Types of Gloves
Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless gloves are characterized by a very convenient and multifunctional design. They do not interfere with hunter’s activity in different conditions. Synthetic materials provide good adhesion to the surface of anything hunter holds. On the glove cuff, there are special nylon loops, which can be used to fasten items to the carbine. Fixation, in this case, is carried out by Velcro, due to which the glove completely copies the smallest anatomical features of the brush. However, the choice of fingerless gloves is not the best for hunting in winter, as you definitely may freeze the fingers out. Fingerless gloves are great option for hunting in mild conditions.
Pros:
- Convenient design;
- Easier holding of gear;
- Skin of the hands breathes;
- Good choice for hunting in summer and spring.
Cons:
- Cannot be used in cold weather conditions.
Full Finger Gloves
Such gloves can be used under any temperature conditions. Breathable material ensures optimal circulation of air masses. Such gloves are easy enough to clean. Extra reinforcement on the fingers ensures maximum strength. In most cases, hunting gloves with fingers are resistant to various negative effects of chemical type. The presence of a special membrane ensures waterproof. The palm part of the gloves is made of non-slip material. Provided that the skin is used for the manufacture of gloves, it first passes the laser embossing procedure. This allows you to achieve maximum sensitivity afterward.
Pros:
- Protection from moisture;
- Protection from damages;
- Additional gear to mask hunter’s presence;
- Keep hunter warm.
Cons:
- Incorrectly selected model of the gloves binds movement;
- Wearing winter gloves is difficult to use hunting equipment;
- May last not too long.
Mittens
The ordinary mitten design gloves are actually in great demand among hunters who hunt in very cold extreme conditions. The mittens that are designed for hunters often have pop-tops that let you rapidly make fingers free, and you don’t have to take off the gloves completely.
Pros:
- Keep hands warm;
- Can be redesigned into fingerless gloves.
Cons:
- It can be not easy and comfortable to grab or hold things, especially when you have to do it fast.
Riding Gloves and Falconry Gloves
The common falconry gloves include covering fist and wrist, same as forearm too. Such gloves are often made of high-quality leather; in particular, this can be buckskin or moose leather. These gloves have definite, specific details, for example for handling birds, which you probably won’t find on other glove types, such as a D-ring around the palm and a tassel by the wrist. It’s necessary to keep them clean and condition gloves otherwise they become stiff with exposure to the bodily fluids from the kills of the falcon.
Horseback hunters require specific gloves that can adapt to riding and shooting. Riding gloves are made to provide enough dexterity; fingertips are made of light material.
Remember that these types of gloves are made exclusively for hunting a falcon and they may be not suitable for common hunting predators.
Types of Materials
Gore-Tex
Gloves made from GORE-TEX fabrics are characterized by long-term water resistance and wind protection combined with optimum breathing ability, which increases the protection and comfort of the hunter. The membrane is the heart of these gloves. Its micro porous structure represents the outstanding characteristics that this material is famous for. GORE-TEX multi-layer fabrics are created by connecting the membrane between the high-quality liner and outer cover materials. Recently, this material is considered to be the best one for producing clothes but there are some disadvantages you may not hear about. It is not so breathable if to compare with tightly woven cotton. If the pores of the Gore-Tex are blocked then you definitely will get super hot. If the membrane will be pierced then you can forget about waterproof. The price for such pair of gloves is always too high.
Leather
Leather gloves are a natural item, as the leather is a soft material that also is well correlated with the skin of the hands. Leather gloves are breathable and long resistant to wear. Gloves can have small scars, scratches, which do not reduce the quality of the leather but only gives a typical sign of high-quality natural material. Leather gloves, thanks to the material, within a short time acquire individual features of the shape of your hand. A wide variety of padding allows a hunter to wear leather gloves at any time of the year. However, you shouldn’t forget that leather gloves can be damaged under the influence of the high temperatures, the frequent influence of the water affects leather’s color and form, if there’s also frequent rubber of such gloves then they will get scraped very fast.
Fleece
Fleece gloves are light, warm, breathable, quickly dry and with all this worth negligible. Even in specialized shops, fleece gloves that are produced by famous manufacturers rarely cost more than $ 20. Fleece is especially popular, due to its low weight and excellent ventilation. It not only heats the hands but also does not let them sweat, what is very important in the cold weather. Fleece gloves are warm but they do not provide waterproof. Moreover, the material in a short period of time loses its properties.
Wool
Woolen gloves are a simple and practical solution for hunting in cold weather. First of all, gloves made of wool should be soft and very pleasant to your hands. If the wool is pricked, it is worth considering whether to buy them as you may find it inconvenient to stay in such gloves for a long time. The feeling of discomfort will distract hunter. Gloves should not shed. If you noticed the wool changed the color, then it makes sense refuse to buy it. If such gloves contain synthetic materials, it’s not bad. It just helps to keep the gloves in their original form and protect them from deformations. However, if the synthetics level is higher than the wool, then it can’t be considered as woolen gloves.
What you should pay attention to choosing hunting gloves
Durability
Having gloves that can resist anything is really important for a hunter. You have to make sure that the gloves will not tear up as soon as you take a gun or set the bait. Durability is a must. Otherwise, there’s no point to having them at all. In addition to that, it is important for the hunter to have durable because they protect him from scratching and hurt as hunter often has to deal with thorns or tree limbs. In this case, it is better to look for gloves made of leather, neoprene.
Comfort
Since hunting requires a hunter to wait for a long time, you have to make sure that the gloves you wear are absolutely comfortable. Just pretend if you wear gloves that feel uncomfortable on the hands and which rubbing against the skin. As a result, you have irritated skin.
Breathability
In the cold weather, it is important that your hands do not sweat and breathe. That is why the gloves should be made of breathable material. One of such material is GORE-TEX. It keeps warmth, but also lets the skin to breathe preventing the hands to become hot and lack in enough ventilation and air circulation.
Camo
Like any good hunter, you have to think about staying unnoticeable during hunting. For example, if you choose neon camo patterns then you risk failing to hunt a fowl or turkey as they will notice it from a distance. However, it won’t be bad in case of deer hunting.
Size and Length
Hunting gloves have the same sizing as any other types of gloves: small, medium, large, x-large, etc. It is easy to find out your right size of the glove with the help of the tape. For example, if you have 7 inches then you should get the small size. Remember that every manufacturer may change sizing, and the standard sizing board won’t help you to define the size. The manufacturer always should provide sizing for every model of the gloves. Don’t forget that gloves can stretch or shrink.
To choose the length of the gloves, you should take into account your demands and hunting environment. Hunting when it’s warm requires short gloves that let the skin to breathe and free movements. However, if you are going waterfowl hunting, you have to protect the hands with the gloves that reach the elbow.
Insulation
The level of gloves’ insulation depends on the temperature and environment, how long hunter is going to spend time there and his features of the hands. Low temperatures require more insulation, and it’s a fact, but remember that making hands sweat in the cold weather cause of insulation is not good. The widespread common insulation for gloves is Thinsulate. Manufacturers should provide the information about % of Thinsulate in the gloves.
Conclusion
Picking up hunting gloves shouldn’t become a problem as long as you are aware of the important features to look for. When it all about the size or length, you should choose between small or large. They just have to be comfortable and fit your hands. The length of the gloves should be not too long and not too short. The camo issue also worth attention since the hunter has to blend into any environment perfectly. Don’t forget about gloves’ breathability and waterproof. The last thing to mention is the material gloves made of. The choice of material depends on the weather and environment, so it’s all up to you!
Terrific article
Thank you!
I am choosing between several options for gloves, and I want to pick the best option. Can the warmest gloves be lightweight?
Several gloves in my review are explicitly designed for harsh winter weather conditions. By their example, I can dispel your doubts. Most of the warmest hunting gloves have a reasonably comfortable weight.
I weigh the pros and cons when buying a new pair of bowhunting gloves. What degree of cold can Hot Shot Men’s Defender Winter Thermal Gloves withstand?
These gloves save you from the cold in the most severe frosts. Their isothermal properties are so good that in the off-season, they can even be too warm. If you are looking for hot gloves, you can be quite satisfied with your choice of winter gloves from the Defender.