UPDATE: Check out our review of the Best Snowboard Gloves for 2019/2020 by clicking here.
While 90s legend Jamie Lynn once claimed that it was more stylish to ride in your bare hands, for the rest of us mere mortals it’s fair to say that gloves are a ‘must have’ purchase.
Choosing which snowboard gloves are best for you comes down to the terrain and conditions in which you’ll be riding – not to mention budget.
Much like jackets and pants, the more expensive models tend to feature Gore-Tex, which is highly breathable as well as waterproof. If you snowboard in the backcountry or just demand maximum protection from the elements for those epic powder days then Gore-Tex gloves should be your first port of call.
“You don’t want to be squeezing into fingers that are too short or flapping around in acres of space”
These days, gloves with long gauntlets designed to be tightened on the outside of your jacket are back in trend, and though they add bulk, this style will do a better job of keeping snow out of your sleeves.
Insulation levels can vary. January missions where the mercury can regularly plummet below zero will require a thicker glove (you might even want to look at some of our best snowboard mitts, since they offer the greatest warmth) but look for a pair with sufficient venting to deal with changes in temperature.
If park riding is your thing – or you’re planning a snowboard trip in the spring – you might find that a mid-weight or even neoprene (aka ‘pipe’) glove are the best choice for you. These are low profile and flexible (ideal for grabs) whilst still protecting you from the worst of the cold and the occasional hand drag.
These days many snowboard gloves offer touchscreen-compatible fingertips, so you can happily send instagrams from the chairlift. More serious filmers and photographers might want to look for a pair with separate liners, since nothing sucks like getting frostbite whilst trying to operate a camera.
Finally, whatever style you go for, make sure your new snowboard gloves fit right. You don’t want to be squeezing into fingers that are too short or flapping around in acres of space since either issue will reduce the glove’s ability to keep you warm and dry – and that, ultimately, is the name of the game.
For more advice, check out our video article on how to choose your snowboard gloves.
Scroll down to view all the best snowboard gloves, or skip to a particular brand using the links below
10Peaks Mount Litte | Burton Gore-Tex | Burton Gore-Tex Women’s | DaKine Excursion | DaKine Impreza | DaKine Scout | DC Industry | Drop Anvil | Drop Cascade | POW Alpha GTX | POW Gem | POW Warner GTX | Rome Poacher | Rome Tailgate