A hidden important item for winter! How to choose snow gloves and 10 recommended pairs

Comfortable winter outdoor activities from your fingertips

For winter outdoor activities, the biggest enemies are cold and cold. If you let your guard down, in the worst case scenario, the heavy price of frostbite is waiting right next to you. For this reason, in winter, when you are constantly forced to act below freezing temperatures, keeping your hands and feet warm, especially among the body parts, is especially prone to frostbite. You should use gloves that are highly heat-retaining and completely shut out wind and snow, and keep your hands and fingertips warm and dry at all times.

choosing the perfect snow gloves is a big difference between making your journey comfortable and joyful, or being harsh and frostbite scared

So, this time, we will tell you what types of snow gloves are available to choose for outdoor winter activities, and what points to keep in mind. In the second half, we will introduce recommended gloves from the Points Editorial Department, so if you want to know the recommendations right away, please jump directly from the table of contents below.

How to Choose a Smart Snow Glove

Point 1: Shape: "Five? Three? Two?"

Generally, winter gloves are characterized by high heat retention, but are divided into three shapes and patterns depending on the purpose and style. It's not that which one is the best, but the first step to choosing wisely is to understand the pros and cons and choose according to your own preferences and situation.

type	Five fingers (gloves)	Three fingers (lobster)	Two fingers (mittens)
Reference image
merit	The hands are easy to handle with ease. Many products have been released from each manufacturer, and there are many options.	High heat retention. You can do some detailed operations with your hands.	The fingers are assembled together, making it the most heat-retaining feature.
Disadvantages	Since the fingers are separated by the fabric, the heat retention is inferior compared to the other two.	It cannot be used as skillfully as five fingers.	You cannot do detailed work with your hands. Pickel (ice axe) is difficult to carry.
Recommended activities and usage	Basically, it's all-around. Activities where you frequently put on and take off clothing and operate gear, such as backcountry skiing and ice climbing. Activities that involve a long period of intense activities, such as cross-country.	Basically, it's all-around. Snowy mountain traversing, wrecking, skiing and snowboarding require less manual operation.	This course requires little manual operation even for snow hiking, skiing, or snowboarding. Use five or three fingers as your main focus to temporarily improve heat retention.

Tips for choosing

• If you are purchasing for the first time, it is safe to buy five or three fingers.
• Three-fingered type is warmer and recommended for backcountry where there is no need for that delicate hand .
• If you want to prioritize fingertip dexterity over heat retention, use the five-finger type. In this case, choose the thickness of the gloves to balance operability and heat retention .
• Consider two fingers in particular if your hands are prone to cold or you are likely to be stuck in low temperatures

Point 2: Structure: "Integrated or separate type?"

Unlike regular gloves, snow gloves have a multi-layered structure of a liner layer for heat retention and a shell layer for windproof and waterproofing, making it the most heat retention, durability, and breathability.

The gloves currently available by many manufacturers include models with integrated layers and models with none other than separate (3-in-1) models, which allow you to know the advantages and disadvantages of these, so you can choose the gloves that suit you better.

type	Integrated type	Separate (3-in-1)
Reference image
merit	All the materials are all bundled, so your fingers are relatively slippery inside. It's integrated so it's hard to lose.	It can be used in three ways: innerwear only, outerwear only, and both, and by changing the innerwear as needed, you can freely adjust the heat retention and usability. If it gets wet, you can always keep it dry by replacing the inner layer. It is quick-drying as it separates and dries. It can improve heat retention compared to an integrated type.
Disadvantages	Once you take it off, it becomes bare hands, so it is difficult to adjust the temperature on its own. Once it gets wet, it cannot be replaced only inside, making it difficult to use. It's difficult to dry out. Many models place emphasis on dexterity, so the heat retention is rather at a cost.	The inner and outerwear are separated, so it is likely to slip inside. It takes time to install. It is easy to lose because it is used frequently.

Tips for choosing

• If you want to suit a wide range of uses and seasons, we recommend the wide variety of separate types .
• If you need more delicate hands or prioritize simplicity, we recommend an integrated type that is highly operable and easy to carry .
  *Many basic models, including ski ski gloves, are integrated, so in that sense, not all integrated gloves are made with the aim of using advanced and delicate fingering.

[Additional information] Is inner (liner) gloves essential even if they are integrated?

The integrated gloves can be worn with your bare hands, but it is not recommended to perform detailed work at a temperature below freezing with your bare hands . When you touch snow, your body temperature will be taken away all at once, and when you touch metal, your finger skin will stick to it, causing you to get injured. In that sense, even if you use an integrated gloves, it is safer to always have a thin inner (liner) gloves.

What's interesting here is that some people are divided into who wear their innerwear at all times and those who wear them in their pockets A store clerk at a shop explained that even if it is integrated, you should always wear innerwear, so you should take that into consideration when choosing the size, but on the other hand, a guide cited an example of a customer who had frostbite because they had worn wet innerwear after work, and recommended that the innerwear be worn each time. Both ways of thinking are good and bad, and it's not wrong. Outdoor activities involve people who actually use the service to take responsibility for avoiding dangers in their own way. Use a variety of information and experiences as a source of energy to find your own way .

Point 3: Liner (Innerwear, Insulation Material)

The insulation material used for the liner (inner) part greatly affects the heat retention of snow gloves. Aside from some polar gloves, many of the materials used in liners are currently synthetic insulation, fleece, and the old classic undegreased wool (for example, hangarotex), as well as a blend of these, and many other approaches.

The heat retention power varies greatly depending on the quality of the material, as well as the size of its bulk (amount). For this reason, it is not entirely possible to decide which one is the warmest, and this is also the difficult part of choosing a snow gloves.

Of course, not only is its heat retention, but its feel, fit, and thinness, and its usability that can only be seen when you try on it is one of the important selection criteria.

Tips for choosing

In reality, there are strengths and weaknesses depending on the make and model, but here is a summary of what can be said from an empirical perspective.

• The wool liner has long been reliable and heat-retaining, but it feels firm to the touch and doesn't fit well .
• The fleece liner has a good balance of heat retention, quick drying and fit, and emphasizes comfort .
• Synthetic fiber insulation is the most rapidly evolving field, and is improving every day in terms of heat retention, lightness and feel. However, since it is thick and the liner surface is smooth (for separate types), I'm a little unfamiliar with fine work .

[Additional information] You can also choose to always use your favorite inner gloves

In my case, I'm concerned about whether or not the gloves fit or not, so I started using inner gloves that I liked with most gloves. This way, it is recommended as it does not change the fit and feel of any gloves you use. However, one thing to note is to ensure that the inner layer is fitted when you purchase it.

Point 4: Shell layer (outer)

The basic idea of ​​outdoor wear, "layering," is exactly the same for gloves. In the shell layer, which is a contact with the outside world, it is required to maintain high windproof, waterproof, and cold-resistant properties in order to maintain heat retention.

Furthermore, in order to protect your hands and fingers from frostbite, it is absolutely necessary to avoid leaving the inside of the glove wet, so breathable permeability, which expels moisture and moisture, is equally important. For this reason, the shell part of winter mountain gloves must be made of the same level of waterproof and breathable fabric as used in rainwear and hard shells.

Another distinctive feature of the glove outerwear is that it not only has weather-resistant performance to prevent wind, snow and rain, but also has strong reinforcements in various locations to suit the needs of the glove so that they can withstand physical obstacles such as friction with rocks, ice and ropes. This is necessary, but especially in styles with rope work, make sure to have gloves covered in durable leather up to the sides of the gloves.

In addition, some gloves specialize in backcountry skiing and other items have a slightly more distinctive shape, such as having a three-dimensional cut shape to improve the ease of gripping the pole. These models can be difficult to use for other purposes, so try on them to see if they have any quirks about the shape of the shell.

Tips for choosing

• For shell layers, we recommend models that are not only waterproof, but also made from solid waterproof and breathable materials
• Among waterproof and breathable materials, each has different strengths, such as durability, flexibility, elasticity, and breathability , so choose the shell that suits your activity as much as possible.
• The palms and fingers are particularly weak areas that can be easily removed and worn out (or in a year if you're not careful). Choose a highly durable model that is reinforced with leather or other materials .

Point 5: Other detailed functions

Long cuffs and gauntlets

The long cuffs on the gloves prevent snow from entering between the gloves and the clothing. Especially in areas like Japan, Russells are often the opportunity to do so through heavy snow, so there is a high risk of snow entering through the wrist due to large movements, and these long cuffs are much more appreciated than you might imagine depending on the purpose .

On the other hand, there are many models with backcountry ski gloves that have extremely short sleeves and can be placed under outerwear. This is the result of prioritizing the hassle of putting on and taking off the snow, storage and design. It's best to choose which one suits you and what you want to do.

Touch screen compatible

Recently, it has become a common practice to use your smartphone while climbing. However, in winter, you have to take off your gloves every time, and there are risks that can be small but not ignored, such as exposing your hands to the cold or losing your gloves. Being able to operate your smartphone without taking off your gloves reduces the risk of frostbite and loss, and saves time . It's not a feature you absolutely have to do, but it's better to be easy and safe anyway.

Velcro drawcord for wrist adjustment

Velcro and drawcords to adjust the tightness of the wrist to improve the fit and prevent cold air from entering outside. Some gloves have models that have the elastic built into the wrist that tightens moderately, so it's now difficult to find a gloves that doesn't have any of these features. make sure you have something in place to avoid any problems .

Goggle wiper

Among the snow gloves are models with a suede-like brushed fabric placed mainly around the back of your thumb. This is responsible for wiping off snow and water droplets that have been stuck to the goggles. However, personally, I have never found it very useful, and I have experienced it getting worse and ruined due to selection, so this is a feature that I often don't care whether it's or not.

Leash cord (flow stopper)

This is a rather important part. With snow gloves, where you often work by removing your outerwear in strong winds, if you let your guard down, the gloves will often be blown away in no time. This string called a leash cord (flow stopper) is important to prevent this , and in short, it is a thin or elastic string that ties the gloves to the wrist. Of course it would be convenient if it came with it from the beginning, but even if it doesn't come with it, there should be a ring to attach it, so if you don't, make it yourself and make it in the actual event .

Snow gloves recommended by our editorial department, even in winter mountains

We haven't done any rigorous testing yet, but we'll introduce 10 models that we particularly recommend, based on the specs and the ones we've tried on. A detailed comparison test will be released soon, so stay tuned! *Prices as of January 2018

A versatile gloves that are easy to use for all winter mountain activities

Arc'teryx Alpha AR Gloves

A model with little habits designed to be used all-around in winter mountains. The excellent waterproof and breathable properties of GORE-TEX®, and the good balance between heat retention and ease of movement of the hands of the two PrimaLoft®, which are tailored to its features, is among the best among the brand. The gloves are cut almost straight and straight, the sleeves are long enough, and the leather reinforcement from the palm to the instep is solid, so it can be used in a wide range of ways, such as traversing, climbing, and skiing. Personally, I'm sorry that the innerwear is integrated.

The destructive power of "Soft Shell Liner + Cold Protection GORE-TEX® Outerwear"

Black Diamond Helio

This combination of inner and outerwear may be something I've been waiting for before. This is because in winter mountains it is actually impossible to do all the work with gloves on, and there is inevitably more work with inner gloves. If the softshell liner is at this rate, it is quite durable and water-repellent, and it is sized to prevent snow and wear when replacing crampons, snowshoes, or ski stickers. The outerwear is of course solid, with GORE-TEX® waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® and PrimaLoft® for keeping the heat in place. It may become a new starting lineup for the future.

Separate gloves of outstanding quality among the many entry models

Black Diamond Soloist Finger/Soloist

It is highly recommended as a first-time purchase pair. There are many similar basic models from other brands, but personally I feel that they are the best and cost-effective. First of all, it is a separate type that separates the shell and innerwear, and the PrimaLoft® Gold, which is used for the liner, is a highly functional insulation material that is often used in cold weather clothing as a synthetic material that opposes down. The supple goat leather also provides excellent reinforcement. As I bought a pair of 2nd and 3rd sets, the 5-finger model (Soloist) looked inferior, but the 3-finger finger (Soloist finger) with excellent heat retention is still useful in seasons where the cold weather is bothering me.

A masterpiece produced in a domestic factory that inherits reliable technology

finetrack Everbreath Alpine Glove

Finetrack's latest Alpine Gloves for winter mountains have completely switched to high-quality domestic factory production since around last year. It is not clear whether this is the case or not, but the stress-free cutting makes the fingertips very delicate compared to other parts. The familiar waterproof and breathable material Everbreath is used as the outerwear, and the palms and backs are also reinforced. It also uses a three-layer fabric with a mid-layer water-repellent function, making it perfect enough to be used alone. The manufacturer also combines inner gloves (sold separately) to create perfect layering, but it seems to work well without it. Everbless snow gloves, which have the palms reinforced with leather .

Fully adopted Polartec® Alpha®, a new material that combines high heat retention and breathability.

MONTANE Alpha Glove

Polartec® Alpha® , developed at the request of the US military special forces, is surprisingly lightweight and has both heat retention and breathability , and its amazing high performance has become a hot topic, and in recent years the brand has been adopted for winter clothing, especially in winter. This alpha glove is (probably) the only model that uses this popular material into the glove. The outerwear is made of schoeller®3XDRY®, a supple softshell, and PrimaLoft® Gold ECO, an insulation material, ensuring heat retention and operability. It is ultra-lightweight (because it is integrated), and is extremely easy to operate, and is always dry and non-slip, making it ideal for alpine climbing, where the hands are always active.

Despite its heavy construction, snow gloves are attractive for their affordable prices

Mountain Hardwear Cloud Seeker Gloves

It is reinforced with leather from the palm to the height, and the main fabric is made of a rather sturdy fabric, with a 70 x 160D, making it durable even for climbing. The insulation material uses ThermalQ Elite Insulation, the brand's flagship material, and is quite authentic, but the price is quite a bargain compared to other brands. The unique mechanism called "Stimulus" also makes it easy to use, allowing you to operate your smartphone even from an outer layer.

A great student separate gloves that are easy to use and affordable for all-round use.

OUTDOOR RESEARCH ARETE GLOVES

There are many great gloves for outdoor research that has a strong presence in the world of gloves, but this classic snow gloves is even better recommended for everyone. The outerwear is made of GORE-TEX® and softshell, not too thick, and is extremely easy to use. The removable liner gloves and easy-to-use leash cords are also well thought out, so they are very nice. A glove to buy alongside the Black Diamond soloist.

The ultimate comfort is a great item in the world of backcountry skiing

HESTRA 3-FINGER GTX FULL LEATHER

The three-finger gloves made from traditional leather material from a glove specialty brand that has been in Scandinavian Sweden for nearly 100 years, honestly, weren't even a concern when I was not familiar with the backcountry. However, when I first tried it, I was impressed by the extremely comfortable fit that was clearly different from the rest, and it was instantly convincing that there were many enthusiastic supporters. While taking advantage of these unwavering advantages of HESTRA, this model is made to enhance waterproof and breathable properties by inserting a GORE-TEX membrane underneath, making it even more suitable for even more hard-hitting situations. It has a bit of a habit for alpine purposes, but it is definitely one of the pairs that I've always admired when it comes to skiing purposes.

[Extra] Ideal for "customizing" people who choose outerwear and innerwear to their own taste without waste

ISUKA Weathertech Overmitten

This gloves are very simple and have no insulation or inner gloves, and are made of waterproof and breathable shells. When it comes to gloves, they are not all sets of innerwear (heat-retaining material) and outerwear. When I was in Wangel, I used to cover these outerwear over thick wool and Thinsulate gloves to protect my hands in the winter. One of the biggest reasons for doing this is that it is cheaper, but that's not the only thing. In the first place, you need to wear multiple pairs of spare gloves in the winter, and it is also a consumable item that will wear out quite quickly. If you buy a new set every time, it actually means a lot of waste, but with this method you can eliminate that waste. It's certainly a bit off the mark, but if you don't worry about that, don't you think it's actually a pretty clever choice?