Sometimes, finding the perfect pair of winter gloves can feel a bit like searching for the Holy Grail. There’s a hackneyed saying that ‘there’s no such thing as a waterproof glove, due to the big hole where you put your hand in’. In a sense it’s true – in the worst weather, all gloves will wet out eventually. But don’t despair as good quality, well-fitting gloves can keep hands toasty in terrible weather for several hours. 

Words: Lucy Wallace & Chris Townsend | Main Image: James Roddie

If you are going to be out in all weathers, consider paying that bit extra for a waterproof membrane, which protects from driving rain or wet snow. Make sure they have pre-curved fingers with seams out of the way of the fingertips for good dexterity. Warm, compressible insulation is also important – and there are many options to choose from, including synthetic lofting fills like PrimaLoft, and deep fluffy pile. The fit is key – it’s an important part of dexterity, but it also affects performance in other ways too. 

If you have to take your gloves off to carry out a fiddly task, your hands will get cold, and moisture will find its way into the gloves. Not all gloves are the same shape, so try a few and track down a pair that work for you. The good news is that it’s likely other models made by the same brand will be a good fit too. 

Be aware that in the worst winter weather, no glove will keep your hands dry all day. There are days on the hill when it is normal to go through three or four pairs. Having a stash of reliable gloves is helpful, and the best will also dry quickly so that they are ready for use the next day. 

Fabrics

For durability and good grip on ice axes and trekking poles gloves should have textured, reinforced fingers and palms. An inner waterproof/breathable membrane will help keep out wind, rain and snow. Synthetic insulation dries quickly and retains some warmth when wet compared to down. 

Shape

A curved shape is more comfortable and makes using your hands easier in thick gloves and mitts.

Fit

For the best dexterity and maximum warmth, gloves worn next to the skin should be close-fitting but not tight. If you want to wear thick gloves over liner gloves you may need to go up a size.

Seams

Bulky seams, especially round the fingers and thumb, reduce dexterity. Seams on the fingertips can wear more quickly than offset ones. Internal seams can rub, so fewer or none there is more comfortable.

Cuffs

Long cuffs that can be tucked inside jacket sleeves or pulled over jacket cuffs keep your wrists warm.  To fit over jacket sleeves cuffs, need to be wide as well. Cuffs should be close-fitting or adjustable for warmth and to keep snow and rain out.

Leashes & clips

Wrist leashes on gloves and mitts mean you’re less likely to drop or lose them when you take them off. They can be worth fitting yourself if they are not provided. Gloves that clip together can be hung over a hipbelt or pack strap to prevent loss.

Touchscreen use

Some gloves have touchscreen-compatible material on fingers and thumbs – though using touchscreens with thick gloves can be difficult anyway.

Here are some of the best winter gloves for women all tested by outdoor enthusiast Lucy Wallace. Lucy had all these gloves on an extended test in the Scottish mountains, walking and mountaineering, since early 2022, during one of the wettest and wildest winters in memory. Weights are from both reviewers’ digital scales. 

Materials: Gore-Tex, Pittards leather, PrimaLoft Gold insulation | Features: nose wipe, knuckle padding, long gauntlet with drawcord closure, wrist loops | Sizes: S, M, L | Men’s version: yes

Rab Pivot waterproof gloves are warm enough for most activities, including walking and climbing. The outer fabric is a stretch soft shell across the backs of the hands, and butter-soft Pittards leather on the palms and fingertips. The insulation is lovely compressible PrimaLoft Gold, and a silky microfibre lining wicks really well. The fit is narrow, and the fingers are a bit short – the gap between the fingers feels a bit like having webbed fingers.

Read our full Rab Women’s Pivot Gore-Tex Gloves review

Materials: 100% polyamide shell, goatskin palm, microfleece and pile lining, Drilite waterproof insert | Features: karabiner loops, drawcord closure, nose wipe | Sizes: XS, S, M, L | Men’s version: yes

Mountain Equipment describes the Guide as ‘the workhorse’ of its extensive range of gloves. Tough polyamide shell, with grippy goatskin palms and a waterproof membrane. Fit suits broader hands, with pre-curved fingers and careful seam placement near the tips. Comes with karabiner clips on the middle finger and on the cuffs. Not the warmest gloves out there, but they are ideal for active use in the cold and damp conditions that are typical of British winters.

Read our full Mountain Equipment Women’s Guide Gloves review

Materials: nylon, spandex shell, goat leather palm, PrimaLoft Gold, wool and microfleece liner, Gore-Tex waterproof insert | Features: nylon and goat leather outer with insulated waterproof liner Snow cuff, with drawcord, foam knuckle pad | Sizes: XS, S, M, L | Men’s version: yes

The Black Diamond Guides are by far the warmest pair of gloves that I tested. The outer shell is beautifully constructed from supple soft shell and goatskin. The removable liners are waterproof, and dry much more quickly than one-piece gloves. The long cuff has a drawcord and is designed to go over shell clothing – perfect for powdery snow days, but less useful in freezing rain.

Read our full review Black Diamond Women’s Guide Gloves review

Materials: Granite Stretch soft-shell, 500D nylon reinforcement, goatskin palm, Freeflow Mantle waterproof membrane, pile lining | Features: leash strap, elasticated cuff and wrist adjustment | Sizes: XS, S, M, L | Men’s version: yes

Despite having tons of pile insulation, the Montane Supercell is very nimble-fingered. The shape is narrow and will suit people with slender hands and long digits, and it is the perfect fit for me. The pile lining feels lovely, and whilst not as warm as some it is enough for active use in typical British winter conditions. Supple goatskin palms provide grip and protection from the head of an ice axe.

Read our full Montane Women’s Supercell Glove review

Materials: nylon/goatskin shell, Gore-Tex insert, PrimaLoft Black insulation | Features: touchscreen-compatible, karabiner loops, hook and loop cuff closure |Sizes: S, M, L | Men’s version: yes

Mountain Hardwear’s Cloud bank gloves are aimed squarely at resort skiers who suffer from the cold. The padding is bulky, and even moving my fingers takes work, let alone gripping things. Made worse by the presence of a seam right across the ends of each finger, which further reduces dexterity. On the plus side, there’s built in touchscreen capacity, which is impressively sensitive.

Read our full Mountain Hardwear Women’s Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Gloves review