The best hiking gloves are the piece of gear that most hikers add to their pack as an afterthought — until the first time cold hands turn a manageable trail situation into a safety problem.
Cold hands are not just uncomfortable. They reduce your grip on trekking poles, make map reading and pack buckle adjustments difficult, and in sustained cold and wind create the numbness that precedes more serious cold injury. A pair of gloves weighing 2 to 3 ounces takes up almost no space and costs $25 to $60 — the most favorable risk-to-cost ratio of any piece of safety gear you can add to your pack.
The challenge is that hiking glove needs vary more than most gear categories. A day hiker in mild fall conditions needs something completely different from a winter backpacker in subzero temperatures. Getting this match right determines whether your gloves actually stay on your hands during the conditions you hike in — or end up in your pack because they are either too hot or too cold for the day’s actual weather.
Before heading out on your next trip, make sure you have the right boots and socks for the conditions — our guides to the best hiking boots for beginners and the best hiking socks cover the foot protection that works alongside your hand protection.
What to Look for in Hiking Gloves
Insulation type determines warmth level and weather resistance.
Synthetic insulation — polyester fleece, PrimaLoft, or similar — provides warmth that maintains meaningful performance when wet. Synthetic gloves dry faster than down or wool and work adequately in light rain and snow without losing most of their insulating value. Merino wool provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, natural odor resistance, and good wet-weather performance at a lighter weight than most synthetic alternatives. Down insulation provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any material but loses most of its insulating value when wet — appropriate for dry cold conditions but not for hiking in rain or wet snow. For three-season hiking in variable conditions, synthetic or merino wool insulation is the more practical choice over down.
Waterproofing determines how the glove performs in rain and wet snow.
Non-waterproof gloves — typically fleece or merino liner gloves — breathe well and work comfortably in dry cold but soak through quickly in rain. Waterproof membrane gloves — using Gore-Tex or similar technology — keep hands dry in sustained rain and wet snow but breathe less effectively during high-output hiking. Waterproof shell with removable insulated liner provides the most versatility — the shell handles rain while the liner provides warmth, and the liner can be worn independently on dry days. For Pacific Northwest and Appalachian hiking where rain is a regular factor, waterproof membrane gloves are the more reliable choice. For dry mountain hiking where light and breathability matter more, non-waterproof insulated gloves are more practical.
Grip determines safety when using trekking poles and scrambling.
A glove that slips on your trekking pole grip or cannot grip rock surfaces securely during scrambling creates a safety risk rather than solving one. Look for silicone or rubberized grip patches on the palm and fingers — particularly on the thumb, index finger, and palm where trekking pole contact and grip surfaces are highest. Gloves with grip only on the fingertips rather than the full palm reduce the security of trekking pole use. For technical terrain and scrambling, full-palm grip coverage is the safer choice.
Touchscreen compatibility determines whether you can use your phone without removing the glove.
Removing gloves to use a phone in cold conditions is a minor inconvenience in mild weather and a genuine problem in wind and cold — your hands cool rapidly the moment the gloves come off. Most modern hiking gloves include conductive fingertip material on the thumb and index finger that works with touchscreen devices. Check specifically that the touchscreen compatibility works on your phone before buying — some conductive materials work reliably with high-sensitivity screens and fail on older or lower-sensitivity displays.
The 5 Best Hiking Gloves in 2026
#1 — Black Diamond Midweight ScreenTap Fleece Gloves
Best Overall Hiking Gloves | Score: 9.3/10 | Price: ~$35
The Black Diamond Midweight ScreenTap is the hiking glove that covers the widest range of three-season conditions in a single pair — warm enough for cold fall days, breathable enough for active spring hiking, and light enough to carry as a backup in summer without adding meaningful pack weight.
The Three-Season Standard
The midweight fleece construction hits the balance between warmth and breathability that lightweight liner gloves cannot achieve, and heavyweight insulated gloves cannot improve on for active hiking use. The stretch fleece moves with your hand rather than bunching or restricting grip — important for trekking pole use and pack adjustment throughout the day. The DuraTek palm reinforcement adds abrasion resistance in the highest-wear area without stiffening the glove into a more rigid feel.
The ScreenTap fingertip construction works on capacitive touchscreens without requiring full finger exposure — tested reliably across a range of common smartphones. The wrist gaiter extends below the jacket cuff to prevent cold air from entering at the wrist gap. At $35 it is the most practical all-around hiking glove for three-season use on this list.
PROS:
- Midweight fleece hits the warmth-breathability balance for three-season active hiking
- Stretch fleece moves with the hand without restricting grip
- DuraTek palm reinforcement adds abrasion resistance in the highest-wear area
- Reliable touchscreen compatibility on the thumb and index finger
- Wrist gaiter prevents cold air entry at the jacket cuff gap
- Black Diamond reliability is backed by decades of outdoor gear manufacturing
CONS:
- Not waterproof — soaks through in sustained rain
- Not warm enough for winter hiking, below 20 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fleece picks up debris in heavy brush
Best for: Three-season day hikers and backpackers who need a versatile mid-layer glove for cold mornings, exposed ridgelines, and variable fall and spring conditions — and anyone who wants one pair of gloves that handles 80 percent of their hiking conditions.
#2 — Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves
Best Warm Hiking Gloves | Score: 9.1/10 | Price: ~$45
The Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight is the glove for cold-weather hikers who need more warmth than a midweight fleece delivers — late fall hiking, winter day hikes above treeline, and any hiking scenario where temperatures regularly drop 25 degrees Fahrenheit below during activity.
Built for Genuine Cold Without Sacrificing Dexterity
The heavyweight fleece construction provides meaningfully more warmth than the Black Diamond Midweight while maintaining enough dexterity for trekking pole use, pack buckle adjustment, and map reading without removing the glove. The silicone grip dots cover the full palm and all finger surfaces — providing secure trekking pole grip regardless of glove position in the hand. The touchscreen sensitivity on the thumb and first two fingers works reliably across most modern smartphones.
The anatomical hand shape pre-curves the fingers slightly in the natural gripping position, reducing hand fatigue during extended trekking pole use compared to gloves built on a flat hand form. The extended cuff overlaps a jacket sleeve at the wrist to seal the gap that cold air exploits during descent. At $45, it is the most complete warm-weather hiking glove under $50 on this list.
PROS:
- Heavyweight fleece provides more warmth than midweight alternatives meaningfully
- Full-palm and all-finger silicone grip dots — secure trekking pole grip in any position
- Touchscreen compatibility on the thumb and first two fingers
- Anatomical pre-curved fingers reduce hand fatigue during extended pole use
- Extended cuff seals the jacket sleeve gap
- Outdoor Research builds quality above average for the price
CONS:
- Not waterproof — not suitable for sustained rain or wet snow
- Heavier than midweight alternatives — warmer than necessary for mild fall conditions
- Less packable than lighter alternatives
Best for: Cold-weather hikers who regularly encounter temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit and need more warmth than a midweight fleece provides while maintaining enough dexterity for active trail use.
#3 — Marmot Previn Glove
Best Waterproof Hiking Gloves | Score: 9.2/10 | Price: ~$55
The Marmot Previn is the waterproof hiking glove for hikers who regularly encounter rain, wet snow, or stream crossings where non-waterproof alternatives soak through and lose their insulating value within 20 to 30 minutes.
Waterproof Without Sacrificing Warmth
The Gore-Tex insert provides genuine waterproof and windproof protection throughout the full glove — not just on the back of the hand, where some budget waterproof gloves concentrate their membrane. The Thermal R insulation maintains meaningful warmth even when the exterior of the glove is wet — addressing the scenario where a non-waterproof glove soaks through, and the insulation loses its effectiveness simultaneously.
The extended wrist gaiter with drawstring closure seals around the jacket cuff in wind and rain — preventing the cold wet air entry at the wrist gap that defeats the purpose of a waterproof glove. The touchscreen finger compatibility works reliably through the Gore-Tex insert — a more technically demanding achievement than touchscreen compatibility in non-waterproof gloves. At $55 the Previn is the most affordable Gore-Tex hiking glove available without sacrificing meaningful warmth or waterproofing quality.
PROS:
- Gore-Tex insert provides genuine full-glove waterproof and windproof protection
- Thermal R insulation maintains warmth even when the exterior is wet
- Extended wrist gaiter with drawstring seals around jacket cuffs
- Touchscreen compatibility works reliably through the Gore-Tex insert
- Most affordable Gore-Tex hiking glove on this list at approximately $55
- Marmot build quality is backed by decades of outdoor gear manufacturing
CONS:
- Less breathable than non-waterproof alternatives during high-output hiking
- Slightly stiffer feel than fleece alternatives — less dexterity for fine motor tasks
- Heavier than non-waterproof alternatives at a comparable warmth level
Best for: Hikers who regularly encounter rain and wet conditions — particularly Pacific Northwest, Appalachian, and alpine hikers, where waterproof hand protection is a practical necessity rather than a precaution.
#4 — Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Wind Glove
Best Lightweight Hiking Gloves | Score: 8.9/10 | Price: ~$40
The Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Wind Glove is the option for hikers who prioritize pack weight and packability above maximum warmth — a glove light enough to carry in a hip belt pocket as a backup on warm-day hikes without noticing the weight.
The Packable Emergency Glove That Is Also Worth Wearing
The merino-synthetic blend provides warmth-to-weight performance above what a purely synthetic alternative at equivalent weight delivers — merino’s natural insulating properties allow a thinner construction at comparable warmth levels. The wind-resistant face fabric reduces the wind-chill effect that makes lighter gloves inadequate on exposed ridgelines even in mild temperatures. The full-hand touchscreen compatibility works across all fingers rather than just the thumb and index finger — a practical advantage for trail navigation apps that require more finger contact.
At 1.5 ounces per pair, it is the lightest glove on this list by a meaningful margin. The glove compresses to the size of a tennis ball — fitting in a hip belt pocket without contributing noticeable bulk to a daypack. For hikers who primarily need gloves for unexpected cold snaps rather than sustained cold hiking, the Smartwool provides the right level of warmth at the lowest weight penalty.
PROS:
- 1.5 ounces per pair — lightest hiking glove on this list
- Merino-synthetic blend provides better warmth-to-weight than pure synthetic at equivalent weight
- Wind-resistant face fabric reduces wind-chill on exposed ridgelines
- Full-hand touchscreen compatibility across all fingers
- Compresses to tennis ball size — fits in a hip belt pocket
- Smartwool merino quality is backed by a strong material reputation
CONS:
- Less warm than midweight and heavyweight alternatives — not suitable for sustained cold below 30 degrees Fahrenheit
- Not waterproof — soaks through in sustained rain
- Thinner construction is less durable than heavier alternatives in heavy brush
Best for: Warm-season day hikers who want a lightweight emergency glove for unexpected cold and wind on exposed terrain — and ultralight backpackers who count grams and want the lightest functional glove available.
#5 — REI Co-op Merino Wool Liner Glove
Best Budget Hiking Gloves | Score: 8.7/10 | Price: ~$25
The REI Co-op Merino Liner Glove is the most affordable merino wool hiking glove on this list — and at $25 it provides the fundamental warmth and moisture management improvement over cotton or polyester alternatives that makes carrying hiking gloves worthwhile.
The merino wool construction manages moisture away from the skin — keeping hands warmer in active conditions where sweat would cool a cotton or polyester alternative into an ineffective chilled layer. The thin construction makes these ideal as a glove liner inside a waterproof shell — adding warmth to a rain shell without adding meaningful bulk. Used independently, they handle mild to moderate cold above 30 degrees Fahrenheit for active hiking.
The touchscreen compatibility on the thumb and index finger works adequately on most modern smartphones. At $25 these are the most accessible entry point for hikers who want to upgrade from cotton gloves without spending $35 to $55 on a premium alternative.
PROS:
- Most affordable merino hiking glove on this list at approximately $25
- Merino wool manages moisture away from skin for active hiking conditions
- Thin construction works as a glove liner inside a waterproof shell
- Touchscreen compatibility on the thumb and index finger
- REI brand quality and return policy
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
CONS:
- Not warm enough as a standalone glove below 30 degrees Fahrenheit
- Not waterproof — soaks through in rain
- Thinner construction wears faster than heavier alternatives with regular use
Best for: Budget-conscious hikers who want to upgrade from cotton gloves, and hikers who want a thin liner glove to wear inside a waterproof shell for cold and wet conditions.
Quick Comparison: Best Hiking Gloves 2026
| Glove | Price | Warmth | Waterproof | Weight | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Midweight | ~$35 | Medium | No | 2.5 oz | 9.3 |
| Marmot Previn | ~$55 | Medium-high | Yes Gore-Tex | 3.5 oz | 9.2 |
| Outdoor Research Vigor | ~$45 | High | No | 3.0 oz | 9.1 |
| Smartwool Merino Sport | ~$40 | Low-medium | No | 1.5 oz | 8.9 |
| REI Merino Liner | ~$25 | Low-medium | No | 1.2 oz | 8.7 |
Our Verdict
For most three-season hikers, the Black Diamond Midweight ScreenTap at $35 is the right glove — the warmth-to-breathability balance covers the widest range of hiking conditions in one pair at a fair price. For hikers who regularly encounter rain and wet conditions, the Marmot Previn at $55 is the right call — Gore-Tex waterproofing and Thermal R insulation in the most affordable full-glove waterproof option on this list.
Cold-weather hikers who need more warmth than the Black Diamond provides should consider the Outdoor Research Vigor at $45. Ultralight hikers who want the lightest possible option should look at the Smartwool at 1.5 ounces and $40. Budget buyers who want the merino wool upgrade at the lowest price should start with the REI Merino Liner at $25.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Hiking Gloves
What are the best hiking gloves in 2026? The Black Diamond Midweight ScreenTap Fleece Gloves are the best overall hiking gloves for three-season use — the midweight fleece warmth-to-breathability balance, DuraTek palm reinforcement, and reliable touchscreen compatibility make them the most versatile hiking glove at $35. For waterproof protection in regular rain and wet conditions, the Marmot Previn at $55 is the best Gore-Tex alternative.
Do I need waterproof hiking gloves? It depends on where you hike. For the Pacific Northwest, Appalachian, and any region with regular rain or wet snow, waterproof gloves are worth the reduced breathability trade-off — non-waterproof gloves soak through in 20 to 30 minutes of sustained rain and lose their warming function completely. For dry mountain hiking in the Southwest and high-altitude environments where precipitation is typically snow rather than rain, a non-waterproof insulated glove breathes better and performs more comfortably for active hiking.
More Questions About Hiking Gloves
How do I care for hiking gloves? Hand-wash hiking gloves in cool water with a technical fabric cleaner — standard detergents strip the DWR coating on synthetic gloves and degrade merino wool fibers over time. Squeeze excess water out gently rather than wringing — wringing stretches and distorts the glove shape permanently. Air dry flat rather than hanging — hanging allows the glove to stretch under its own wet weight. Reapply DWR treatment to waterproof gloves when water stops beading on the outer surface — typically after 10 to 15 uses or washes. Store gloves uncompressed in a breathable bag rather than stuffed in a pack pocket, where sustained compression degrades the insulation loft over time.
What glove do I wear under a waterproof shell glove? A merino wool liner glove — like the REI Co-op Merino Liner — worn inside a waterproof shell glove provides a layered system that separates warmth from waterproofing. The liner manages moisture from your hand away from the skin. The shell keeps rain and wind out. Together they handle cold, wet conditions more effectively than a single insulated waterproof glove at equivalent total warmth — and the liner can be worn independently on dry cold days when the shell is unnecessary.
