Cold, wet hands can end a hike fast, making waterproof gloves one of the most underrated pieces of rain gear. The best waterproof gloves for hiking keep water out while letting sweat escape, stay dexterous enough to work zippers and poles, and match the warmth to the season. This guide compares insulated, lightweight, and touchscreen options so you can keep your hands working in any weather. It rounds out your rain kit alongside jackets and pants, and the six picks below cover every trail condition.
Quick Verdict
Insulated waterproof gloves are the best choice for cold, wet conditions, while lightweight waterproof shell gloves suit three-season hiking. Look for a genuine waterproof-breathable membrane, touchscreen fingertips for your phone and GPS, and a grippy palm for poles. Match the insulation to the temperature, and consider liners or overmitts for layering flexibility.
Key Takeaways
- A waterproof-breathable membrane keeps rain out while letting hand sweat escape, preventing clammy gloves.
- Match insulation to the season: light shells for cool rain, insulated gloves for cold and snow.
- Touchscreen fingertips let you use a phone or GPS without exposing your hands.
- A grippy palm helps with trekking poles, zippers, and scrambling on wet rock.
How We Picked the Best Waterproof Gloves for Hiking
We compared gloves on waterproofing, breathability, dexterity, warmth, and grip. Reliable waterproofing led, since the whole point is dry hands, followed closely by breathability so sweat does not leave you clammy. We valued enough dexterity to handle poles and zippers, appropriate insulation for the season, and a grippy palm. The picks span light shells, insulated gloves, liners, and touchscreen designs.
1. Insulated Waterproof Gloves
Why It Stands Out
Insulated waterproof gloves are the best pick for cold, wet conditions. Combining a waterproof-breathable membrane with insulation, they keep hands dry and warm in cold rain, sleet, and snow, which is exactly what winter and shoulder-season hikers need. For genuinely cold wet weather, they are the go-to.
Worth Knowing
Insulation reduces dexterity, so fine tasks are harder than with thin gloves. They can be too warm for mild rain, so match the warmth to expected temperatures.
Buy them if you hike in cold, wet weather. Skip them if you mostly hike in mild conditions.
2. Lightweight Waterproof Shell Gloves
Why It Stands Out
Lightweight waterproof shell gloves are the best pick for three-season hiking. Thin and uninsulated with a waterproof-breathable membrane, they keep rain off in cool but not freezing weather while preserving dexterity for poles and zippers. For most spring, summer, and fall rain, a light shell is ideal.
Worth Knowing
Without insulation, they are not warm enough for truly cold conditions on their own. Pair them with liner gloves if temperatures drop.
Buy them if you want dexterous rain protection in mild cold. Skip them if you need warmth in freezing weather.
3. Waterproof Overmitts and Liners
Why It Stands Out
A layering system of liners and waterproof overmitts is the best pick for versatility. Thin liner gloves handle warmth while a waterproof overmitt blocks rain, and you add or remove layers as conditions change, covering a wide temperature range with one system. For hikers who face variable weather, layering wins.
Worth Knowing
Managing two pieces is more fiddly than a single glove, and overmitts sacrifice fine dexterity. It shines most on trips where conditions swing widely.
Buy it if you want adaptable, wide-range protection. Skip it if you prefer the simplicity of one glove.
4. Touchscreen Waterproof Gloves
Why It Stands Out
Touchscreen waterproof gloves are the best pick for navigation and photos. Conductive fingertips let you use a phone or GPS without baring your hands to the rain, so you can check the map or snap a photo and keep going. For anyone who navigates by phone, this feature is genuinely useful.
Worth Knowing
Touchscreen sensitivity can fade as the fingertips wear or get wet. Confirm the waterproofing is robust, since the feature is only helpful if the gloves stay dry.
Buy them if you use a phone or GPS on the trail. Skip them if you navigate with a paper map and compass.
5. Breathable Waterproof Gloves
Why It Stands Out
Highly breathable waterproof gloves are the best pick for high-exertion hiking. A membrane tuned for airflow lets sweat escape during hard climbing, so your hands stay drier from the inside as well as the outside. For fast hikers and warmer rain, breathability prevents the clammy feeling insulated gloves can cause.
Worth Knowing
Maximizing breathability can mean slightly less warmth, so they suit milder conditions. Check that breathability does not compromise the waterproof rating you need.
Buy them if you sweat a lot or hike hard in mild rain. Skip them if warmth is your top priority.
6. Budget Waterproof Gloves
Why It Stands Out
Affordable waterproof gloves are the best value pick. They deliver reliable rain protection for occasional hikers or as a backup pair without a premium price, making dry hands accessible to everyone. For getting started or keeping a spare in the pack, budget gloves do the job.
Worth Knowing
Cheaper gloves may be less breathable or durable than premium options over heavy use. Confirm they are truly waterproof rather than only water-resistant.
Buy them if you want dependable protection affordably. Skip them if you need premium breathability and durability.
Waterproof Gloves at a Glance
| If you want this | Reach for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cold, wet warmth | Insulated Gloves | Membrane plus insulation |
| Three-season dexterity | Lightweight Shell | Thin, waterproof, nimble |
| Wide-range versatility | Liners and Overmitts | Layer up or down |
| Phone and GPS use | Touchscreen Gloves | Conductive fingertips |
| High-exertion airflow | Breathable Gloves | Membrane tuned for venting |
| The best value | Budget Gloves | Reliable protection, low price |
How to Choose Waterproof Hiking Gloves
Match Insulation to the Season
Light shell gloves suit cool, rainy three-season hiking, while insulated gloves are essential for cold, wet, or snowy conditions. Think about the coldest weather you will face, since gloves that are too warm leave your hands sweaty and ones too thin leave them freezing.
Prioritize Waterproof and Breathable
Look for a genuine waterproof-breathable membrane, not just a water-resistant coating, so rain stays out while sweat escapes. Breathability matters as much as waterproofing, since sealed gloves that trap sweat leave your hands as wet as the rain would.
Check Dexterity and Grip
You need enough dexterity to work zippers, poles, and buckles, plus a grippy palm for wet trekking poles and rock. Try gripping motions before committing, and pair gloves with reliable rain jackets so your cuffs seal over the gloves.
Consider Touchscreen and Layering
If you navigate by phone, touchscreen fingertips save you from baring your hands, and a liner-plus-overmitt system adds flexibility for changing weather. See our guide to staying dry in the rain to fit gloves into your full system.
Common Waterproof Glove Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing Water-Resistant Over Waterproof
Water-resistant gloves shrug off light drizzle but soak through in sustained rain. For real wet-weather hiking, choose gloves with a genuine waterproof membrane, and check the rating rather than trusting a vague water-repellent claim.
Ignoring Breathability
Fully sealed gloves with no breathability trap sweat, leaving your hands damp from the inside. Look for a breathable membrane so moisture escapes, which keeps your hands drier and more comfortable during exertion than a simple rubber glove would.
Getting the Warmth Wrong
Insulated gloves in mild rain leave hands sweaty, while thin shells in the cold leave them numb. Match the insulation to the temperatures you expect, and use a layering system if your conditions vary a lot within a single hike.
Overlooking Cuff Seal
Gloves that do not seal well at the wrist let rain run down your sleeves into the gloves. Choose gloves with adjustable or gauntlet cuffs, and layer them with your jacket sleeves so water sheds off rather than pooling inside.
Recommended Reading
- rain jackets for hiking
- how to stay dry hiking in the rain
- packable down jackets
- waterproof boots
- gaiters
- waterproof pants
- pack covers
- dry bags
- hiking pants
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need waterproof gloves for hiking?
If you hike in rain or cold, wet conditions, waterproof gloves make a big difference, since cold, wet hands quickly become miserable and can lose dexterity. In dry or warm weather they are less essential, but they are valuable insurance for anyone hiking in variable or wet climates.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant gloves?
Water-resistant gloves repel light rain briefly but soak through in sustained wet weather, while waterproof gloves use a membrane that keeps water out reliably. For real rain protection, choose waterproof gloves and check the rating rather than relying on a water-repellent coating alone.
Are insulated or uninsulated waterproof gloves better?
It depends on temperature. Insulated gloves are better for cold, wet, and snowy conditions, while uninsulated shell gloves suit cool three-season rain and offer more dexterity. Matching the insulation to the weather you expect is the key to comfortable hands.
Can waterproof gloves be breathable?
Yes, quality waterproof gloves use a waterproof-breathable membrane that keeps rain out while letting hand sweat escape. This breathability is important, because gloves that trap sweat leave your hands damp from the inside, so look for both waterproofing and breathability.
Do touchscreen gloves work in the rain?
Touchscreen fingertips let you use a phone or GPS, but performance can drop when the fingertips or the screen are wet. They are useful for quick navigation checks, though heavy rain on the screen may reduce responsiveness regardless of the gloves.
How do I keep water from getting in at the wrist?
Choose gloves with adjustable or gauntlet cuffs and layer them with your jacket sleeves so water sheds off rather than running in. Sealing the cuff over or under your sleeve, depending on the design, keeps rain from funneling into the gloves.
Are waterproof gloves warm enough for winter?
Insulated waterproof gloves can be warm enough for many winter hikes, but very cold conditions may call for a liner-plus-overmitt layering system. Match the insulation level to the temperatures, and add liners if you need extra warmth on the coldest days.
How do I care for waterproof gloves?
Rinse off dirt, dry them fully away from direct high heat, and follow the care label, which often allows gentle washing. Reproofing treatments can restore water repellency over time, helping the gloves keep shedding rain as they age.
