When you’re up against unpredictable British weather, a quality pair of waterproof gloves will be a saviour to your hands. It doesn’t take long for winter chills, cold rain and icy snow to set in and ruin your daily dog walk or weekend hike. Even if it’s just a cold day, gloves are an important piece of outdoor gear to keep numbness at bay and ensure your hands stay toasty warm all day long.
So for all-weather protection and happier adventures, it’s worth investing in a pair of waterproof gloves that are built to last, even in the roughest conditions. Gloves that are warm and breathable, have good grip and really are waterproof, so you can stay outside doing what you’re doing for longer.
To help you find your perfect pair, we’ve done the hard work for you. We break down the 5 best waterproof gloves that’ll save your hands this winter.
BEST FOR EVERYDAY
DexShell Thermfit Waterproof Gloves - £35.00
Buy now from Aquaproofs (£35.00)
Pros:
- Slim fit with grip dotting on the palm for great dexterity
- Ideal for a wide range of activities
- Affordable price for high quality everyday gloves
Cons:
- Not heavy duty enough to combat really harsh winter weather
Buy if: you want something warm and waterproof that’s not restrictive for everyday use
Designed to protect your hands from the wind, rain and everything else Mother Nature throws at you, DexShell Thermfit Waterproof Gloves are our best everyday gloves. Their snug, non-bulky fit is thick enough to keep you warm and dry, yet slim enough to not feel restrictive - making them ideal for a wide range of activities.
Their strong yet flexible Porelle® membrane layer and insulating Thermolite® technology make them 100% waterproof and highly breathable, keeping you warm and sweat-free all day. And for even more control, they feature grip dotting on the palm to give you the dexterity you need for cycling, MTB or simply getting something from your coat pocket. And the price isn’t bad either.
BEST FOR USING YOUR PHONE
Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Ultra Grip Knitted Glove - £40.00
Buy now from Sealskinz (£40.00)
- Cosy knit glove (it’s like giving your hands a hug)
- Touchscreen-friendly with features on the index finger and thumb
- Silicone printed palm and fingers for added grip
- Sizes tend to come up large
Despite its porous knitted design, these gloves are more waterproof than they look. In fact, they’re 100% waterproof thanks to their hydrophilic membrane which pulls moisture away from your skin - keeping you dry and cool all at the same time. While their merino wool lining keeps you insulated when the temperature drops.
Designed for those who don’t want to be inhibited by their gloves, they feature a silicone printed palm and fingers for firm handling, complete with touchscreen-friendly fingers on the index and thumb. So you can use your phone, grab a drink, do up your zip - all those simple tasks - with ease. The only downfall is the sizes tend to come up large, so your fingers might not reach the tips of the gloves. Just make sure to measure your hands or perhaps order down a size.
BEST FOR HEAVY DUTY WEAR
Rab Storm Waterproof Gloves - £45.00
Buy now from Rab (£45.00)
Pros:
- Perfect for high-energy activities
- Designed for all-weather, every-season use, even in extreme weather
- Super breathable and lightweight
- Might be too bulky for some
Buy if: you want high level, durable protection and don’t mind the bulkiness
These hardy waterproof gloves are ideal for high-energy hikes, strenuous scrambles and heavy downpours, ensuring you stay protected no matter how challenging it gets. Thanks to their waterproof Porelle membrane, they’ll keep you bone-dry and super warm in rain, wind, ice and snow, making sure to wick any sweat away when things get intense.
With their extreme mountain protection, advanced breathability and easy-carry weight of 152g, Rab’s Storm Gloves are your go-to for all-weather, every-season use. The negatives? They may be too bulky for some and they’re not the cheapest, but they certainly perform well.
BEST ALL-ROUNDER
Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Insulated Gloves - £50.00
Buy now from Sealskinz (£50.00)
- Zero liner movement
- Super warm and insulated for all activities
- Touchscreen-friendly for easy smartphone use
- Come up a bit pricey
Sealskinz have outdone themselves when it comes to their All Weather Insulated Gloves. Not only are they 100% waterproof, windproof and incredibly warm, they’ve managed to make them touchscreen-friendly without having to compromise on thickness. Even better, their anti-slip lining gives you excellent control and dexterity, while virtually eliminating irritating liner pull-out.
Perfect for extreme adventures and daily commuting, they suit a wide range of activities like hiking, biking, fishing and boating. Plus the wrist closure ensures a secure fit and feels comfortable enough for everyday use. However, they’re not cheap. But for the performance you get packed into each glove, we think you’re getting your money’s worth.
BEST VALUE
Regatta Transition II Waterproof Gloves - £25.00
Buy now from Gaynor Spots (£14.99)
Pros:
- Adjustable cuff strap for a better fit
- Touchtip technology across fingers and thumb
- Great for those with a limited budget
Cons:
- They don’t perform as well as higher-priced alternatives
- They only come in two sizes
Buy if: you want a no frills, affordable pair of waterproof gloves for milder weather
While Regatta’s Transition II Waterproof Gloves aren’t the cream of the crop, they give you everything you need for an affordable price: waterproofness, insulation and the added extra of touchtip technology for easy smartphone use. Great for those with a limited budget, these gloves will see off rainfall, keep you warm (to a degree) and protect you in cold, windy weather. Featuring a textured PVC layer across the palm and fingers, they’ve got a good level of grip and control, while the adjustable cuff ensures a secure fit.
But for regular users or anyone heading to the Scottish Highlands in winter, you’ll probably benefit from upgrading to a better-performing set of gloves. They also only come in two sizes which might be limiting for some. But overall they provide great protection against the elements for a price that won’t break the bank.