I’ve come across several gloves claiming to be waterproof, yet I’ve ended up with soaked hands during constant rain while hiking. What are the most affordable options on Amazon, Decathlon, or elsewhere that are genuinely waterproof and can keep my hands warm? I’m looking for gloves suitable for two-day or full-day hikes.
If you’re going to get soaked, consider neoprene gloves. They keep your hands warm even when wet and are more flexible than motorbike gloves.
Blane said:
If you’re going to get soaked, consider neoprene gloves. They keep your hands warm even when wet and are more flexible than motorbike gloves.
This is the way! I carry a pair of 8mil nitrile gloves. They’re the best waterproof gloves I’ve found—lightweight and cheap. In very cold weather, I wear them under my regular gloves for extra insulation.
For example: Amazon Link
Blane said:
If you’re going to get soaked, consider neoprene gloves. They keep your hands warm even when wet and are more flexible than motorbike gloves.
I gave up on waterproof gloves in these conditions and switched to neoprene ones. They keep your hands warm even when soaking wet and allow for a good grip.
As a former glacier guide in Alaska, I can tell you that ‘waterproof’ gloves for hiking are a pipedream. For wet conditions, neoprene gloves keep your hands warmer when wet. You can also consider fishing gloves like the Atlas 620, which can keep your hands dry unless water runs down into them.
I’ve used both options, primarily neoprene for hiking and ice climbing.
@Amani
Dishwasher gloves work as well.
If it’s really wet, I’m not sure anything will keep your hands dry, especially if using poles. I use Altura deluge gloves (for cycling) and they work well, but my hands eventually get wet but stay warm.
You might also try using dish gloves and then put regular gloves over them.
Consider Gore-Tex ski gloves. They keep your hands dry and provide good dexterity.
Adi said:
Consider Gore-Tex ski gloves. They keep your hands dry and provide good dexterity.
Exactly! Skiers and snowboarders use them in wet conditions. Neoprene gloves are also a solid option if they have cuffs that cinch over them.
If you can find Showa 281 Temres gloves, they’re a great option. For insulated and waterproof, Showa 282-02 gloves are lightly insulated with drawstrings at the cuffs to help keep warmth in. I’ve heard decent things about Decathlon rain mitts as over gloves, but I haven’t tried them myself.
Some quality brands use numbers to indicate how waterproof their items are. For more details, check out this guide: How Waterproof & Breathability Ratings Work | evo.
I think waterproof gloves are a myth. I use Rab Vapour Rise gloves that are waterproof enough, provide good dexterity, keep warm, and dry quickly.
Often, ‘waterproof’ means the material itself is waterproof but may not keep water out completely. Make sure to check for seam sealing.
Tenny said:
Often, ‘waterproof’ means the material itself is waterproof but may not keep water out completely. Make sure to check for seam sealing.
Yes, it’s likely the gloves are not seam sealed, allowing water to infiltrate around the wrist.
I suggest looking into motorcycle gloves; they often have less gimmicky marketing than hiking gloves.
If you’ve tried many gloves and they didn’t work, consider investing in a quality pair with a good waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex. A good waterproof jacket with adjustable cuffs will also help keep your hands dry.
I had a similar issue with Seirus all-weather gloves. They were supposed to be waterproof but weren’t. After returning them, I got Columbia ski gloves that work well in wet conditions.
Check out the Hydroflector gloves by Kinco. They’re totally waterproof to the wrist, warm, and reasonably priced.
I use Gore-Tex Tuff Bags over regular gloves in cold, wet conditions. They’re great with just one seam.