Key takeaways
- Waterproof overmitts: Slip over regular gloves in heavy rain or snow.
- Water-resistant softshell gloves: More breathable for active use in light wet weather.
- Rubber or nitrile dishwashing and chemical gloves: For liquids and cleaning, not for warmth.
- Merino liner gloves: Worn beneath a shell to add warmth in layers.
The best waterproof gloves depend on the job: SealSkinz All Weather Knitted Gloves suit cold, wet days and touchscreen use, the Showers Pass Crosspoint Knit Waterproof Gloves suit light, packable commuting and hiking, the Outdoor Research Alti Gloves suit deep cold and mountain use, the Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Glove suits winter work, and the Wells Lamont latex-coated gloves suit wet jobs in milder weather. Waterproof, water-resistant and insulated are three different things, so matching the glove to temperature, activity and dexterity needs matters more than picking a single winner.
Our top picks
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Waterproof Gloves at a Glance
| Model | Best for | Key reported specs | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Knitted Gloves | Wet fall, winter and spring days with touchscreen use | Nylon, elastane and merino wool; triple-layer waterproof, windproof membrane, per Bob Vila | Extra-long fingers, semi-absorbent outer holds water, somewhat loose in the palm |
| SealSkinz Walcott | Waterproof hiking | Aquasealz membrane, picked by Wildland Trekking | Premium level and not touchscreen compatible |
| Showers Pass Crosspoint Knit Waterproof | Lightweight hiking and commuting | Outdoor Life lists about 2 oz, grippy palm, washable, four colors | No touchscreen function, slow to dry |
| Outdoor Research Alti Gloves | Extreme cold hiking and mountain use | Nylon outer, Gore-Tex liner and a removable inner glove, per Bob Vila | Premium level, bulky to pack, meant for extreme cold |
| Outdoor Research Versaliner Sensor | Layered system for hiking | Liner plus shell with a Pertex Shield shell, named best overall by Outdoor Life | Two pieces to manage |
| Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Glove | Winter work | Polyester shell and lining, waterproof insert, FastDry lining | Hard to remove, no touchscreen, limited precision |
| Carhartt Cold Snap Insulated | Winter construction | Storm Defender waterproofing, leather reinforcement | Small wrist opening, no touchscreen |
| Wells Lamont Latex Coated | Wet work in mild weather | Polyester with a double-dipped nitrile latex coating | Cuffs are not waterproof, poor breathability, limited durability |
| Hestra Job Titan Flex | General work in spring and fall | Goatskin with neoprene cuffs | Runs small, water eventually reaches touch-pad edges |
Waterproof, Water-Resistant or Insulated
These labels cause the most confusion. A truly waterproof glove usually contains a membrane or insert between the shell and lining that blocks liquid while allowing some vapor to escape. Water-resistant gloves use a water-repellent finish on the fabric, which sheds light rain but eventually soaks through. Outdoor Research’s Stormtracker Sensor Windbloc, for example, is called water-resistant, not fully waterproof, by Switchback Travel. Hestra’s Heli Ski 3-Finger and the Ozero casual gloves are described in Bob Vila’s roundup as water-resistant rather than fully sealed. Insulation is separate: a waterproof glove can be thin and cool, or thick and warm.
Seams and cuffs are the weak points. Water can enter through the wrist opening, through stitching that is not taped or through touchscreen patches. The Great Outdoors Mag reported that the SealSkinz Harling let water in after about an hour in sustained moderate rain or wet snow, and Bob Vila notes water can eventually penetrate at touch-pad edges on the Hestra Job Titan Flex. Treat any waterproof claim as a rating for typical use, not a guarantee for hours of immersion.
What to Look For
Membrane or waterproof construction
Gore-Tex, Pertex Shield and SealSkinz’s own membranes are the common systems. Laminated construction usually breathes better than coatings. Dipped latex or nitrile coatings, as on the Wells Lamont, keep hands dry and offer grip but trap sweat.
Insulation level
Choose according to temperature and activity. Thin knitted gloves such as the SealSkinz All Weather suit cool, wet days. Insulated work gloves such as the Carhartt models are meant for winter. A liner system, such as the Outdoor Research Alti or Versaliner, lets you remove or swap the inner layer as conditions change.
Dexterity and touchscreen compatibility
Thicker gloves reduce fine control. If you handle a phone, a key or a camera, look for touchscreen fingertips, which the SealSkinz All Weather, the MCTi ski gloves and the Hestra Job Titan Flex offer, while the Showers Pass Crosspoint and the Carhartt winter gloves do not.
Grip
Textured palms, silicone patterns or latex coating help on wet surfaces. Bob Vila credits the SealSkinz with excellent wet grip and the Wells Lamont with excellent grip on wet work.
Cuff design
Long gauntlet cuffs fit over jacket sleeves and keep rain out in heavy conditions. Short cuffs fit under sleeves for a cleaner seal and are easier on warm days. Neoprene cuffs, as on the Hestra Job Titan Flex, hold a snug seal at the wrist.
Fit
Several reviewers report sizing quirks. The MCTi women’s ski gloves and the Hestra Job Titan Flex run small, the Carhartt Cold Snap has a small wrist opening, and the Ozero is described as tight. Measure your hand and consult the size chart. Waterproof liners often cannot be removed, so a poor fit is hard to fix.
Match the Glove to the Activity
Hiking and walking
Outdoor Life names the Outdoor Research Versaliner Sensor best overall and the Showers Pass Crosspoint Knit the best waterproof hiking glove. For serious winter days, Bob Vila names the OR Alti best for hiking, and Wildland Trekking chose the SealSkinz Walcott.
Cycling and commuting
Choose thin, windproof, touchscreen-friendly gloves with good grip. Thin waterproof knitted gloves from SealSkinz and Showers Pass are common choices. Fit matters on handlebars because bunched material can be uncomfortable.
Winter work and snow clearing
Insulated work gloves such as the Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Glove and the Cold Snap suit this. Expect less dexterity. Trades involving heat, sharp edges or electrical hazards require task-rated gloves; the Youngstown FR Waterproof Leather Utility Glove appears in Bob Vila’s roundup with fire and cut resistance and OSHA and ANSI certification, but always follow the maker’s stated ratings and workplace rules.
Skiing and snowboarding
Ski gloves usually use insulated, waterproof shells and long cuffs that fit over jackets. The MCTi women’s glove is listed with a waterproof liner and 120 gram Thinsulate insulation, and the Hestra Heli Ski 3-Finger is a premium option that Bob Vila says is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof.
Wet chores, gardening and cleaning
Latex-coated gloves such as the Wells Lamont stay flexible and are easy to rinse, but they are not suitable for deep water above the cuff.
Care and Drying
- Dry gloves fully after use, away from direct heat. High heat can damage membranes and glue.
- Turn liners out to dry when the construction allows, and pull fingers out gently.
- Wash according to the label. The Showers Pass Crosspoint is described as washable.
- Leather needs conditioning from time to time. Bob Vila notes the Hestra Heli Ski leather requires maintenance.
- Replace gloves when seams open, coatings crack or the lining separates.
If you have conditions that affect circulation or sensation in the hands, ask a doctor about cold exposure and glove choice. Numbness and persistent pain in the cold are reasons to stop and warm up.
Budget Tiers
| Tier | Examples | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Wells Lamont latex, Ozero, Carhartt Waterproof Insulated | Practical for chores and light winter use, with trade-offs in breathability or true waterproofing |
| Mid-range | SealSkinz All Weather Knitted, Showers Pass Crosspoint, MCTi ski gloves | Membrane construction, better comfort and touchscreen options |
| Premium | OR Alti, SealSkinz Walcott, Hestra Heli Ski, Hestra Job Titan Flex | Advanced materials, deeper cold protection, better articulation |
Pick X If You Need Y
| Pick this | If you need |
|---|---|
| SealSkinz All Weather Knitted | A thin waterproof glove that works with a phone |
| Showers Pass Crosspoint Knit | Very light, packable wet-weather hands |
| Outdoor Research Alti | Serious cold and wet in the mountains |
| Outdoor Research Versaliner Sensor | Flexible layers with a shell and liner |
| Carhartt Waterproof Insulated | Warm, tough winter work |
| Wells Lamont latex | Wet jobs in mild weather |
| Hestra Job Titan Flex | Leather feel with a neoprene cuff |
Alternatives
- Waterproof overmitts: Slip over regular gloves in heavy rain or snow.
- Water-resistant softshell gloves: More breathable for active use in light wet weather.
- Rubber or nitrile dishwashing and chemical gloves: For liquids and cleaning, not for warmth.
- Merino liner gloves: Worn beneath a shell to add warmth in layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant gloves?
Waterproof gloves include a membrane or sealed construction to keep water out, while water-resistant gloves rely on a repellent finish that sheds light rain but can soak through in prolonged wet conditions. Reviewers note that several popular gloves are only water-resistant.
Are waterproof gloves breathable?
Membrane gloves such as those using Gore-Tex let some vapor escape, but all waterproof gloves hold more moisture than non-waterproof ones. Coated gloves like the Wells Lamont breathe poorly, so hands can feel damp after long wear.
Do waterproof gloves work with touchscreens?
Some do. Bob Vila lists the SealSkinz All Weather Knitted, the MCTi ski gloves and the Hestra Job Titan Flex as touchscreen capable, while the Showers Pass Crosspoint and several Carhartt gloves are not.
How do I keep waterproof gloves working?
Dry them fully, avoid direct heat, wash according to the care label and condition leather when needed. Replace them when seams open or the lining pulls loose.
Which gloves are best for hiking in the rain?
Outdoor Life names the Showers Pass Crosspoint Knit as the best waterproof hiking glove and the Outdoor Research Versaliner Sensor best overall, while Wildland Trekking picks the SealSkinz Walcott. Some of these roundups date from earlier years, so confirm the model is still sold under the same name.
Can waterproof gloves be used for hot or hazardous work?
Only if the maker rates them for it. General waterproof gloves do not guarantee heat, cut or chemical protection. Follow the product’s rating and workplace safety rules.
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