A Guide to Finding the Ideal Snowboard Gloves and Mittens

One of the most important accessories for skiing and snowboarding are the gloves and mittens. And although picking one may seem like a pretty straightforward thing, there are a number of differences between various models that can hugely impact your experience in the mountains. Numb and wet fingers can completely ruin your snowboarding experience, which is why you need snowboard gloves and mittens that offer warmth, dryness and comfort.

The first thing you’ll need to decide on when shopping for snowboard gloves and mittens, is whether you want gloves, or mittens. Oftentimes, manufacturers make gloves and mittens using the same materials and basic construction. However, there are still some differences between them. For instance, mittens provide more warmth simply because all of your fingers share a single compartment and generate more heat as a result. But on the downside, mittens limit mobility in some instances, and you’ll have to remove them to get something from your pocket, adjust your goggle strap, etc.

Then, it’s important to select the right fit. Properly sized gloves and mittens will give you more warmth, dexterity and comfort. The gloves or mittens should fit you snugly and enable you to outstretch your fingers. Further, they should ensure your palm is inside the cuff completely and your wrists are covered. When you make a fist with your hand, the fit shouldn’t constrict your fingers from curving completely. Different manufacturers use different letter and numeric sizing systems, so consult their sizing chart when shopping.

Further, gloves and mittens can provide varying amounts of warmth. That being said, it’s important to find a pair that fits your specific needs. If you’re snowboarding or skiing in warmer conditions, you want gloves or mittens that are waterproof but not too warm. On the other hand, if you ride in extremely cold conditions, you’ll want warmer gloves or mittens. Additionally, the amount of warmth you need can vary from person to person, and the level of warmth provided by the gloves and mittens is determined by the insulation and shell material of the gloves.

The insulation of the gloves or mittens is the last important thing you need to consider. Properly insulated gloves will ensure you’re warm, but they’ll keep a good level of breathability as well, without compromising movement. The amount of insulation you need depends on how warm or cold your hands are, and the temperatures you snowboard and ski in. And as far as shell material goes, you’ll find gloves and mittens made of either synthetic materials like nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane or leather.