Best Overall
Burton Gore Glove or Mitts
Best Value
Carhartt Gloves or Mittens
Warmest
Black Diamond Mercury Mitt
Summary
Snowboarding is, hands down, one of the most enjoyable and adventurous recreational activities you can try. While many people love to chill under the summer’s burning sun, some of us prefer to have fun in snowy, frigid weather.
You need high-quality gear to conquer the bone-chilling weather during your winter adventure. Gloves are of the essence here.
Below you’ll find what we think are the best snowboard gloves out there for a variety of uses. Be sure to check out our tips and considerations further below.
Summary of the Best Snowboarding Gloves
Best Overall – Burton Gore Gloves
Best for the Money – Carharrt W.P Insulated Gloves or Mitts
Warmest – Black Diamond Mercury Mitt
Highest Quality (Most durable) – Hestra Army Leather Heli Gloves
Cheap, but Effective – Tough Outdoors Ski and Snow Gloves
Best Cheap Gloves for Women – MCTi Snow Gloves
Mid-Range Pick – Dakine Titan Gore-Tex Snow Glove
Best for Kids – Outdoor Research Adrenaline
Best for Park and Tricks – Burton AK Gore-Tex Clutch Mitten
Main Things to Pay Attention to for Snowboard Gloves
Before getting to product reviews, take a look at these three main points to have dialed in before looking at gloves.
More considerations on snowboard gloves are at the bottom of this article, but these are the important ones you should already be thinking of before purchasing.
Gloves vs Mittens
Almost all of the varieties of snowboard gloves in this list and on the market come as normal 5-fingered gloves, but also have a mitten variety. Some even come in a 3-fingered option, where the thumb and pointer finger have their own finger pockets, but the remaining fingers are all together in one (we have heard people refer to 3-finger style gloves as “lobster” mittens).
Why does this matter for snowboarding?
Snowboarders spend more time with their hands touching the snow because they sit down more frequently to strap into their bindings. Also, snowboarders don’t need as much dexterity to grip anything because no poles are used and snowboard boot bindings typically require less dexterity.
Mittens are without question warmer than gloves, all else being equal, but they are less dexterous.
For these reasons, it may make more sense for snowboarders to opt for mittens rather than normal gloves, but ultimately is personal preference.
Keep in mind that most glove models will have both glove and mitten varieties, so you can simply search for the one you want.
Over vs Under the Cuff
Styles of gloves/mittens usually come as either under or over the cuff. This designates how long they are at the wrist and forearm, and whether they are designed to be worn underneath your jacket sleeve, or over top of it.
Over the cuff gloves are longer, go over your sleeve, and can usually be cinched shut so that snow can’t get in. The benefits of over the cuff gloves are that they typically provided additional protection from snow finding its way down your sleeves and into your jacket. So these are best if you expect to be in deep snow at all.
Under the cuff gloves don’t do as good a job keeping snow out of your sleeves on deep powder days, but they are less bulky and look a little “cleaner” since your jacket sleeves go right over them at the wrist.
Again, many glove models are offered as both under and over the cuff, so its worth a quick search if you find a model you like but want a different cuff style.
Care for Gloves to Keep Them Warm
For some reason, not many people bring up or think about caring for their gloves to retain their waterproofing and warmth.
Both leather and synthetic fabric gloves need to be maintained.
Leather Gloves
Leather contains a natural waxing material that keeps them protected and stops them from drying out. However, this property does decline over time.
At least ONCE per season, you should be reapplying a leather conditioner to keep the leather from drying out, cracking, or losing its waterproofing. You can add an additional waterproofing wax layer for additional protection.
If you fail to care for leather gloves, they will stop keeping your hands warm and dry after just a few short seasons.
Synthetic Fabric Gloves
Same as leather gloves, you do need to care for synthetic fabric gloves. Usually, the strongest quality of these gloves is some kind of weatherproofing technology. The weather and waterproofing will wear off over time, so you should be reapplying it every so often (again, once per season is probably a good place to start). You can use something like this glove waterproofing from Nikwax.
Snowboard Glove Reviews
Alright, now time to take a look at some of our favorite snowboard gloves and mitts!
Best Overall Snowboard Glove for Men and Women
Burton Gore Glove or Mitt
5/5
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In the world of snowboarding, Burton is a rockstar. The gloves it makes are no different, and represent great quality. This pair of gore-tex gloves from Burton is made of their proprietary synthetic leather that promises to keep your hands warm and provide you with accurate touch screen control (on the glove version). No more bulky fingers in gloves!
Going in, there’s a gore-tex layer to wick moisture and keep your hands dry. In addition to the thermal core insulation that features a removable microfiber fleece lining for an added benefit.
We love the silicone palm, which offers a good grip on equipment. Besides, there’s a hidden vent pocket where you can add hand warmers for extra warmth.
Burton recommends you wear the liner by itself for shoveling, the shell on its own in spring, and the two together in rugged cold conditions. We find their suggestions pretty reasonable for the average person.
Why These Snowboard Gloves Stand Out
- Removable internal fleece lining
- Waterproof Dryride double shell
- Highly breathable
- Touchscreen compatible
- Hand warmer pocket
- Variety of colors and patterns to choose from
- High quality and lots of features for an affordable price
Other Product Specifications
- Gender: Men and Women models available
- Style: Glove and Mitten style available
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Fabric: Synthetic leather
Best Value Gloves for the Money
Carhartt W.P. Waterproof Insulated Mitt
5/5
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Carhartt is known for rugged, durable, and affordable protection for the outdoors. This is the stuff sported by blue-collar workers who spend a ton of time outside in the cold temperatures.
These insulated mitts (also come in glove version), are 100% polyester with a waterproof insert and a grippy palm.
We still have a pair of these guys that we bought in 2014 and they are still going strong.
For the price, you will not find a warmer pair of gloves or mitts. In fact, they are too warm in some weather conditions. So much so, that I will bring a different pair of gloves in my backpack when I wear these, just in case I sweat through them too much.
Very simply, no frills. There is an adjustable strap closure at your wrist to seal off any snow from getting in. Other than that, they simply do their job – which is keeping your hands warm!
Why These Snowboard Gloves Stand Out
- Ultra warm
- Rugged and durable – built to last
- Very affordable price
Other Product Specifications
- Gender: Men and Women models available
- Style: Glove and Mitten style available
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Fabric: Synthetic leather
Warmest Snowboard Gloves
Black Diamond Mercury Mitt
5/5
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Black Diamond’s most popular winter glove is their Mercury line. Goat leather palms and Kevlar stitching provide durability, while 4-way stretch fabric on the rest of the exterior is lightweight and abrasion resistant.
The Mercury Mitt includes a removable split finger liner that features fleece lining and a dry insert for moisture resistance. PrimaLoft Gold insulation, one of the best synthetic insulating materials out there, round out this mitt for providing ultimate warmth.
These mittens are rated all the way down to -20 F, although the comfort range is probably closer to 0-10 F. Still, that is plenty warm for the vast majority of snowboarders out there except for the most extreme of adventures and conditions.
Why These Snowboard Gloves Stand Out
- Premium materials like goat skin leather
- High grade insulating materials (PrimaLoft)
- Ultra Warm
Other Product Specifications
- Gender: Men and Women models available
- Style: Mitts only
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Material: Shell: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex, 100% Goat Skin Palm, Lining: 100% Polyester
Highest Quality & Most Durable
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves
5/5
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Made for professional skiers, snowboarders, and mountain patrollers, Hestra’s gloves stand head and shoulder above their counterparts. The outside part is made of Hestra’s own Triton fabric, while the palms are made of supple, durable army leather.
When it comes to durability and withstanding friction, these gloves are the real deal. However, they’re not the best when it comes to thermal insulation. They do have an internal lining of polyester fiber to trap the heat. They perform well in regular cold weather, but they won’t be enough for a blizzard, for example.
Hestra’s Army gloves will require consistent care to keep the leather and synthetics optimally waterproofed.
Why These Snowboard Gloves Stand Out
- Durable and abrasion resistant
- Warm and insulating
- Elastic cuff leashes
- Long gauntlets
Other Product Specifications
- Gender: Men and Women models available
- Style: Mitts only
- Sizes: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (see Hestra sizing chart)
- Material: 70% army leather, 30% synthetic (Tritone)
Cheapest That Work
Tought Outdoors Snow Gloves
5/5
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Snowboarding is already an expensive activity. You don’t want to add to its cost by buying high priced gear. Here’s when these waterproof and windproof gloves from Tough Outdoor come in handy.
These gloves offer unparalleled water repellency, thanks to their nylon outer shell. On the other side, the palm is made of synthetic leather that’ll help with thermal insulation and protect your hands against abrasion, while the TPU membrane helps improve breathability and keep moisture at bay.
A comfy fit definitely adds to these gloves’ value. The wrists have drawstrings for accurate closure and adjustable wrist buckles to secure the fit. Lastly, there are wrist security straps to keep them attached to you the whole time.
The unique feature? These gloves have nose wipe thumbs, which, in our opinion, are super convenient!
All in all, this is a pair of functional gloves that do the job well. They’ll keep your hands warm and dry at an unbelievable price.
Why These Snowboard Gloves Stand Out
- As cheap as you can find for a glove that works
- Nose wipe thumb
- Drawstring wrist closures
- Reinforced synthetic leather palm
Other Product Specifications
- Gender: Unisex
- Style: Gloves only
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Material: Shell: Nylon outer shell and Synthetic Leather palms
Great Mid Range Price Option
Dakine Titan Gore-Tex Snow Glove
5/5
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These Titan gauntlet gloves from Dakine are versatile when it comes to warmth. There’s a gore-tex insert that you can use for added warmth on cold days. The insert has superb water resistance and it’ll ensure that your hands are dry, as well.
On days with a mild cold, you can use their removable storm liner with its touchscreen finger compatibility to use your phone freely without continually having to take off the gloves and put them back on whenever you need to communicate with anyone.
When it comes to dexterity, Dakine Titan’s gloves are relatively average. They’re not the best when it comes to performing tasks flawlessly, but they work fine for their price range.
On the bright side, these gloves exhibit an impressive array of features. The palm is made of rugged rubber that provides a good grip, and the shell features a waterproof zipper where you can stash your keys or money.
Why These Snowboard Gloves Stand Out
- Water repelling gore-tex insert
- Touchscreen sensitivity
- Removable inner liner
- Hand warmer pocket
Other Product Specifications
- Gender: Men
- Style: Gloves only
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Material: Shell: 72% Polyester, 25% Pvc, 3% Polyurethane Lining: 100% Polyester Insulation: 100% Polyester Fiber
Budget Pick for Women
MCTi Winter Snowboard Gloves
5/5
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MCTi’s waterproof gloves are sleek and durable gloves with marvelous capabilities. Designed particularly for women, these gloves from MCTi are anything but bulky.
To keep your hands toasty, they feature 3M Thinsulate insulation that traps body heat without trapping moisture. To keep them dry, there’s a TPU membrane that wicks the moisture away. The palm is made of anti-slip leather for dexterity and to ease joint pain.
In their 2019 updated design, MCTi modified their gloves to give them a grip that works with touch screens, and customers seem to love it!
The wrist strap is adjustable to ensure proper fitting, and there are elastic wrist leashes so as not to lose them while you’re out between the mountains. The black/pink combo is visually appealing. It’s also available in grey, red, and yellow, all combined with black. Lastly, there’s a nose wipe thumb that is truly efficient in cold weather.
Why These Snowboard Gloves Stand Out
- 3M thinsulate provides effective insulation
- Slightly more form fitting than other gloves for additional dexterity
- Another very affordable option
Other Product Specifications
- Gender: Women
- Style: Gloves only
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Material: Shell: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex, 100% Goat Skin Palm, Lining: 100% Polyester
Best Mitt for Park and Tricks
Burton Men’s AK Gore-Tex Clutch Mitten
5/5
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These 3-fingered, or “lobster mitten”, style gloves provide form-fitting warmth that fit nicely under your jacket sleeve.
The low bulk and dexterity in your pointer finger make these a warm, but unobtrusive mitt that allows you to seamlessly go for grabs and other tricks without feeling clunky.
While these mitts only provide medium level warmth, they are among the most dexterous gloves for snowboarders who love the feel of leather mittens.
Additionally, Burton packs their Screen Grab technology into the thumb and index fingers so that you can control your phone without having to expose your hands to the cold.
Why These Snowboard Gloves Stand Out
- Form Fitting
- Low Bulk
- Screen touch sensitivity
- Soft and supple leather palm
- Under the cuff, but extends a little longer for extra protection
Other Product Specifications
- Gender: Men
- Style: Mitts only
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Outdoor Research Adrenaline Gloves
5/5
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This glove model can be bought as a glove or a mitten, and is available for men, women, and kids. In fact, because kids generally fare better with mittens and tend to lose their gloves more frequently, this is probably one of the best snowboarding gloves for kids. Its quality enough to keep them warm, but affordable enough to be replaced if needed.
Outdoor Research is an award-winning manufacturer of adventure apparel. The company is built upon the premise that life is an adventure, and it’s their duty to equip adventurers with what they need.
These Adrenaline gloves are pre-curved for an ergonomic fit. They’re made of a waterproof nylon shell and abrasion-resistant AlpenGrip LT palm grip. Behind these two, there’s a layer of EnduraLoft insulation that provides exquisite protection against the elements while being plush and comfortable.
In addition to that, Outdoor Research’s Adrenaline gloves feature a brilliant removable insert called the “Ventia Insert.” It provides an extra layer of thermal insulation and water repellency, ensuring that these paws of yours will stay toasty during your snowboarding trip.
These are decent gloves that provide above-average thermal protection and waterproofing, all while maintaining moderate dexterity.
Why These Snowboard Gloves Stand Out
- Options for all genders, sizes, and styles
- Long gauntlet to keep snow out
- Pre-curved construction fits to hand nicely
- Good quality for fair price
Other Product Specifications
- Gender: Men, Women, and Kids models available
- Style: Gloves and Mitts available
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Material: 100% nylon back of the hand – EnduraLoft insulation 100% polyester: 266g/m2 on the back of the hand, 100% polyester tricot lining, and finished with an AlpenGrip LT palm
Other Snowboard Glove Considerations
In addition to the main points outlined earlier in the article, there are several other factors when you decide on which snowboard gloves to get. You need them to be weather-resistant, waterproof, and moisture-wicking. All while providing a proper fit at a reasonable price.
Material
Leather
This is a widespread and stylish option. No doubt that these leather gloves look cool. They have limited dexterity compared to their counterparts. Meanwhile, leather is more durable than most synthetic materials, and it’s naturally water-resistant.
An all-leather pair of gloves is more prone to abrasion, so steer away from these. Yet, most reputable brands add other treated fabrics in the palm and knuckles area to give them additional strength.
Synthetics
On the other hand, you’ll find most high-end snowboard gloves are made of synthetic fabric. It could be nylon or gore-tex. Spandex is usually added to the mix to ensure proper fitting. When it comes to dexterity, synthetics are definitely better and more supple. Compared to leather, they’re the less durable option.
Insulation
Probably this is the most important part of snowboarding gloves. Insulation is the layer that’s directly in touch with your hands, which aims at retaining your body temperature, all the while wicking moisture away to keep your hands dry. Insulation can literally make or break your snowboarding gloves.
You’ll come across two types of insulation pretty often; Thinsulate and Primaloft. They’re both quality synthetic patented fabrics that are composed of ultrathin microfibers woven together to trap heat. The key quality here is that they let moisture go.
Membrane
To make the gloves breathable, there’s a membrane between the outer shell and the insulation layer. The most common membranes are either gore-tex or polyurethane. These materials are responsible for perspiration, where they allow proper airflow to disperse the heat. Gore-tex is the better option here.
Removable Liners
Many gloves come with removable liners that provide an extra layer of warmth. Because these liners might bulk up the gloves and make it “too warm” for some temperatures, they’re removable. Nonetheless, having them is usually a favorable asset.
Final Thoughts
Getting decent gloves for your snowboarding can elevate the whole experience. You won’t have to bother getting your hand in and out of these gloves continuously to keep them warm and perform basic tasks. A good pair of gloves will keep you warm and enable you to perform these tasks at ease.
We hope we’ve covered all you need to know to find the best snowboard gloves for you, and hopefully gave you a good place to start with some of our favorite options.
Stay warm!
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