Meet the Best Hiking Gloves and mittens For Cold Weather HIking

This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via a link on this page, we make a small commission at absolutely no extra charge to you. Thank you for your support of this small women-led business.

Warm Hands, Wild Adventures: Gloves and Mittens, the Ultimate Winter Companion

Our favorite mittens and gloves for hiking are like our trusty companions on the coldest winter treks. When we hit the trails, we know we can rely on them to keep our hands warm and comfortable, no matter how harsh the elements get.

They're the answer to the perennial question, "What are the best hiking gloves?"

These winter hiking gloves and mitten have proven their worth time and time again, shielding us from biting winds and icy chills. With our hands snugly tucked into them, we're ready to conquer any mountain, explore every forest, and chase adventure wherever it leads. Our love for these gloves for hiking isn't just about staying warm; it's about embracing the great outdoors with confidence and style!

Smartwool glove liners are good gloves for hiking!

Smartwool Glove Liners

One of my very first outdoor gear purchases, I owned my first pair of Smartwool glove liners for a solid 10 years. It wasn't until my eldest needed a pair that I finally caved in and bought another set. These gloves for hiking are more than just warm; they're durable too. Toss them in the washer, and they come out looking as good as new, keeping my hands toasty warm year-round.

Fellow Colorado hikers, you know that even in the summer months, bagging those 14ers means gearing up for some chilly weather. These little gloves, crafted from cozy merino wool, are a breeze to stash in a side pocket, weighing just a few ounces.

Taking a breather on a beautiful winter hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Now, the upgraded Smartwool glove liners even include touchscreen compatibility. This feature has saved my frosty fingers countless times when capturing those picturesque winter shots. And the best part? You can throw them in the washing machine and dryer for a quick clean without worrying about any shrinking.

Pairing the Smartwool Glove liners with a thick mitten on really cold days is a game-changer. I particularly adore using Smart Wool hiking gloves for snowshoeing treks. Whether I'm on some of the most beautiful winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park or just out exploring, having these hiking gloves and mittens makes it easy to clip on snowshoes, snap stunning photographs, and stay wonderfully warm throughout my adventures.

Pros

  • Touchscreen Compatible

  • Washwashable

  • Made from Merino wool

Cons

  • Moderate pilling with extended use

CoHH Rating: 10/10

Are mittens or gloves warmer for hiking in cold conditions?

Mittens are typically warmer than gloves because they keep your fingers together, allowing them to share body heat. If you're looking for warmth, Lucy Blue Mittens are a great option.

What are the coolest gloves for trekking in chilly, frosty wonderlands?

When you're braving the icy trails, Smartwool liners and Lucy Blue Mittens form an epic duo. The liners keep your hands comfy and sweat-free, while the mittens are your trusty sidekicks in the battle against the cold. It's the ultimate dynamic duo for your frosty escapades!

One of a kind Lucy Blue Mittens

Lucy Blue Mittens

When it comes to the warmest mittens for extreme cold with a touch of eco-conscious style, Lucy Blue Mittens are a game-changer. Crafted by two talented sisters in the charming suburbs of Chicago, these upcycled wool mittens are more than just cozy; they're a testament to sustainability. Each pair is a unique work of art, boasting distinct colors and patterns that make a statement.

But it's not just about aesthetics; these are some of the best mittens for hiking, lined with soft fleece for extra comfort. With Lucy Blue Mittens, you're not just keeping your hands warm; you're supporting a small, local business committed to environmental responsibility. Explore their collection at Lucy Blue Mittens and embrace winter with style and a conscience.

*I've not only treated myself to these mittens but also gifted them to family and friends, and let me tell you, they make fantastic presents for anyone enduring chilly weather. If you're on the lookout for more delightful handmade items, be sure to explore LucyBlue Knits. They've got a range of cozy treasures, from cashmere neck gaiters to fingerless mittens – perfect for those who battle cold fingers but still need to type away!

PROS

  • Custom made mittens from recycled sweaters/clothing

  • Low environmental impact

  • Small business owners = Made in the USA

  • Warm and durable with wool outer and fleece inner lining

CONS

  • Priced around $50+ pair *We think this is more than fair, considering each set of mittens are hand sewed and custom made

  • Not exclusively waterproof *wool is pretty darn close to keeping water at bay

CoHH Rating: 10/10

What features make Smartwool liners and Lucy Blue Mittens ideal for hiking in cold weather?

Smartwool liners offer moisture-wicking properties and comfort, which is crucial to keeping your hands dry and cozy. Lucy Blue Mittens provide exceptional warmth and insulation, making them perfect for cold weather hiking adventures. When used together, they create a winning combination for staying warm and comfortable on the trails.

When we set off on our Four Pass Loop adventure in the Maroon Bells, Smartwool gloves and Lucy Blue mittens were our go-to companions for backpacking. These fantastic gloves for hiking kept our hands toasty and ready for whatever wild weather surprises we encountered in those high-altitude terrains.

Venustas Heated Gloves

There are times, and sports, that require the big guns of cold weather gear. Winter sports like snowmobiling, skiing in Colorado, long distance hiking and high altitude adventures can get downright cold! Heated winter gear, a growing trend, takes the nip out of those extreme temperatures.

Similiar to the heated vest, Venestus heated gloves have a small pocket to hold a battery pack, guaranteed to keep your hands warm and toasty for over 5 hours at a time.

Simple to use, plug in the battery packs (two provided, one for each glove) into the provided charging cord. Typically the packs charge from 0-100% in about 2 hours. Once charged to 100%, it’s time to pop those babies into the glove pockets, hold the button to “on” and set out.

While we wish skiing was part of our weekly adventures, these gloves can be used for so many outdoor winter activities. Melody walks her dog rain, snow or shine. The Ventustas heated gloves are the perfect accompaintment to those pre dawn cold Colorado winter mornings.

The glove itself is already warm with a thinsulate and fleece liners, covered in a water resistant fabric. On a recent adventure to Colorado ice castles, her daughter begged to wear them for all the ice climbing and sliding fun.

pros

  • One touch operation: simply hold the battery button and it turns on

  • Instant heating

  • Water resistant

CONS

  • Bulky and large glove

  • Pricey

COHH RATING 8/10

Enjoy 15% OFF with code “COHH”

RELATED LINK: Melody’s number one winter dog walking secret is the Venustas heated vest. Find out why this has been a game changer for keeping her Brittany happy while staying warm on cold Colorado mornings.

These hiking gloves do more than protect our hands; they add a dose of comfort and style to our outdoor adventures. With some of the best gloves for trekking, we're reminded that there's no such thing as "too cold" when it comes to exploring the beauty of nature. The way they cradle our fingers and palms makes us feel invincible, as if we can conquer any peak or blaze any trail.

So, here's to the best gloves for cold weather hiking that keep you cozy, inspired, and ready for any cold-weather adventure that comes your way!

Related Links

Melodie Monberg