Snowboarding isn’t just about the boots, boards, and bindings – mittens and gloves are key players!
The right pick here will really make or break your time on the slopes. Which brings us to the gloves vs mittens debate…
Gloves offer better dexterity for snowboarding, useful for adjusting your gear and using touchscreen devices. On the other hand (pun intended) mittens group your fingers together which is generally warmer. The choice between the two depends on your personal preference and the snowboarding conditions. In my experience, Trigger Mittens offer the best of both worlds.
Of course, each offers their own unique set of advantages. Certain designs cater to factors like durability and warmth. Other options might be lighter and offer better breathability. It’s certainly a tough choice!
In this article, I’ll take a deep dive into the differences between the two options, and evaluate which one is best for you.
But I have much more to say on the matter. If you’re interested?
Introducing The Gloves vs Mittens Debate
Mittens and gloves both make suitable options for skiers and snowboarders. Determining which is truly better depends on a whole bunch of factors, including need for dexterity and warmth.
From a baseline perspective, snowboarders and skiers agree on a few things (for once!).
- Gloves win in terms of dexterity. They are the ideal choice if you find yourself handling lots of gear, unzipping often, or holding poles.
- On the other hand, mittens are the go-to choice for warmth. The single cavity of the mitten allows for shared internal heat, ensuring that all your fingers stay nice and toasty.
But more recently, there’s a new contender on the scene. I’m talking of course, about the fabled Trigger Mitten!
What Are Trigger Mittens?
The trigger mitten is a “best of both worlds” option. Their unique design takes on the profile of a classic mitten, but with a free moving, separated index finger.
Sometimes referred to as the “lobster” mitten, they therefore combine the warmth of mittens with the dexterity of gloves.
Sounds too good to be true? Possibly. Let’s take a closer look.
Gloves vs Mittens vs Trigger Mittens
Gloves, mittens, and trigger mittens each come with their own distinct features and advantages.
But the question we’ve all been waiting for… which option is better for snowboarding?
Well my patient friend, let’s dive in with a handy table.
Comparison Table
Dexterity
Gloves offer the ability for all fingers to move freely, and are the superior choice when it comes to dexterity. Handling gear, putting on goggles, adjusting boots and bindings will all be easiest with gloves.
Gloves offer the ability for all fingers to move freely, and are the superior choice when it comes to dexterity. Handling gear, putting on goggles, adjusting boots and bindings will all be easiest with gloves.
Mittens are certainly bulky and more inefficient in this category. It’s undeniable.
However, snowboarders looking for a middle of the road option will love the added range of motion in a trigger mitten. The free-moving index finger makes grabbing zippers and straps that much easier.
Winner: Gloves
Insulation and Warmth
The classic mitten will offer the most sustainable comfort in terms of warmth and insulation. The shared finger pocket fosters and retains more internal heat than gloves.
It should be said though that most glove options on the market are also well insulated. But it helps to know which insulation materials your gloves are designed with:
- Down: Lightweight and highly efficient. Down is the best insulator on the market, but loses some of its ability to retain warmth once compromised by water.
- Synthetic: Less expensive. Readily available. Synthetic insulation is the most popular choice for skiers and snowboarders alike. It’s slightly bulkier than down, but dries a lot faster and will usually last a little longer in your gear bag.
The best all-around choice in insulation material – be it for gloves or mittens – is a synthetic insulator.
It’s the clear winner in terms of durability and versatility. However, down gloves and mittens make for a fantastic choice on cold, dry mountains.
Winner: Mittens
Runner Up: Trigger Mitts
Waterproofing
All glove and mitten options should be waterproof when you buy them.
Levels of waterproofing will vary significantly according to design though. Most options will be created with a breathable barrier (like Gore-Tex) to prevent moisture from entering, as well as heat from leaving.
However, mittens might have a slight edge in terms of waterproofing. Because they have fewer seams than gloves, there are fewer potential entry points for water. But again, the quality of construction and materials is the main factor.
Winner: Mittens
Breathability
If you’re somebody who tends to have sweaty hands and fingers, gloves may be the ideal choice. With minimal skin-to-skin contact, your fingers will feel less cramped and generally more comfortable.
Because they’re designed more for warmth, mittens fall a little short in terms of breathability. Of course, trigger mittens offer an in-between level of comfort and are a great option if you are trying to purchase based on this factor.
Winner: Gloves
Runner Up: Trigger Mitts
Grip
Unsurprisingly, gloves are the clear winner in terms of grip. Not only do they have better dexterity, but most gloves will have a more grippy material on the palm and fingers.
If you want the most versatility when it comes to ratcheting bindings or boots, or the handling of any gear for that matter, gloves are the right move.
Certain trigger mitten options may also provide enough grip-support to handle all of your gear, zippers, and straps.
Because they are a little clumsy, mittens aren’t usually a primary choice in this category. With that being said, they handle most bindings well, and can be taken off easily enough when it comes time to hassle with other gear.
Winner: Gloves
Runner Up: Trigger Mitts
The Case for Gloves
Gloves are the ideal choice for most skiers.
Because of the great grip, dexterity, and general mobility, gloves make it easy to handle poles, back-packs, and other gear.
Considering this, snowboarders who regularly ride with gear such as a back-pack, avalanche shovel, emergency kit, or radio may prefer gloves over mittens.
The range of motion is mostly unlimited with gloves, making them the best choice in terms of functional versatility.
If you are someone who requires touch-screen compatibility, gloves are your friend there too. It should be said that trigger mittens and certain 3-in-1 shell mitten designs are also compatible with touchscreen and offer similar range-of-motion capabilities.
The Biggest Problems with Gloves
If you are an exceptionally mobile boarder and find yourself regularly handling gear, gloves are likely the best choice. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have a few disadvantages too:
- Warmth: Because the fingers can’t share heat, finding well-insulated and waterproof gloves is a must. Heated gloves or hand warmers are always an option.
- Moisture: As their design includes more material and seams around the finger openings, gloves are more prone to moisture penetration and can wear out quicker.
- Durability: Grabbing sharp snowboard edges takes a toll. I’ve ripped the fingers off several pairs of gloves during particularly gnarly grabs (okay, maybe it was during falls). This has never happened with mittens.
The Case for Mittens
The sleek and simple design of mittens makes them the best choice for most snowboarders.
Mittens’ design allows your four fingers to share and retain heat. For concern of the cold, you really can’t go wrong with mittens.
While they are certainly bulkier than their five-fingered counterpart, mittens still offer quite a bit in terms of mobility. They are beginner-friendly, and can be taken on or off easily enough to handle gear.
Mittens are also the superior choice for shaping perfect snowballs – just saying.
Biggest Problems with Mittens
At first glance, mittens can seem like the best choice for snowboarders. They are great not just for functional design but for style too.
Even then, consumers have their concerns:
- Dexterity: Ratcheting bindings is one thing. It can be especially tough to navigate coat pockets or a backpack with mittens on.
- Touchscreen: Without the singular finger, most mittens aren’t equipped to handle touchscreens.
- Overheating: Sometimes mittens can get a little too hot. They aren’t usually the best choice for warmer, spring days.
Bonus: The Case for Trigger Mittens
As discussed, there’s also a third option, known as “trigger mittens” or “lobster gloves”.
These combine some of the benefits of both gloves and mittens. They have a separate compartment for the index finger and thumb, improving dexterity, while the remaining fingers are grouped together for added warmth.
They can therefore offer a good compromise between warmth and dexterity.
Biggest Problems with Trigger Mittens
There’s not a lot to dislike about trigger mitts. But here are some of the concerns I’ve heard on the mountain:
- Some people don’t like the feeling of separating their trigger fingers (you get used to it pretty quick, I promise).
- They can look a little bit funky.
- They can be more expensive than traditional gloves or mittens.
So, Are Gloves or Mittens Better for Snowboarding?
The choice between gloves and mittens for snowboarding depends on personal preference…
Wait, scratch that!
You came here for an answer. You better believe I’m gonna give you one!
Mittens are better for snowboarding than traditional gloves. They are warmer, allow thicker insulation and are often more durable.
There, I said it!
Will your dexterity suffer slightly? Sure. But you’re hardly going to be solving Rubik’s cubes on the slopes.
If you’re super worried about dexterity, trigger mitts are the obvious middle ground. But mittens are just fine for most folks.
How to Choose Snowboard Gloves and Mittens
Whether you’ve landed on mittens, trigger mittens or gloves, the next step is to choose a specific pair.
Take a look at the type of snowboarding you plan on doing and consider the following:
- Environment – Do you normally snowboard in cold, dry conditions? Or typically ride in wetter, warmer climates?
- Size and Fit – Everyone’s hands are built different. Comfort should be your number one concern when it comes to finding the right gloves or mittens.
- Materials – Ideally, your glove/mitten materials will match your boarding style and climate.
- Functionality – Do you usually carry a backpack and/or other gear? Consider what you’ll be doing with your hands while on the mountain before making a glove or mitten purchase.
Other factors to consider are zippered pockets, wrist loops, nose wipes, squeegees, and padding.
These additional features are available from most premium glove and mitten brands. You’ll also want to take a look at cuff style (over or under) before choosing any glove or mitten.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot to consider when it comes to gloves vs mittens. With so many options on the market, it can be pretty damn difficult to choose.
Ultimately, finding the right gloves or mittens will be entirely dependent on your own needs and uses.
If you are a gear hound, constantly in and out of backpack pockets, or find yourself struggling with straps, then gloves are likely your best option.
Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with a pair of insulated and waterproof mittens. Their comfort, warmth and durability is unmatched.
Whichever you choose, invest in a high quality pair. Your digits will thank-you (and you won’t end up buying another pair next season).
Happy riding!