Are you in a hurry? The best hunting glove that I would recommend is the Nomad Southbounder Fleece Glove. It is insulated, waterproof, and performance-oriented. It also has several camo patterns to choose from.
There were many other options available in this guide on how to choose the best hunting gloves. We often forget about these types of gloves for hunting, and it is usually the last item we wish to buy for our hunting trip.
What most hunters don’t know is that they play an essential role in our shooting performance. You are probably wondering why so I will share with you how gloves can do just that. Have you ever tried shooting when your hands are freezing?
Then you will already know that you have lost most of the sensation around your trigger finger. To shoot correctly, you need to feel the trigger and the different stages it must go through before the bullet flies out of the barrel.
I have been hunting for quite some time and know how important this is. It is because of this commonly overlooked problem why I have created this guide. I do not want to overwhelm you with too many products, so I am only going to give seven. I have also vetted more than 18 gloves and could only find seven that were to my liking.
Our Best Hunting Gloves
- Nomad Southbounder Fleece Glove (Best All-Around)
- Spika Slimline Fingerless Glove (Budget-Friendly)
- Sitka Fanatic Glove (Early To Mid-Season Deer Hunting)
- Glacier Glove Pro Waterfowler (Best For Duck & Waterfowl Hunting)
- Badlands Convection Glove (Best Glove For Cold Weather)
- TideWe Decoy Gloves (Best Waterproof Gloves)
- HeatWarmer Gloves (Best Heated Gloves)
I hope you like them too.
Are you ready? Let’s start with the first hunting glove.
#1 Nomad Southbounder Fleece Glove (Best All-Around)
- Size: S/M & L/XL
The Southbounder glove from Nomad was my favorite for obvious reasons. This glove is very well-rounded in its features and will provide some protection from both water and the cold. You can hunt throughout the entire hunting season without having to worry about the cold too much.
It is made from a combination of polyester (90%) and spandex (10%). This combination gives the glove both durability and stretchability. It will not tear that easily, which means it will last longer. You will be able to close your fist without feeling any restrictions.
The palm area is also reinforced, which makes the foundation of the glove even stronger. This feature will also give you a better grip and more support. The gloves are touch screen compatible, which makes it a breeze to use your smartphone. Your thumb, index, and middle finger are incorporated with this capability.
It also comes in several camo patterns that include Mossy Oak Bottomland and breakup country. It also has Realtree Edge and Realtree Timber.
Cons: It only protects from water in light rain but should not be used underwater.
#2 Spika Slimline Fingerless Glove (Budget-Friendly)
- Size: S/M & L/XL
If you are on a budget and you also want a fingerless glove, then this one from Spika might do the trick. It is made from various materials to create the 220gsm microfuse fabric that makes it very durable.
The fabric does not allow for water to absorb, which is useful if you want your gloves to stay dry. The gloves are also adjustable with the help of velcro straps in the wrist area. You can make it as tight or loose as you want.
At the end of each finger, you will notice there are finger tabs. These tabs make it easy for you to pull the glove off your hand. The palm is also reinforced, making the glove more durable and more comfortable for you to wear. The glove also comes in Realtree Xtra, which is a very adaptive camo.
Cons: The glove is not entirely waterproof and is not best suited for freezing conditions.
#3 Sitka Fanatic Glove (Early To Mid-Season Deer Hunting)
- Size: Medium, Large, and X-Large
Some hunters want something that is warmer but wants to keep their thumb and index finger open. If you are one of these hunters, then maybe you should check out this glove from Sitka. This glove has a half-finger design where the thumb and index finger are open.
This design makes it easier for bow hunters to pull the string and for you to use the touch screen of your phone. The material is made from polyester, and it is a 4-way stretch, which makes this glove easy to use.
It has some protection against water, but the DWR finish only allows for protection against light rain. It has a leather tab on each wrist, which enables you to pull it on quickly. It makes use of the camo called Optifade Elevated II that is ideal for deer hunting in mountainous areas.
Cons: This glove is not suitable for freezing weather.
#4 Glacier Glove Pro Waterfowler (Best For Duck & Waterfowl Hunting)
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large
If you love waterfowl hunting, then you will agree that you need a glove that is both waterproof and provides good insulation. This glove from Glacier will give you both waterproof and insulation, which makes it ideal for duck hunting.
This product is made from a 2mm neoprene fabric and is lined with fleece to give it a softer texture and enables you to put patterns on it. Neoprene is the best material and is used in diving. It is waterproof and provides excellent insulation.
The index fingertip is also more sensitive, allowing you to shoot more effectively while wearing these gloves. This glove also does not have any seams, which have their positives. A seamless glove will prevent any water from leaking through and is even more durable.
This glove also makes use of velcro straps in the wrist area so that you can adjust the tightness around your wrist. The product also comes in the camo pattern called Realtree Max 5, ideal for hunting between reeds and tall grass.
#5 Badlands Convection Glove (Best Glove For Cold Weather)
- Size: Medium, Large, and X-Large
If you love to hunt during late hunting seasons when the temperature can get cold, I recommend this glove from Badlands. It will provide the necessary insulation to protect you from cold weather.
This product also uses the Ax Suede palm, a leather-like material that gives you durability and better grip. The cuffs are even adjustable with the help of small drawstrings and buckles. You can also choose between the camo patterns Approach and Approach FX.
Cons: These gloves are thick and bulky and might be hard to use with a touchscreen.
#6 TideWe Decoy Gloves (Best Waterproof Gloves)
- Size: Medium, Large, and X-Large
If you want the best of the best when it comes to waterproof gloves, then you might want to consider reading more about these gloves. The type of material, the stitching, and the glove’s length come together to give you a pair of gloves that will not leak. This glove is also a great candidate for duck hunting.
It has three layers, which consist of the main 5mm neoprene mid-layer. The layer will act as the main barrier which will keep your hands and arms dry and insulated. This layer is also blind stitched and glued together to remove any gaps where water might leak through. Blind stitching is commonly used in wet suits as it is the best at stopping leakage.
The warm fleece lining on the inside will keep your hands warm and gives them a nice and soft texture. It also has a fabric layer on the outside that is camo printed. The design of these gloves is also adapted to keep your lower arm dry and warm. It covers the area from your hands up to your elbow.
You can dip your hands deeper into the water without having to worry about water running into the glove. It has a textured silicone grip on the palm area that gives it non-slip properties. It also uses a Realtree camo pattern on the outside.
Cons: Most customers complain that the fit of the glove is too small.
#7 HeatWarmer Gloves (Best Heated Gloves)
- Size: Large and X-Large
For some people, ordinary hunting gloves are not enough, so I am also introducing heated gloves. These gloves are using 7.4V rechargeable batteries to warm them. The gloves from HeatWarmers has three heat settings that you can change to adjust the temperature.
You have a low, medium, and high setting. The higher the setting, the warmer the gloves. You should also remember that a higher setting also uses more battery power. On the highest setting, the battery will last around two hours. The battery can also last up to 6 hours on the lowest setting.
The batteries are also rechargeable, and you will get a wall charger along with the gloves. The gloves have three layers: an inner cotton lining, a waterproof mid-layer, and a spongy outer layer that is also breathable.
These gloves will have some waterproof capabilities to protect them from rain, but I would not recommend submerging them into water. The thumb and index finger are also adapted to use on a touch screen. The product has a zipper located on the palm area and uses a small buckle for adjustment.
Cons: It might not be that durable and does not have any camo.
Hunting Glove Types (Open And Closed Gloves)
I will discuss the different types of gloves available. It will include open fingerless gloves and also closed gloves (fully fingered). You also have the option to learn more about hybrid gloves, which are closed but left the trigger finger and thumb open.
Open gloves (Fingerless)
Open gloves can also be referred to as fingerless gloves. These gloves will cover your palm area and up to the first joint of your fingers. These gloves do not give the best insulation as the fingers are exposed.
These gloves are best used during early and mid hunting season while it is a bit warmer. These gloves are also ideal for bow hunting, which requires sensitive fingers. These gloves also allow you to use your smartphone and will not compromise your performance.
Cons:
- It is not advised to use them in very cold conditions as your fingers will get cold.
- They are also not that waterproof and will get wet when submerged in water.
Closed gloves (Full finger gloves)
These gloves will cover your hands completely, which includes the palm area and also the fingers. You can use these gloves throughout the entire hunting season. They are also best suited for the late hunting season, which tends to be colder.
The thickness of these gloves also varies greatly. Some are thin enough to the point where they do not compromise performance, while others will diminish your sensitivity. These gloves are not suited for bow hunting. Using a smartphone can also be a hassle as you continuously need to take them off.
Some closed gloves have a touchscreen smart layer on the index finger and thumb area to use your smartphone.
Cons:
- Some will diminish trigger finger sensitivity.
- Some might not be suitable for the use of your smartphone.
Hybrid gloves
These gloves are closed gloves except that the index and thumb area is open. They work great for hunters that only want the necessary fingers open for them to perform and take the shot. The Sitka Fanatic Glove is an excellent example of such a glove.
Hunting Glove Functionality
When it comes to hunting gloves, not everyone will have the same needs and preferences, so I listed the best gloves that fit into the functionality or specialty listed below.
Best hunting gloves for cold weather
If you have ever been hunting during the late hunting season, you know how cold it can be. If you do not have proper insulation on your hands, then you can just as well go home. What use is it when your fingers are dead, and you cannot even feel the trigger?
The best type of glove to use for this condition is the Badlands Convection Glove. These gloves are nice and thick. It will provide the necessary insulation to keep your fingers warm and be used in temperatures down to zero degrees.
It is also essential for these types of gloves to keep your hands dry. Even the best insulated glove will fail when it gets wet, especially if the wind turns up. If you did not like the Badlands gloves, you could explore this review about the best hunting gloves for cold weather.
Best waterproof hunting gloves
Often, hunting will require you to go through extremely wet conditions. Some of these conditions will include heavy rains and even water submersion. For these conditions, you need a hunting glove that will keep your hands dry and warm.
For the best waterproof glove, I will recommend the TideWe Decoy Gloves. These gloves can also be used for duck hunting as well. The best waterproof gloves make use of neoprene, which is a material used in diving suits.
The stitching of the material is also essential. The seams need to be waterproof and can be achieved by either gluing or taping the seams. You can read more about the article on the best waterproof hunting gloves to learn more.
Best duck hunting gloves
If you are an avid duck hunter, then you will know how quickly you can get wet. Most of the duck hunting activities will require you to hunt near water sources. It is essential to get your hands on hunting gear that will keep you dry and warm.
The Glacier Glove Pro Waterfowler was the best glove for duck hunting. It is very similar to the TideWe gloves, except that it only covers your hands and not your forearm. It is also made from neoprene, which is the best waterproof material on the market today.
You also want to use a glove that has the appropriate camo that includes Realtree Max 5. This camo encompasses reeds and tall grass and is one of the best camos for waterfowl hunting. If you did not like this particular glove, you could read this article on the best duck hunting gloves.
Best heated hunting gloves
It is also appropriate to introduce hunting gloves that have internal heating systems in place. These types of gloves make use of rechargeable batteries that heat the glove. For some people, these types of gloves are a lifesaver, while other people refuse to wear them. In the end, you need to choose what is comfortable and suitable for your wants and needs.
The best heated gloves were those from HeatWarmer that can last up to six hours on the lowest setting. It comes in color black and has some waterproof capabilities. You can also learn more about these types of gloves by visiting my best heated gloves review.
The Materials Used
It is essential to go over some of the materials that were used to make these gloves. I will share some of the benefits and cons these materials will bring to the table and why they were used.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is very durable and strong. It is one of the strongest materials that you get and is commonly used in outdoor gear. It also dries very quickly and is waterproof. It is also soft and comfortable to wear. It is an excellent material to be used in gloves.
Spandex
This is also a synthetic material that has remarkable stretching abilities. It can stretch up to 500% of its original length. This material makes wearing gloves more comfortable and is best suited for gloves that require high performance. Spandex is also very durable and makes a good addition when used along with other materials such as polyester.
Neoprene
Neoprene is the go-to material for its waterproof capabilities. It is also a synthetic material that is a type of rubber. It is most commonly used in diving suits, boots, water hoses, etc. It is durable and resistant to most chemicals. It is almost impossible for water to leak through the neoprene and is resistant to sunlight, which means it will last much longer.
Fleece
Fleece is also a synthetic material made from polyester. The only difference is the texture is much softer and warmer than that of regular polyester fabric. It is very lightweight and is also brushed, which gives it its form. Air pockets will sit between the strands and will help to keep the heat inside. Natural fleece is that which comes from sheep.
Leather
This is a natural material that comes from bovine. It is a good insulator and is very durable if proper care is taken to keep it oiled. Some hunting gloves will be reinforced with leather in the palm area. When leather is added, it can also make gloves more expensive.
How To Choose The Best Hunting Gloves (Buying Guide)
I will show you exactly how to choose the besting hunting gloves for your needs. I have a list of six criteria that the products had to fulfill to be on this list.
Insulation
One of the most common benefits of wearing hunting gloves is to keep your hands warm. If your fingers get too cold, they will lose sensitivity, which might negatively influence your shooting abilities.
It is also essential to choose the best-suited gloves for each season. In most countries, the hunting season will be during the winter. You can also go even further by breaking up the season into three parts (early, mid and late season).
The more you advance into the season, the colder it gets. You want to know which part of the season you will be hunting. For early to midseason, I will go for gloves that are thinner and more focused on performance.
I will only go for thick and well-insulated gloves that cover your entire hand for late hunting season. You should also keep in mind that the more insulated a glove is, the thicker it will be. Very well insulated gloves will make your fingers less sensitive to the trigger.
Waterproof
Depending on how and what you want to hunt, you might want to consider gloves that are well waterproofed. This can include duck hunting, hunting in heavy rains and snow. The materials, seams, and coverage are the two most important factors that will make a glove waterproof.
For materials, you want to look for neoprene, which is the best at keeping you dry. Polyester is also suitable but not as good as neoprene. You also want gloves that are seamless or where the seam was treated to make it waterproof. You can either look at seams that are taped, glued, or blind stitching.
Last but not least, you should look for gloves that will cover your entire hand. Gloves that cover your palm and your fingers are required. You can even go as far as to get a glove that protects your hands and your forearms.
Durability
If you plan to make hunting a dedicated hobby, then you should avoid cheap gloves that will only last one or maybe two hunting trips. You want to get gloves that will last you a couple of seasons, at least. For durability, you should look at the materials used to make the glove and the stitching quality.
Neoprene, spandex, polyester, and leather are good choices of materials that are durable. You should avoid cotton, which will not last very long outside, where the conditions are harsh. The stitching of the gloves is also necessary because they hold everything together.
You want to use gloves that have treated seams that can either be double stitched, taped, or glued. Palm reinforcement is also useful as this part of the glove will take the most punishment.
Thickness & comfort
You want to achieve the optimum balance between a glove that is thick enough to protect you against the elements and also not too thick. If the glove is too thick, it will hinder your shooting performance. Some gloves also contain the material spandex, which gives your fingers a better range of movement.
Sizing options
Most of the gloves are like shirts where it ranges from Small to X-Large. Most people also think that if they wear a size medium shirt, a medium glove will also fit. Sometimes this is not always the case. The video below will show a quick method of how to measure your hands.
The best way to do this is by measuring the circumference of your palm area with a measuring tape. Once you have the measurement, you can use the scaling from the manufacturers to get your size. Below is also a table to give you some guidance.
| Size | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Small | 6.75” to 7.25” |
| Medium | 7.5” to 8” |
| Large | 8.25” to 9” |
| X-Large | 9.25” to 10” |
| XX-Large | 10.25” to 11” |
Camo
Camo patterns are not that important when it comes to gloves because they only cover a small part of your body. However, you should not buy gloves that are bright in color. Stick with gloves that are black, brown, khaki, or even camo patterns.
If you are serious when it comes to camo, then you will be glad to hear that most of the gloves contain some of the following patterns:
- Mossy Oak Bottomland
- Breakup country
- Realtree Edge
- Realtree Timber
- Realtree Xtra
- Realtree Max 5
- Optifade Elevated II
- Approach FX
The Verdict
Most of the gloves that I found online were not suitable for hunting. They were made from a material that was not durable and will tear on the very first hunting trip. Some of the gloves were also not that waterproof and insulated.
My #1 recommended glove, the Nomad Southbounder Fleece Glove, will solve all of these problems. It is made from durable material, and it will keep your hands warm and protect them against rain and snow.
To find the seven products in the review took me a while, but it was well worth the effort. I hope you like them too. What was your favorite and why?
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