Riders are hard on their hands. You sit and strap in at the top of every run, push yourself up after falls, and touch the snow constantly — so snowboard gloves need durable palms, a cuff that seals out snow, and enough dexterity to work binding straps. The fundamental choice is still gloves versus mittens: mittens keep fingers together and warmer, gloves give you the dexterity that strapping in rewards. We ranked the best on warmth, waterproofing, durability, and fit.
Gloves or mittens for snowboarding? Gloves make strapping into bindings and handling zips much easier — a real advantage for riders. Mittens are warmer if you suffer cold hands. A removable liner is the best of both: pull the outer off to fiddle with straps without bare hands, and it speeds drying. Look for a waterproof membrane (Gore-Tex or equivalent) and a snow-sealing cuff.
The gloves, ranked
- Gore-Tex membrane keeps hands genuinely dry
- Removable fleece liner adds warmth and dries fast
- Durable palm survives strapping in and pushing up
- Outstanding value for a Gore-Tex glove
- Not the warmest in extreme cold without the liner
- Bulkier than a minimalist spring glove
- Tough army leather lasts many seasons with care
- Removable wool-blend liner adds warmth and dries quickly
- Excellent dexterity for working bindings
- Re-waterproofs with conditioning — a buy-once glove
- Leather needs occasional conditioning to stay waterproof
- Pricier than synthetic gloves
- Among the warmest hand options — fingers share heat
- Gore-Tex insert and removable liner for warmth and drying
- Long cuff seals out snow on deep days
- Strong value for the warmth delivered
- Mitten format makes strapping in fiddlier
- Bulkier than a glove
Side by side
| Glove | Price | Type | Warmth | C&F Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakine Titan Gore-Tex | $90 | Glove | Very good | 9.0 |
| Hestra Army Leather | $170 | Glove | Very good | 8.8 |
| Burton GORE-TEX Mitt | $80 | Mitten | Excellent | 8.6 |
| Dakine Leather Titan | $110 | Glove | Good | 8.4 |
| Burton Pipe Glove | $40 | Glove | Fair | 7.5 |
What to skip
Thin “fashion” gloves with no waterproof membrane. Unlined or knit gloves soak through in minutes — brutal when you’re strapping in with bare-ish hands. A riding glove needs a waterproof, breathable membrane and proper insulation.
Short-cuff gloves on powder days. Riders sit and fall in the snow constantly. A gauntlet over the jacket cuff (or a snug knit cuff under it) keeps snow out — essential when you’re on the ground a lot.
Skipping a liner glove. A thin liner adds warmth, lets you pull the outer off to work binding straps without bare hands, and speeds drying. For a few dollars it’s the best cold-hands insurance for riders specifically.
How to choose
For most riders, the Dakine Titan Gore-Tex is the do-it-all glove — waterproof, warm with its liner, durable, and dextrous enough for strapping in. If you want a buy-once leather glove, the Hestra Army Leather lasts years. If cold hands are your issue, the Burton GORE-TEX Mitt is the warmest pick — just expect a little fumbling with straps. Seek out a removable liner whatever you buy.
Warm hands start with a warm core and head — pair your gloves with a good jacket, helmet, and proper base layers.