Some of our top picks for snowboard gloves drying out by the fire after a long, wet day of testing. Photo: Steve Andrews/The Inertia

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Snowboarding with wet, cold hands is the worst. When fingers begin to go numb, it’ll be all you can think about, and heading into the lodge just to warm up your digits won’t win you any friends, or help you score untouched powder. Thankfully, there are plenty of amazing options out there to keep your hands warm and dry, day after day. We’ve been testing the best snowboard gloves out there for any type of rider and conditions.

The result of our testing is the list you see below. All of the gloves included here are top-tier picks for keeping your hands happy to ride to your heart’s content. We’ve tested dozens of different styles in the coastal, wet conditions of the PNW this El Niño season, to give you this unbiased guide to our favorite snowboard gloves this season. Read on for the results. To see the options side-by-side, look onward to our Comparison Table, and for key info to help you make the right decision for your needs, see our Buyer’s Guide. To hear more about the testing process, check out our How We Tested section.

The Best Snowboard Gloves of 2024

Best All-Around Snowboard Gloves: Volcom Service

Best Budget Snowboard Gloves: 686 Primer

Best Snowboard Gloves for Backcountry/Spring: Burton [ak] Tech Gloves

Best Gauntlet-Style Snowboard Glove: Black Diamond Soloist

Best All-Around Snowboard Gloves

Volcom Service ($130)

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
Insulation: PrimaLoft
Features: Reinforced knuckles
Cuff Style: Under-short

Pros: Incredibly warm for its size
Cons: Cuff is fairly short and doesn’t have a closure

Naming just one glove to rule them all is a tall order, considering how many different conditions and riding styles you have. But we don’t hand out participation trophies around here, so we had to choose one. And one glove stood out for its combination of durability, warmth, style, and comfort: Volcom’s Service gloves.

The Service has a great style with full leather construction and reinforcements on the knuckles and wrist. It’s also quite warm considering it’s a smaller glove, thanks to the top-notch PrimaLoft insulation. On top of all that, it has a GORE-TEX liner to keep moisture out, without feeling too heavy anywhere.

It’s more than a snowboarding glove, which gives it versatility points. These gloves look and feel great doing all kinds of outdoor activities and have quick become a favorite due to them not taking up too much real estate on the shelf. Without a wrist closure they aren’t great on the deep powder days, unless you have a jacket with integrated wrist gaiters, which admittedly many jackets (like Volcom’s own TDS Infared) are adopting these days.

Best Budget Snowboard Gloves

686 Primer ($50)

Waterproofing: InfiDry
Insulation: InfiLoft
Features: Phone friendly
Cuff Style: Over

Pros: Lightweight and great value
Cons: No reinforcements on knuckles or palm

686 is a by-riders-for-riders brand that knows what the people want: a warm glove that won’t break the bank. The Primer gloves are super light for the warmth they provide, and felt great even while hand-dragging in the coastal slush. Their proprietary InfiDry membrane isn’t GORE-TEX, and so we were a bit skeptical of how well it could hold up in coastal conditions. Surprisingly enough, the gloves held up well, and although the outer shell did get bogged down a bit by moisture, adding to the weight, water didn’t penetrate beneath the outer layer and our hands stayed dry. This is actually a pretty impressive feat and has us believing that 686 is onto something with their tech.

Like most gloves, they did have a DWR coating so it’s important to keep that maintained, but for a good glove that will keep you warm and dry and cost less than most people’s aprés bills, this is a solid choice for those who don’t want to break the bank.

Best Backcountry/Spring Snowboard Gloves

Burton [ak] Tech ($70)

Waterproofing: Burton DryRide
Insulation: Microfiber
Features: Phone friendly
Cuff Style: Under

Pros: Great movement, sustainable leather
Cons: Waterproofing isn’t the best

Legend has it that the Tech gloves were the late Jake Burton’s go-to gloves for morning tours before work. That says quite a lot considering how many gloves Burton puts out each year and the man steering the ship had his choice of the lot. We also were pretty darn impressed with these gloves, and how warm they actually were for such a small package.

Despite being small and unassuming, it’s obvious that a ton of thought went into these gloves. From the pre-shaped design allowing for excellent mobility, to just the right amount of leather thickness to last a long time but still be able to freely move your hands. The side zippers allow for easy ventilation for backcountry missions and still be able to keep the gloves on while going uphill – something that ends in a sweaty, soggy mess with most gloves. For people in warmer climates, spring shredding, or backcountry missions, this was our go-to glove for excellent protection without being overly hot.

Best Gauntlet-Style Snowboard Glove

Black Diamond Soloist ($130)

Waterproofing: BD.Dry
Insulation: PrimaLoft
Features: Leather palm
Cuff Style: Over, gauntlet

Pros: Large gauntlet closure keeps snow out
Cons: Bulky

If you are heading out to conquer big alpine summits, you’ll want a glove that can keep the snow out. The Soloist gloves from Black Diamond were our favorite snowboard gloves with a large gauntlet cuff that goes well past the wrist and onto the forearm, allowing for you to dig into the snow while bootpacking up a couloir, or digging a base camp, or anything else that people do in high alpine objectives.

The BD.Dry membrane isn’t GORE-TEX, so it doesn’t come with the same track-record of proven waterproofing, but we’ve experienced Black Diamond’s waterproof membrane offering before and have to say so far we have no complaints. They do have some bulk but you’ll be grateful for that in a situation where the wind is howling and the powder is plentiful. It’s a lot of glove to manage but we’re guessing that if you need a glove like this, you’ll likely be layering up left, right, and center, so a bit of bulk in your gloves won’t be the end of the world.

Best of the Rest

Best Freeride Snowboard Gloves

Black Diamond Impulse ($170)

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Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
Insulation: PrimaLoft
Features: Ergonomic, great reinforcements
Cuff Style: Under

Pros: Excellent dexterity in the wrist for quick movement
Cons: Cuff can get cold if wet

To move well in cold conditions, you need gloves that will not only keep your hands warm, but not stiffen up when the temperature drops. The Impulse gloves by Black Diamond offer great movement, thanks to the well-thought-out wrist zones, with a spring-like reinforcement on top that helps keep the blood flowing. The reinforced leather palm also has tiny vents to ensure breathability, but still is strong enough to withstand grabbing the rail on those massive airs. They’re gloves that are built for more than just snow, but with a GORE-TEX membrane under the leather, they do a damn fine job with the snow, as well.

These gloves will only get better with time as the leather isn’t just some cheap covering. They’re the type of gloves that are built to last years, and the longer you have them (assuming you take care of them), the more comfortable they will feel.

Best All-Leather Snowboard Gloves

Oyuki Sencho ($165)

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
Insulation: PrimaLoft
Features: Full Leather
Cuff Style: Under

Pros: Classic look and feel of leather
Cons: Takes a while to break in

There aren’t many things that compare to the comfort you find in a pair of leather gloves. The way they form to your hands over time, in conjunction with the protection they provide, makes the whole process of wearing leather gloves an experience in itself. We were stoked to see how well the Oyuki Sencho gloves worked on the hill, and while they don’t look like your average snowboarding gloves, they have the features to make things work well on the slopes with wrist leashes, a velcro closure, and GORE-TEX protection. They also have a DWR coating which, if you take care of, will keep water rolling right off without soaking in.

They are great gloves that will hold up for years when taken care of, which helps take the sting off the price tag a bit. Since gloves are one of the first pieces of gear to wear out, it might be worth shelling out a little bit extra to have a set that will last. And after slipping a pair of these on and trying them out this season, we know they’re a solid choice for a well-fitting, good-looking way to keep your hands warm and dry.

686 Gore Tex Linear ($66)

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX + Warm
Insulation: InfiLoft
Features: Phone friendly, neoprene cuff
Cuff Style: Under

Pros: Great warmth, large wiping surface on thumb
Cons: A bit bulky

Warm? Check. Dry? Check. Pricey? Nah. We were pretty stoked to find out that the price on these Linear gloves by 686 were well beyond reasonable. Many people want GORE-TEX and nothing else, and it’s hard to blame them – it’s been the industry leader in waterproofing and breathability for quite some time now. But that usually comes at a premium. These gloves, though, are great for snowboarding, but are also versatile in that they are great for just cruising around doing wintery things, whether snowboarding or not.

They are a tad on the bulky side, so for a strictly snowboarding glove it might be a bit too much glove. But the warmth and weather protection far outweigh the bulk factor, and being able to use them in other instances all winter long adds to their value even more. Bottom line – this is a great pair of gloves with everything you need, especially considering the price.

686 Gore-Tex Apex ($95)

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
Insulation: Merino, GORE+Warm
Features: Phone Friendly, large wrist leash
Cuff Style: Under

Pros: Exceptional warmth
Cons: Finger seams vulnerable to wear

Right when putting these gloves on you can feel the comfort, thanks to the Merino wool liner. But as the day goes on, the liner also keeps your hand dry and warm. The 686 GORE-TEX Apex gloves were some of the warmest gloves we tried that did a great job of keeping the snow out, thanks to the longer cuff and wrist strap to keep the snow out. It’s not a spring glove – but even on warmer days we didn’t mind it thanks to merino’s ability to regulate temperatures.

The gloves are on the bulky side, but that bulk does a great job to keep the cold out, so we don’t mind. The seams on top seem as though they could get worn fairly fast so it’s probably not a good glove to use in work situations with heavy lifting. But for shredding the slopes and general winter hijinks, these gloves do a solid number on the cold, wet conditions, especially considering how reasonable the price point is.

Burton Reverb ($80)

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
Insulation: Thermacore
Features: Phone friendly
Cuff Style: Under

Pros: Great value for a GORE-TEX glove
Cons: A bit on the baggy side

Burton’s Reverb glove offer GORE-TEX waterproofing with a relaxed fit that feels super comfortable. It’s a great glove for the resort, but since there’s a bit of room in there it’s not one for needing to use your hands all the time for getting into your backpack or fiddling with a camera. But the comfort is there, and for the price there aren’t many gloves that will offer a GORE-TEX waterproofing to keep your hands dry. While it’s not a high-performance glove, it’s going to work well for the majority of riders who simply want a glove to keep their hands warm and dry and for that, these gloves do the trick.

Burton [ak] Clutch GORE-TEX ($140)

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
Insulation: PrimaLoft
Features: Pre-curved, nose wipe
Cuff Style: Under

Pros: Nice snug fit
Cons: Not much insulation on the wrist

Burton knows snowboarding, and knows it well. Their [ak] line is made for when you need gear that won’t let you down when you’re far from any lift lines or lodge. The Clutch GORE-TEX gloves are a solid choice when you want to move freely but still have comfort and protection without the bulk.

The gloves also have reinforcements on the index and thumb, perfect for those who grab their board every time they catch a bit of air. Those who do, know that that area is the first to get destroyed if you also keep your edges tuned. Burton also knows this (duh), and has put the reinforcement where you need it the most. It’s a glove that was made for serious riders, and the style and comfort is there to match. It’s also incredibly warm and has GORE-TEX protection. What more do you really want?

Baïst Classic Glove ($180)

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Waterproofing: Waterproof Goat Leather
Insulation: Thermolite/Thinsulate
Features: Removable liner, reinforced key areas
Cuff Style: Over, gauntlet

Pros: Well-engineered, great reinforcements on top and bottom
Cons: Caribiner + loops to attach gloves together is quite bulky

“Necessity is the mother of invention,” the saying goes. Across time, the greatest innovations have come out of a need for it, not some greedy ambition to make a pile of money. Baïst was formed when founder Ace Jones needed to address a need for warmer digits due to his Reynaud’s disease causing low circulation in his extremeties. Living in Vermont, the wind bloweth ever so violently in the winter, and he couldn’t find a glove to help him on those frigid days in the Ice Coast mountains. So he made his own.

Seven years later, and Baïst has garnered a loyal following of people who love the innovations in their gloves. We tried them and are also fans. It’s a lot of glove – there’s no denying that, but you can tell they were made with the little details in mind.

Evo Felsen ($59)

Waterproofing: Hipora
Insulation: PrimaLoft
Features: Goatskin leather palm
Cuff Length: Under

Pros: Great value for a leather glove
Cons: Thumb area lacks reinforcement

Evo as a retailer has made huge waves in the industry over the past decade. They have some of the best sales in the biz, care about the communities they serve, and lately, have developed some homegrown products that give you a double take when you realize that it’s a house brand. Case in point: Evo’s Felsen gloves. Just the fact that you can have a glove sporting a majority leather construction and PrimaLoft insulation for less than $100 is pretty rad. Then factor in that it’s actually significantly less than $100 and we’ve got ourselves what we call a deal, here. The gloves held up as good as anything else in the test, and while the polyester backing wasn’t our favorite, it gets a pass considering the price point and the maneuverability it offers.

We were pretty stoked on these, only wishing that the cuff extended just a bit further. Otherwise it might have been in the running for one of our top picks. Still, others may appreciate a less intrusive cuff, so if that’s you, here you go. A great glove for an even greater price.

Snowboard Gloves Comparison Table

The Volcom Service gloves were easy to put on and take off, and offer great warmth in a small package. Plus they look great off the mountain, too. Photo: Lindsay Gough / The Inertia

How We Tested The Best Snowboard Gloves

The Coastal PNW during an El Niño winter is probably the best place around to put a pair of gloves through the paces. Lead tester Steve Andrews has been going through dozens of the top gloves out on the market during a winter to remember – or more hopefully, forget. The weather has been a smorgasboard of weirdness over the 2023-2024 season here, with temperature fluctuations from -13ºF to a balmy 50º and raining on the slopes.

Although a bummer for those who love powder, the weather has proven to be ideal testing grounds for seeing what gloves are made of. Aside from all kinds of snow we hand-dragged and pushed up upon while riding, the gloves have been in heavy rotation for everyday winter activities in the coast mountain countryside: chopping wood, shoveling snow, walking the dog, and getting a 1 year old stoked on being outside with daily missions.  Splitboarding and hiking have also been key activities, always bringing more than a few gloves along for the mission. In short: we’ve done a lot more than trying these on and cruising a few resort laps with these puppies.

Editor’s Note: For more in-depth reviews of the top snowboard gear in the industry, check out our guides to: The Best Snowboard Jackets, The Best Snowboard Goggles, The Best Snowboard Mittens, The Best Snowboard Boots, The Best Snowboard Socks, and The Best Snowboard Bags. Curious about the brands behind it all? Check out The Best Snowboard Brands. Looking to protect your head? We’ve reviewed Ski and Snowboard Helmets, too. And if you’re open to considering outerwear from more ski-oriented brands, it’s definitely worth checking out our Best Ski Jackets and Best Ski Bibs reviews.

the Burton [ak] Tech Gloves come pre-shaped for a more ergonomic fit. Photo: Lindsay Gough / The Inertia

Snowboard Gloves Buyer’s Guide

When selecting the right snowboard gloves, several factors play a crucial role in ensuring comfort, durability, and performance. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best snowboard gloves for your needs:

Materials: The material of the glove is fundamental for both comfort and functionality. Look for high-quality fabrics that offer a good balance between durability and flexibility. Materials like Gore-Tex or leather are popular for their ability to repel water and withstand the rigors of snowboarding.

Waterproofing: Essential for keeping your hands dry, waterproofing is a must-have feature in snowboard gloves. This is particularly important in wet conditions or if you fall frequently. Gloves with a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex or a similar material will keep moisture out while allowing your hands to breathe.

Insulation: The right amount of insulation keeps your hands warm without causing them to sweat. Thinsulate and PrimaLoft are popular insulating materials that provide warmth without the bulk. Consider the typical temperatures you’ll be riding in and choose insulation accordingly.

Cuff Length: The length of the glove’s cuff can affect both warmth and mobility. Longer cuffs provide more coverage and can be tucked under your jacket sleeve to keep snow out. Shorter cuffs, on the other hand, offer more mobility and are often preferred by freestyle riders. Gauntlets, on the other hand, go over the sleeve to keep snow out, but can be quite bulky compared to a smaller cuff.

Reinforcements: Look for gloves with reinforced areas, especially in high-wear zones like the palms and fingers. This reinforcement often comes in the form of additional layers of material or even Kevlar stitching, which can significantly extend the life of your gloves.

The Impulse Gloves by Black Diamond were our top pick for freeriding when you need to go big and move fast. Photo: Lindsay Gough/The Inertia

Padding: Padding on the back of the hand and around the knuckles can provide extra protection against impacts. This is particularly useful for riders who frequent the park or ride in areas with lots of trees and obstacles.

Dexterity: The glove’s design should allow for enough flexibility and movement to easily handle gear, adjust bindings, and use zippers or mobile devices. Gloves with a good fit and articulated fingers can significantly improve dexterity.

Breathability: While waterproofing is crucial, breathability is equally important to prevent hands from becoming clammy. Materials that offer moisture-wicking properties or have breathable membranes help in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the glove.

Grip: The palm’s texture and material should provide sufficient grip for holding onto ski poles, lift bars, or even your snowboard. Some gloves feature silicone grips or textured leather for enhanced grip.

Touchscreen Compatibility: In today’s digital world, many of us appreciate gloves that allow us to use touchscreen devices without having to remove them. Look for gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips if this is an important factor for your routine.

Wrist Closures: Adjustable wrist closures can help in securing the glove snugly around your hand and keeping snow out. This can be particularly important in deep powder conditions.

Liner Gloves: Some gloves come with removable liners, offering the versatility to adjust for different temperatures. Liner gloves can be worn on their own on warmer days or combined with the outer glove for extra warmth.

Fit and Comfort: The right fit is crucial for both comfort and performance. Gloves that are too tight can restrict blood flow and cause cold fingers, while those that are too loose can diminish control and dexterity.

Sustainability: For environmentally conscious consumers, gloves made with sustainable or recycled materials may be a priority. Some brands are committed to eco-friendly practices and materials.

Return to Top Picks | Return To Comparison Table | Return to Buyer’s Guide

Editor’s Note: If gloves aren’t your style, check out our guide to The Best Snowboard Mittens. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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