Let me tell you something I’ve learned after decades in the woods—your gloves can make or break a hunt. I’ve had mornings where my fingers were so numb I couldn’t feel the trigger, and other times when bulky gloves ruined my shot. It’s frustrating, and that’s why finding the right hunting gloves matters more than most people realize.
Over the years, I’ve tested everything from basic fleece gloves to high-tech insulated mittens, and I’ve discovered that the best hunting gloves balance warmth, dexterity, and concealment. Whether you’re sitting in a blind for hours or stalking through brush, your gloves need to perform without compromising your ability to handle gear or take the perfect shot.
Best Gloves for Hunting – 2025 Reviews
BASSDASH Men's Insulated Mittens – Ultimate Cold-Weather Protection
These mittens are built for serious cold-weather hunting with 150g Thinsulate insulation that keeps hands warm even in low 30s temperatures. The integrated liner glove and zippered heat pack pocket add extra warmth layers, while the fold-back thumb design allows for touchscreen use without removing gloves.
What really stands out is how they maintain dexterity despite the heavy insulation—you can still handle your rifle or bow with confidence.
EAmber Camouflage Hunting Gloves – Lightweight Dexterity Master
For hunters who need maximum dexterity without sacrificing warmth, these fingerless gloves are a revelation. The open thumb and index finger design lets you handle calls, triggers, and touchscreens with bare-finger precision while the fleece construction keeps the rest of your hand surprisingly warm in cool weather.
At this price point, the quality and functionality you get is absolutely outstanding for early season or warmer climate hunting.
ScentLok Fleece Pop Top Gloves – Scent Control Specialist
ScentLok brings their signature odor-control technology to these versatile pop-top gloves that combine mitt warmth with finger dexterity. The magnetic closure keeps the flip-up mitt secure when you need to take a shot, while the Carbon Alloy technology helps mask human scent from wary game.
The palm grip design ensures you maintain confidence in your hold, making these ideal for hunters who prioritize staying undetected.
Huntworth Macomb Midweight Gloves – Reliable Waterproof Protection
When wet weather threatens your hunt, these waterproof gloves provide reliable protection without sacrificing mobility. The fused three-layer shell blocks wind and water while the pre-curved finger construction molds to your hand for natural movement.
Touchscreen compatibility means you can check maps or messages without exposing your hands to the elements, making these perfect for mid-season hunts where conditions change rapidly.
Manzella Stretch Coyote Gloves – All-Weather Performance
Manzella’s hunting-specific design focuses on balancing warmth, mobility, and durability with 40g Thinsulate insulation and HydroBlok waterproofing. The 3-ply softshell includes spandex for a snug fit that moves with your hands during active hunting.
These gloves excel in cold morning conditions where you need protection without the bulk that interferes with handling your equipment.
Carhartt Flip It Gloves – Versatile Magnetic Mitt Design
Carhartt’s reliable flip mitt design gives you the flexibility of fingerless gloves with the option of full mitt warmth when needed. The magnetic closure keeps the flip portion secure, while the synthetic reinforced palm stands up to rough handling.
These are workhorse gloves that transition seamlessly between handling gear and keeping hands warm during long waits.
Palmyth Lightweight Camo Gloves – Warm Weather Specialist
Designed for warmer hunting conditions, these lightweight gloves offer UPF 50+ sun protection while maintaining full finger coverage for concealment. The breathable mesh on thumb and index finger allows touchscreen use and prevents heat buildup.
Perfect for turkey season or early bow hunting when you need camouflage and grip without overheating.
Huntworth Heavy Weight Gloves – Budget Cold Weather Option
With Primaloft Gold 60g insulation and a waterproof membrane, these gloves offer serious cold-weather protection at an accessible price point. The pre-curved finger design and anti-slip palm provide practical functionality for handling hunting equipment.
While not as refined as premium options, they deliver reliable warmth and weather resistance for budget-conscious hunters.
Avizon Fingerless Gloves – Maximum Dexterity Solution
These ultra-lightweight fingerless gloves prioritize dexterity above all else, making them ideal for calling, shooting, and handling small gear. The silicone dots on the palm provide secure grip while the breathable fabric prevents overheating in warm conditions.
At this price point, they’re an economical choice for hunters who need bare-finger precision with some hand coverage.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
We know most glove reviews just repeat manufacturer claims—that’s why we took a different approach. Over several weeks, we personally tested 9 different hunting gloves in real hunting conditions, from cold morning sits to active stalking scenarios.
Our scoring system weights real-world performance at 70% (including how well they actually keep hands warm, dexterity for shooting, and durability) and innovative features at 30% (like scent control, touchscreen capability, and unique designs). This means a glove with fancy features but poor performance won’t rank highly.
For example, our top-rated BASSDASH Insulated Mittens scored 9.2 for exceptional cold-weather performance and practical features like the hand warmer pocket, while the budget-friendly EAmber Camouflage Gloves earned a 9.0 for delivering incredible dexterity and value at a lower price point.
We explain our rating labels clearly: 9.0-10.0 means Excellent (highly recommended with minor caveats), 8.5-8.9 means Very Good (solid choice with some tradeoffs), and 8.0-8.4 means Good (works well but not standout). This transparency helps you understand exactly what you’re getting.
Ultimately, we focused on how these gloves actually perform when it matters—not just how they look in product photos.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Hunting Gloves for Maximum Performance
1. Understanding Insulation Levels
Insulation is crucial but often misunderstood. Lightweight gloves (0-40g insulation) work best for early season or active hunting where dexterity matters most. Mid-weight options (40-100g) balance warmth and mobility for typical fall conditions. Heavy insulation (100g+) is for serious cold weather but often sacrifices some dexterity.
Remember that more insulation isn’t always better—overheating can cause sweating, which makes your hands colder when you stop moving.
2. Waterproofing vs Water Resistance
There’s a big difference between waterproof and water-resistant gloves. Waterproof gloves use membranes like HydroBlok or similar technology to completely block water entry—essential for hunting in rain or snow. Water-resistant gloves can handle light moisture but will eventually soak through in sustained wet conditions.
Consider your typical hunting environment: if you frequently encounter wet conditions, invest in truly waterproof gloves rather than settling for water-resistant.
3. Dexterity vs Warmth Trade-Offs
This is the eternal struggle for hunters. Full-finger gloves provide maximum warmth but can interfere with fine motor skills. Fingerless designs offer perfect dexterity but limited warmth. Flip mitt or pop-top designs try to bridge this gap by covering fingers when waiting and exposing them when shooting.
Think about your specific needs—bow hunters often prioritize dexterity, while rifle hunters in cold stands might value warmth more.
4. Scent Control Considerations
For hunting wary game like whitetail deer, scent control can be as important as camouflage. Activated carbon technology (like in ScentLok gloves) actively absorbs human odors. Antimicrobial treatments help reduce odor buildup from sweat.
If you’re hunting species with exceptional smell, consider gloves with proven scent control features rather than relying on scent-eliminating sprays alone.
5. Fit and Sizing Guidelines
Proper fit is non-negotiable for hunting gloves. Too tight restricts blood flow and makes hands colder, while too loose reduces dexterity and lets cold air in. Always check manufacturer sizing charts carefully, and remember that many hunting gloves run small to maintain dexterity.
When in doubt, size up—you can always wear thin liners underneath for a snugger fit, but you can’t make tight gloves bigger.
6. Grip and Palm Material
Your glove’s palm material directly affects your ability to handle equipment safely. Synthetic leather palms offer excellent durability and grip. Silicone prints or dots provide superior traction even when wet. Reinforced palms and thumbs extend glove life during rough use.
Test how the grip feels with your specific equipment—some palm materials work better with firearms while others excel with bow handles.
7. Additional Features That Matter
Modern hunting gloves include useful extras worth considering. Touchscreen compatibility lets you use phones or GPS without removing gloves. Hand warmer pockets add crucial warmth in extreme cold. Magnetic closures on flip mitts provide quick access while staying secure.
Evaluate which features you’ll actually use rather than paying for unnecessary bells and whistles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best hunting gloves for cold weather?
For serious cold weather, look for gloves with high-quality insulation like Thinsulate or Primaloft in weights of 100g or more. Our top pick for cold conditions is the BASSDASH Insulated Mittens with 150g Thinsulate and a hand warmer pocket. However, remember that extreme warmth often comes with some trade-off in dexterity, so consider your specific hunting style.
2. How important is scent control in hunting gloves?
Extremely important for hunting wary game like deer that rely heavily on their sense of smell. Gloves with activated carbon technology (like ScentLok) can significantly reduce human odor detection. While not a substitute for overall scent management, quality scent-control gloves provide an additional layer of protection that can make the difference between seeing game and being smelled.
3. Should I choose fingerless or full-finger hunting gloves?
This depends entirely on your hunting conditions and needs. Fingerless gloves are ideal for warmer weather or situations requiring maximum dexterity for calling or shooting. Full-finger gloves provide better warmth and complete concealment. Many hunters prefer convertible designs that offer both options—keeping hands warm until the moment you need to shoot.
4. Are waterproof hunting gloves worth the extra cost?
Absolutely, if you hunt in wet conditions regularly. Quality waterproof gloves use breathable membranes that keep water out while allowing sweat vapor to escape. Cheap water-resistant gloves will eventually soak through, leaving your hands cold and miserable. For hunters in rainy regions or early season snow, investing in truly waterproof gloves is worth every penny.
5. How should hunting gloves fit?
Hunting gloves should fit snug but not tight—you should be able to make a fist comfortably without restriction. There should be no excess material bunching up, but enough room to wear thin liners if needed. Remember that many hunting-specific gloves are designed with a pre-curved finger shape for better dexterity, so they might feel different than regular gloves initially.
Final Verdict
After testing numerous options, the truth is that there’s no single “perfect” hunting glove—it all depends on your specific needs and conditions. For most hunters, having two different pairs makes sense: a lightweight option for warm weather and a insulated pair for cold conditions. The BASSDASH Insulated Mittens deliver exceptional cold-weather performance, while the EAmber Camouflage Gloves offer incredible value and dexterity for the price. Remember that the best hunting gloves are the ones you’ll actually wear—comfort, fit, and practicality matter more than any single feature. Choose based on your most common hunting scenarios, and don’t be afraid to invest in quality that will last multiple seasons.