10 Reviews: Best Mittens for Winter Hiking (Apr 2024)

These rain mitts are ideal for protecting your base or liner gloves from the elements since they are exceptionally light and breathable. They are very lightweight and can be shrunk to the point that they can fit almost anyplace. The mitts reach a considerable distance up the arm for increased weather protection, and the one-hand adjustable drawstring makes tightening and loosening them simple during wear. Each pair also includes a.25 oz bottle of waterproof Seam Grip + WP sealant, which can be used to strengthen seams. Since these mittens run big, you’ll probably want to size down… Maybe even two.

Like so many other big mileage long distance hikers, my MLD eVENT rain mitts have been with me for thousands of miles of hiking. When you need them, they are there, and do their job. When do you not need them, at their crazy small pack space, and 1-ounce weight, they are not something that is going to take up space or add undue weight. Nice long length up the wrist/arm really helps keep any rain from getting into the glove. ...

by John Abela

These ultra-lightweight, ultra-compressible mittens are crafted in Minnesota using synthetic down material to keep your hands warm in the cold. Even when wet, the Climashield APEX insulation dries rapidly and retains heat. Depending on your preferred amount of warmth, the mittens are also available in 2, 4, or 6-ounce insulation options. Their ultralight construction makes them ideal for a variety of weather situations, and they also wash up well. For those cold days out on the trail, these gloves are all about warmth and lightweight packability.

We received your Strong Hold mittens from our son. They are incredibly warm in these Minnesota winters. We wear them daily on our hikes. Thank you for such a high quality product protecting us from wind and cold temperatures.

by Joan Brown

These would be a great addition to climbers’ or hikers’ bags if they were going into frigid terrain. They feature a 4-way stretch design that allows them to “move with you,” plus they aren’t bulky and pack down remarkably easy for the amount of warmth they give. Removable fleece liners warm the insides of the gloves; nevertheless, the liner separates the pointer finger, which detracts from the overall “mitten” look. Another thing to keep in mind is that this model lacks built-in wrist leashes.

Boiled wool is a hiking glove alternative that many people are unaware of. It’s made by boiling a pair of too-large wool gloves for a few minutes. Then you take them out of the water and let them dry on your hands (as soon as they’re cold enough). They are small enough to fit over your hands. The bigger the wool gloves, the more you can shrink them for maximum warmth. You’ll obtain a really tight-knit wool glove as a result of the boiling process. It retains all of the insulating properties of wool while further improving water and wind protection. 

I like the gloves and the long cuff. I would say they are more mid-weight than heavy-weight but they have kept my hands warm so far down to 20F with the wind blowing. Haven't gotten a chance to try them in colder weather than that just because it hasn't been that cold. The wind still gets through but they are highly wind resistant, compared to the 4-ply mittens that I also own which are only moderately wind-resistant.

by samuri52

These are the most cost-effective winter hiking mittens on the market. They don’t have as many features as the other (expensive) ones, but they’re still great for cold-weather hiking. The mittens are made up of two layers. A nylon/polyester blend with a water-resistant treatment makes up the exterior shell. The palm of the hand has 110 grams of insulation, while the back of the hand has 280 grams. This provides you with enough dexterity and warmth to wear the shell alone in semi-cold conditions. For added durability, the palms are made of leather.

Love these. Great fit and plenty warm. Most of the time I don’t use the insert. I was out the other week and with the windchill it was about -18 finally had to add the inserts hands were about the only thing that wasn’t cold.

by JMB1

Due to their three-finger shape, these gloves are highly popular for trekking and winter camping. Without sacrificing the warmth of a glove, you get increased dexterity. The windproof and water-resistant outer shell (not waterproof, but good enough for most snowy conditions). The leather palms are really robust, and the three-layer fabric is pretty breathable. Polyester is used to insulate the detachable lining. It’s a 5-finger liner, thus it’s the superior option when dexterity is required.

The gloves were just as warm and comfortable as stated by other reviewers. In the past I have always needed chemical hand warmers while skiing. Not so this ski trip, with temps in the low teens.

by David

Burton is a well-known brand of ski and snowboarding gear. Their gloves and mittens, especially this one, are also wonderful for trekking. There are two pieces to it: an insulated shell and a liner glove. Dryride with a Gore-Tex membrane makes up the shell. It is so waterproof and windproof while being breathable. Thermcore insulation is integrated into the shell as well. You can wear simply the shell when the weather isn’t too chilly.

I finally broke down and bought some mittens I always heard your hands stay warmer when your fingers are all touching. Well it’s a fact jack. Buy these you won’t be disappointed

by Lucas

Outdoor Research has produced yet another pair of winter mittens. The shell is insulated in and of itself. It also comes with a mitten with an insulating inner. The backs of the palms and thumbs of both the shell and liner mittens are lined with PrimaLoft insulation. Moisture resistance is excellent with this insulation. Fleece is used to insulating the palms.

My hands were always cold even with heated gloves. These keep me warm! They are big but great I wear them resort skiing

by Daniel

These are some of the most popular winter gloves, and they’re designed specifically for trekking and backpacking. The dexterity of these gloves is arguably the nicest feature; the fold-back fingers on the fleece layer allow you to get your fingers out for camp tasks. In contrast to other winter hiking mitts, they are also rather light. 

So many options and configurations. Durable, well thought out and quality materials. Reinforced in all the right places and performs better than advertised.

by Baron Von Nobzez

You will like the Patagonia Nano Puff Mitts for both casual and performance winter trips since they were warm enough to wear without liners. You can wear it for hiking, bicycling, strolling, skiing, winter jogging, and more. The mittens include 100 g of insulation, a brushed tricot inner, and a DWR coating on the outer to keep out the rain. Patagonia has started switching these mittens from PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco polyester to PrimaLoft’s P.U.R.E. insulation, which is made entirely of recycled polyester.

Yooo these are epic. Fluffy, toasty lil pillows for my hands! I suffer from raynauds and so far, they seem to do the trick as far as keeping it at bay during my winter walks. Much love, Patagonia.

by Stacie