Snowmobile gloves are an important part of every rider’s gear. They not only shield the rider from cold winds and snow but also impact the rider’s control over the snowmobile. Gloves must ideally be windproof and waterproof to provide maximum protection to the hands. They should have a snug fit and adequate insulation to keep your hands warm. If you are in a rush here are a few of our favorite gloves:
| Image | Title | Why We Like | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Klim Inversion Insulated Snowmobile Gloves | Best Overall Gloves |  | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Heritage Extreme Winter Glove | Best Value Gloves |  | Check Price on Amazon |
 | FXR Heated Recon Glove | Best Heated Glove | | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Castle X Epic-G1 Snowmobile Gloves | Best Gloves for Extreme Cold | | Check Price on Amazon |
People who ride in frigid conditions may even prefer gloves with built-in heaters , especially if their snowmobiles don’t have heated grips. Riders may also choose to wear liner gloves under their main gloves as it allows them to perform tasks like buckling a helmet without having to remove the gloves altogether.
How to Choose the Best Snowmobile Gloves
Choosing the best snowmobile gloves depends on a few main factors. The type of fabrics used, the design, and the insulation employed differ from one glove to another. Here are a few things that you must consider for choosing the best snowmobile gloves.
Waterproof and Windproof
Like all snowmobile apparel, gloves must be waterproof and windproof. They should protect your hands from moisture and chilly winds to prevent them from getting cold and stiff. Manufacturers use generic as well as patented fabrics like Gore-Tex and eVent. A few snowmobile gloves may also come with inserts, membranes, and liners to make them waterproof and windproof. Make sure that the pair of snowmobile gloves you are opting for is waterproof and windproof.
Breathability
When riding a snowmobile, you are going to sweat under all that insulation and gear. The fabric of the gloves must offer sufficient breathability to wick away moisture. Sweaty hands not only reduce the insulation capability of the gloves but may also impact your handling ability. Therefore, choose snowmobile gloves that provide optimum breathability.
Insulation
Riders must consider the insulation provided in snowmobile gloves. Gloves designed for cold weather generally come with insulation, while those suitable for mildly cold weather don’t. The amount of insulation may also differ from one pair to another. Generally, the colder is the weather, the more insulation you will require. For extreme conditions, snowmobile riders can consider heated gloves as well.
Regular vs. Heated Gloves
Heated snowmobile gloves are an alternative to standard gloves. The construction of both gloves is similar. However, heated gloves have electrical heating elements integrated into palm and fingers. They draw power from a battery and heat up to provide warmth to your fingers. The runtime of the heated snowmobile gloves is anywhere from three to dozens of hours. Regular snowmobile gloves use insulation and fleece, but they will rarely be as effective as heated gloves, irrespective of the number of layers they pack. If you ride in frosty conditions or feel that regular snowmobile gloves are not doing the job, then consider a pair of heated snowmobile gloves.
Gloves vs. Mittens
Riders can opt for snowmobile mittens in addition to snowmobile gloves. Mittens are warmer as compared to gloves because there is no partition separating the fingers. Their collective heat increases the warmth, keeping your hands snug. Mitts are more comfortable to wear for long rides as well. However, snowmobile gloves are more dexterous as compared to mittens because of their design. They provide you better control over the snowmobile due to their superior grip. You can also accomplish tasks that would require individual finger movements such as checking your cellphone or unbuckling your helmet. For most riders, snowmobile gloves are a suitable choice. Mittens may be ideal if you prefer their additional warmth or go for extended trips. Some people wear a thin inner liner glove along with an outer mitten.
Touchscreen Operability
Almost all snowmobile riders use gadgets with a touchscreen. Smartphones and GPS devices are the most popular ones. You can’t operate their capacitative touchscreens with gloves made of standard fabrics. They require you to remove the glove for accessing the devices. However, there are a few snowmobile gloves that have specially fabricated fingertips for operating touchscreens. There is no need to remove the glove for the same. Buying such a pair of snowmobile gloves may be the best option for sled riders.
10 Best Snowmobile Gloves – 2023
There is a wide range of gloves available that cater to the needs of different snowmobile riders. Here are the ten best snowmobile gloves that will suit riders with varying preferences.
1. Carhartt WP Glove
The Carhartt WP Glove is one of the best affordable snowmobile gloves on the market. The gloves in the pair have a durable Polytex shell and a reinforced Polyurethane palm for maximum durability and grip. Each glove features polyester lining that is exceptionally good at wicking away sweat thanks to the FastDry technology. Waterproof inserts in the gloves prevent hands from getting wet. The Carhartt WP gloves can be worn even in extreme weather conditions. They are available in different sizes and multiple styles.
2. Heritage Extreme Winter Glove
The Heritage Extreme Winter Glove is another highly popular and economical glove pair. The gloves come with a waterproof inner liner to protect the hands in wet conditions. They have 70g of 3M Thinsulate insulation for heat retention. A nylon shell covers the inner liner and further enhances the protection from cold and wind. Each glove also features zipper pocket for hand warmers in case the wearer needs further protection from cold. Their palms are made with highly durable materials for providing excellent grip in dry and wet conditions. The gloves are touch screen friendly and enable easy use of smart devices.
3. Outdoor Research Alti Mitts
The Outdoor Research Alti Mitts are one of the bestselling mittens. They are constructed with Gore-Tex making them windproof and waterproof. The fabric is breathable and has excellent moisture wicking capability. They have 170g PrimaLoft Gold insulation in the shell and 340g insulation in liner for ensuring maximum warmth to hands. The liners are removable, and pockets are also provided for heat packs. The mittens come with AlenGrip Tabs for improving grip and preventing slippage. The Pittards leather palms are water-repellent and durable. Their Kevlar stitching allows the mittens to withstand harsh and rugged conditions. Outdoor manufactures the Alti Mitts in three different colors and multiple sizes.
4. Seirus Innovation Xtreme SoundTouch All Weather Glove
Seirus Innovation’s Xtreme All Weather Glove are a great option for enthusiast snowmobile riders who want lightweight gloves without compromising on warmth. The gloves have a form-fit design that maximizes comfort and ensures a snug fitting. A weatherproof membrane provides protection from the wind and is 100% waterproof. Their stretchable weather-sealing cuffs shield the hands completely from all sides. They have a wicking inner lining that combats sweat and keeps hands dry. The gloves also feature SoundTouch technology that makes it easy to operate touchscreens. Their high dexterity allows you to accomplish most tasks without having to remove the gloves.
5. Klim Inversion Insulated Snowmobile Gloves
The Klim Inversion Insulated Snowmobile Gloves are one of the best when it comes to weather resistance. The gloves have over 60g of Thinsulate insulation on the backhand side to protect back of the hands and fingers. The gloves are Gore-Tex guaranteed ensuring that your hands are fully protected from snow, frosty winds and water. They have an excellent grip and are built to last. An entry loop is provided on the gloves that makes it easy to wear and remove them. Klim Inversion Insulated Snowmobile Gloves are available in multiple sizes and vibrant designs.
6. Sun Will Heated Gear Gloves
Sun Will Heated Gear Gloves are amongst the best snowmobile gloves available today. The gloves are made from nylon and have a stylish design. Each glove features heating elements for keeping the palm and fingers warm. They have individual lithium-ion batteries that will last for up to 5.5 hours on single charge. The gloves are waterproof making them ideal for when its snowing. The material employed for construction is breathable and allows decent air circulation. Ample insulation is provided to prevent the heat from escaping. The Sun Will Heated Gear Gloves are available in different sizes.
7. Savior Heated Gloves
If you are looking for the best snowmobile gloves with heating elements, then the Savior Heated Gloves are an excellent option for you. The exterior side of the gloves is crafted from polyester while the interior side is made from leather. Each glove has carbon fiber heating elements that keep the back of your hands, fingers and thumbs warm and cozy. You can choose from three different heating modes and the highest setting will warm your hands in under a minute. The gloves have a 2200mA lithium polymer battery that can provide a runtime ranging from 2.5 to 60 hours depending on the mode selected.
8. FXR Heated Recon Glove
The FXR Heated Recon Glove is a great option for professional riders who ride into areas with sub-zero temperatures. The gloves come with 300g of Thinsulate insulation at the rear and 200g on the palm. The backside of the glove also features heating elements around each finger to provide additional warmth. Each glove’s heating element is powered by a separate rechargeable lithium polymer battery. There are three different heat settings that can be controlled using a button on the exterior. The gloves have a laminated nylon shell and the palm and thumb are crafted from reinforced leather. Its adjustable storm cuff provides additional protection. The FXR gloves also have a reflective surface for high visibility.
9. Klim Glove Liner 3.0
If you are someone who prefers to wear a liner under your gloves, then the Klim Glove Liner 3.0 are a worthwhile option for you. They are windproof and keep your hands and fingers warmer when wearing them under regular gloves. People who use non-insulated gloves will benefit from wearing lining gloves under their main gloves. The gloves feature e-touch pads on fingertips that makes it easy to use touchscreen devices while wearing them. There is no need to remove the gloves for accessing your smartphone or GPS. Klim Glove liner 3.0 can also be used to upsize your loose fitting non-insulated gloves.
10. Castle X Epic-G1 Snowmobile Gloves
The Castle X Epic-G1 Snowmobile Glove is designed for snowmobile racers and adrenaline junkies. These gloves have a full leather construction with reinforced leather on palm and thumb. The rear side of the gloves has 200g of Thinsulate insulation while the palms and forchettes have 150g. A silicon traction palm ensures maximum grip for even the most demanding situations. Hipora membrane is used to make the gloves waterproof while ensuring breathability. Their gauntlet style design provides maximum protection to hands and wrists. The Castle X Glove features 3M’s Scotchlite reflective tape that makes them standout especially during low light conditions and at night.
If you are looking for other snowmobile gear feel free to check out our most popular articles on snowmobiles.org:
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