Let's face it, we work with our hands daily, and we pay the price for it. Working outdoorsmen and women who need their hands outside where the elements can get to them have it worse. Mostly because when they get wet, they get softer, thus making them more prone to injury. This is where a good pair of waterproof gloves come into play. Quality gloves keep us dry while allowing us to work and play, sometimes at the very same time. We fish, hunt, and work outdoors, so it goes without saying that the protection our hands need should be the best we can get.
This is especially true as we get older and have more need for safeguarding our hands from the elements, and the rigors of physical labor. We may not want to admit it, but sometimes it can get a little rough out there, and there's nothing like a good pair of waterproof gloves to save the day. Simply put, we've had it with getting our hands wet when the waterproof technology of gloves has advanced to a higher level. Fortunately, the days of cold, wet hands are about to change.
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1. The Best of the New Designs
ThermoHandz, $10, Amazon
Why We Selected Them:
The Thermohandz brand gives the user a great way to keep warm, dry, and still be able to use your cell phone without taking them off.
Favorite Features:
Windproof gloves with screen-touch fingers. Water repellent material inside the gloves is velvety soft while the outer layer is made of thick and durable nylon.
Pros:
- Non-slip grip.
- Warm and breathable.
- Cell phone touch sensitive.
- Comes in a two-pack.
Cons:
- A bit on the thin side and made with simple materials such as nylon and cotton.
ThermoHandz just arrived on the scene recently, but now offers a great line of waterproof gear including these gloves. Their new thermal gloves can help you to protect your hand from moisture, wind, and frost without losing control of your cell phone. Each pair includes a non-slip silica gel on the palm to offer extra grip for climbing your treestand, gathering firewood, or even for cycling. These gloves work well and look rather nice too.
2. The Best Waterproof Hunting Glove Splurge
Sitka Pantanal GTX, $139, Amazon
Why We Selected It:
Sitka designed these waterproof gloves with a Gore-Tex membrane because for serious waterfowlers, there is no way to avoid getting your hands wet while picking up downed birds or setting your decoys.
Favorite Features:
Excellent wind and warmth protection thanks to the PrimaLoft insulation.
Pros:
- Great pair of decoy and retrieval gloves for serious waterfowlers.
Cons:
- Not the best for those looking for the most dexterity in a glove along with being a bit expensive.
This is where the rubber hits the road for serious waterfowl hunters everywhere. These gloves are great for anyone who really wants a pair of gloves that will not only stand the test of time. They are not just for duck hunting either. Sure, you're not going to want to have these on when you're throwing logs in the UTV or shoveling gravel, but they can be a part of your rainy day deer hunting gear as well. The goat leather palm and fingertips along with the Gore-Tex membrane makes for a great grip along with a 100 percent waterproof glove. We've become big fans of PrimaLoft insulation in recent years too. It is quality stuff that keeps you warm on the chilliest of days. We recommend these for anyone who hunts waterfowl after the water starts to freeze.
3. The Best Budget Hunting Glove
Browning BTU-WD, $40, Amazon
Why We Selected It:
It's a great glove for under $50 that comes in multiple camo patterns for the discerning hunter along with a solid price point.
Favorite Features:
The two layers of outer shell fabric and 80 grams of PrimaLoft insulation along with an underlying elastic wrist.
Pros:
- Good price point.
- Six camo patterns to choose from.
Cons:
- Not easy to manipulate smaller pieces of gear.
Browning might be better known for their firearms collection, but they make some other great gear as well. When you need a waterproof option for a glove that doesn't break the bank, but is still good quality, this is the glove that you're looking for. As a breathable, waterproof glove that you can count on it to really stand up to some of the more expensive options when it comes to sub-freezing temperatures. It is great when there is biting wind, rain, or snow. We like this option for early season waterfowl hunting or on the wetter days of sitting on stand.
4. The Best Fishing Glove
Simms Infinium Flex Glove
Why We Chose It:
We've developed a trust of Simms products over the years because they are built to last.
Favorite Features:
Wind proof stretch fleece made with Gore-Tex and touch tech compatible.
Pros:
- Keeps your hands warm and dry without a lot of bulk.
Cons:
- Tight fit means you need to order at least one size up.
These gloves have a tighter fit, but that's what allows you to manipulate smaller fishing gear like hooks, swivels, and sinkers while keeping your hands dry. These gloves are resistant to snagging and work great for use in the boat with your favorite electronics. For those types of chores, the Infinium Flex gloves really fill the bill. We recommend these for inshore saltwater fishing, or for those who want to keep casting for those finicky fish when the conditions on your favorite bass lake change for the worse.
5. The Best All-Purpose Glove
Dex Fit Level 5 Cut Resistant, $13.49, Amazon
Why We Chose It:
We wanted a choice that would work great for gutting a fish, field dressing a deer, or working around the yard with your favorite knife, saw, or axe.
Favorite Features:
Comfortable and snug fit. A non-slip grip, and high level of cut proof security.
Pros:
- Durable and non-slip even in oily or underwater conditions.
- Touchscreen capable fingertips.
Cons:
- Needs to be ordered a size bigger, not resistant to sharp knife points or things like cactus needles.
The Dex Fit Level 5 gloves offer some of the highest cut protection ratios of any glove in its class. Whether you are working, cutting up meat, or handling sharp objects your hands are protected. They used an elastic spandex material at the wrists to ensure a good feel on your hands when it comes to gripping wet items so wet or dry, they still perform like a champ.
Please check out my book "The Hunter's Way" from HarperCollins. Be sure to follow my webpage, or on Facebook and YouTube.
