Are Waterproof Walking Gloves any Good?
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Warm gloves are a crucial accessory that will guard you against unpredictable weather. It doesn’t only have to be during the cold season, even summers have stiff winds that can suddenly whip up while you camping, cycling, or hiking in the outdoors.
A decent pair of waterproof walking gloves will keep your hands from going numb in freezing weather and even allow you to work or play when it’s pouring.
However, you need to pick the right kind of gloves; a tricky task given the wide range of designs and brands available in the market. The following guide will tell you what you need to know about waterproof walking gloves and help you make an informed choice when shopping for a pair.
What are they used for?
Waterproof walking gloves are basically used to protect your hands from the cold weather and keep them from getting wet.
These gloves, such as our own here at ArcticDry feature insulating and waterproofing technologies that function to stop any fluids and cold air from getting through to your hands when it starts raining or snowing.
However, the applications of waterproof walking gloves go beyond shielding your hands from cold and wet conditions. They will also come in handy when performing household chores like gardening, yard work, and plumbing or outdoor sporting activities like snowmobiling, motor racing, cycling, and skiing.
A pair of waterproof gloves will also be applicable if you work in medium-risk jobs like logistics, oil and gas, as well as trucking.
In summary, if you run your errands in cold weather regions, these gloves will be a great accessory to have in your wardrobe.
What type should I buy?
The first thing to consider when shopping for a pair of waterproof gloves is the intended use for the gloves. Are you planning to use them for commuting to work or for certain sporting activities? This way, you’ll have a good idea of the kind of design that will be ideal for you.
A fully waterproof pair of gloves will be great to play sports with or go hiking in unpredictable weather conditions.
Our waterproof walking gloves here at ArcticDry are both lightweight and made from 3 layers, meaning you can wear them with confidence knowing that water will not penetrate and soak your fingers. They are lightweight and allow you to be dextrous enough while biking, hiking, etc, and not limit your mobility in any way.
How do I find a good fit?
Hands come in various shapes and sizes, and so do waterproof gloves. For this reason, it is always recommended that you try on a new pair prior to buying them or look at the online sizing guide (like we have here at ArcticDry). Even when you feel you are sure about your size, you will realise that different manufacturers have different opinions of what “large” and “medium” sized is.
As a rule of thumb, gloves should give your digits enough room and feel comfortable but not leave too much space at the top of your fingers.
Adjustable cuffs which tighten with toggles or Velcro will be great for keeping off the rain while confining warmth to the inside. Ours here at ArcticDry use a variety of different material blends to provide a snug fit.
What features should I look for?
If you are searching for a pair of gloves to use in predominantly wet conditions, pick one that is fully waterproof! (Note the difference between waterproof and water-resistant). Usually, brands use waterproofing technology like Gore-Tex and give a waterproof rating in millimeters. Here at ArcticDry our gloves use a PU Waterproof Membrane which inherently stops water from entering.
If you are going for maximum warmth, find a pair with thermal insulation so that your hands remain warm even in the coldest conditions.
Mitten-style gloves which bunch your digits together are also great for conserving body heat, however they may limit your flexibility and dexterity,
a big bonus of the ArcticDry Waterproof Gloves is that they are lightweight and not bulky, allowing you to use them in your sport of choice.
Meanwhile, for a more casual application like dry-weather winter commuting, you might want to go for a soft-knitted pair to keep you feeling nice and cozy, or a lightweight fleecy design for warmer weather. Touchscreen-compatible finger-tipped gloves have proven to be popular among commuters because they enable you to use your phone without much trouble, but are often not that warm.