When I moved from California to Syracuse, New York—one of the snowiest cities in the country—I proudly invested in what I thought was a trendy pair of leather winter gloves. But as soon as the first snow fell on Halloween day, I quickly realized they were way too short and loose, and I ended up with exposed wet wrists and frozen fingers.
After that fateful day 20 years ago, I started trying out different pairs, but just wasn’t a fan. Wearing gloves made my hands feel confined, like I couldn’t operate properly. Eventually, I thought I could cheat the system by just tucking my hands into the warm pockets of my cozy winter coats. Of course, I’d inevitably return home with numb hands.
That began a crash course in winter accessories that was the start of my education in quality handwear. I soon realized that it wasn’t just about material and fit, but also about having the right gloves for every situation. Before I knew it, I had a collection of thin, lightweight polyester pairs for exercising, warm woolen varieties for hanging out outside, waterproof polyester ones for snowy days—as well as a heated pair for when I’d be spending long periods out in the intense cold.
This upcoming winter season, proper hand gear just might be more essential than ever, as the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts “above normal” levels in “snow-prone areas,” as well as “normal to colder-than-normal temperatures” in those places. So I set out to find the best hand coverings for every aspect of winter living. Below, 13 of the best winter gloves for travelers.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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