By: Andrew Forrest - February 2024
The right pair of hiking gloves or walking gloves can make all the difference in keeping your fingers warm, dry, and functional, no matter the weather conditions. But how do you choose the best gloves for hiking tailored to your needs to cope with the UK weather?
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In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the best hiking gloves covering waterproof gloves, insulated gloves, lightweight gloves, winter gloves and touchscreen-compatible gloves, along with looking at the key factors to consider when buying walking gloves, including fit, comfort, insulation, dexterity and waterproofing.
Which hiking gloves you need depends upon the type or length of the walk, the time of year, how remote and high the walk is, the expected weather and how you will be using the gloves, but being prepared and wearing and taking suitable gloves is essential for your comfort and safety.
Hiking gloves are a must-have item on any of my walks, and in winter, I often pack at least two pairs in my backpack to get me through the varied circumstances I can encounter when out on a day's walk in the UK.
Much like walking boots and socks, no one glove covers all types of hikes, walking seasons and weather in the UK, so why not add a range of gloves to your hiking gear?
When there are so many outstanding hiking gloves available, many people find it challenging to buy the perfect pair for their needs. To help you choose the best hiking gloves in the UK, we have compiled a list of our best walking gloves and best hiking gloves for 2024.
These Mountain Equipment Guide Gloves are a real all-rounder. Whilst there are more expensive, warmer and more waterproof gloves out there, these Guide Gloves provide superb all-round performance for walking, hiking and mountaineering, being warm and waterproof gloves with excellent protection and dexterity.
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| Features | 4.0
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.0
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| Performance | 4.5
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| Value | 4.5
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Material:
Fabric - Shell: 100% Polyamide; Fabric - Palm: 100% Goatskin Palm; Linings: Microfleece and Pile Linings (Polyester and Acrylic) with Drilite waterproof (PU membrane) insert.
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These Mountain Equipment Guide gloves are versatile gloves for walking and hiking. They strike that balance between keeping your hands warm and dry but are not too bulky.
They are waterproof gloves with articulated fingers that give a secure grip on your hiking poles or ice axe and have a goatskin leather palm for durability. The inner fleece lining provides enough warmth for most days whilst you are on the move, and a single-handed drawcord closure is easy to use and keeps out the elements.
If I'm walking and keeping moving, I've found these warm enough with their fleece lining for me down to around -5 degrees Celsius, so they are suitable as winter hiking gloves. If you suffer from cold fingers or hands or maybe stand around in the cold, you may find it better to pair these with a thin liner glove underneath or go for a warmer, more insulating pair of thicker gloves.
Using the Mountain Equipment size guide, I found the pair I got felt a little tight, so you may want to consider sizing up, especially if you plan to wear with liner gloves.
My only other issue is that whilst these are waterproof gloves, my hands started to get a little wet, but this was after many outings in constant heavy rain. Still, I have found this with many waterproof gloves after continued use - especially this winter! The inner pile kept my hands warm even when wet and quickly dried back at home.
I could perform specific tasks with the gloves as they were not too bulky, including opening and closing zips on my rucksack and tying my laces. The goat leather palm is very durable and is showing little sign of wear after much use. Overall, it is a great-value hiking glove for summer or winter use.
These Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are versatile all-year-round mittens with Empel DWR on the outer shell, a waterproof insert, and a removable Primaloft insulated liner for warmth and dexterity.
The stretch fabric and long gauntlet keep moisture out, and I've found the goat leather palm very durable after continued use.
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| Features | 3.5
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| Construction | 4.5
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.0
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| Value | 4.5
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Material:
Fabric - Shell: 100% recycled shell with GTT Empel DWR finish; Fabric - Palm: Goat leather palm with reinforcement patch; Linings: 100% waterproof BD.dry insert with removable liner featuring 340g Primaloft gold insulation.
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These Black Diamond Mercury Mittens provide a warm, roomy shell to keep your hands warm on those cold winter days out on the hills. Black Diamond says they are suitable down to -12 degrees Celsius, so if you are heading out in weather colder than that, or you run cold generally, pair them with a warmer liner glove. These make excellent winter hiking mittens.
These waterproof gloves have a waterproof shell with GTT Empel DWR, which they say is a revolutionary PFC-free water-repellent finish that is superior in performance and durability. This shell protects the removable insulated liner, filled with Primaloft Gold Cross Core, and insulates even when wet.
The goat leather on the palm provides excellent durability when considering the wear and tear hiking gloves go through.
These Black Diamon Mercury Mittens are great for keeping your hands warm and dry whilst hiking. I find mittens warmer, and these especially so, but mittens' lack of dexterity makes me choose gloves most of the time. When I use mittens, these are my go-to pair on those colder winter days.
One way of getting around the dexterity issue is to wear a liner pair inside, especially touchscreen-compatible, as you can take off your mitten and then use your mobile, tie your hiking boots, access your rucksack, etc, and still keep reasonable warmth in your hands. Overall, it is an excellent value hiking mitten for keeping warm and the UK weather at bay.
These The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves are my go-to gloves for running on those chilly mornings. The fit due to North Face's radiametric articulation and 4-way stretch fleece is excellent, they provide warmth and great fingertip access for your mobile without taking them off.
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| Features | 4.0
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.0
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| Performance | 4.0
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| Value | 4.5
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Material:
Fabric - Shell: 93% recycled polyester, 7% Elastane double-knit Fleece; Fabric - Palm: 93% recycled polyester, 7% Elastane double-knit fleece with UR® powered conductive finish and silicone gripper print
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If you are like me, your legs and body warm up pretty fast when you start running, but your hands often remain cold, especially if you suffer from Reynaud's disease. Even into your run, you may find that your body has warmed, and your hands can remain cold as blood flow moves away from the peripheries.
For chilly days, these The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves are my go-to gloves for running. They are also one of my spare pairs of gloves I take hiking, as on some of the milder winter days in the hills, these are all I need to keep my hands warm.
The glove's fit due to North Face's radiametric articulation - pre-curved fingers and 4-way stretch fleece - is fantastic. The radiametric articulation means that there is a natural curve in the glove, which matches the curve in your relaxed hand - hopefully, what you'll have when you are running! The 4-way stretch fleece gives you a greater range of motion and improved comfort, and the many sizes available ensure a perfect fit.
For running, they provide just the right amount of warmth on chilly days, and if your hands get too hot, you can take them off, keep them together using the pairing clip and slip them into a pocket, as they are not too bulky.
As a bonus, they have full touchscreen compatibility, which means you can access your phone without removing gloves, assuming it has a touchscreen. These gloves could also have been classed as the Best Touchscreen Gloves, however I went for the warmer gloves above, which are more suited to hiking in the cold.
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves have a grippy silicone palm, which should also help prevent you from dropping your phone. While these gloves provide some warmth, you may prefer some warmer winter gloves on very cold winter days when you are out running. That said, if the temperature drops on your summer hikes, you can use them as lightweight hiking gloves for summer, as long as you are not using poles or an ice axe, where you will need a more durable pair.
These Moreok Winter Gloves provide excellent value for money. There are more expensive, warmer and more waterproof gloves, but these provide warmth and waterproofing in a cheap glove.
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| Features | 3.5
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| Construction | 3.5
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| Comfort | 4.0
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| Performance | 4.0
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| Value | 4.5
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Material:
Fabric - Shell: Outer windproof fabric laminated with a TPU waterproof membrane layer; Fabric - Palm: 100% goatskin palm; Linings: include 3M Thinsulate insulation
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These Moreok winter waterproof gloves are a great budget pair that felt reasonably warm and, despite their price, were reasonably well designed.
There are many well-known walking brands out there, but to find a budget pair, I searched Amazon and came across Moreok, who I must admit I had not heard of, but with over 4,500 reviews, I thought many others must have. So, after ordering a pair of these Moreok winter gloves for just under £15, I was pleasantly surprised to find the gloves were great value for money.
I've taken these waterproof gloves on quite a few shorter walks now, and with the very wet winter we have been having, they have certainly been tested! They claim they are 100% waterproof gloves, and this appeared to be the case on quite a few of the walks. The only downside was the cuff, which was more of a knitted material, wasn't waterproof.
They are a warm glove and kept my hands warm, albeit with the wet weather, the temperature hasn't been down below freezing very much, so I haven't had them out in temperatures well below zero degrees Celsius. There is, though, 200g of Thinsulate insulation in the gloves to keep your hands warm. So, they make for a great pair of budget hiking gloves.
If you can pay a little more, I would do so. Whilst they are insulated gloves and waterproof gloves, they will not keep your hands as warm or dry as some of the more expensive gloves if that is a priority for you, and they just miss some of the details like wrist leashes, cinch straps, nose wipe etc that you may prefer to have on those days out hiking. If you don't use poles much, or do minimal scrambling, then the palms should be fine, but hikers who use their hands a lot will find gloves with a leather palm much harder wearing.
These Icebreaker Unisex 260 Merino Tech Glove Liners can be worn on cool, dry days on their own or used as a liner pair under other gloves to provide additional warmth. They are made from merino wool and are touchscreen-compatible, helpful in retaining warm hands when you remove your outer glove to use your phone or GPS device.
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| Features | 3.5
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| Construction | 3.5
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 3.5
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| Value | 4.0
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Material:
95% Merino wool and 5% Lycra
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These Icebreaker Unisex 260 Merino Tech Glove Liners are great at what they are designed to be - a warm and breathable Merino layer to fit under your main outer waterproof glove to add that extra layer of warmth.
I've also found them warm enough on cool, dry days to wear them on their own.
Liner gloves serve a purpose, to put on your hands first, before your main outer waterproof glove with its waterproof shell and additional insulation, to keep your hands warmer than just wearing your outer gloves alone. This system works well in winter when it is better to layer gloves. If you are working hard and getting warm, you can remove your outer gloves for a while.
If your outer gloves don't provide a lot of dexterity, you can remove them and tie laces, access rucksacks, use your mobile, etc., whilst wearing liner gloves, and they will still keep a level of warmth around your hands.
I try not to do this too often, as liners aren't as durable as most other gloves. Also, removing your outer gloves could cause your liners to get wet if the weather is very wet. So, in very wet weather, I often take a waterproof alternative pair, such as my X, but I don't find these as comfortable and breathable as these Merino lines.
I have reasonably large hands, so I found them quite a slim fit, so you may have to size up when buying, but check out sizing guides first. Overall, a warm, breathable liner.
These Montane Anti-Freeze Down Mittens can provide a significant boost of warmth when you need it the most. They pack down and weigh only just over 100g, so they are a permanent item in my winter rucksack.
I mainly have them as an emergency item for stopping on cold days, but they are excellent for wearing around a camp at night or if you are standing outside watching outdoor events in the cold.
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| Features | 3.5
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.0
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| Value | 4.5
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Material:
100% recycled PERTEX® QUANTUM ECO outer with PFC-free DWR, filled with 90/10 water-resistant fluorocarbon-free HyperDRY™ down at 750+ fill power and 100% recycled PEAQ Down ECO lining with PFC-free DWR.
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These Montane Anti-Freeze Down Mittens provide a lot of warmth. I carry more as an emergency item, rather than for wearing all the time on a hike, but on putting them on, I find my hands instantly start to warm. They pack down small into a tiny stuff sack and being lightweight; they are a winter staple in my rucksack along with my down jacket.
According to Montane, they are designed for deep winter and are easy to slip on for an emergency boost of warmth over a liner or fleece gloves.
I've also found them very useful for camping in cold weather, just for putting if you are sat outside, or even inside if it is very cold. They've also been used many times, standing outside watching various sporting events.
Whilst they are not waterproof gloves, they are filled with 90/10 water-resistant fluorocarbon-free HyperDRY™ down at 750+ fill power, so they do provide a little water resistance and don't lose their loft when wet.
These Extremities Furnace Pro Gloves are a stylish, warm, winter, waterproof glove, with touchscreen compatibility that can be worn on hikes or for just day to day whilst out and about.
While they may look more like woollen gloves with a knitted construction, they have an internal waterproof and breathable membrane and have Primaloft gold insulation for warmth.
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| Features | 4.0
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.0
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| Value | 4.5
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Material:
The outer fabric is 70% Acrylic, 30% Wool, XDry waterproof membrane and the lining/insulation is 100% Polyester with insulation of Primaloft Gold.
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Whilst these Extremities Furnace Pro Gloves may look more like ordinary woollen gloves, they have technology built into them, making them modern but with an old-fashioned look. Mine get worn walking to the pub as much as they do out on the fells, but I have worn them out on many occasions in heavy rain and at temperatures down to -3 degrees Celsius, and they have performed admirably.
Because of how it works, touchscreen technology generally only works in thinner gloves, so I was pleased to find a pair that, whilst touchscreen-compatible, were actually waterproof gloves and provided a reasonable amount of warmth.
Touchscreen devices (most smartphones, etc.) generally need the conductive touch of your bare finger to work, so they won't work with most normal gloves. To get around that, specific gloves (generally thin ones) include a small patch of conductive material, which acts as your bare finger. Here, the touchscreen pads are on your thumb and index finger.
Within these waterproof gloves is an X-Dry breathable membrane that is waterproof. This keeps the Primaloft Gold insulation dry inside, which keeps your hands warm.
Whilst there is a PU leather palm, it is not very large, so the gloves are better suited for hill walking than climbing or carrying ice axes, etc. There is a zip for easy entry and loops if you want to add a leash.
When it comes to keeping your hands protected and warm, you essentially have two primary options: gloves and mittens.
Gloves cover the entire hand and have individual compartments for each finger. Mittens do not have individual compartments for each finger, which allows for better heat retention as the fingers can share warmth when in contact, and less surface area is exposed for heat to escape.
Although gloves provide better dexterity, mittens generally offer more warmth when made of the same material and quantity. As you lose dexterity with mittens, they are generally best suited for very cold weather when you don't need to use your hands very much.
If you like the mittens and need more dexterity, you could try a thin liner pair under the mitten, so if you need to access pockets, maps, etc., you can take the mitten off and retain more heat on your hands with the liner gloves, whilst you perform whatever tasks are needed.
I've always favoured gloves, but the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences.
Additionally, there's a hybrid type known as 'lobster' gloves, featuring separate compartments for the thumb and index finger, while the remaining three fingers share a common space, often preferred by snowboarders.
Which hiking gloves you need to wear and take on a walk or hike depends upon the type of the walk, the time of year, and the expected weather, whether you're a person who runs 'warm' or 'cold' and their desired use. For example, if you use trekking poles or do any scrambling, the gloves need to be more durable. You need to match your gloves to your needs.
While some might argue that the warmer the gloves, the better, it's important to remember that comfort is key, not excessive heat. Overheating your hands can lead to sweaty palms, dampening your gloves' insides and affecting their insulating properties. That's why I usually carry two pairs of gloves during winter - a thinner pair and a thicker pair. I use them in combination depending on the weather conditions and keep the thinner pair in my backpack all year round.
There are various things to consider when choosing walking or hiking gloves, which we will look at below.
Ensuring the right fit is crucial for keeping your hands warm, comfortable, and dexterous. The cheaper gloves may come in only one size, but the best hiking gloves, like hiking socks and boots, come in different sizes, as getting the right fit is key.
It's worth noting that sizing can vary between different manufacturers/brands. Therefore, measuring your hand accurately and referring to the manufacturers' sizing charts is essential. A simple method is to use a piece of string to measure around your hand and then place it against a ruler to gauge the size.
A glove that fits snugly but not tightly will offer the best dexterity and warmth while allowing for freedom of movement. This is crucial because a glove that is too tight can restrict your movement and reduce your grip strength, making it harder to hold onto objects or use your hands effectively. On the other hand, a glove that is too loose may not provide enough warmth as it won't be able to trap your body heat efficiently.
The outside of hiking gloves are generally made from a range of materials (such as leather, synthetic, neoprene, etc.), with some featuring built-in waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex. These materials are chosen based on the specific needs of the user (such as waterproofing, breathability, and windproofing) and the type of grip required for activities like walking with poles or scrambling.
This shell is there to protect the insulation/lining of the glove, which is the primary source of warmth and is ideally waterproof and breathable.
For the gloves to be durable, which is more important if scrambling, using hiking poles, ice axes, etc., then look for leather on palms and areas of high wear. The leather is often replaced with PU or PVC inserts on lower-end gloves.
Goat leather palm on a hiking glove
The outer shell of the hiking gloves will determine the gloves:
The key thing for how warm your hands will be is the insulation and inner lining of the glove. Different materials offer various levels of warmth, breathability, and the ability to wick away moisture.
Hiking gloves are usually insulated using either synthetic or down insulation. This provides warmth but means they are not as breathable as non-insulated gloves. The more insulation your glove has, generally, the warmer it will be. But typically, the more insulation, the bulkier and less dextrous and breathable a glove becomes, so there is a trade-off. For general cold-weather walking, insulation will play a more significant part, whereas if you are doing lots of scrambling, there will be more of a trade-off between dexterity and warmth.
So, you need to decide if you need gloves with insulation or not. Insulated gloves are warmer but generally less breathable than non-insulated gloves. Insulated gloves are a must for cold weather, but a non-insulated pair may suit you better for warmer weather walks or more energetic pastimes such as trail running.
Gloves ideally need to provide good dexterity to reduce the number of times you need to remove them to access your rucksack or pockets, use zips or just re-tie bootlaces!
Some gloves come with pre-curved fingers, designed to imitate the shape of the hand to allow for easier movement.
Besides the key features of hiking gloves listed above, additional features to look out for include:
Bulky seams, particularly around the fingers and thumb, can reduce dexterity, while seams on the fingertips can wear more quickly than ones that are offset. Internal seams can sometimes cause friction, so ideally, choose gloves with none.
Offset seams on a hiking glove
The grip or palm of the glove ensures a secure hold and prevents slipping while hiking, especially when using trekking poles or adjusting gear. Gloves with textured and reinforced fingers and palms can help provide durability and the necessary grip.
Leather palm and fingers on a hiking glove
Wrist closure and coverage are important features for hiking gloves, as they prevent snow, rain, and wind from entering the glove and ensure the glove remains securely on the hand. Consider gloves with elasticated wrists, adjustable closures or cinches, and extended cuffs, such as gauntlet cuffs, for added protection and a secure fit.
Gauntlet gloves
The gauntlet-style cuffs allow you to wear them over your jacket sleeve, but they tend to be a bit heavier and bulkier than other gloves. Gauntlet cuffs are useful for climbing or scrambling when your arms are above your head to stop the snow and cold air from going down your sleeve. Otherwise, the cuffs are better for general hiking under your jacket sleeves, so you don't get rain running down inside your gloves.
Gaunlets on hiking gloves
Wrist leashes and clips on hiking gloves help ensure they remain secure when removed for tasks, preventing them from being misplaced or blown away by wind gusts. These features can be particularly valuable during more challenging hikes or extreme weather conditions.
Wrist leash on a hiking glove
Touchscreen compatibility is an excellent feature on gloves, which allows you to access your phone or GPS device without removing your gloves. Because of how it works, it is only generally found on thinner gloves, as the insulation on thicker gloves stops it from working.
Touchscreen compatible insert on finger of a hiking glove
A nose wipe on the back of the glove is a soft patch of fabric near the thumb and has one primary purpose - you can wipe your runny nose on it without fumbling around getting tissues or hankies out. It is amazing how much your nose can run on a cold winter day, even when you don't have a cold or sniffles.
Nose wipe on a hiking glove thumb
Some gloves come equipped with zippered pockets, usually located on the back of the hand. These are often marketed as storage for hand warmers or as vents for when the weather turns warmer. Personally, I've never found a need for them, as they add unnecessary zippers that could potentially malfunction.
I prefer to store necessary items in my jacket or backpack hip pockets, and if my hands start to overheat, I simply remove my gloves or switch to a thinner pair. But, as with many things in life, this comes down to personal preference!
In conclusion, choosing the perfect pair of hiking gloves ensures your hands stay warm, dry, and protected during outdoor adventures. By considering factors such as insulation, dexterity, waterproofing, and durability, you can find the ideal gloves tailored to your needs.
Whether hiking in the rain, scrambling up a mountain, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk, the right gloves will make all the difference in your outdoor experience. So gear up, stay warm and safe and embrace the great outdoors!
Happy walking...
February 2024
