Hiking is an exciting and challenging outdoor activity that requires proper gear to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. One essential piece of gear for hikers is a good pair of gloves. Hiking gloves not only protect your hands from the elements, but they also provide a better grip on trekking poles and allow you to use your phone or GPS device without having to take off your gloves. However, finding the best hiking gloves for women can be a challenge, so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect pair for your needs.
Types of Hiking Gloves
Before we dive into the best hiking gloves for women, it’s important to understand the different types of gloves available. There are four main types of hiking gloves:
- Lightweight gloves: These gloves are ideal for mild weather conditions. They provide excellent dexterity and breathability, making them perfect for gripping trekking poles or adjusting equipment.
- Insulated gloves: These gloves are perfect for cold weather conditions. They feature a warm and insulated lining, which keeps your hands warm and comfortable.
- Waterproof gloves: These gloves are ideal for wet weather conditions. They feature a waterproof and breathable membrane, which keeps your hands dry and comfortable.
- All-weather gloves: These gloves are perfect for extreme weather conditions. They feature a combination of insulation, waterproofing, and breathability, which keeps your hands warm, dry, and comfortable in any weather.
Top 5 Best Hiking Gloves for Women
1- Black Diamond Women’s LightWeight Glove:
These gloves are perfect for mild weather conditions. They provide excellent dexterity and breathability, making them perfect for gripping trekking poles or adjusting equipment. They are made with a durable and water-resistant softshell fabric, which keeps your hands dry and protected from the elements.
Check out the Black Diamond Women’s LightWeight Glove hiking gloves on Amazon
2- Outdoor Research Women’s PL 400 Sensor Glove:
These gloves are perfect for cold weather conditions. They feature a warm and insulated 400-weight fleece lining and a breathable and waterproof Gore-Tex insert, which keeps your hands dry and comfortable. They also have a touchscreen compatible index finger and thumb, which allows you to use your phone or GPS device without having to take off your gloves.
Check out the Outdoor Research Women’s PL 400 Sensor Glove hiking gloves on Amazon
3- Hestra Women’s Army Leather Heli Ski Glove:
These gloves are great for harsh weather conditions with its durable and water-resistant cowhide leather and removable wool lining.
Check out the Hestra Women’s Army Leather Heli Ski Glove hiking gloves on Amazon
4- The North Face Women’s Etip Glove:
These gloves are versatile with a durable and breathable softshell fabric, touchscreen compatibility, and silicone gripper palm.
Check out The North Face Women’s Etip Glove hiking gloves on Amazon
5- Seirus Women’s Xtreme All Weather Glove:
These gloves are perfect for extreme weather conditions with their warm and insulated fleece lining, waterproof and breathable membrane, and adjustable wrist strap.
Check out the Seirus Women’s Xtreme All Weather Glove hiking gloves on Amazon
Considerations When Choosing the Best Hiking Gloves for Women
When choosing the best hiking gloves for women, there are a few important things to consider:
- Weather conditions: The type of gloves you choose will depend on the weather conditions you’ll be hiking in. If you’ll be hiking in mild weather, lightweight gloves are a good choice. If you’ll be hiking in cold weather, insulated gloves are a better choice. And if you’ll be hiking in wet or extreme weather, waterproof or all-weather gloves are the best choice.
- Fit: The gloves should fit snugly but not be too tight. It’s also important to make sure that you can move your fingers freely and comfortably.
- Durability: The gloves should be made with durable and high-quality materials that will stand up to the rigors of hiking. Look for gloves that are made with reinforced stitching, durable fabrics, and high-quality zippers or closures.
- Breathability: Breathability is an important consideration, especially for gloves that are designed for cold weather conditions. Look for gloves that have a breathable membrane or ventilation system to keep your hands dry and comfortable.
- Touchscreen compatibility: If you plan on using your phone or GPS device while hiking, look for gloves that have touchscreen compatibility on the index finger and thumb. This will allow you to use your device without having to take off your gloves.
- Additional features: Some gloves have additional features like adjustable wrist straps, nose wipe, or a goggle wipe, that can be helpful while hiking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best hiking gloves for women can be a challenge, but it’s important to choose a pair that will provide the right level of protection, comfort, and functionality for your needs. Consider the type of weather conditions you’ll be hiking in, the fit, durability, breathability, touchscreen compatibility, and any additional features that you may want or need. With the right pair of gloves, you’ll be able to enjoy your hike with comfort and confidence.
Related Article: The Best Hiking Gloves: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Pair for Your Needs
FAQs
How do I know what size gloves to get?
Most manufacturers provide a size chart that you can use to determine your size. You can also measure your hand around the widest part (usually the knuckles) and compare that measurement to the size chart. It’s important to note that gloves should fit snugly but not be too tight, so you may want to size up if you’re between sizes.
Can I wash my hiking gloves?
Yes, most hiking gloves can be washed. It’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care instructions. In general, you should wash your gloves in a mild detergent and cold water, and then air dry them.
Can I use hand warmers in my hiking gloves?
Yes, you can use hand warmers in your hiking gloves. However, it’s important to make sure that the gloves are designed to accommodate hand warmers and that they have a pocket or compartment where you can place the hand warmer.
Can I use my hiking gloves for other outdoor activities?
Yes, hiking gloves are versatile and can be used for other outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, or camping.
