Cold weather protection: how to choose the perfect winter tactical gloves

The winter period becomes a test not only for resistance to frost, but also for the correct choice of tactical equipment. Among the most important components of this equipment are winter tactical gloves.

How to provide reliable protection from cold, moisture and wind, while maintaining excellent tactile properties and ease of movement? In this article, we'll look at the key aspects of choosing tactical gloves so you can enjoy maximum comfort and protection during winter storms.

Let's figure out how to make the right choice and choose the ideal protection for your hands.

 

 

Winter tactical gloves features

In this subsection let's look at the key aspects to consider when choosing gloves.

 

Thermal insulation and waterproof

One of the main winter gloves features is their ability to retain heat and protect from moisture.

Check for insulation in your gloves, such as insulating materials or down layers, which provide effective protection against frost.

Additionally, it is important that the gloves are waterproof or have a water-repellent coating to protect against snow and rain.

 

Flexibility and ease of movement

Despite all the technological advancements required to perform tactical tasks, it is important that gloves are flexible and do not restrict movement. Provide yourself with sufficient freedom to perform a variety of tasks, including those that may require a high level of tactility and coordination.

Choose ergonomically designed gloves based on your personal needs to ensure maximum comfort during work or outdoor activities. To check whether you are comfortable with a particular model of gloves, it is better not just to try them on before buying, and try to reproduce the actions that you will need to perform in them. For example, practice with a weapon replica, open a pouch or fasten your equipment, or perform some actions while driving.

 

Materials and their advantages

The choice of materials plays an important role in the functionality and durability of gloves. Leather can provide excellent strength and durability, while modern membranes allow hands to breathe. Insulation based on technologies such as PrimaLoft or Thinsulate allows you to retain heat with a minimum volume.

It is important to consider materials as a complete system that provides optimal performance under different conditions.

 

1. Leather

Advantages:

• strength and wear resistance: leather is an excellent material for making gloves as it is highly durable and can withstand significant physical impact;

• good fit: leather adapts to the shape of the hand and provides a good fit, which allows you to retain warmth and provides comfort during movement.

Flaws:

• weight and volume: leather gloves can be heavy and bulky, which will be impractical for some activities where lightness and flexibility are important;

• cost: these gloves are often considered more valuable than other materials.

 

2. Membranes and technological fabrics

Advantages:

• breathability: membranes such as GORE-TEX provide excellent breathability, allowing body moisture to escape to the surface, keeping you comfortable in active environments.

• waterproof: membranes (for example, GORE-TEX or British MVP) and technological fabrics treated with water-repellent layers guarantee effective protection against moisture and snow;

• lightweight and flexible: membrane gloves are typically lighter and more flexible than leather gloves, making them ideal for activities.

Flaws:

• amount and expenses: synthetic fabrics may be less resistant to physical impact and wear out faster than leather;

• сost: the use of modern artificial materials can increase the gloves price.

 

3. Insulation: Thinsulate, PrimaLoft, etc.

Advantages:

• effective insulation: such materials provide high thermal insulation with a minimum volume, which allows you to retain heat without increasing the volume of the gloves;

• lightweight: artificial insulations are often lighter than traditional materials such as down, making the gloves easier to wear.

Flaws:

• compression opportunity: some insulation materials can be compressed over time, losing their thermal insulation effectiveness;

• сost: gloves with highly effective insulation, of course, will not be cheap.

 

Protection against extreme conditions

Providing reliable protection against extreme weather conditions is a key requirement for tactical gloves designed for winter work. In this chapter, we will look at the main aspects to ensure that your gloves are true allies in difficult and unpredictable situations.

 

Windproof properties

The high windproof quality of the gloves is decisive in situations where the wind can significantly increase the feeling of cold. Gloves with windproof coating or membranes help retain heat, preventing your hands from freezing.

Here are some of the materials often used for this purpose.

1. GORE-TEX is a membrane that provides excellent windproof and waterproof properties while providing breathability.

2. Softshell materials are a group of fabrics that combine windproof, breathable properties and a certain degree of waterproofness. They are also flexible, lightweight and easy to handle. However, be aware that softshell may be less effective in water resistance than GORE-TEX.

3. Windstopper is a fabric designed to provide effective wind protection while remaining breathable and comfortable to wear. Of the minuses, as in the case of softshell, waterproof characteristics are limited.

4. Hardshell materials such as nylon or polyester can be treated with special treatments to make them windproof and waterproof. At the same time, they have less breathability compared to previous materials.

 

Ventilation systems for temperature regulation

Consider glove models with ventilation systems that allow for temperature regulation in average to warm climates. This is especially important for those who use gloves in different weather conditions.

 

Sealed and protected from snow

Gloves should be able to protect you from exposure to snow and moisture. Check the tightness of the cuffs to prevent snow from getting inside the gloves. You can use models with detachable cuffs for easy putting on and taking off.

 

Interaction with other tactical equipment

It is important to consider how gloves interact with other tactical equipment, such as weapons or clothing. Different models of gloves may have special functional elements, for example, anatomical fastenings that make working with other objects easier.

 

Touch screen compatible

If your tasks involve gadgets, such as controlling drones, make sure you wear gloves that allow you to use touch screens. All models (both winter and demi-season) of the Mechanics brand have this function, as well as some models from other manufacturers.

 

Additional important considerations

In addition to the above characteristics, when choosing not only winter, but also any other types of tactical gloves, it is important to choose the right shape and size. This chapter provides some tips on this matter.

 

Size Measurement

To find out the right glove size you should measure:

• arm length — measured from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist, including the girth of the hand;

• girth or width of the palm (you need to look at the measurement rules for each brand separately).

 

Keep in mind that length is more important than width. Tactical gloves tend to stretch over time, but if there is excess material at the fingertips, this problem cannot be corrected. Therefore, when choosing gloves, you first need to focus on the correct height measurement.

 

Hand fit

If you are buying any model of gloves for the first time, it is better to try them on in an offline store or order them online with cash on delivery — so that you can check at the point of delivery how comfortable they are for you.

Properly selected gloves should be comfortable and not create unpleasant sensations, but should fit tightly to the hand. They allow free movement of the fingers and hand to perform tasks efficiently.

Please note that loose gloves make handling equipment difficult. They may even slip off during use. With this in mind, it is better to choose gloves with a tighter fit than a loose fit.

Choosing looser winter gloves is only appropriate if you plan to wear thin gloves as the first layer under insulated ones.

 

Choosing a model depending on the activity type

Let's consider which glove functions are important for different purposes of use.

1. Shooting and tactical operations:

- accuracy and sensitivity — shooting gloves must provide a high level of accuracy and sensitivity of the fingers for effective interaction with firearms;

- compatibility with rifles — choose gloves with minimal volume on the hand and special inserts for the fingers for optimal interaction with the weapon.

2. Driving transport:

- sensitivity and grip — sensitivity to touch and good grip on the steering wheel are important for driving vehicles;

- steering feel — choose from more thin materials that provide steering feel and flexibility.

3. Military ground operations of infantrymen:

- protection and endurance — military ground operations require gloves with a high level of protection against mechanical damage and increased wear resistance;

- protection from the elements — to be able to perform assigned tasks in any weather conditions, gloves must protect from wind, wetness and frost.

4. Rescue operations:

- thermal insulation and protection from extreme temperatures — during rescue operations in the cold season, both protection from low temperatures and the presence of fire-resistant properties in gloves are important;

- compatibility with equipment — for individual rescue units, the compatibility of gloves with wearing under other protective layers of equipment is important.

 

Popular models of winter gloves

Let's move on to considering specific models of winter gloves that can be purchased in Ukraine.

 

1. Mechanix Coldwork FastFit. Effectively protect against cold and cuts, and elastic cuffs allow you to quickly remove or put on gloves. The outer part is made of waterproof SoftShell material, which also protects against the penetration of cold air. The palm is made from synthetic leather, providing the perfect combination of dexterity and durability. Fleece insulation helps keep you warm without compromising your dexterity with your equipment or weapon. Additionally, the gloves are equipped with touch screen technology that allows you to control drones and stay connected.




2. Mechanix ColdWork Insulated FastFit Plus. This model is similar to the previous one, but can be used in colder temperatures thanks to the additional insulation consisting of two layers of 3M Thinsulate, which provide warmth but at the same time maintain flexibility.




3. Oakley Tactical Pilot 2.0. Designed for use in the air or on the ground, suitable for drivers, pilots, tactical operations. The gloves are made from a complex of materials that are resistant to wear and abrasion and are reinforced with inserts made of impact-resistant plastic. The palm is made from goat leather for a natural feel and strong grip. Carbon inserts on knuckles and the first phalanges provide protection to the joints. These gloves allow you to use touch screens.




4. Dexshell Arendal Biking Gloves. For the outer part, polyester with waterproof impregnation is used. The inside of the glove is made of microfiber. Features two-layer PrimaLoft® Gold Cross Core insulation and a waterproof, breathable Porelle® insert.




5. Dexshell Drylite Gloves. The outer layer on the back of the hand is made of a combination of polyester and elastane, which creates a dense and mechanically resistant material. The top layer on the palm consists of three types of fibers: viscose — to prevent rapid heat loss, nylon and elastane — to give the material elasticity. The addition of anti-slip elements improves grip on small objects, allowing you to hold the steering wheel, ski poles or weapons more firmly. Waterproof properties are ensured by a thin layer of Porelle® membrane. The gloves are touch screen compatible.




6. Masley Cold Weather Flyers. Approved for use in military aviation. Provides dexterity and shooting accuracy. The outer part of the glove is made of waterproof NOMEX® and GORE-TEX® material, which provide fire resistance, flash flame protection up to 427°C, waterproof and cut resistance. The palms are made of water-repellent goatskin. The lining uses Non-Melt Anti-Microbial SmartSilver™ fabric, which is flame retardant and antimicrobial.




7. M-Tac Winter Soft Shell. Designed for use in cool seasons, ideal for long stays outdoors. Thanks to the SoftShell material, they provide excellent protection against wind, snow or moisture and at the same time dry quickly. The palm area is additionally reinforced with genuine leather to prevent premature wear, improve grip and prevent slip. The Touch Screen overlay on the index finger will allow you to use the touch screens of smartphones, GPS navigators and tablets without removing your gloves.

 

Customer reviews of gloves from Punisher store

👈Oakley Tactical Pilot 2.0

 

Mechanix ColdWork Insulated FastFit Plus👉

 

👈Mechanix Coldwork FastFit

 

Conclusions

The article discussed important aspects that should be considered when choosing winter tactical gloves. The tips presented are aimed at meeting the needs of the military, shooters, vehicle drivers and other categories of specialized users.

Safety, comfort and functionality are the key priorities when choosing. To satisfy them, gloves must meet the following requirements:

• thermal insulation, waterproof, windproof properties; for some cases — fire resistance;

• breathability to ensure good thermoregulation;

• protection against cuts;

• flexibility and good sensitivity.

 

Selection of material for protective gloves depends on the specific conditions of use and personal preference. Most modern models use a combination of different materials to create gloves that meet a variety of requirements and provide comprehensive protection in cold and windy conditions.

We hope this article will help you choose comfortable gloves that will keep your hands warm and protected even in the harshest winter conditions.