Frequently Asked Questions
Gloves or mittens for winter hiking?
Mittens keep your hands warmer because your fingers share their warmth with each other: ideal for serious cold. Gloves give you more dexterity for handling kit. For very cold conditions, go for mittens; for active pursuits, go for gloves.
How to keep your hands warm in the mountains?
Wear insulated, windproof gloves or mittens, snug at the wrist to keep the cold out, and keep them dry. In really cold conditions, a two-layer system (liner glove + mitten) works brilliantly.
Do you need waterproof gloves?
In snowy or rainy weather, yes: wet gloves cool down fast. A waterproof membrane or a good water-repellent finish keeps your hands dry. For cold, dry conditions, warm windproof gloves are enough.
Which gloves should kids wear for hiking?
Warm mittens that are easy to pull on keep little hands nice and toasty, and they're less likely to go missing than gloves. Choose a windproof style and, if possible, a water-repellent one, sized to fit your child.