Top Rated Tactical Gloves for Cold Weather [Review and Buying Guide]

Snowboarding enthusiasts, winter campers, snowy mountain conquerors, avid cold morning runners and bikers, and Arctic adventurers alike should consider tactical gloves to keep their hands warm and toasty even in the chilly weather. Tactical gloves are important, as they not only keep you comfortable but also prevent frostbite and lasting damage to your digits.

The best overall winner of this product round-up is the Oakley Men’s Factory Pilot gloves. Made out of high-quality materials with premium leather at the palms, these gloves give a good grip and are sure to last. They also have protective knuckle guards for safety as well as breathable areas to help prevent sweating. These gloves are great for mild temperature adventures.

However, the best gloves for extremely cold temperatures are the OZERO Waterproof Windproof Thermal Touch Screen Gloves. With a temperature rating down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, the OZERO gloves are designed with multiple layers of fabric and waterproofing to keep your fingers warm no matter what. These are also touchscreen-friendly gloves.

If you’re on the lookout for a few of the best tactical gloves for cold weather, look no further. Read on here to find a full comparison of the features of these gloves so that you can purchase the right product to keep you cozy.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS rating  Price
Best OverallOakley Men’s Factory Pilot gloves Oakley Men’s Factory Pilot gloves
  • Type: Pilot gloves, motorcycling gloves, biking gloves
  • Materials: Palms: full grain leather
  • Body of glove: synthetic – nylon, polyester, elastane, and neoprene
9.5
Best For Extreme Cold WeatherOZERO men’s waterproof windproof thermal touch screen gloves OZERO Men’s Waterproof Windproof Thermal Touch Screen Gloves
  • Type: Winter sports gloves (skiing, snowboarding) Waterproof gloves
  • Materials: Artificial suede, thermal polyurethane lining, velvet, non-woven cotton
  • Silica gel coating for grip
9.5
Mechanix Wear M-Pact Covert Tactical Work Gloves  Mechanix Wear M-Pact Covert Tactical Work Gloves
  • Type: Tactical work gloves
  • Materials: Synthetic leather, thermoplastic finger guards and knuckle guards
  • D30 in palms for padding
  • Nylon web looping
9
Glove Station the Combat Military/ Police/ Outdoor Sports Tactical Rubber Knuckle Gloves  Glove Station the Combat Military/ Police/ Outdoor Sports Tactical Rubber Knuckle Gloves
  • Type: Tactical combat military/ police/ outdoor sports gloves
  • Materials: Palms of synthetic leather
  • Padded mesh on the back
  • Flexible neoprene along the joints
  • Rubber molding on knuckles for impact protection
9
FREETOO Tactical Outdoor Rubber Touch Screen Gloves  FREETOO Tactical Outdoor Rubber Touch Screen Gloves
  • Type: Fingerless gloves, airsoft gloves
  • Materials: 20% nylon mesh in body of gloves
  • Synthetic leather palms
8.5
5.11 High Abrasion Tac Glove Men's Military Full Finger Tactical Gloves 5.11 High Abrasion Tac Glove Men’s Military Full Finger Tactical Gloves
  • Type: Tactical/ military gloves
  • Materials: Synthetic polyester suede palms
  • Microfiber strips for grip
8.5
Best Budget OptionIronclad EXOT-PBLK-03-M Tactical Operator Pro Glove  Ironclad EXOT-PBLK-03-M Tactical Operator Pro Glove
  • Type: Tactical gloves
  • Materials: Neoprene knuckle guards
  • Synthetic leather palms
  • Spandex/neoprene shell
9.5

Product Reviews

Oakley Men’s Factory Pilot Gloves: Best Overall

The Oakley Men’s Factory Pilot gloves are the winning pair of this product round-up. Oakley’s brand name is a well-deserved success in the world of sportswear, and these gloves promise longevity and comfort. These gloves are constructed of high-quality materials that resist tearing and offer a good grip, perfect for biking or holding onto your gear when you need it most.

The Oakleys are designed to be off-road motorcycling gloves, they are constructed with palms made out of full-grain leather for style and longevity.

Going along with this, because all-leather gloves can sometimes be too tight and restrictive, the body design of these gloves is created with synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, elastane, and neoprene. This encourages flexibility and resists stiffness.

The Oakley gloves also feature knuckle guards, which will protect your knuckles if you happen to fall off of your bike in an accident. The gloves are also crafted with unobtainium surfaces, fingers, and palm surfaces for additional grip and security.

The Oakley Factory Pilot gloves are available in six sizes, all the way from extra small to 2X-large. They also come in two colors: black or coyote.

Because leather can sometimes be too warm, these gloves are equipped with zones made out of mesh along the top surface of the hand. There are also four ports along the tops of the fingers to enhance breathability and reduce sweating.

Keep in mind that while these gloves are high-quality, they are not touchscreen-friendly.

Lastly, although the leather is warm, they also do not have a temperature rating, so they may not be the best choice for extremely cold temperatures and are not waterproof. Also, while the mesh zones and ventilation ports increase breathability, they make this pair less suited for extremely cold temperatures.

Pros

  • Six sizes and two colors available
  • Well-known brand name
  • Full-grain leather on the palms, well-made
  • Added flexibility through synthetic fabrics in the body of the gloves
  • Grippy finger and palm surfaces
  • Ports and mesh areas reduce sweating, great for summer and spring

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive
  • Not usable with a touchscreen
  • Not waterproof
  • No temperature rating (not good for lowest temperatures)
  • Maybe too breathable to be worn in freezing weather

OZERO Waterproof Windproof Thermal Touch Screen Gloves: Best Gloves for Extremely Low Temperatures

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OZERO men’s waterproof windproof thermal touch screen gloves
  • Multilayer cold-proof material gives warmest protection - With windproof artificial suede leather shell, OZERO winter gloves are inserted with insulated sponge with thickness of 2mm and breathable waterproof membrane, and lined with soft and thermal TR material, resulting in better comfort and warm.
  • Full-hand waterproof membrane insert keep hands dry and away from wet and cold - You can dip gloves directly into ice water without worry of getting wet, perfect for the snow and rain weather. Just have fun in winter outdoor skiing, snow shoveling, cycling, snowmoblie, ice fishing etc.
  • The palms of the gloves are attached with anti-skid silica gel - The gloves can effectively provide your hands good grip for winter sports or work and make you work efficiently, especially suitable for driving and snow ski in winter.
  • Highly sensitive touch screen goatskin fingertips are stitched on the fingers - Effective touching allow you easily operate smart phone without taking off gloves. In addition, the knitted cuffs of wrists and the rubber bands of the palms make it easy to put gloves on/off.
  • Gift for Men and Women: Waterproof winter gloves for your daily commute, driving, skiing, working,etc. Winter gloves made with our product technologies keep you warm and dry in cold weather. They are a wonderful gift for your family and friends. Please note: Grasp the fingertips while taking the gloves off for preventing dragging the linings out, because the linings are not sewn with the waterproof sheaths of the gloves for the best waterproof performance.

The OZERO men’s waterproof windproof thermal touch screen gloves are an excellent choice if you want a pair of gloves that will keep you warm even in the coldest of temperatures. These gloves feature the lowest temperature rating in this product round-up. The OZERO gloves are sure to be your best bet for your coldest adventures.

The OZERO gloves are rated down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, making them an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t let winter slow them down. The gloves’ cold weather rating comes mainly from their multi-layer design.

The top layer of the glove is an artificial suede, followed by a windproof thermal polyurethane 2 mm sponge layer for added insulation. Underneath this is a waterproof membrane, a layer of thick velvet, and finally a layer of non-woven cotton for comfort. Overall, the thick lining along the body of the glove really adds to the heat retention.

This insulating membrane is not only waterproof to protect from freezing, but it is also quite breathable to prevent your hands from overheating and sweating. Because of the waterproof materials, the OZERO gloves are a great choice if you plan to use them in snow. The gloves are also marketed as windproof to keep the chill at bay.

In addition to the layers of insulation, the OZERO gloves also feature a knit elastic closure at the cuffs, making them the overall best option if you’re seeking outdoor adventures in cold weather.

These gloves are available in sizes small through 2X-large. They feature a leather suede construction in the shell, but the leather, in this case, is artificial, making them a better fit if you are vegan. For added grip, the palms feature a silica gel coating to prevent slippage. This makes them ideal for winter sports, like skiing, or shoveling snow.

In addition, the fingertips of these OZERO gloves feature a stitched-on goatskin padding. This allows you to effectively use your smartphone’s touch screen in the cold without having to take off the gloves.

Keep in mind that because of the overall warmth rating of these gloves, they will be less versatile and not suited for warmer weather.

Pros

  • Lowest temperature rating (-30 F)
  • Waterproof, can use in snow
  • Windproof
  • Elastic lining for warmth
  • Insulated with polyester in multiple layers for added warmth
  • Can use the touch screen of phone or GPS device while wearing gloves
  • Several sizes available
  • Artificial leather (vegan friendly)
  • Good grip on the palms
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Not good for warmer weather (less versatile)

Mechanix Wear M-Pact Covert Tactical Work Gloves: Most Available Options

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Mechanix Wear M-Pact Covert Tactical Work Gloves
  • MADE FOR WORKING HANDS – Rugged .8mm synthetic leather gloves for hard-working individuals. Great as tactical gloves, safety work gloves, hunting gloves, or home improvement gloves to provide protection in any environment
  • TOUCHSCREEN GLOVES – The perfect blend of dexterity and durability, these can be used for smart phones, tablets, and any capacitive touch-screen devices on patrol or in the field
  • IMPACT DURABILITY – Ergonomic designed D3O palm padding absorbs and dissipates vibration, while Thermoplastic Rubber provides high impact knuckle protection on these heavy duty gloves
  • SECURE FIT – Prevent gloves from slipping off and keep out dirt and debris with these secure fit gloves, equipped with a Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) wrist closure and adjustable hook and loop design
  • BREATHABLE – Reduce blisters from repetitive tasks with form-fitting TrekDry material that forms to the back of your hand and wicks moisture away to keep hands cool and comfortable on patrol

The Mechanix Wear M-Pact Covert Tactical Work Gloves have the most options for customization. Available from size small to 2X-large and in five different colors, you can select the gloves that fit your style and your functionality the best. This pair is also well-constructed and meant to last for years.

These gloves promise durability with their dual-reinforced layers at the fingertips to prevent tearing over time. These layers of protection also help prevent blistering. Overall, they’re designed with synthetic leather which is vegan-friendly and should last for years of use.

The Mechanix Wear gloves feature sonic-welded thermoplastic finger guards and knuckle guards to protect your hands upon impact, making them a good choice for sports or biking when you want to be ready for an accident. Also, the palms feature D30 padding to absorb the force of impact.

The Mechanix Wear gloves also feature a nylon web loop at the wrist area for hanging up your gloves when not in use. You can also use the loop to pull on the gloves quickly. These gloves are machine-washable for added convenience.

Note that the Mechanic Wear gloves do not have a temperature rating, so they may not be as warm if you plan to be in extremely chilly weather. They also don’t have touch screen capability and are not rated as waterproof.

Pros

  • Knuckle and finger guards, as well as D30 in the palms, protect from injury upon impact.
  • Dual layers of reinforcement at fingertips for durability and to prevent blisters
  • D30 padding for impact absorption
  • Nylon loop for hanging/storage and pulling on gloves
  • Machine-washable
  • Several sizes and colors available
  • Synthetic, vegan-friendly leather

Cons

  • No temperature rating
  • Not usable with a touchscreen
  • Not waterproof

Glove Station the Combat Military/ Police/ Outdoor Sports Tactical Rubber Knuckle Gloves: Most Tactical Option

Glove Station the Combat Military/ Police/ Outdoor Sports Tactical Rubber Knuckle Gloves
  • Impact Protection - These gloves are designed to protect your hands from impacts while shooting, hunting or working in industrial environments
  • Touchscreen Compatible - The fingers are touchscreen compatible, so you can use your smart devices without having to take off the gloves
  • Easy On and Off - Glove station mens glove designed with air holes to reduce stuffiness during long period of exercise - These gloves are easy to put on and take off, making them perfect for quick changes in the field
  • High Finesse - The gloves are designed to allow you to do tasks such as tying your shoelaces, even while wearing them - providing quality gloves and protective gear for a wide range of your daily activities and jobs
  • Highly Breathable - These gloves are made from breathable materials, making them suitable for all seasons, providing protection against impact, vibration and repel protection

The Glove Station the Combat Military/ Police/ Outdoor Sports Tactical Rubber Knuckle Gloves are the most tactical option within this product round-up. This makes them an excellent choice for police or military personnel when protection and durability is the most important aspect.

These Glove Station gloves can be purchased from sizes small through 2X-large and come in four color options. Made with double stitched dreams, this pair is built to last through your adventures.

These gloves feature a triple base design, with palms made of synthetic “Syntech” leather, padded mesh fabric along the entire back, and flexible neoprene fabrics along the joints. The padded mesh that runs along the back of the glove enhances breathability, and there are also air vents to prevent overheating as well.

Along the palm, you’ll find a textured fabric to enhance grip as well as leather fingertips at the index and middle fingertips for a secure hold on your gear. You can also use these fingertip coverings with a touch screen.

For protection, there is a reinforced rubber plated molding along the knuckle area of the glove. Along with this, the gloves never feel too stiff thanks to the flexibility at the joints via the neoprene areas. They also feature a handy loop at the wrist for storage or hanging up.

Note that these gloves may not be as warm, as they don’t have a temperature rating. They are also not waterproof.

Pros

  • Very tactical and durable, good for military or police work
  • Triple layers of fabric: synthetic leather, padded mesh, flexible neoprene at joints
  • Available in various sizes and colors
  • Reinforced rubber plated molding on knuckles for protection
  • Air vents and padded mesh along the back for breathability (prevent overheating)
  • The textured fabric along with palms and leather tips at fingers for grip
  • Loop for storage
  • Touchscreen friendly design

Cons

  • No winter weather rating
  • Not waterproof

FREETOO Tactical Outdoor Rubber Touch Screen Gloves: Fingerless Gloves Option

FREETOO Tactical Outdoor Rubber Touch Screen Gloves
  • Full Dexterity Gloves
  • Wear-resistant & Anti-Slip
  • Full Hand Protection & Breathable
  • Touch Screen Gloves
  • Premium Service

The FREETOO Tactical Outdoor Rubber Touch Screen Gloves are an excellent choice if you don’t need your fingers to be covered. With a fingerless gloves style, the FREETOO gloves feature excellent ventilation and allow you to have full, free control of your smartphone. These gloves provide some protection to your hands while allowing full dexterity of your fingers.

These FREETOO gloves are currently available in sizes medium, large, and extra large and only black color. Technically, they are airsoft gloves but can be used for biking or other adventures as well. They feature a double-stitched palm for extra strength and durability as well as an anti-skid textured pattern for grip.

For an ultimate fit, the gloves are equipped with adjustable Velcro around the wrist so that the gloves will stay secure.

The FREETOO gloves are constructed of a 20% nylon mesh material in addition to the leather palm, which is also synthetic and vegan-friendly. This nylon mesh, along with the finger vents, increases breathability and makes these gloves appropriate for hot summer wear as well.

Keep in mind that because of the open finger design, these gloves are not suited for icy weather. The FREETOO gloves are sure to provide you with excellent smartphone functionality, though, as the fingers are fully exposed. You are also free to use your fingers to use your gear without needing to remove the gloves. They are also relatively inexpensive.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Full smartphone functionality and allows for movement of your fingers
  • Breathable with mesh design and vents for air circulation
  • Vegan-friendly, synthetic leather
  • Adjustable Velcro wrist straps for security and fit
  • Double stitching for durability
  • Textured pattern on palm for grip

Cons

  • Much less warm because of exposed fingers
  • Fewer size options available and only one color option

5.11 High Abrasion Tac Glove Men’s Military Full Finger Tactical Gloves: Another Tactical Option

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The 5.11 High Abrasion Tac Glove Men’s Military Full Finger Tactical Gloves are another excellent choice for tactical work. These gloves feature a well-constructed body design that resists tearing, a breathable top cover, and padding at the knuckles for impact protection.

These tactical gloves come in three colors and size small to 2X-large. They are designed for military and police personnel, as they are tactical in nature with ASTM-rated internally padded knuckles and palms to protect you from injury upon impact. The palms themselves are constructed out of a synthetic polyester style suede for durability and style.

There are notches built into the index and thumb areas so that you can freely move, and the partially spandex design adds to the flexibility. Also, for grip, microfiber stitched strips on the fingers help you keep a secure hold on your gear. The palms themselves are less grippy, however.

They also feature a loop at the wrist for easy hanging up when not in use. The loop also serves as a pull tab, which allows you to easily pull on the gloves when you need to go fast.

Although they are built to last, these gloves are not waterproof and do not feature a temperature rating, making them less suited for very cold weather.

More: Patagonia Nano Puff vs Patagonia Nano Air: Which is the Better Jacket to Have?

Pros

  • Tactical, ASTM rated padding at palms and knuckles for impact protection (good for sports or military or police work)
  • Synthetic, vegan-friendly suede at palms
  • Notches and spandex for flexibility on index and thumb (freedom of movement)
  • Grip with microfiber strips on fingers
  • Wrist loop for storage or easy donning
  • Inexpensive
  • Many size options available

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • No temperature rating (not for coldest weather)
  • Not for touch screen use
  • Palms may be less grippy

Ironclad EXOT-PBLK-03-M Tactical Operator Pro Glove: Best Budget Option

Ironclad EXOT-PBLK-03-M Tactical Operator Pro Glove
  • HAND SAFETY - Neoprene knuckle feature provides impact and abrasion protection across the knuckles
  • SECURE FIT - Adjustable Hook and Loop Closure provides a secure custom fit for ideal performance
  • SWEAT MANAGEMENT FEATURE - Terry cloth sweat wipe conveniently located on the back of the thumb allows you to stay focused on the job at hand with one wipe of the brow
  • SUEDE CUFF TAB - The suede cuff puller allows the operator to get the glove in the proper position faster
  • MACHINE WASHABLE - Machine wash cool. Air drying is recommended in order to keep the size consistent with its original form from time of purchase

The Ironclad EXOT-PBLK-03-M Tactical Operator Pro Glove is the best option if you’re looking for gloves on a limited budget. These gloves are stylish and suited for mild weather if you don’t want to break the bank.

The Ironclad gloves are available up to size 2X-large and in four color variations. They are designed with neoprene knuckle guards for protection against impact and abrasions, making them suited for adventures or sports.

These gloves are quite durable with a synthetic leather palm and have a great grip with the texturized design. Their neoprene and spandex mix shell delivers ultimate flexibility and softness for added comfort. They do not feel bulky, and they can also be machine washed.

The Ironclad gloves are equipped with a terry cloth sweat wipe at the back of the thumb, so you can easily wipe sweat from your forehead if necessary. They also feature a suede cuff puller and loop for storage or easy donning.

Note that these gloves aren’t waterproof and don’t have a temperature rating.

More: Arc’teryx Atom AR vs Atom LT: Which One Should You Buy?

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Knuckle guards for protection from abrasions and impact
  • Synthetic leather (vegan friendly)
  • Soft and comfortable, flexible neoprene and spandex body style
  • Can be machine washed
  • Lightweight
  • Many size options and four colors
  • Terry cloth sweat wipe at thumb
  • Grippy textured design on the palms
  • Suede cuff puller and loop for storage or donning

Cons

  • Less durable
  • No temperature rating
  • Not waterproof
  • Not for touch screen use

Buying Guide: What to Know Before Purchasing Tactical Gloves

Temperature Rating

One of the most important aspects of a pair of gloves is its temperature rating. Before you buy a new pair of gloves, ask yourself how warm you need the gloves to be.

To get the ultimate warmth from your gloves, look for a pair that has a lower temperature rating. For instance, the OZERO thermal gloves above are rated to keep your hands warm down to -30 degrees F. Gloves like this should be well insulated with layers of fabric, and many of them will feature elastic cuffs or drawstrings to keep your body heat inside.

To protect even further against the elements, look for gloves that are also rated to be waterproof.

However, most of the gloves in this product round-up did not have a temperature rating, and most of them are also not waterproof. This doesn’t mean that they aren’t thick enough to keep you warm, but they may not be as suited for temperatures much below freezing. If you plan to wear the gloves in the fall, though, most of the above options would be warm enough.

If you plan to use the gloves in the summer, of course, you may need to look at fingerless gloves or sun-protective gloves with a mesh body style. For summer gloves, also look for breathability in the form of mesh and thinner fabrics.

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Style

Many tactical style gloves will feature padded knuckles and palms in order to provide some protection against impacts and abrasions. This makes the glove suitable for outdoor adventures, police work, motorcycling, sports, and other challenging ventures. Many tactical style gloves will also have double or triple stitched seams for ultimate durability and rubberized textures for increased grip.

Tactical gloves are rip-resistant, but they may not be waterproof or windproof unless they are specifically designed as winter gloves.

For a more outdoorsy or sporty style, look for waterproof gloves with a lining or membrane that resists water permeation. This will help you stay extra warm. Also, look for a style with knitted cuffs or elastic to increase heat retention.

Also, if you need to be able to use your phone in the cold weather, you may want to look for a touchscreen friendly style of gloves. These will have a padded fingertip for screen functionality.

More: North Face Resolve 2 vs Venture 2: Which Rain Jacket Should You Choose?

Conclusion

If you’re on the hunt for a pair of gloves that will last for years to come, tactical gloves are a great solution. These gloves are built with durable materials and high-quality, tear-resistant seams with comfort and grip in mind. Some tactical gloves are also windproof and waterproof for added protection from the elements.

The overall winner of this product round-up is the Oakley Men’s Factory Pilot gloves, thanks to their timeless sense of fashion, high amount of comfort and durability, grippiness, and protective padding that resists injury upon impact.

Suppose you need something for even colder weather. In that case, though, the OZERO waterproof windproof thermal touch screen gloves are an excellent option, with a temperature rating down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit and layers of warm fabric. These gloves have the added benefit of being both waterproof and windproof, sure to succeed even in the heavier snow.

For touchscreen-friendly gloves, the Glove Station tactical gloves are also an excellent choice, as they feature fingertip coverings that enable full use of your phone. These gloves are a great choice if you’re seeking a more tactical option.

Hopefully, this product round-up has helped you to determine the best tactical gloves for cold weather. That way, your fingers can stay toasty no matter the task at hand.

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