As much as it sounds fun fishing on chillier days, things could take a wrong turn if you are not well-prepared. When the surrounding temperatures drop, the water temperatures are always a lot colder. Therefore, anglers can feel numbness in their fingers or entire hands if they don’t use the right gear.
So, what are the best cold weather fishing gloves? In simple words, any glove that comes with appropriate insulation to keep your hands warm while offering maximum dexterity. Considering these, one product that became our instant favorite and we consider them as the overall best cold weather fishing gloves is the Palmyth Ice Fishing Gloves.
These are Thinsulate, waterproof, and extremely comfortable fingerless gloves. Learn more details about these incredibly warm fishing gloves, along with other amazing choices, below.
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10 Best Cold Water Fishing Gloves
1. Palmyth Ice Fishing Gloves – Best Winter Fishing loves
The master of innovation, these from Plamyth, are mittens convertible into fingerless gloves. On the inside is the orange microfiber fleece along with 3M Thinsulate that provides comfort and warmth.
To expose the fingers, simply fold back the mittens and, when not in use, cover them again. What impresses the most is that it isn’t bulky and ensures amazing dexterity when fingerless. Rightly so, our anglers could change baits, tie knots, and unzip bags conveniently.
For a firm grip, the palm side of the glove has anti-lip silicone patterns along with partial leather. These mittens aren’t waterproof but integrated with water-repellent technology that withstands accidental water splashes but cannot stay dry if dunked in water.
Pros
- Full finger dexterity
- Quick removal of the mitten with finger loops
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Limited dexterity with covered mittens
- Not waterproof
Verdict
If you need the best convertible gloves that offer maximum warmth and great dexterity, look no further than the Palmyth Ice Fishing gloves.
2. Palmyth Neoprene Fishing Gloves – Best Neoprene Gloves
These will be ideal if you need a pair of gloves that offers finger exposure without removing the entire glove. This one from Palmyth comes with three complete and two cut fingers. However, the cut fingers are not completely exposed but have a cover that you can fold back when needed.
Compared to the Palmyth Ice Fishing Gloves, these are much more affordable and have better dexterity even when all the fingers are covered. Tying delicate knots, changing lures and baits, using a smartphone, and similar work without issues.
The breathable neoprene fabric doesn’t allow sweat buildup. This property becomes a drawback when the chilly wind blows and fails to provide warmth. The water-resistant fleece keeps moisture out but is unable to prevent the water from seeping through.
Pros
- Keeps hands dry in light rain
- Great adjustability
- Offers good dexterity
Cons
- Thermal insulation isn’t efficient during very cold days
Verdict
These gloves from Palmyth are quite affordable and functional, with a highly adjustable design that allows convenience to all.
3. KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves – Best For Cold Morning Fishing
The KastKing Mountain Mist gloves are the best ice fishing gloves for all the right reasons. The fleece linen on the inside is responsible for keeping the hand warm throughout fishing. The fabric is so soft that we didn’t feel irritation on the skin at all.
On the outside, the neoprene layer acts as a protective layer and prevents water from seeping through. These linings could, however, backfire during warmer conditions and make your hands sweaty.
The gloves come with snug finger slots for three fingers. You can simply uncover the fingers and stick the glove back using velcro. We also loved the microfiber palm with anti-slip properties as it provided a firm grip to the rod while wearing.
Pros
- Smartphone-friendly
- Ideal for cold weather
- Waterproof
- Great grip from the palm
Cons
- Might not suit well in humid conditions
Verdict
Considering the materials used and warming properties, these are surely one of the best fishing gloves for cold weather.
4. Orvis Fleece Gloves – Best Fingerless Gloves
Orvis is a prominent name in the fishing industry and has gained a position by rolling out superb fishing accessories. These fingerless gloves are one of the finest examples. The fingerless design allows optimum dexterity and ease of tying knots, using gadgets, etc.
These gloves also feature durable construction, making them resistant to wear/tear and ensuring they’ll last for many fishing trips to come. Furthermore, the Suede synthetic leather palm adds to the overall warmth and boasts abrasion-resistant properties for excellent protection.
You can also easily wash these gloves after every use. This property also comes as a drawback since the gloves are not designed to hold water out; hence, the water reaches your hand, making them wet and cold.
Pros
- Stretchable for a comfortable fit
- Abrasion resistant
- Offers superb dexterity
Cons
- Can get completely wet
Verdict
All in all, these are one of the best gloves for cold weather fishing by Orvis that allow a great degree of dexterity and keep hands warm.
5. Palmyth Wool Glove – Best Wool Gloves
We loved Palmyth Wool Glove as one of the best cold weather fishing gear with a fingerless design for easy dexterity. For keeping the hands dry and comfortable, manufacturers have used wool and nylon blend fabric.
The 3-cut finger design enabled us to conveniently tie knots, strip lines, and use mobile phones, cameras, etc. On the palm, synthetic leather is used to provide better grip and warmth as well as to enhance durability.
Because of the fingerless design, these might not be an ideal fit for extremely cold conditions. However, the inner fabric and proper lining do ensure warmth and protection. One of the best things about these gloves is that they can be washed.
Pros
- Offers great mobility and dexterity
- Comfortable and warm
- Moisture wicking property
Cons
- Not suitable for harsh winters
Verdict
If you need the best cold weather winter fishing gloves with decent performance and fair price, these ones are perfect.
6. Icearmor By Clam Extreme Gloves – Best Windproof
No matter the weather conditions, these gloves are designed to keep your hands warm and dry, allowing you to focus on reeling in the trophy fish. The gloves feature waterproof as well as windproof construction, shielding your hands from the elements.
Furthermore, the Thinsulate insulation provides an extra layer of warmth, ensuring your hands stay toasty even in the coldest temperatures. These gloves are built to endure and crafted with reinforced materials in high-stress areas.
This makes them incredibly tough and resistant to wear and tear. These also offer a custom fit that is both comfortable and secure. The adjustable cuffs can be tightened or loosened to suit your needs. Unfortunately, it lacks a slit or cut, and we had to remove the glove entirely to access a mobile phone, tie knots, and perform other such activities.
Pros
- Provides superb shielding
- Available in various sizes
- Windproof for better warmth
Cons
- No finger slit design
Verdict
Overall, these are one of the warmest fishing gloves that we tested and ideal for adventurous anglers who are always on the hunt for the big catch.
7. VELAZZIO Fishing Gloves – Best Electric Heating Gloves
The most expensive on our list and indeed the most advanced, these are electrically insulated fishing gloves. Enjoy the customized warmth with three heating levels (low, medium, high) that not only keeps your hand warm but protected too. The 4800mAh rechargeable battery can work efficiently to keep your hands warm even when the mercury drops to -20°F.
On the back of the glove is a built-in carbon fiber heating panel. Whereas the 3M Thinsulate makes sure you enjoy dexterity, coziness, and lightweight. The gloves are entirely waterproof, thanks to the durable water repellent (DWR), Fan-Tex membrane, and moisture-wicking fleece lining.
The palm side is full of small rubber dots, allowing a firm grip. Despite all the great features, one major thing that we couldn’t find in these gloves is a slit for the fingers. Because of this, our anglers remove the glove to tie knots and perform other such tasks.
Pros
- Customized temperature control
- Available in various sizes
- Rechargeable and long-lasting battery
Cons
- No slit fingers
- Relatively less dexterity
Verdict
Velazzio fishing gloves are one of the best cold weather fishing gloves. The integration of advanced electrical heating technology to provide a warm and secure experience make them worth buying.
8. Simms Headwaters Fold-Over Gloves – Best Mittens
Looking for fishing gloves that provide quick and easy exposure to your fingers? These gloves from Simms Headwaters could be it. Made out of fleece fabric, these fishing gloves are warm and protect from any potential harm.
To test these, our anglers simply folded the mittens over to the back and all four fingers were exposed. It is one of the most convenient gloves that we tried and these are pretty efficient for the job.
From keeping hands warm to allowing finger exposure, we could do all the delicate jobs easily without having to remove the gloves completely. However, these gloves can become extremely wet since fleece doesn’t possess waterproofing abilities.
Pros
- Windproof
- Soft and comfortable
- Fold-over mitten
Cons
- Not waterproof
Verdict
Considering its strengths and weaknesses, these fold-over mittens can be an ideal choice for occasional anglers that don’t want to spend on anything too fancy.
9. KastKing IceRiver Fishing Gloves – Best Waterproof
Looking for 100% waterproof fishing gloves? KastKing has got you covered. The IceRiver gloves are ideal for anglers who fish in winter. These are designed to offer warmth while keeping your hands dry.
Manufacturers have used 2.2 mm neoprene rubber on the outside to make these gloves 100% waterproof. Needless to say, we observed that these gloves could withstand water splashes and prevent penetration.
Fleece lining on the inside stimulates insulation, whereas the anti-slip embossed palm offers a great grip. Various sizes are available for these gloves, making them a great fit for all. The only issue we faced was no slits to expose the fingers, and we had to remove the entire glove to use mobile phones or other gadgets.
Pros
- Extremely durable and warm
- 100% waterproof
- Anti-slip palm
Cons
- No slit fingers
Verdict
All in all, these are one of the best gloves for freezing temperatures, thanks to the exceptional insulation and 100% waterproofing.
10. Glacier Fishing Gloves – Best Fishing Gloves For Winter With Slit
The Glacier Fishing Gloves are ideal for anglers looking for a comfortable and durable product that offers protection while fishing. The gloves are lined with 2 mm fleece for warmth. Its seamless palm design doesn’t possess anti-slip properties; hence, keeping a hold of things was a bit challenging.
Additionally, these fit snugly, so you can easily move your fingers and hands. We enjoyed good dexterity while casting, retrieving, and handling the gear. There are two finger slits, one on the thumb and the other on the index finger.
Finally, the Glacier fishing gloves offer excellent waterproofing protection, keeping your hands dry even in wet conditions. That said, we could easily fish in wet conditions, as the gloves kept your hands dry and comfortable, even in heavy rain and light snow.
Pros
- Slit fingers for easy access
- Comfortable and warm
- Available in various sizes
Cons
- No anti-slip palm design
Verdict
With their durable construction, excellent grip, added insulation, and waterproofing, the Glacier Fishing Gloves are sure to become the best cold-weather fly fishing gloves.
Buying Guide
When searching for the best cold weather fishing gloves, there are several options that can confuse you. The key to buying the perfect fit is to determine your nature of use and compare it with the following important factors. Choose the one that matches your requirements. Also, check the best fly fishing gloves.
1. Types Of Gloves
There are more types of fishing gloves than many anglers know. The differences impact the functionality, making them particular for a certain purpose. Here are the details.
1.1 Full Gloves
As the name suggests, these gloves cover the entire hand of the wearer so that no part is exposed. It not only keeps the hands warm but also protects your whole hand. The only downside of full gloves is that you might lose the sense of touch a bit, especially when it comes to feeling the slight nimbleness and movement of the fish.
Some full-finger gloves come with finger permits that uncover the finger. Such gloves provide warmth along with a sense of touch.
1.2 Fingerless Gloves
This type of glove covers almost 80 to 90% of your and only exposes the wearer’s fingertips. These come insulated or non-insulated, which you can choose accordingly. Many gloves also include removable finger tabs to give users a sense of touch, flexibility, and dexterity.
1.3 Mittens/Convertible Gloves
Those bulky gloves without fingers that cover all of your fingers are called mittens. The best ice fishing mittens are those that allow easy convertibility. This is when the angler can either fold over the mitt cover or remove it completely to expose the fingertips or half fingers. These work flawlessly in terms of providing warmth and preventing the hand from numbness.
1.4 Split-Finger Gloves
It is one of the unique types of gloves. Rather than having five different finger insertions, these gloves generally have only three. Two broader ones are for two fingers in each insertion, and one is for the thumb.
To provide dexterity, the fingertips can be revealed by removing the magnet or velcro on the gloves. When you are not using the rod and reel, simply cover the fingertips and keep your hands warm.
While many anglers consider it a useless choice, it is actually incredibly efficient in offering great operability while ensuring warmness. Also, you don’t have to take off your gloves entirely to perform various tasks.
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2. Materials
The quality standard of any glove depends on the materials used to make it. The dexterity, protection, and price of a glove are based on its construction materials.
2.1 Neoprene
Manufacturers use neoprene to make the best ice fishing gloves. It is because neoprene possesses impeccable heat-trapping properties and keeps the insides extremely warm. What makes it more special is its waterproofing ability, which makes sure the wearer’s hands stay completely dry. You can also use neoprene waders which are reliable in cold weather.
2.2 Rubber and PVC
These gloves exhibit the most efficient waterproofing ability but might not offer dexterity as great as neoprene. Furthermore, these are less durable than other materials.
2.3 Leather
For anglers who neither wants to compromise on style nor on durability, leather gloves are the ideal pick. Even though these can provide good warmth but fail to keep the water out of the gloves due to the lack of waterproofing abilities.
2.4 Thinsulate
The word Thinsulate is derived from “thin” and “insulate” and is a 3M’s trademark synthetic fiber thermal insulation. This material has become increasingly popular among anglers because of its lightweight yet superb heating properties.
2.5 Wool
Gloves made out of wool have two most amazing characteristics, i.e., resilience and warmth. The elastic nature makes it resilient, whereas the presence of air spaces in the fabric makes the glove warm.
3. Dexterity And Grip
The best gloves for winter fishing must never trade off any feature with dexterity or grip. Whatever material or gloves you choose, they must allow the convenience to set baits, lures, reels, tie knots, remove hooks, etc.
This saves the angler from removing their gloves every time they need to make adjustments. Generally, many fishing gloves come with special tips for using smartphone tips and performing everything else.
When it comes to the grip, the palm side of your gloves should be engineered in a way that it doesn’t let any object slip out of your hands. A coating for extra grip always helps in this regard.
Many anglers prefer using nitrile gloves underneath the main gloves to ensure dexterity and better grip. Currently, the most amazing nitriles in the market are GLOVEWORKS HD Orange Disposable Gloves.
4. Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
These two terms are likely to confuse many anglers hence, are extremely important to understand.
A waterproof glove is one that won’t let the water penetrate the fabric even if submerged in the water. That said if you are a regular ice fisher who dips their hand into the water, look for the best gloves for ice fishing with waterproofing abilities.
On the other hand, a water-resistant glove will protect the garment from getting wet by splashes or rainfall. However, if completely submerged in the water, these gloves won’t be able to prevent water penetration inside.
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FAQs
Yes, wool gloves are amazing in terms of protecting the hands from damage and cold. However, due to the lack of waterproofing abilities, these can become horrendous when wet. Therefore, if you want wool gloves, look for one with wool on the interior covered with an entirely waterproof outer lining.
Yes, it is absolutely okay to do so. In fact, you must wash your fishing gloves after every use to prevent the buildup of foul and stinky smells.
Conclusion
Finding the best cold weather fishing gloves could be a challenge if you don’t carefully look for the important features. As you consider these factors, you will come across the gloves that fit your fishing needs perfectly.
Based on our research, the Palmyth Ice Fishing Gloves are the overall best cold water fishing gloves. Be it high durability, warmth, grip, dexterity, or comfort, these incredible fishing gloves offer it all.
