Cold hands can ruin a winter adventure. Whether you're hitting the slopes or exploring the backcountry, finding the right gloves is crucial for comfort and performance.
Hestra gloves are known for their quality, durability, and performance, but with a wide range of models available, choosing the right pair can be challenging. This review provides an in-depth look at various Hestra winter pro gloves, along with comparisons to other top brands, to help you make an informed decision.
Hestra Gloves: Key Features and Models
Hestra offers a variety of glove styles to suit different needs, from 5-finger gloves to mittens and 3-finger "lobster claw" designs that combine dexterity and warmth. Here's a closer look at some popular models:
Hestra Heli 3-Finger Glove
Similar to the Hestra Heli 3-finger glove, with some gives and some takes. If I could only have one glove for all conditions, it might be these. In warmer weather, you could remove the fleece liner and use them with any random lightweight liner.
Anyway- all of the Hestra "Army Leather" gloves (Heli/GoreTex) have similar construction. Note that it is the liner you would expect- but back in the day when I bought the first pair, these came with a 5 finger liner. I suspect this is the type of thing that may change periodically depending on stock, so pay attention. Pictured is the factory liner.
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The leather started that pure Hestra white, and changed to this color with Sno Seal applied. As these do not have a waterproof membrane you must use some sort of conditioner on the leather for any waterproofness.
I tend to wear these when it drops below 20F and above 0F. But in a pinch, with a liner, I've used them in -20F air temp, without a hand warmer. And those temps, the shell would actually freeze and feel crunchy. And I'd need to take warm-up breaks.
Hestra Winter Pro 3-Finger Glove
Overall, this is a warmer glove- but I have some nitpicks. First, they don't include a wrist leash. Yes, you can buy one for $5-$10, but at the retail pricepoint of these gloves ($190 for the 2026 season!) I would have expected one to be part of the deal. And an extra nitpick- there's no "optimal" attachment point for the leash. On Hestra gloves, there's a loop inside bottom on the gauntlet, so that when you have the glove on, the leash is fully contained within the gauntlet. This glove has the leash attachments on the outside of the glove.
The other nitpick- and it's a real nitpick- is that between the index finger and middle finger, it is cloth instead of leather at the webbing of the fingers. Why????? There's so much other leather in the glove- did that really save them so much? And poly on poly makes a really annoying sound when you move those fingers. Anyway- outside of those nitpicks, these are a very nice glove.
Warmer than the Hestra 3 finger heli, because the insulation on the top of the hand is extra thick, as shown in this pic. The white insulation is extra dense and thick on the top half of the glove. But on the palm side, it's black fleece, so you have less thickness on the palm side, and therefore more dexterity.
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Even though these are GoreTex- the liner is still removeable, vs. Also note- the leather on these is pre-treated and NOT FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH NATURAL WAX TYPE CONDITIONERS. These repel water right from the factory, though not as good as leather saturated with SnoSeal. BD gloves usually come with NikWax leather waterproofer, as these did. I would only use NikWax on pre-treated leather.
I have these in a medium, and they fit like my Hestra size 8 3-finger glove.
Hestra Ecocuir Glove
Anyway- the deal with the "Ecocuir" line is that the leather is not chrome tanned (so I assume vegetable tanned), and the fabric contains some cotton along with polyester. The factory lining is also wool. So a lot of natural materials here. I just happen to like how they look.
The nice thing is, many Hestra gloves have removable liners, including this one. I have to say- I hated the factory liner. It was a wool liner- and while warm, it shed a lot of wool fibers any time I took it on or off. So I replaced it with a regular fleece liner, and I'm much happier with that. Not much warmth difference- just no more shedding.
These come with the wrist leash as pictured. The gauntlet isn't quite as long as other Hestra gauntlets- but still easily fits over a shell. It will still fit over some layers, too, just not quite as effortlessly as a larger gauntlet.
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I have these in a size 8, and my fingers just reach the tips. I can wear a liner, and while it's not uncomfortable, I do lose dexterity. So if I want to use a liner, I don't typically opt for these. But still a favorite of mine.
I've had these for a very long time- maybe 10 years now? They are a great glove, though I only end up using them anymore if I anticipate a very wet day.
Hestra Gore-Tex Glove
I have these in a size 9- just a little too long for my fingers, not enough to make them clumsy- but enough extra room that I can fully comfortably wear a liner in these. Same warmth as the Narviks above, with an added GoreTex waterproof membrane and longer gauntlet.
As you can see, the liner is stitched in, and not removable. All of Hestra's GoreTex gloves are like this, to my knowledge.
Also note the insulation doesn't go all the way to the bottom of the cuff- this is a good thing- makes it easier to get it over jacket cuff with layers underneath, and you've got redundant insulation there anyway.
I've had this glove twice. The first time I bought them, I got them in a size 9 figuring I'd leave room for an extra liner if I wanted to use one. But the 3 fingers together adds a lot of room for those 3 fingers- so the 2nd time I got these, I got a size 8 (pictured), and I can use an extra liner with no issue.
Note the color- these have been conditioned with Obenaufs. They started out that pure Hestra white, and are now this color.
The wrist strap thingy is of course not factory- these are the gloves I tend to wear most often lately. I made the strap, and it's removable with velcro. Useful to check the time without needing to grab my found out of a pocket.
Performance Metrics
When evaluating winter gloves, several factors are crucial:
- Warmth: Ability to keep hands warm in cold conditions.
- Dexterity: Ease of movement and ability to perform tasks with the gloves on.
- Water Resistance: Ability to keep hands dry in wet conditions.
- Construction Quality: Durability and longevity of the gloves.
- Features: Additional features such as wrist leashes, adjustable cuffs, and nose wipes.
Here's a comparison of Hestra gloves based on these metrics:
| Glove Model | Warmth | Dexterity | Water Resistance | Construction Quality | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Mountain CZone 3 Finger | 8.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 |
| Alpine Leather Primaloft Mitten | 8.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 |
| Leather Fall Line 5 Finger | 8.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 |
Pros: Hestra gloves offer fantastic weather resistance, excellent dexterity and comfort, and can withstand significant wear and tear.
Cons: They can be too warm in certain conditions, leading to sweaty palms, and require regular application of waterproofing sealant.
Alternative Options: Comparing Hestra to Other Brands
While Hestra gloves are a top choice for many, other brands offer excellent alternatives with varying strengths and weaknesses.
Arc'teryx Fission SV Glove
The Arc'teryx Fission SV is the all-around highest-performing glove tested. This glove particularly excels in weather resistance, dexterity, and durability, thanks to its Gore-Tex membrane and water-resistant materials. The fingers are packed with toasty insulation, yet they remain the most dexterous gloves that offer this level of warmth.
Pros: Excellent weather resistance, dexterity, and durability.
Cons: Lacks an adjustable wrist cinch strap and runs a bit large.
Black Diamond Mercury Mitt
The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is the best overall mitten in our test group. Users who prefer mittens generally do so for their improved warmth compared to ski gloves, and these are the warmest mittens on the market thanks to their insulated liners, fleece lining, and roomy hand cavity where fingers can share warmth. They are also effective at sealing out liquid water, thanks to a waterproof membrane and large gauntlets. The construction is solid as well, promising a long life.
Pros: Extremely warm, bomber durability, and high weather resistance.
Cons: Low dexterity and no included wrist leash.
Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex Glove
The Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex delivers performance across every metric we test, except dexterity. It has three battery-powered warmth settings to keep you warm all day on the slopes and plenty of insulation to keep you toasty if the batteries die. It has excellent construction that protects your investment, and the gloves effectively seal out unwanted water and snow from the outside. We saw the tightly sewn seams and the Gore-Tex lining do their jobs, keeping almost all moisture out during our dunk test.
Pros: Battery-powered warmth, durable and well-built, and great weather resistance.
Cons: Limited dexterity and higher price point.
Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II Glove
Our testers are continually impressed by how well this glove can hang with the high-end competition while costing significantly less. Our field tests proved the Storm Trooper is more than capable of meeting the needs of the average resort skier. It's warm enough for the average cold day on the slopes and does a decent job of keeping moisture out. It has reasonable dexterity and enough leather on the hand to provide good durability.
Pros: Very warm, affordable, and super comfortable.
Cons: Limited dexterity and less advanced features.
The North Face Montana Ski Mitts
If you're looking for a toasty, comfortable pair of mitts that fits into a tighter budget, The North Face Montana Ski Mitts is an affordable option worth considering. The lofty synthetic insulation and fleece lining combine to deliver impressive comfort and plenty of warmth on uber-cold days.
Pros: Very warm, affordable, and comfortable.
Cons: Limited dexterity.
Savior Heat Rechargeable Glove
The Savior Heat Rechargeable is one of the most affordable heated gloves on the market, and it performs decently well in other regards, making it a good choice for users with cold hands and tight budgets. The heating element works well, providing gentle warmth on the lowest setting and scorching heat on the highest.
Pros: Great Value, three warm heat settings, good battery life, and comfortable.
Cons: Not waterproof at all and poor dexterity.
Black Diamond Tour Glove
The Black Diamond Tour is a backcountry-specific glove with minimal insulation and a light feature set. It's perfect for skinning, bootpacking, and ski descents in warmer conditions, but it doesn't pack enough punch for most resort skiing. It has a soft fleece lining and a proprietary waterproof and breathable membrane, both of which our testers found effective enough for staving off backcountry cold, where your body heat is enough to keep your hands warm and dry. However, these gloves don't offer enough protection against cold winds and driving snow at the ski resort, where you spend a good portion of your time sitting on a ski lift.
Pros: Excellent dexterity, soft, comfortable leather, surprisingly durable, and good warmth for active use.
Cons: Not super waterproof and light on features.
Choosing the Right Glove for Your Needs
Selecting the right winter glove depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider the following factors:
- Intended Use: Are you primarily skiing at resorts, venturing into the backcountry, or need gloves for everyday winter activities?
- Weather Conditions: Do you typically encounter extremely cold temperatures, wet conditions, or a mix of both?
- Dexterity Requirements: Do you need to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, or is warmth your primary concern?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a pair of gloves?
By carefully considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and choose the perfect pair of winter gloves to keep your hands warm, dry, and comfortable all season long.