In cold, wet, or erratic weather, a nice pair of good waterproof gloves will be the difference between a pleasant day of outdoor adventure and a day ended due to frozen hands, wet hands. It does not matter whether you are hiking in a steady rain, shoveling snow in your driveway, or skiing on down mountain slopes, it is necessary to keep your hands dry and warm, to be relaxed, safe, and functioning. The gloves to the right are not only protecting you against the elements, but they enable you to move freely, have a good grip and be focused on the job or adventure you are doing.
However, there are many kinds of gloves out there, lightweight rain gloves, heavy-duty insulated gloves, that is why it is easy to get confused with their selection. What do you do to find out which of them is in fact waterproof, and which is only waterproof in a way? Which materials are you interested in? What actually counts and what is nothing better than marketing fluff?
This guide will take you through all the information that you require to know about good waterproof gloves, what are the features that make them effective, how to differentiate between a well-designed one and a low-quality imitation, and what features will best fit your individual activities and conditions.Â
Why good waterproof gloves are essential
Wet hands lose heat 25 times faster than dry hands. The excessive loss of warmth in a short period of time can make an otherwise fun day out to be a miserable or even dangerous event. That is the reason why waterproof gloves are not all about comfort, but also about protection. When the moisture is leaking in it does not only leave you cold but also makes the chances of blisters, numbness and in severe cold frostbite.
Also, wet hands may decrease the dexterity and reaction time of athletes and workers in the field, and increase the risk of accidents, regardless of whether they are indoors or outdoors. Just think of the difficulty in using a tool, ski poles, or fishing equipment with frozen clammy fingers, not only is that uncomfortable, but also unsafe.Â
Be it the drizzle or ice-fishing on the frozen lake or when doing some heavy-duty work on a building site, with good waterproof gloves you are left free to stay out longer and work or play harder without having to compromise on the comfort or safety.
What makes good waterproof gloves truly “good”
Not every good waterproof gloves is invented the same. Others might repel a drizzle, but not much snow or rain, and others will prevent your hands from being sweaty and clammy. Waterproof gloves are a great combination of protection, comfort and usability. There are several major features, which distinguish them among the others.
1. Effective waterproof membrane
The secret of any good waterproof gloves lies in a good membrane - the sheet which prevents water from entering and at the same time does not permit moisture or sweat to escape. This is what constitutes waterproofing. The high-end brands tend to employ the new material like Gore-Tex or Hipora or in-house developed technologies, like OutDry.
A good membrane operates at a microscopic scale, where it prevents the entry of water droplets but allows the vapor molecules to go through. This breathability keeps your hands not clammy, and keeps your hands comfortable, even when involved in heavy physical exercises.Â
2. Durable outer shell
The outer covering of a good waterproof gloves is the first line of defense against the elements of the glove. It must also be resistant to water, abrasion, tears and piercing. Reinforced nylon, polyester softshell, or synthetic leather are the best choices in waterproof gloves that can withstand rugged environments.
Unless you exercise at home or practice such activities as skiing, climbing, or snow shoveling, then such durability is important. The shell is a solid reinforcer of the waterproof layer under it and gives your gloves a longer life period - you will not need to change them after every use.
3. Insulation for warmth
Cold and wet weather come hand-in-hand, and it is the insulation, which prevents numbness of your fingers. Warmth and dexterity are balanced by wearing gloves made of such materials as Thinsulate, PrimaLoft, or fleece linings, and so on, which are good waterproof gloves.Â
As an example, the Thinsulate gloves are ideal in situations where one must retain fine motor control such as photographers, mechanics or snowboarders since the material is thin but incredibly efficient in keeping the hands warm.
4. Secure fit and adjustable cuffs
The driest glove is not immune as water may find its way through the holes. This is why it is necessary to have a safe fit. Find gloves that have straps to adjust the wrist, or elastic cuffs, Velcro, or drawcords. These assist in making a tight fit around your wrists which keeps out rain, snow and cold air.
Cuffs that are designed in the style of gauntlets and go over the sleeves of the jacket are a feature of some of the more expensive models as well, a necessary feature when snowboarding or skiing in deep powder.
5. Grip and dexterity
Good waterproof gloves are also not supposed to cause your hands to feel awkward. You need to have control whether you are holding ski poles, using power tools, or swiping your phone. Quality gloves commonly have silicone, textured synthetic palms and fingers, which are rubberized, and do not interfere with waterproof performance.
Fingertips that are compatible with touchscreens are also becoming the norm and you can use your smartphone or your GPS devices without subjecting your skin to the cold.
Types of good waterproof gloves by activity
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Various activities require various designs of gloves. The waterproof gloves that are the best are up to what you will do with them whether it is work, sports or recreation. Below are some of the things to look out in each category:
1. Waterproof work gloves
Good waterproof gloves will have to be flexible, tough, and practical when applied in the workplace by people who work outdoors: in the construction sector, agriculture, or even maintenance. Find those that have reinforced palms and have fingertips that are compatible with the touchscreen to use on the job. A grip on it is also rubberized which can make it easy to hold tools firmly even when wet.
2. Waterproof ski gloves
Skiers and snowboarders expose themselves to very cold and gusty wind as well as moisture. The characteristics of good waterproof ski gloves are that they should be multi-layered with insulation and a Gore-Tex or similar coating over it, long cuffs, with drawcords or gaiters to block snow. Others have hand warmer pockets or wrist leashes to avoid dropping accidentally on the slopes.
3. Waterproof hiking gloves
Gloves used during hiking should have a balance between the resistance to weather and breathability. They are best done in lightweight softshell fabrics with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. They are lightweight and shield against light rain and wind and do not make your hands too hot on tough ascents. In more severe weather, choose insulated models that have removable liners.
4. Waterproof motorcycle gloves
Motor bikers need good waterproof gloves that can shield against the weather and collision. Find leather or fabric waterproof gloves that have a reinforced knuckle, palm that increases grip, and windproofing lining. The gauntlet-like design provides additional coverage in case of a long ride, and a breathable membrane allows eliminating the possibility of sweat accumulating in the inside of the glove.
5. Waterproof fishing gloves
Dexterity and sensitivity are important to the angler. You should touch your line and bait keeping your hands dry. Waterproof gloves made of latex-blend neoprene are the best options as they offer a tight fit and high levels of flexibility. They are made with open-finger designs or textured grips in some models so that they can be easily handled when tying knots or casting in wet conditions.
How to maintain your good waterproof gloves
Even those high-quality good waterproof gloves will not serve forever as long as they are not taken care of. Waterproof membranes can be destroyed over time by dust, sweat, and wear, and improper drying or storage may cause unpleasant smells or even mold. To make your gloves last years of good service under these easy steps of maintenance:
1. Avoid machine drying
Always put your gloves in the dryer or in a place that is not close to a source of direct heat such as a radiator or a camp fire. A lot of heat may destroy waterproof membranes, melt manmade fabrics, or distort leather.
Rather, you should dry your gloves naturally after using them. Unlike, twist, or wring, open them up, squeeze out all the extra water, and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated place without direct sunlight. To speed up the process of drying them, you may put in a couple of paper towels or a good waterproof gloves dryer that is designed to dry outdoor equipment.
2. Coat DWR (Frequently, regularly)
With time, the wear and tear of the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) or the ability of the glove to release water on its surface can be lost through use and washing. Once you see that the water is no longer beading but rather getting in the fabric it is time to reapply.
A spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment can be used, found in the majority of outdoor shops. Reapplying after every 3-6 months (determined by use) will be able to replenish the water-shedding capacity of the glove and make it last longer.
3. Clean gently and smartly
Washing your gloves ensures that they remain breathable and no salt, oils and dirt accumulated inside which can block waterproof pores. Nonetheless, waterproof layers may be destroyed by harsh detergents.
Wetly wash the outer shell with lukewarm water and a mild soap or cleaner (such as Nikwax or the Grangers) or special cleaner. Keep out bleach, fabric softeners or dry cleaning.
In case of gloves with removable liners, wash them separately and make sure that both layers are thoroughly dry before they are reassembled.
4. Store in a cool, dry place
After washing and drying, keep your good waterproof gloves in an airy and cool place, not under humidity and direct sun radiation. Do not stuff them into tight spaces (e.g. jacket pockets or bags) when wet because they can be subject to mildew, accumulation of odors and breakdown of the material.
When you are not going to use them in the near future, say, in between seasons, you should not keep them in a sealed plastic bag, but in a breathable one to avoid accumulation of moisture.
When you take good care of your gloves, it is not only that they stay in a fresh condition but they also stay waterproof, warm, and will serve you for a number of seasons.
Tips for buying good waterproof gloves
It is not just about choosing the appropriate size or brand of good waterproof gloves but asking the question of what you need and how the different features influence the performance. Begin by looking at the waterproof rating which is typically in millimeters of hydrostatic head. A glove of approximately 5,000mm is suitable for light rain or casual wear whereas 10,000mm-15,000mm is suitable for skiing or light rain. Extreme or long wet conditions require gloves of 20,000mm or more.Â
Reviews and real-world feedback should also be read before purchasing. The description of marketing may be impressive, however the experience of the user may show how much the gloves are effective in reality, they may be kept dry during wet weather, they may be comfortable after several hours as well as durable after months of usage.
If possible, try the gloves on. It should fit perfectly: it must be tight without being tight, with full freedom of movement of fingers without points of pressure. Too loosely fitted gloves allow cold air and moisture in and too tight ones may limit circulation and warmth.
Consider the way and place you are going to wear your gloves. Insulation, long cuffs, and wrist gaiters should also be at the forefront of the snowboarders and skiers so that they keep the snow out. Outdoor workers require tough gloves with a high grip and can use them with a touchscreen. Lightweight breathable fabrics that dry easily will be an advantage to hikers and campers, as impact protection and long-gauntlet cuffs should be sought by motorcyclists.Â
Lastly, there are little details that make the product more useful and more comfortable to use such as touchscreen fingertips to use on the phone or GPS, soft nose wipe on the ski gloves, clip connectors to keep the gloves together, reinforced palms to hold the gloves better, or removable liners to allow more versatile layering.
Read more: The ultimate guide to water resistant gloves: Stay dry and protected
Final thoughts: Investing in good waterproof gloves
At EvridWear, we believe that, ultimately, good waterproof gloves are not another item in your inventory but an investment into your comfort, performance, and safety. An excellent match gives you a chance to confront the elements straight on, be it doing a snow-shoveling battle, fixing a fence in the rain or on an early morning fishing trip.
When you select gloves that meet your requirements, take good care of them, and know what makes them really work, you will be sure they will last from one season to another.
Next time you are getting ready to go out on an adventure or just going to work in a harsh environment, do not bother with the stuff that is on the bargain-bin or the discount shelf. Buy two good waterproof gloves that are long lasting. Your hands will be dry, warm and ready to meet whatever Mother Nature has in store for you.