The right pair of gloves or mittens can significantly affect your comfort, safety, and well-being in bitterly cold conditions. Investing in high-quality, well-insulated, and properly fitting gloves or mittens is essential for confidently facing extreme colds and ensuring you can carry out your tasks and activities effectively.
Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze, causing damage to cells and blood vessels. Fingers and hands are at high risk due to their limited blood flow in cold conditions. Warm gloves or mittens provide a barrier against freezing temperatures, minimizing the risk of frostbite and its associated complications.
In this article, we will show you what we feel are the best for warm winter gloves or mittens. So, let’s dive into the top 10 warmest men’s winter gloves or mittens for 2024 without further ado!
See also my related articles “Top 10 Warmest Men’s Winter Pants & Bibs for 2024!“ and “Top 10 Warmest Men’s Winter Boots for 2024!“.
1. Fortress All Weather Gear Everest Mittens
The Fortress All Weather Gear Everest Mittens are made with the same patented technologically advanced AERIS™ 250 insulation that they use in their coats, bibs, and balaclavas, which means they will keep your hands warm, even when wet, as shown in the below video.
The gloves’ exterior is made out of a 100% Taffeta Outer Shell which means they are waterproof and windproof. And the AERIS™ insulation is thick. What amazes me about Fortress All Weather Gear is that the manufacturer tested this insulation by driving up to a frozen lake in -10 F degree weather, cutting a hole in the ice, and jumping in! Crazy people!
And they have done this test numerous times. And within a minute or two after getting out of the water, the people wearing these clothes were warm and comfortable without having to change clothes. They filmed one of these jumps through hole-in-the-ice tests, and you can watch the video below!
Pros:
- Warmth In Extreme Weather: The Fortress All Weather Gear Everest Mittens excel in protecting hands from the elements. Their weather-resistant design and patented insulation help keep hands warm.
- Wicks Away Moisture: These mittens move the water away from your hands and keep you warm even when wet (as shown in the above video).
- Durability: Constructed with durability in mind, the Everest Mittens are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.
Cons:
- Limited Dexterity: Because they are heavy-duty mittens, you won’t be able to use your fingers with the Everest Mittens even as well as you can with gloves. But mittens keep your hands warmer.
- Bulkiness: The emphasis on protection and durability could lead to a bulkier design.
2. Fortress All Weather Gear GlovePro
The GlovePro Gloves by Fortress All Weather Gear are constructed with a windproof and waterproof material. These gloves are made with the same patented technologically advanced AERIS™ 250 insulation that they use in their coats, bibs, and balaclavas, which means they will keep your hands warm, even when wet, similar to Fortress All Weather Gear’s above mittens.
You won’t get the level of warmth that you will get from the above Fortress Everest Mittens because when everything else is equal, mittens can hold the heat around your fingers better than gloves.
That said, most mittens and gloves don’t have Fortress’s cutting-edge insulation technology that keeps warmth even when wet, so I would venture to say these gloves are warmer than many mittens. As far as gloves go, these are high-quality hot gloves.
Pros:
- Warmth In Extreme Weather: The Fortress All Weather Gear GlovePro Gloves protect hands from the elements. Their weather-resistant design and patented insulation help keep hands warm.
- Wicks Away Moisture: These GlovePro Gloves move the water away from your hands and keep you warm even when wet (as shown in the above video).
- Durability: Constructed with durability in mind, the GlovePro Gloves are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.
Cons:
- Limited Dexterity: The Fortress All Weather Gear GlovePro Gloves have a good amount of insulation which may limit the dexterity of your fingers. But mittens keep your hands warmer.
- Bulkiness: The emphasis on protection and durability could lead to a bulkier design.
3. Canada Goose Men’s Arctic Down Mittens
The Canada Goose Men’s Arctic Down Mittens are designed to provide exceptional warmth and protection in icy conditions. Filled with premium down insulation, these mittens offer excellent heat retention without excessive bulk, allowing for easy movement and as good of dexterity as any mittens.
The interior lining is soft and comfortable against the skin, and the adjustable wrist straps help secure the mittens in place while preventing cold air from entering. Besides being extremely warm, these mittens are built out of rugged material to hold up against wear in harsh conditions.
Pros:
- Exceptional Cold Protection: The Canada Goose Men’s Arctic Down Mittens are highly effective at keeping hands warm in freezing temperatures.
- Durable Build: These mittens are built to withstand tough outdoor conditions.
- Adjustable and Secure Fit: The adjustable wrist straps allow for a customized fit, ensuring the mittens stay in place and prevent cold air from seeping in.
Cons:
- Price: The Canada Goose brand is associated with quality, but it also comes with a premium price tag.
4. Canada Goose Men’s Arctic Down Gloves
The Canada Goose Men’s Arctic Down Gloves are a practical and functional cold-weather accessory designed to keep your hands warm and comfortable in frigid conditions. The gloves are insulated with premium down filling, known for their exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio.
Again, as warm as these gloves are, remember mittens will be more generous. So Canada Goose Men’s Arctic Down Mittens are warmer than their gloves. But as far as gloves go, these are high-quality hot gloves. This natural insulation traps body heat while remaining lightweight and non-restrictive, ensuring your hands stay cozy without compromising dexterity.
Made from a blend of tough, weather-resistant fabrics, these gloves provide reliable defense against wind and moisture. The exterior is reinforced with a durable outer layer that guards against abrasions and helps to maintain the gloves’ integrity over time.
Pros:
- Exceptional Warmth: The Canada Goose Men’s Arctic Down Gloves are insulated with premium down filling, providing excellent warmth retention even in extremely cold conditions.
- Durable Build: These gloves are constructed with high-quality materials that offer durability and resistance against abrasions, making them suitable for rough outdoor activities.
- Functional Design: With a secure wrist closure and adjustable drawcord, these gloves effectively seal out cold air and snow, enhancing their ability to keep your hands warm.
Cons:
- Price: The Canada Goose brand is known for its quality, but it also comes with a higher price point.
- Limited Sizing Options: While Canada Goose offers a range of sizes, some individuals might find that the sizing options don’t perfectly accommodate their hand size.
5. Hestra Army Leather Men’s Expedition Mitten
The Hestra Army Leather Men’s Expedition Mitten is a rugged and functional cold-weather accessory that provides exceptional warmth and protection in harsh conditions. Crafted by Hestra, a reputable company based in Stockholm, Sweden, known for its expertise in creating high-quality gloves, this mitten is a dependable choice for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in frigid environments.
The outer shell is made from durable leather, which withstands abrasions and wear and adds a classic touch to the design. Reinforced stitching enhances its longevity, ensuring it can withstand outdoor activities’ demands. The interior of the mitten is lined with an insulating material that effectively traps body heat, providing superior warmth.
This insulation is carefully selected to balance thermal efficiency and bulk, allowing for comfortable hand movement while maintaining optimal heat retention. A long cuff extends over the wrist, protecting against the elements and preventing snow, wind, and moisture from entering the mitten.
The cuff can be cinched down using an adjustable strap or drawstring, helping to seal out cold drafts and snow. The mitten features a palm area reinforced with grippy material for enhanced grip and control, ensuring you can maintain a secure hold on equipment and gear even in slippery conditions.
Pros:
- Exceptional Cold Protection: The Hestra Army Leather Men’s Expedition Mitten offers outstanding cold protection, making it suitable for extreme weather conditions.
- Durable Construction: Crafted by Hestra, a reputable company known for its high-quality gloves, these mittens boast a durable construction.
- Functional Design: The mitten’s design includes features like an adjustable cuff strap, grippy palm area, and reliable insulation.
Cons:
- Limited Dexterity: Due to their mitten design, these gloves offer less dexterity compared to gloves with individual finger compartments.
6. Mainers Mitts
Mainers Mitts are exquisite mittens crafted by the renowned company Mainers, nestled in the heart of the State of Maine’s picturesque landscapes. Mainers Mitts are built to keep you warm, dry, and protected even during extreme cold weather. Our mittens combine multiple layers of synthetic (polyolefin) insulation with two-stage water protection.
The interior lining of the mittens wicks sweat and moisture away from your skin. These mittens are designed for extreme cold. They deliver a quality that the manufacturer says is second to none. They are also very comfortable mittens to wear. Mainers Mitts mittens are made in the USA by the same people who protect NASA, the U.S. Military, NATO, the CDC, and many more from the extreme cold.
The manufacturer claims the Mainers Mitts mittens have more insulation than any other snow mitten on the consumer market. The all-natural leather palm enhances grip and flexibility in cold weather.
Pros:
- Exceptional Warmth: Mainers Mitts provide excellent insulation against cold weather, keeping your hands comfortably warm even in the harshest conditions.
- Durable Craftsmanship: These mittens are expertly crafted with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a long-lasting product that can withstand regular use.
- Classic Design: Mainers Mitts blend traditional aesthetics with modern design sensibilities, making them versatile accessories that complement various outfits and styles.
Cons:
- Limited Color Variety: Mainers Mitts may have a limited range of color options available, which could restrict personal preferences for those seeking a specific shade.
- Higher Price Point: The quality and craftsmanship of Mainers Mitts come with a slightly higher price compared to mass-produced mittens, making them an investment for those on a tighter budget.
7. Kuiu Northstar Glomitt
The Kuiu Northstar Glomitt is a heavily insulated synthetic glomitt-style mitten with an independent index finger. It has a gauntlet cuff as well as Pittard leather on the palm. These mitten features provide a great range of motion, added warmth, and durability.
It is hard to decide what order to put these gloves in on this list. This Northstar Glommit was tough and easily could have been listed higher.
Other features that make the Kuiu Northstar Glomitt perfect for below-freezing conditions are its removable tether, wool liner, cuff cinch, and “strategically mapped” Primaloft insulation in the back of the hand and palm. This mitten gives you a superior grip, even when the mitten is wet. And the exterior of the Northstar Glommit is both windproof and waterproof.
Pros:
- Exceptional Warmth: The Kuiu Northstar Glomitt provides exceptional warmth in cold conditions.
- Versatile Design: These glomitts feature a versatile design that allows you to switch between the mitten and glove configurations easily.
- Quality Materials: The Northstar Glomitt is constructed with quality materials known for their insulation properties and durability.
Cons:
- Limited Precision: While the mitten-glove hybrid design provides versatility, it might not offer the same level of precision as dedicated gloves.
- Sizing Challenges: Some users might find it challenging to find the perfect fit due to the combination of mitten and glove elements.
8. Outdoor Research Men’s Firebrand Mitts
Outdoor Research is a well-known clothing company based in Seattle, WA. The Outdoor Research Men’s Firebrand Mitts are designed to provide reliable waterproof breathable cold protection in harsh weather conditions.
The waterproof outer layer is made of GORE-TEX material. Constructed to withstand the demands of high-altitude outdoor activities, the Firebrand Mitts are tailored to keep hands warm and dry in extreme environments. The mittens use 170g Enduraloft insulation on the back of the hand and the thumb. This is a low-bulk source of warmth. The inside palm is lined with fleece for compression-resistant warmth.
Pros:
- Weather Protection: The Outdoor Research Men’s Firebrand Mitts excel at providing robust weather protection.
- Dexterity: Despite their insulation and protective features, these mitts maintain a commendable level of dexterity.
- Durability: Built to endure rugged conditions, the Firebrand Mitts exhibit solid durability.
Cons:
- Bulkiness: One potential drawback of the Firebrand Mitts is their inherent bulkiness due to the insulation and protective layers.
- Limited Breathability: While designed to provide exceptional weather protection, the mitts’ focus on insulation and water resistance can lead to limited breathability.
9. Mammut Arctic Mitts
The Mammut Arctic Mitten is constructed to be warm in frigid weather. It is a very durable and reliable mountaineering mitten. Made with durable materials, the Arctic Mitts feature a weather-resistant outer shell that effectively blocks wind and moisture, keeping your hands dry and warm even in the harshest conditions.
It is made out of the extremely light Pertex® Quantum material, which makes the mittens wind- and water-repellent and is built to withstand extreme cold and challenging environments. Even when wet, this mitten provides superior warmth thanks to the high-quality “PrimaLoft® Gold Luxe” insulation on the back and heel of the hands.
The interior of the mittens is lined with a soft and insulating material that provides exceptional warmth without compromising dexterity. The leather on the palm of each hand helps make these mittens extremely robust. And the mittens are very comfortable and enjoyable to wear. You feel like you have a high-quality mitten on.
Pros:
- Extreme Cold Protection: The Mammut Arctic Mitts provide superior protection against extreme cold weather.
- Durable Construction: These mittens are built to last. Constructed with sturdy materials and reinforced palm and finger areas, they can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.
- Ergonomic Design: The Arctic Mitts are designed with an ergonomic fit that prioritizes functionality.
Cons:
- Limited Dexterity: Due to their focus on insulation and protection, the Mammut Arctic Mitts may limit dexterity compared to gloves or thinner mittens.
- Bulkiness: The exceptional cold protection of these mittens comes at the cost of some bulkiness.
10. AF N-4B Extreme Cold Weather Arctic Mitten
The Air Force Issue N-4B Arctic Mitten was made for extreme cold weather. Its lining is removable and made of quality wool to work even when wet. The mittens keep you warm for hours, even in the worst cold weather.
Mittens, in general, are known to keep your hands warmer. And they offer an easy ability to remove them so you can use your hands when needed. These oversized mittens will work well if you want to add a fingered liner.
The AF N-4B Extreme Cold Weather Arctic Mitten is a no-nonsense gear designed to withstand the harshest cold weather conditions. It’s practical design and robust construction and insulation make it a reliable choice for individuals working or adventuring in extreme arctic environments.
Pros:
- Exceptional Cold Protection: The AF N-4B Arctic Mitten is designed to excel in extreme cold weather conditions.
- Durable Build: These mittens are built to withstand the rigors of arctic environments.
- Secure Fit: Equipped with adjustable straps or buckles, the mittens offer a secure and customizable fit.
Cons:
- Limited Dexterity: The thick insulation and mitten design inherently reduce manual dexterity compared to gloves.
- Bulkiness: Due to the heavy insulation and rugged construction, the AF N-4B mittens can be relatively bulky.
Final Thoughts
All gloves and mittens on this list are high quality and very warm. In many cases, it took time to decide the order to put them in. My priorities were warmth first and then quality. And I did well putting them in order with those priorities in mind.
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