As summer begins to wind down and fall makes its first appearance, we start to think about all of the cold weather accessories we’re going toneed for the upcoming season. Pumpkin picking, trick-or-treating, and eventually snowball fights all require gloves and mittens. However, with the endless options littering the shelves, how do you know which one to pick?
That’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of the best gloves and mittens for 2019. In this extensive guide, we’ll explore just what the difference between a glove and mitten is, review our top ten favorites, and more!
Glove And Mitten FAQs
1. What Is The Difference Between Gloves And Mittens?
If you didn’t know there was a difference between a glove and a mitten, you wouldn’t be the only one. In all actuality, most people confuse a glove for a mitten and vice versa. So, how do you know the difference? Here’s how:
Gloves
A glove is a covering used for the hand. Gloves are generally worn to protect against the cold as well as unwanted outside particles, chemicals, and more. What gives the glove away is its individual finger design where each finger is separated from the other. What’s unique about gloves is that they are made with a wide range of materials, some being rubber, latex, leather, and more.
Mittens
A mitten is often confused for a glove, and there’s a good reason why. A mitten is a hand covering used to protect the hand and skin from unwanted elements and most important and exclusively, to protect you from the cold. What makes a mitten different from a glove is that mittens do not separate each individual finger. Mittens most commonly have two sections, one section for the thumb and the other section for the remaining fingers.
2. Deciding Between Gloves And Mittens
Now you fully understand the difference between a glove and mitten, but how do you know which one to pick? Well, that usually depends on the activity you’re going to be doing in your glove or mitten. It also heavily depends on the environment in which you’re going to be in.
Mittens And Warmth
If warmth is your main concern, we suggest going for the mitten. Mittens have the tendency to be much warmer than gloves because most of your fingers remain together. Staying together increases and shares the heat, between the fingers, much easier than they would if they were separated in a glove.
Gloves And Dexterity
If dexterity is your major focus, then gloves are the perfect choice for you. Gloves are a great choice if you want to be able to have all five fingers functioning without having to take off your hand covering and brave the cold. Zipping up coats, buckling snow boots, and adjusting gear is easy and effective in gloves.
3. Where Can You Buy Gloves And Mittens?
You can purchase gloves and mittens in almost anywhere. Gloves and mittens are so common you may even be able to find them at gas stations when the weather starts to get colder. Here are a few common places you can go to find gloves and mittens for purchase:
How We Reviewed The Best Gloves And Mittens
When we set out to make the 2019 guide for the best gloves and mittens, we know we had to put in the extensive and thorough research. When cold weather strikes, you want to be prepared with the best of the best. That’s why we based our reviews on the following strict criteria:
Comparison Table
Overall Price Range Of Gloves And Mittens (And Similar Products)
Gloves and mittens can vary greatly in price. On our list, you’ll see gloves and mittens anywhere from $ to upwards of $$. What you pay for is genuinely what you get when it comes to cold weather gear, and gloves and mittens are no exception. If you want a high quality, durable, and effective glove or mitten, get ready to spend a little bit more money to ensure reliability.
What We Reviewed
1.) Black Diamond
FEATURES
The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is one of the best mittens on the market. Not only is it supremely weather resist with its bomber exterior shell, but its fleece lining brings the unrivaled warmth that can’t be beaten. The best part about this mitten is that is more dexterous than most featuring an index finger slot within.
PRICE
This product can be found on Amazon for around $.
Pros
Cons
2.) Arcteryx
FEATURES
The Arc’teryx Fission Glove is one of the highest performing and most versatile gloves on the market. What makes this glove special is the sheer amount of warmth it brings. Being such a warm glove makes this ideal for many types of outdoor activities. Not only is the perfect for all conditions, wet and dry, but it provides excellent freedom of movement.
PRICE
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
Pros
Cons
3.) Marmot
FEATURES
Are you a fan of cold weather sports? And by cold weather, we don’t mean thirty degrees: more like thirty degrees below zero. If you need a hand covering that truly keeps your hands warm, then the Marmot Expedition Mittens are for you.
Some reviews of the Marmot Expedition Mittens claimed that their hands were so warm in subzero temperatures that they were actually sweating. If that doesn’t sell you on these mittens superior design, then the PrimaLoft stuffing will! Below are additional pros and cons we found while reviewing the Marmot Expedition Mittens.
PRICE
This product can be found on Amazon for around $.
Pros
Cons
4.) Outdoor Research Illuminator
FEATURES
The Outdoor Research Illuminator Sensor Gloves are some of the most versatile gloves on our list. These gloves are not only extremely dexterous, but feature touch screen capable fingertip material. Not only does the touchscreen capability give these a leg up up on the competition; it actually works!
PRICE
This product can be found on Amazon for around $.
Pros
Cons
5.) Black Diamond Legend Gloves
FEATURES
The Black Diamond Men’s Legend Gloves are as epic as their name suggests. These gloves are not only supremely warm, but they’re also one of the warmest gloves on the market today. What makes these gloves great is the unrivaled durability and toughness. If you opt for these gloves, you’ll have them for years to come!
PRICE
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
Pros
Cons
6.) Marmot Men's 8000
FEATURES
The Marmot 8000 Meter Mitt is designed for warmth and dexterity. If you don’t mind paying a pretty penny, then these mittens are one of the best choices out there, especially if you’re looking for high-altitude gear. Not only does the Marmot 8000 Meter Mitt include the waterproof shell, but it also comes with an insert and a removable goose-down filled mitten.
PRICE
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$$.
Pros
Cons
7.) Dakine
FEATURES
If you have been searching for a more industrial, cold weather mitten that won’t break the bank, we have the one for you. The Dakine Sequoia Insulated Mitten brings all the features of a high-end mitten but does so in a much more affordable package. Coming in at right around $65, the Dakine Sequoia Insulated Mitten is a great beginner choice.
PRICE
This product can be found on Amazon for around $.
Pros
Cons
8.) Hestra
FEATURES
Ready for a warm and durable glove perfect for skiing? The Hestra Waterproof Ski Glove is one of the best gloves and mittens on our list because of its above average weather resistant technology and materials. When you’re spending more on a glove, you want to ensure it lasts and with such premium and durable materials, you won’t have to worry about the Hestra Waterproof Ski Gloves.
PRICE
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
Pros
Cons
9.) Outdoor Research Alti Mitts
FEATURES
Do you need an outdoor mitten that has the premium protection that just doesn’t end at the wrist? The Outdoor Research Alti Mitten is a high-altitude mitten perfect for all weather. What’s great about the Outdoor Research Alti Mitten is that the PrimaLoft insulation not only keeps hands warm but it helps keep water out!
PRICE
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
Pros
Cons
10.) The North Face
FEATURES
The North Face brand is one of the most world-renowned brands when it comes to cold weather gear. Not only are they trusted for their premium materials, their products actually work. The North Face Montana Mitt is no exception, this mitt not only works it’s surprisingly affordable considering the North Face brand attached to it.
PRICE
This product can be found on Amazon for around $.
Pros
Cons
The Verdict
The winner on our list goes is the Dakine Sequoia Insulated Mitten. Not only is this the winner because it’s so incredibly affordable compared to the competitors, but it has a lot of the same great features as other, more high-end models. With a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, 350g high-loft synthetic insulation, and a rubbertec palm, the Dakine Sequoia Insulated Mitten is ideal for both beginners and experts not looking to break the bank on another piece of overpriced winter gear! One Amazon reviewer even commenting “These gloves are amazing - almost too warm, even without the liners. They are great.”
When you’re shopping to find the best mitten or glove for your winter and cold weather activities, you want to ensure you’re not only getting a quality product but a product that genuinely works. Whether you’re most concerned about durability, high-altitude functionality, versatility, or even price, there’s a glove or mitten out there that’s perfect for you! No matter which glove or mitten you choose, always remember to be safe and have fun!
