Preparing for a cold weather hunt comes with extra layers of decision-making. Freezing temperatures present challenges to your safety, comfort, and performance, increasing the likelihood of uncontrollable shivers when it’s time to take that crucial shot. Wearing well-insulated hunting gloves and gear can solve this problem. However, if your clothing and accessories are too heavy or poorly made, they can impede movement and make that kill shot even more difficult.
Check out the guide below to learn more about trigger finger protection so you can choose the best hunting gloves for your next cold-weather hunt.
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Types of Hunting Gloves
When choosing your cold weather hunting gear, don’t neglect the gloves. After all, your hands connect you with your weapon. Your fingers are responsible for pulling the trigger or firing the bow, and properly protecting them could mean the difference between missing or making your shot. Prioritize hunting glove selection with the same importance as weapon selection. Your body—and your hunting tag—will thank you.
There are several types of shooting gloves to choose from, and selecting the best one for the job depends on the hunting environment, the intended target, and your physical requirements.
Lightweight, Mid-Weight, and Heavy-Weight Gloves
Hunting gloves come in a range of insulation levels to suit different environmental conditions:
- Lightweight gloves are best for mild weather, providing just enough warmth without restricting dexterity.
- Mid-weight gloves offer more insulation for colder temperatures.
- Heavyweight gloves are designed for extreme cold and provide the most warmth, but may compromise your manual flexibility.
Liner Gloves
Liner gloves are typically made of lightweight materials and are meant to be worn underneath larger gloves or mittens as an additional layer of insulation. Liner gloves also help wick away moisture to keep your hands dry. When worn alone, they are a suitable solution for hunters in mildly cold climates who need dexterity when using their fingers to operate touchscreens or adjust equipment.
Heated Gloves
Featuring battery-powered heating elements, heated hunting gloves are a game-changer for finger and palm warmth during extended time outdoors in the cold. Some even offer adjustable heat settings so you can customize temperatures to your preferences or environment. Heated gloves are ideal gear for hunters whose bodies require extra warmth without sacrificing the use of their fingers.
Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless hunting gloves expose your fingertips, allowing for greater dexterity when handling triggers or bowstrings, tying knots, or manipulating small items. Because of this, fingerless gloves do not provide as much overall insulation as other styles and are best suited for milder cold weather conditions. However, some fingerless gloves are made with a fold-over mitten cover that can be used for extra warmth as needed.
What to Consider When Choosing Hunting Gloves
Now that you understand the differences between the various types of hunting gloves, how do you choose a specific pair among all the different brands and options available? Consider the following factors when selecting the best hunting gloves for your needs.
Material
Generally speaking, hunting gloves that are made with quiet, inconspicuous fabrics should be prioritized in your selection process, as they provide the crucial service of keeping you undetectable from prey. Of course, waterproof properties and durability are also important considerations depending on the harshness of the environment in which you’re hunting.
Some of the most common hunting glove materials include:
- Leather
- Pros: durable, warm, and breathable
- Cons: heavy and usually more expensive than synthetic materials
- Wool
- Pros: effective insulation with a cozy feel
- Cons: loses insulative properties when exposed to moisture
- Synthetic blends (polyester, spandex, and acrylics)
- Pros: affordable, lightweight, water-resistant, and breathable
- Cons: often less durable and less warm than natural materials
Insulation
Insulation is the key to hunting glove warmth—but it can come at a price. While heavier materials provide better insulation, their excess weight can hinder your ability to handle a weapon. Consider the warmth-to-weight ratio when choosing the best hunting gloves for insulation. Synthetic insulation works well in moist environments where hand dexterity is important. Down and wool, while bulkier and less water-resistant, are more effective at trapping heat and may be better suited for extremely frigid temperatures.
Grip and Dexterity
Glove functionality isn’t just about keeping your hands warm. It also means being able to handle your firearm and other hunting equipment in cold temperatures. Look for hunting gloves that balance insulation with finger mobility. Some of the best hunting gloves on the market are designed with reinforced palms and fingers or curved fits to provide unrestricted movement.
Weather Resistance
The climate in which you'll be hunting should be a major influence in your glove selection process. If you'll be hunting in wet snow, freezing rain, or heavy winds, you'll want a pair that can effectively block moisture and wind. Waterproof gloves provide the best protection. But keep in mind they may not be as breathable as water-resistant options. For active, high-exertion hunting, a layered system with a water-resistant outer glove and a lightweight, moisture-wicking liner can be a practical compromise.
Fit and Comfort
Proper fit is crucial for glove functionality. Your hunting gloves should allow room for layering if needed, with adjustable wrist closures to keep out cold air. But they shouldn't be so loose that they inhibit dexterity or allow heat to escape. Comfort features like soft linings and contoured designs can make a big difference in all-day hunting wear.
Breathability and Moisture Control
Hunting often involves periods of intense physical activity followed by times of relative stillness. Your gloves need to be able to handle this variation without making your hands sweaty or clammy. Look for breathable insulation and features like vents or perforations that allow airflow. Combined with moisture-wicking fabrics, these design qualities will keep your hands equally dry and comfortable.
Touchscreen Compatibility
In the field, being able to operate your phone, GPS, or other digital devices without removing your gloves is a big convenience. Consider hunting gloves that allow for smooth touchscreen use so you can access critical information without exposing your bare hands to the cold.
Camouflage and Stealth
For every hunter, blending into the environment is key. Gloves with hunting camo patterns tailored to the environment can help you stay visually concealed. Additionally, quiet, low-noise fabrics and materials are important for maintaining sound stealth.
Additional Features
Additional features to consider when choosing the best cold weather hunting gloves include:
- Patches
- Layerability
- Zipper pockets
- Leashes
- Quality
- Glass or nose wipe
Best Cold Weather Hunting Gloves
FORLOH’s 100% American-made AllClima Softshell Hunting Gloves are perfect for cold weather hunting. These waterproof gloves are engineered with Deep Space Trizar™, a fully seam-sealed and weather-resistant membrane that provides equal parts breathability and insulation.
Enjoy enhanced palm grip and finger dexterity with grip control technology that includes features such as:
- AbraSynthetic™ synthetic suede overlay on the thumb that can be used as a goggle/glass and/or nose wipe.
- Palms constructed with domestically sourced goat leather.
- Additional palm-side leather overlays equipped with Digital Blizzard technology to allow glove-on phone screen use.
- Innovative and effective camouflage patterns developed to keep you concealed in a variety of terrains.
Pair these NASA-tested hunting gloves with FORLOH’s AllClima Softshell Beanie for head-to-hand protection and insulation.
Hunting Gloves Vs. Mittens
While both will keep your hands warm on a hunt, gloves and mittens have distinguishable design elements that make them suitable for different outdoor activities or physical requirements. Hunting gloves, for example, provide enhanced finger maneuverability, making them better suited for weapon control or equipment handling. Because they envelop each finger individually, hunting gloves provide hand warmth without sacrificing grip.
Mittens, on the other hand, provide better temperature control because they allow your body’s natural heat to warm your fingers. Depending on the climate you’re in or the type of game you’re hunting, mittens might be more suitable to combat extremely cold temperatures.
Pros and Cons of Hunting Gloves
- Pros: warmth, individual finger movement, hand protection
- Cons: noise created by the finger fabric rubbing together, poor weapon manipulation
Pros and Cons of Mittens
- Pros: natural warmth, reduced potential for accidents related to weapon misfire
- Cons: reduced finger dexterity, susceptible to moisture
Hunting Gloves FAQ
How should hunting gloves fit?
Hunting gloves should fit snugly but allow for some mobility in the fingers. However, they shouldn't be so tight that they restrict blood flow and reduce warmth. Aim for a glove that provides a close, contoured fit without being overly restrictive. Adjustable wrist closures can help dial in the perfect fit.
What’s the best insulation material for hunting gloves?
Synthetic insulation materials—like FORLOH’s state-of-the-art Primaloft® synthetic layering—are excellent choices for hunting gloves. They provide warmth without absorbing moisture, so your hands stay dry and comfortable even during high-exertion activities. Down insulation is also a great option, but it loses its insulating properties when wet. For wet or snowy conditions, synthetic is generally the better pick.
Are touchscreen-compatible hunting gloves worth it?
Absolutely. Being able to operate your phone, GPS, or other digital devices without removing your gloves is a major convenience. Touchscreen-compatible hunting gloves allow you to stay connected and access critical information in the field without exposing your bare hands to the cold. This can be especially helpful for tasks like tracking your dog's location or navigating with a hunting app.
How do I keep my hands warm without losing dexterity?
The key to hand dexterity is to find hunting gloves that strike the correct balance between insulation and flexibility. Layered glove systems, where you can remove an outer shell when needed, are a great solution. Choose a lightweight, dexterous liner glove paired with a heavier-duty outer glove or mitten. This configuration allows you to maintain the warmth and protection of a bulkier glove while retaining the fine motor skills of a thinner layer.
What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant gloves?
Waterproof hunting gloves are completely impermeable to moisture, providing full protection against rain, snow, and submersion. Water-resistant gloves, on the other hand, can handle light precipitation but may not hold up as well in extended wet conditions. Waterproof gloves offer the most comprehensive defense against the elements, but they may not be as breathable as some water-resistant options. Consider the environment in which you’ll be hunting—and its forecasted weather—when choosing between the two.