When the temperatures drop, fly fishing can become quite challenging. Cold, numb fingers make tying knots, casting lines, and feeling bites incredibly difficult. This is where a good pair of cold-weather fly fishing gloves comes in. In this blog post, we'll review the top five fly fishing gloves designed to keep your hands warm and functional in cold conditions.
Overview
Simms is a well-known name in the fly fishing world, and their GORE-TEX Exstream Foldover Mitt is a testament to their commitment to quality. These gloves combine the warmth of mittens with the dexterity of fingerless gloves, offering a versatile solution for cold-weather anglers.
Features
Material: GORE-TEX fabric with PrimaLoft insulation
Design: Foldover mitt with magnetic closure
Dexterity: Fingerless design when mitt is folded back
Waterproof: Yes
Performance
The GORE-TEX Exstream Foldover Mitt provides excellent warmth thanks to the PrimaLoft insulation, which traps heat effectively without adding bulk. The foldover mitt design is particularly useful, allowing you to quickly switch between full finger coverage and fingerless mode. This feature is handy when you need the dexterity to tie knots or handle small gear without exposing your fingers to the cold for too long.
The gloves are also waterproof, keeping your hands dry in wet conditions, which is crucial for maintaining warmth. The GORE-TEX fabric ensures breathability, preventing sweat from accumulating inside the gloves.
Pros
Exceptional warmth and insulation
Versatile foldover design
Waterproof and breathable
Cons
Slightly bulky when the mitt is folded back
Premium price point
Conclusion
For anglers looking for top-tier performance and versatility, the Simms GORE-TEX Exstream Foldover Mitt is an excellent choice. While they come at a higher price, the quality and functionality justify the investment.
Overview
Orvis has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality fly fishing gear, and their Softshell Convertible Mitts are no exception. These gloves offer a balance of warmth, dexterity, and durability, making them a great choice for serious anglers.
Features
Material: Softshell fabric with fleece lining
Design: Convertible mitt with fold-back thumb and finger covers
Dexterity: Fingerless option with magnetic hold
Waterproof: Water-resistant
Performance
The softshell fabric of the Orvis Convertible Mitts provides excellent wind and water resistance, crucial for maintaining warmth in harsh conditions. The fleece lining adds an extra layer of insulation, making these gloves quite cozy.
The convertible design features fold-back covers for both the fingers and thumb, allowing for maximum dexterity when needed. Magnets hold the covers in place, which is a convenient feature when you're in the middle of the action.
While not fully waterproof, the water-resistant softshell fabric does a good job of keeping your hands dry in light rain or snow. The breathability of the fabric ensures that your hands stay comfortable even during intense activity.
Pros
Good balance of warmth and dexterity
Wind and water-resistant
Convenient magnetic fold-back design
Cons
Not fully waterproof
May not provide enough warmth in extremely cold conditions
Conclusion
The Orvis Softshell Convertible Mitts are a solid choice for anglers who need a versatile glove for moderately cold conditions. They offer a great combination of protection and functionality at a reasonable price.
Overview
Patagonia is known for its commitment to sustainability and high-performance outdoor gear. The R1 Fishing Gloves are designed to provide warmth and dexterity, with a focus on eco-friendly materials.
Features
Material: Polartec Power Grid fleece
Design: Fingerless glove with silicone grip
Dexterity: High, due to fingerless design
Waterproof: No
Performance
The Patagonia R1 Fishing Gloves are made from Polartec Power Grid fleece, which is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. These gloves are designed to keep your hands warm without sacrificing the dexterity needed for intricate fly fishing tasks.
The fingerless design allows for maximum control and feel, which is essential when handling delicate lines and flies. The silicone grip on the palms ensures a secure hold on your gear, even when wet.
While these gloves are not waterproof, they do dry quickly, which is beneficial if you get them wet. The breathability of the Polartec material also helps to regulate temperature and wick away moisture.
Pros
Lightweight and breathable
Excellent dexterity
Quick-drying and moisture-wicking
Eco-friendly materials
Cons
Not waterproof
Limited warmth in extreme cold
Conclusion
The Patagonia R1 Fishing Gloves are perfect for anglers who prioritize dexterity and eco-friendly materials. They perform well in cool to moderately cold conditions but may not be sufficient for extremely cold weather.
Overview
Glacier Glove is renowned for its durable and reliable cold-weather gear. The Alaska Pro Camo Waterproof Gloves are specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for extreme cold.
Features
Material: 2mm neoprene with fleece lining
Design: Full-fingered glove with camo pattern
Dexterity: Moderate
Waterproof: Yes
Performance
The Alaska Pro Camo Gloves are constructed from 2mm neoprene, which provides excellent insulation and waterproofing. The fleece lining adds an extra layer of warmth, making these gloves suitable for very cold conditions.
The full-fingered design offers good protection against the elements, though it does limit dexterity compared to fingerless or convertible gloves. However, the pre-curved fingers and seamless palm design help to improve flexibility and grip.
These gloves are fully waterproof, which is a significant advantage when fishing in wet or snowy environments. The neoprene material also provides a good barrier against wind, further enhancing their warmth.
Pros
Excellent insulation and warmth
Fully waterproof
Durable and rugged construction
Cons
Limited dexterity compared to fingerless options
Can be bulky
Conclusion
For anglers facing extremely cold and wet conditions, the Glacier Glove Alaska Pro Camo Waterproof Gloves offer unmatched warmth and protection. While they may sacrifice some dexterity, their insulation and waterproofing capabilities make them a top choice for harsh environments.
Overview
KastKing is a popular brand among anglers for offering quality gear at affordable prices. The Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves provide a great combination of warmth, dexterity, and affordability, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious anglers.
Features
Material: Stretchy fleece and neoprene
Design: Convertible fingerless/glove with fold-over mitten
Dexterity: High when fingers are exposed
Waterproof: Water-resistant
Performance
The Mountain Mist Gloves feature a convertible design with a fold-over mitten, similar to the Simms and Orvis gloves. This design allows for flexibility, letting you switch between full finger coverage and fingerless mode quickly.
The stretchy fleece material is comfortable and provides good insulation, while the neoprene palm offers a secure grip. These gloves are water-resistant, which is sufficient for light rain or snow, but they may not perform as well in heavy downpours.
The convertible design is highly functional, and the gloves also include touchscreen-compatible fingertips, which is a nice addition for those who need to use their phone or other devices while fishing.
Pros
Affordable
Good balance of warmth and dexterity
Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
Water-resistant
Cons
Not fully waterproof
May not be as durable as higher-end options
Conclusion
The KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves are an excellent budget-friendly option for anglers who need a versatile glove for cold weather. They offer good warmth and functionality at a price that won't break the bank.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fly fishing gloves for cold weather depends on your specific needs and the conditions you'll be facing. Here's a quick summary to help you decide:
Best Overall: Simms GORE-TEX Exstream Foldover Mitt - Top-tier warmth, versatility, and waterproofing.
Best for Moderate Cold: Orvis Softshell Convertible Mitts - Great balance of warmth and dexterity.
Best for Eco-conscious Anglers: Patagonia R1 Fishing Gloves - Lightweight, breathable, and eco-friendly.
Best for Extreme Cold: Glacier Glove Alaska Pro Camo Waterproof Gloves - Superior insulation and waterproofing.
Best Budget Option: KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves - Affordable and functional with a convertible design.
No matter which gloves you choose, investing in a quality pair will ensure that you can enjoy fly fishing even in the coldest weather, keeping your hands warm and your fishing experience enjoyable.
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