always wise to trust this metric. There is no standard among snowboarding glove manufacturers so each rating can mean something different. Some pairs just have an intended temperature while others feature the weight of the insulation. This is really only something to go on once you’ve used a set from the same company before.
What weather will you be in?
Snowboarding gloves are made for a variety of environments and climates so getting the thickest or warmest pair you can find isn’t always the best option. For instance, warm climates such as those during spring can feature warm bursts that can cause the slopes and your equipment to get wet. In this case, wearing thin snowboarding gloves with a formidable waterproof shell. This helps keep them from getting soaked through. For cold winters, the thickest set that doesn’t focus on waterproofing would be your best bet. If you have a hybrid of these situations where you live, a more well-rounded pair of snowboarding gloves will be required.
What is your intensity level?
If you are pushing your limits and going as hard as possible, a thin pair of snowboarding gloves will work to keep you from getting too sweaty. Your body heat will rise despite the snow if you are performing strenuous and highly engaging activity. If you are a beginner or having some more casual fun with friends and family then a thicker set will suit you more. You won’t generate much body heat when taking it easy so the extra warmth will be greatly appreciated.
Straps and power gaiters
Snowboarding gloves have an increasing number of complex accessories each year. To keep it simple, focus on retainer straps and long cuffs. The straps allow you to take off your gloves and have them dangle from your wrists. This lets you adjust your helmet, blow your nose, or perform any other precise activity with your bare hands while keeping the gloves conveniently attached to you. Long cuffs are great for keeping snow out of your outfit. When boarding all day it is very easy to accumulate a lot of powder under your sleeve that can become uncomfortable very quickly. The cuffs prevent that and make your day as fun as possible.
Waterproofness
Waterproof breathable snowboarding gloves that can resist getting wet are your best friend when out on the mountain. The liners have come a long way since the early days of boarding. Now even off brand snowboarding gloves can come with some pretty advanced technology that can keep you dry for much longer. Look for fabric such as eVent for a very comfortable experience all day long.
Removable liners
This element may seem unimportant but can really make the difference between a good and great pair of snowboarding gloves. By being able to take out the lining, you can help your pair dry overnight that much easier. You also have a much more versatile set as some snowboarding gloves even allow you to wear just the shell or just the liner which makes it way easier to adjust to different temperatures and conditions each day you go out.
This element may seem unimportant but can really make the difference between a good and great pair of snowboarding gloves. By being able to take out the lining, you can help your pair dry overnight that much easier. You also have a much more versatile set as some snowboarding gloves even allow you to wear just the shell or just the liner which makes it way easier to adjust to different temperatures and conditions each day you go out.
Handwarmer Pockets
These are a great addition for kids, beginners, and people who always seem to get cold easily. The extra warmth for your fingers can make all the difference in terms of how comfortable your session is. If you spot a pair of snowboarding gloves with this feature consider spending the additional few dollars to get a much better experience while shredding.
Looking for snowboard boots? Check out the Best Snowboard Boots For 2019/2020.
Our Top 9 Snowboarding Gloves
In each mini-review of the top snowboarding gloves, we at Much Awesome have included short descriptions of each pair as well as what situations and environments they work best in. These will make it even easier to decide which pair of gloves to ultimately buy before hitting the slopes this winter.
Hestra Army Leather Heli 3 Finger Glove
This particular set of snowboarding gloves are like a lobster claw that fits three of your fingers into a single pouch. The index finger and thumb each have their own pocket to give you some control over your grip. This is a nice mix of dexterity and warmth that is great for both amateurs and pros alike. There is a removable liner which helps you swap out various other sets within the same shell.
The goatskin leather on your palms it comfortable and flexible as well. This makes it easy to wear all day since you can move your hand fully and get a good grip on your surroundings. Zipping up your jacket and grabbing your board is quite easy with these snowboarding gloves. Treating the leather every once in a while is a great way to maintain their softness and flexibility. While they aren’t waterproof, using a product like SnoSeal can keep moisture at bay for much longer periods.
Overall, this pair is a great choice for extremely dry climates. You don’t get much wetness protection but they are incredibly warm and work well in the cold. If you are an intense boarder that needs a strong and durable set of snowboarding gloves then this is one of the most solid choices you can go with.
Outdoor Research Alti Snowboard Gloves
Outdoor research always provides a solid product and the Alti set is no exception. The elastic cuff keeps the glove close to your skin and helps prevent snow from getting inside. These snowboarding gloves provide some durability and snow protection all around. The palm features a very useful grip texture that makes it incredibly easy to carry your phone and other objects while keeping your hands shielded from the cold.
There is an additional long bell cuff that can be strapped to your jacket in order to keep the powder at bay. There are even articulated fingers to improve air flow and further enhance your grip. This set is quite waterproof and will work well to protect you from both snow and moisture buildup. The fabric looks incredibly stylish and should be hand washed in order to preserve the texture quality.
Overall, these snowboarding gloves by Outdoor research work great for a hybrid of warm and cold environments. You can expect some solid warmth while also giving your hands some room to breathe. They resist water as well so there is no need to fear if they get dragged through the snow.
Burton Gore-Tex Snowboarding Gloves
Burton is an incredibly popular snowboarding brand and for good reason. They offer a variety of gear that is well built and gets the job done. This pair of snowboarding gloves are no different and worth your consideration to be sure. The removable liner makes it easy to dry out if you are pursuing a longer shred session or are participating in a trip that spans multiple days. Just separate the liner and hang them out in order to keep them from accumulating water. Setting the insulation close to the fire is an even quicker way of getting your gloves ready for the slopes once more.
The fingers remain warm while still allowing you to transmit feeling through them. This allows you to use the touch screen on your phone without having to take the gloves off. The handwarmer pocket keeps your digits feeling great even on much colder days. The dry ride 2 layer fabric supports the durable shell and helps this pair last even longer.
In the end, these gloves are perfect for cold sessions in the middle of winter. The thick insulation and handwarmer pocket made them some of the warmest gear you can take with you on a mountain. Plus, the liners are easy to take out and dry so they stay dry and warm for several days in a row.
Arc’teryx Alpha FL Glove
Arc-teryx is a rather pricey brand but you do get what you pay for. These gloves are very high quality and look incredibly nice in the light. The outer shell is waterproof and the fabric provides a good deal of air flow that helps your skin breathe. Unfortunately, the cuffs are rather short and won’t do as much to keep out snow as a majority of the other sets on this list.
The Polartec insulation is rather hefty and provides a great deal of warmth while out on the slopes. You can also remove the liners for quicker drying between boarding sessions. This makes it some of the finest insulation material we have ever used. There is great finger articulation in the mitts and you can even use sensitive surfaces such as touch screens with them on. Anyone who has frozen their fingers off checking their phone before will surely appreciate this luxury feature.
This set of gloves is one of the most high-end pieces of gear you can buy for snowboarding. The extensive warmth will keep you comfortable in even the harshest winters and their resistance to water is incredibly powerful. If budget is no concern and you want to remain warm no matter what then these are the snowboarding gloves for you.
Gordini Promo Gauntlet Gore-Tex Gloves
Gordini is another brand that is rather common to see while out on the slopes. Their gear is rather affordable without skimping on effectiveness. These promo gauntlets provide a huge amount of flexibility to both your fingers and palms. The Gore-Tex membrane is incredibly comfy and allows the skin to breathe with ease. The cuffs are pretty short though so be wary if you often find snow accumulating inside of your sleeves.
The powder skirt does provide some protection so the snow doesn’t get too far into your clothes. There is a nice adjustable wrist strap so you can easily remove these gloves in order to adjust your gear or check your phone. Having the option of quickly using your bare hands without worrying about dropping the gloves is a huge enhancement to the quality of life out on the mountain. The leather shell is very waterproof and the leather palms will remain in good condition for quite a while.
Overall, these gloves are a great bargain and shouldn’t be overlooked due to the low price tag. They get the job done in a variety of circumstances and are a great all around option for a majority of the year. They are simple and easy to use as well so beginners will no doubt gravitate towards a pair such as these.
Black Diamond Men’s Guide Gloves
Black Diamond delivers some of the most durable and heavy-duty gear you can find for some of the most aggressive outdoor activities. Their snowboarding gloves are no exception and will definitely impress anyone who tends to tear or damage the gloves they use. They feature a whopping 170g of insulation which will keep you warm pretty much no matter what mother nature throws at you.
This particular set is also completely waterproof and won’t gather moisture during even the longest of trips. The leather palms feature strong goat skin that is flexible and guaranteed to protect the softer side of your hands. There is padded protection for your knuckles as well in case you take a tumble down the slopes. These will absorb many impacts before wearing down and you can easily expect to get multiple seasons from them.
This set is great for any boarder who likes to live dangerously. These hefty gloves can absorb all manner of impacts and will keep you warm no matter what. The waterproof nature of this set also ensures that you can take them out in warmer climates as well. If you foresee yourself getting down and powdery, then check these bad boys out.
Dakine Men’s Titan Snowboard Gloves
Dakine has gone above and beyond to ensure anyone who wears these gloves does not get their hands wet while out on the slopes. The outer shell features a durable water repellant coat that is exactly as it sounds. It blocks all moisture buildup and this pair of gloves can even be submerged in water without getting very damp. Your fingers will remain comfortable and flexible even in chilly water and that is something that not many manufacturers can say.
The polyester used to construct the glove is decent at absorbing tears and impacts but a nylon finish would have been even better. It seems they had to take a step back somewhere after providing such a potent water repellant. There is an extremely long cuff to keep powder out and a convenient hand warmer pocket that will keep you extra comfortable on the coldest of days. In a few years, all gloves will most likely have this pocket of warmth because it is just such a nice feature and easy to implement.
This set of gloves is a fantastic value for the money and gives you many nice features. If you absolutely don’t want water or snow anywhere near your hand then this is the pair for you. The hand warmer pocket will serve you well in winter and the waterproof coating will be a huge boon in spring or fall. A great choice for just about any season and this set comes highly recommended.
Outdoor Research Men’s Revolution Gloves
This is yet another pair of snowboarding gloves that proves just how far Outdoor Research has come in the last few years. They come in three different colors and are made of 100% pure nylon. This is a very durable set of gloves and can resist tears and scrapes like the best of them. They are not only waterproof but windproof as well. The material is highly breathable and will keep your skin comfortable for an extremely long time.
The soft nose wipe located on the tip of the thumb allows you to quickly take care of your nose without even having to remove the glove. There is a wrist strap as well in case you need your bare hands for anything more precise. You can even clip the gloves to your jacket if they will be off for an extended period. The Duo Cinch gauntlet is very durable while also allowing for articulated finger movement and natural wrist motions. There is also a nice layer of insulation that provides warmth and protects your hands from the cold.
If you live in an extremely cold climate and need the utmost in warmth then this is the set to check out. The insulation is thick and keeps you feeling warm all day. Features such as the nose wipe make it easy to perform tasks without having to unshield your fingers. There is some waterproofing but there are better gloves for warmer climates out there. Overall, check these out if you have harsh winters an want to come prepared.
Gordini Men’s GTX Storm Trooper II Gloves
As the name implies, this offering from Gordini is great for harsh weather and fierce blizzards. They are made from over 90% nylon with just a smidge of spandex thrown in for improved flexibility. There are five different colors to choose from and there is padded protection around the knuckles similar to work gloves. The Gore-Tex insulation insert is incredibly soft and one of the most comfortable liners we have ever used.
The pre-curved construction makes these gloves flexible and easy to move. You can articulate your fingers with a full range of motion and perform natural actions without any strife. The hand warmer pocket is a great addition for when the wind picks up and your environment becomes that much colder. The grip on the palms and wrap cap on the fingers allow you to easily grasp objects in your environment and hold onto them tight.
These gloves are immaculate for blizzards and other bad weather phenomena. It will shield you from wetness, wind, and snow while remaining comfortable inside the whole time. They are insanely warm and will sure to delight anyone who gets cold too quickly. If you live in places like Wisconsin where the weather can change in an instant, these gloves are a great choice as they can mitigate the uncertainty that comes with a sudden storm.
Looking For a Great Beginner Snowboard? check Out Our Post For The Best Beginner Snowboards.
Conclusion
Now that you know a thing or two about what makes a great pair of snowboarding gloves, you can begin to start checking the weather conditions near where you are planning to shred. The best glove for you is one that perfectly matches the environment you will be boarding in. It also behooves you to think long term about when you think you will stop for the season or if you are planning any extensive trips. If you are going to be faced with multiple different environments, choosing a hybrid glove like the Altis by Outdoor Research is a smart move. No matter what you pick, just remember to have fun and stay safe out there.
