Gloves are one of the most important outerwear accessories for up on the mountain. Choosing the right pair may seem straightforward, but with so many different choices in materials, liners and shape, choosing the glove with all the right features can be more daunting then it may seem.
Gloves vs. Mittens
This is one of the most noticeable differences between gloves. Gloves allow extra dexterity by allowing your fingers to be completely separate, whereas mittens allow for extra warmth by having a single compartment for all of your fingers. This means that while mittens may be warmer on those cold days on the mountain, you may not get as great of a grip on your ski poles as you would with standard gloves.
Shell Material
Snow ski gloves are generally made of two different shell materials, being Synthetics and Leathers.
Synthetic material generally start with nylon in more basic models, and in higher quality models be a waterproof breathable material such as GORE-TEX. Synthetics are often combined with leather or other protective materials in high abrasion areas for added durability
Leather is the classic glove material. Normally being comprised of cowhide or goatskin, leather is generally more pliable than nylon materials and is naturally waterproof. They are also more durable than synthetic materials, being less prone to rips and tears. However for leather gloves to maintain their flexibility and water resistance, they do require proper treatment. This comes in the form of leather treatment products.
Insulation
The insulation of your gloves is main factor in the warmth of the glove, and greatly contributes to the breathability all without restricting the flexibility of the glove. Insulation comes in many forms, such as the original Down, to more modern Thinsulate.
Down insulation is the tried and true insulation choice of outerwear ranging from jackets and pants to snow gloves. It is comprised of a combination of down plumules and feathers, which help traps air and in turn keep you insulated. Higher down ratings have a greater insulation ability for their weight. Down is one of the best insulators for cold and dry conditions, but its preformance decreases when wet, and it can be slow to dry.
Thinsulate is an ultra thin insulated made of ultra thin microfibres. This allows great insulating properties with less bulk, allows a more flexible an thin glove.
Primaloft is the insulator of choice when wet conditions are expected. Made of a synthetic microfibre material which allows the body to retain warmth and conserve energy. Primaloft is not as warm as down by weight, but is breathable, compressible and most importantly water resistant, which provides good insulation even when wet.
Lining
The lining is an extra layer of material built into the glove which creates a more comfortable feeling, increasing warmth and comfort. Lining material will vary depending on the glove and brand. Fleece and wool are two common examples. Typically the lining uses a synthetic material that has moisture-wicking properties to help move moisture away frmo your skin and pass it through the membrane.
Some gloves include seperate glove liners. These fit inside the glove to allow for extra warmth on colder days, and can be removed on warmer days when they aren't needed.
Palm
Most snow gloves and mittens have grips and reinforcements located on the areas that get the most use, like your palms, fingertips and thumbs. These grips allow for durability and better grip in those areas of the glove.. Palms may be made of various materials such as leather or winyl, which adds the their durability.
Cuff Style
Choosing the right cuff style is a personal preference when it comes to choosing skia nd snowboard gloves. The style of your jacket may be a factor when determining which type of cuff is best suited. Some styles of cuff are designed to be worn under your jacket cuff, while other go over it.
Under the cuff gloves generally offer greater mobility in the wrist area and the ability for your jacket cuffs to overlap your gloves. This style of cuff works the best with jackets that have velcro adjustment tabs on the sleeve.
Longer cuff gloves are designed to be worn of the jacket cuff. This offers extra protection from snow, and prevents snow from creeping up your arms.
Additional Features
Pre-Curved Fingers
Some gloves have pre-curved fingers, which allow for better grip when holding ski poles or lift bars
Zippered Pockets
Some gloves have small pockets over the top of the glove, which allows for disposable hand warmers to be inserted for extra warmth, or to be used as vents if the glove gets too hot.
Touch Compatible Finger Tips
This is a piece of extra material which is added to the fingertips of gloves which allows you to use your smart phone without having to remove you glove completely
Now your equipped with everything there is to know about snow gloves. How bout hitting one of the links below to check out some of the gloves we have available, or keep reading and see some of the Trojan picks for this winter!!
Trojans Staff Pick Snowboard Gloves of 2019
Burton Gore Warmest Glove: $169.99
A combination of Burtons most advanced glove technology makes this the go to glove for snow goes. Living Lining brings the heat to the glove, while GORE-TEX lining keeps the water out without losing any breathability. Finally if you find the glove a bit warm, there is a Vent pocket over the top to cool it down.
POW Stealth GTX Glove: $149.99
One of Trojan's softest, most comfortable gloves. Premium Goat's leather makes the glove waterproof, warm, without compromising the flexibilty of the glove. GORE-TEX lining is then added for extra breathability and water resistance, along with PrimaLoft Insulation, meaning the glove will retain its warmth, even if it does happen to get wet.
Yuki Threads Legit Mitt: $129.99
Trojans warmest mitt from our newest outerwear brand, Yuki Threads. Goatskin leather combined with thinsulate lining makes this one of the warmest and most waterproof mitts we have in store. Finger seperators give it the feel of a glove, with the added warmth and look of a traditional snowboard mitt.
Burton Womens Gore Warmest Glove: $169.99
Burtons warmest glove now comes in a ladies variant. With all the technology that makes the Warmest glove the warmest glove on the market, now available in sizes to fit ladies.
POW Womens Cresent GTX Short Mitt: $99.99
POW's crescent GTX mitt is a ladies glove that comes in at an affordable price, with features you would expect in a top end glove. GORE-TEX warm technology means the glove is going to be breathable, warm and waterproof. An extra merino wool liner means you have a bit of added warmth on those colder days, or you can leave it out if the glove gets a bit too warm.
