This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Cold hands are one of the most reliable ways to turn a good day out into a miserable one. The problem in the UK is that conditions are rarely consistent: a March day in the Lake District might start cold and windy and finish mild in the valley. Choosing one pair of gloves for all occasions means compromise.

This guide covers the main glove types for hiking and our top picks across the spectrum from lightweight liner to serious winter mitt.

Glove Types for Hiking

Liner gloves: Thin gloves worn under a waterproof shell or as standalone gloves in mild conditions. Merino wool or synthetic. Excellent for spring and autumn walking, borderline for winter.

Softshell gloves: A middle ground: windproof and shower-resistant with a fleece lining. Good for most UK walking conditions from autumn through early spring. Not fully waterproof.

Waterproof insulated gloves: A waterproof membrane (Gore-Tex or similar) with internal insulation. The correct choice for sustained rain, Scottish winter conditions, and any upland walking where temperatures drop significantly.

Mitts: Warmer than gloves because fingers share warmth rather than each losing heat individually. Better for extreme cold and winter mountaineering. Less dexterous than gloves.

The layering approach: Many experienced walkers use a thin liner glove worn inside a waterproof mitt. The liner provides warmth and can be worn alone for tasks requiring dexterity; the mitt adds waterproofing and additional warmth when conditions demand.

Best Waterproof: Sealskinz All Weather Waterproof Gloves

Price: ~£55

Sealskinz make some of the most effective waterproof gloves available at non-specialist prices. The All Weather gloves use a Sealskinz waterproof membrane with a fleece inner lining: genuinely waterproof, warm in cool conditions, and comfortable for all-day walking use.

Quick specs: | Spec | Value | |——|——-| | Price | ~£55 | | Waterproofing | Sealskinz membrane | | Insulation | Fleece lining | | Best for | Autumn through spring UK hillwalking | | Dexterity | Good |

The waterproofing is the real differentiator. Most ‘waterproof’ gloves offer a DWR treatment that works in light rain. Sealskinz gloves with their membrane construction stay dry in sustained rain, which matters when you are descending a wet ridge in a Scottish downpour.

Why we like it: - Genuinely waterproof rather than just water-resistant - Comfortable fleece inner does not feel clammy - Good dexterity for map reading and adjusting kit - Available in multiple styles and insulation levels

Worth knowing: - Less warm than heavyweight insulated options for full winter use - More expensive than DWR-coated alternatives

Best Lightweight: Icebreaker Quantum Gloves

Price: ~£45

Icebreaker’s Quantum gloves use a merino wool blend that provides natural odour resistance, comfort next to skin, and adequate warmth for three-season use. They are not waterproof but handle light moisture well and dry quickly when wet.

Quick specs: | Spec | Value | |——|——-| | Price | ~£45 | | Material | 87% merino wool | | Waterproofing | None (DWR only) | | Best for | Spring and autumn walking, liner use | | Dexterity | Excellent |

For walking in conditions where you want gloves for warmth and wind protection but are unlikely to face sustained rain, merino gloves are among the most comfortable options available. They do not have the clammy feel of synthetic gloves in mild conditions.

Why we like it: - Merino is naturally odour-resistant and temperature-regulating - Excellent dexterity for all tasks - Comfortable for all-day walking - Work well as a liner inside a waterproof mitt

Worth knowing: - Not waterproof: in rain, will wet out - Merino is less durable than synthetic alternatives over time

Best Winter: Black Diamond Mercury Mitts

Price: ~£90

For full Scottish winter conditions, summit days in howling wind and rain, or anyone who gets cold hands in serious conditions, mitts provide substantially more warmth than equivalent gloves. The Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are the benchmark: waterproof Gore-Tex shell with PrimaLoft insulation and a secure wrist closure.

Quick specs: | Spec | Value | |——|——-| | Price | ~£90 | | Waterproofing | Gore-Tex insert | | Insulation | PrimaLoft synthetic | | Best for | Winter hillwalking, Scottish mountains | | Dexterity | Limited |

Mitts sacrifice dexterity for warmth. For tasks requiring finger precision (map folding, compass use, adjusting ice axe leash), you need to remove them briefly. The Gore-Tex shell means they stay dry in the worst conditions. Worn over a thin liner glove, you can do dexterous tasks with the liner and shelter your hands back in the mitt immediately.

Why we like it: - Warmest option on this list by a significant margin - Gore-Tex provides reliable waterproofing - PrimaLoft insulation retains some warmth when damp - Wrist closure prevents wind ingress

Worth knowing: - Limited dexterity makes them inconvenient for frequent tasks - Expensive

Best Budget: Mountain Warehouse Altitude Waterproof Ski Gloves

Price: ~£25

Mountain Warehouse occupy a specific market: accessible outdoor gear at the lowest price point. The Altitude ski gloves are not specialist hiking gloves but function adequately for most UK autumn and winter walking at a price that makes them worth considering as a backup pair or a first hiking glove.

Quick specs: | Spec | Value | |——|——-| | Price | ~£25 | | Waterproofing | Mountain Warehouse proprietary membrane | | Insulation | Synthetic | | Best for | Casual winter walking, budget option |

The waterproofing and insulation both work in light to moderate conditions. They will not perform as well as Sealskinz or Gore-Tex gloves in sustained heavy rain or serious cold, but for most lowland and easy upland use in the UK they are functional.

Worth knowing: - Not suitable for serious winter mountaineering - Less durable than premium alternatives - Waterproofing performance declines more quickly with use

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pairs of gloves should I carry on a UK hill walk?

On a serious upland day, especially in autumn or winter, two pairs: a liner and a waterproof overmitt or shell glove. Wet gloves in cold conditions are a hypothermia risk. Having a dry pair in reserve is a straightforward safety measure. Pack them in a waterproof bag within your rucksack.

Do I need gloves for summer hiking in the UK?

On low-level summer walks, usually not. On any upland summer route in Scotland or at altitude in the Lake District and Snowdonia, conditions can change rapidly enough that a lightweight pair of gloves belongs in the pack even in July. You may never use them. On the day you do need them, having them matters.

How should I dry wet gloves on a multi-day walk?

Carry them next to your body (inside a jacket pocket or between jacket and base layer) to use body heat for drying. In a bothy or shelter, hang them near a heat source but not directly on it. Wet synthetic insulation recovers its loft as it dries. Wet merino continues to provide warmth while damp, which is one of its key advantages on multi-day routes.