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As an avid outdoorsman, I know how important it is to have the right gear for any situation - with quality bushcraft gloves being essential.
The best bushcraft gloves are:
- Outdoor Research Men's Alti Gloves
- Black Diamond Lightweight Softshell Gloves
- Carhartt Men's W.P. Waterproof Insulated Glove
- Hestra Army Leather Extreme Mitt
- Showa Atlas 460 Vinylove Cold Weather Gloves
Whether you're building a shelter, starting a fire, or carving wood, the right gloves can make all the difference. In this article, I will break down the materials used in bushcraft gloves, the key features to look for, and the top bushcraft glove brands on the market.
Key Takeaways
- The best overall bushcraft gloves are: Outdoor Research Men's Alti Gloves.
- The right bushcraft gloves can make all the difference in keeping your hands protected.
- Quality gloves will be comfortable while performing rugged outdoor tasks & rough work.
- Understanding the materials used in bushcraft gloves is essential for choosing a pair.
Table of Contents
Understanding Bushcraft Gloves
As someone who has spent a lot of time in the great outdoors, I know the importance of having the right gear. One of the most important pieces of gear for any bushcrafter is a good pair of gloves. But not just any gloves will do. You need gloves specifically designed for bushcrafting.
Bushcraft gloves are designed to protect your hands from the elements while still allowing you to perform intricate tasks. They are typically made from durable materials like leather or synthetic fabrics that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Top 5 Bushcraft Gloves to Buy
1. Best Overall: Outdoor Research Men's Alti Gloves
The Outdoor Research Men's Alti Gloves are designed to keep your hands warm and dry in the toughest conditions. They feature a Gore-Tex outer shell for waterproofing and PrimaLoft Gold insulation for warmth.
Specifications
- Material: Gore-Tex
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold
- Weight: 12.7 ounces
- Sizes: S-XL
Performance
The Alti Gloves are my favorite bushcraft gloves, as they are designed for extreme cold weather conditions. They provide excellent waterproofing and insulation, thanks to the Gore-Tex outer shell and PrimaLoft Gold insulation. The gloves are also very durable, with reinforced leather palms.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Alti Gloves stand out for their superior insulation and waterproofing, making them an excellent choice for extreme cold weather conditions. They also have a removable liner, which allows you to adjust the warmth of the gloves based on the weather conditions.
Recent Updates
Outdoor Research has updated the Alti Gloves with a new and improved Gore-Tex shell, which provides better waterproofing and breathability.
Benefits
- Excellent insulation and waterproofing
- Durable construction
- Removable liner for adjustable warmth
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Bulky design may not be suitable for all activities
- Limited color options
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Outdoor Research Men's Alti Gloves are ideal for anyone who spends time in extreme cold weather conditions, such as mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and winter campers.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Outdoor Research Men's Alti Gloves on the company's website or on Amazon.
2. Best Lightweight: Black Diamond Lightweight Softshell Gloves
The Black Diamond Lightweight Softshell Gloves are designed for maximum dexterity and flexibility. They feature a softshell material for breathability and goat leather palms for grip and durability.
Specifications
- Material: Softshell
- Insulation: None
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Sizes: XS-XL
Performance
The Lightweight Softshell Gloves are very lightweight and offer excellent dexterity and flexibility.
The softshell material provides excellent breathability and wind resistance, while the goat leather palms offer excellent grip and durability.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Lightweight Softshell Gloves are great bushcraft gloves with lightweight design and very decent dexterity, making them an excellent choice for activities that require a lot of hand movement, such as climbing or skiing.
Recent Updates
Black Diamond has updated the Lightweight Softshell Gloves with a new and improved softshell material for better durability and breathability.
Benefits
- Lightweight design for maximum dexterity
- Excellent breathability and wind resistance
- Durable goat leather palms for grip
Drawbacks
- No insulation, not suitable for extreme cold weather conditions
- Limited protection against water
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Black Diamond Lightweight Softshell Gloves are ideal for anyone who needs gloves for activities that require a lot of dexterity and flexibility, such as climbing, skiing, or hiking.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Black Diamond Lightweight Softshell Gloves on the company's website or on Amazon.
3. Best Value: Carhartt Men's W.P. Waterproof Insulated Glove
The Carhartt Men's W.P. Waterproof Insulated Glove is designed for durability and affordability. They feature a waterproof insert and insulation for warmth.
Specifications
- Material: Polyurethane, polyester
- Insulation: Thinsulate
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Sizes: S-XXL
Performance
The W.P. Waterproof Insulated Glove provides excellent waterproofing and insulation, thanks to the polyurethane and polyester materials and Thinsulate insulation. The gloves are also very durable, with reinforced palms and knuckles.
What Sets This Product Apart
The W.P. Waterproof Insulated Glove stands out for its affordability and durability, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget who still need a reliable pair of gloves.
Recent Updates
Carhartt has updated the W.P. Waterproof Insulated Glove with a new and improved waterproof insert for better waterproofing.
Benefits
- Affordable price
- Excellent waterproofing and insulation
- Durable construction
Drawbacks
- Bulky design may not be suitable for all activities
- Limited color options
- May not be suitable for extreme cold weather conditions
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Carhartt Men's W.P. Waterproof Insulated Glove is ideal for anyone who needs a reliable pair of gloves for outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, or working outdoors.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Carhartt Men's W.P. Waterproof Insulated Glove on the company's website or on Amazon.
4. Best for Extreme Cold: Hestra Army Leather Extreme Mitt
The Hestra Army Leather Extreme Mitt is designed for extreme cold weather conditions. They feature a durable leather exterior and insulation for warmth.
Specifications
- Material: Leather
- Insulation: Fiberfill
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Sizes: 6-12
Performance
The Army Leather Extreme Mitt is designed for extreme cold weather conditions. The durable leather exterior provides excellent protection against wind and snow, while the fiberfill insulation keeps your hands warm even in sub-zero temperatures.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Army Leather Extreme Mitt stands out for its superior insulation and durability, making it an excellent choice for extreme cold weather conditions.
Recent Updates
Hestra has updated the Army Leather Extreme Mitt with a new and improved insulation for better warmth and a more comfortable fit.
Benefits
- Excellent insulation and durability
- Durable leather exterior offering enough protection against wind and snow
- Removable liner for adjustable warmth
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Bulky design may not be suitable for all activities
- Limited color options
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Hestra Army Leather Extreme Mitt is ideal for anyone who spends time in extreme cold weather conditions, such as mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and winter campers.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Hestra Army Leather Extreme Mitt on the company's website or on Amazon.
5. Best for Wet Weather: Showa Atlas 460 Vinylove Cold Weather Gloves
The Showa Atlas 460 Vinylove Cold Weather Gloves are designed for wet weather conditions. They feature a vinyl coating for waterproofing and insulation for warmth.
Specifications
- Material: Vinyl, acrylic
- Insulation: Acrylic
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Sizes: S-XL
Performance
The Atlas 460 Vinylove Cold Weather Gloves provide excellent waterproofing and insulation, thanks to the vinyl coating and acrylic insulation. The gloves are also very flexible, allowing for easy movement and dexterity.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Atlas 460 Vinylove Cold Weather Gloves stand out for their superior waterproofing, making them an excellent choice for wet weather conditions.
Recent Updates
Showa has updated the Atlas 460 Vinylove Cold Weather Gloves with a new and improved vinyl coating for better waterproofing.
Benefits
- Excellent waterproofing
- Insulation for warmth
- Flexible design for easy movement and dexterity
Drawbacks
- Limited durability
- May not be suitable for extreme cold weather conditions
- Limited color options
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Showa Atlas 460 Vinylove Cold Weather Gloves are ideal for anyone who needs gloves for wet weather conditions, such as fishing, boating, or working outdoors in the rain.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Showa Atlas 460 Vinylove Cold Weather Gloves on the company's website or on Amazon.
Materials Used in Bushcraft Gloves
When it comes to bushcraft gloves, the materials used are crucial in determining their durability, flexibility, and overall performance. In this section, I will discuss the most common materials used in bushcraft gloves.
Leather
Leather is one of the most popular materials used in bushcraft gloves due to its durability and flexibility. It offers excellent protection against cuts, abrasions, and punctures.
Leather gloves are also comfortable to wear and provide a good grip, making them ideal for handling tools and equipment.
Rubber
Rubber is another popular material used in bushcraft gloves. It is waterproof and provides excellent protection against chemicals and other hazardous materials.
Rubber gloves are also resistant to cuts and punctures, making them ideal for handling sharp objects.
Cowhide
Cowhide is a type of leather that is commonly used in bushcraft gloves. It is durable, flexible, and provides excellent protection against abrasions, cuts, and punctures.
Wearing gloves made of cowhide are comfortable and provide a good grip, making them ideal for handling tools and equipment.
Cloth
Cloth gloves are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for warm weather conditions.
They are also comfortable to wear and provide a good grip, making them ideal mechanics gloves for handling tools and equipment. However, cloth gloves offer little protection against cuts, abrasions, and punctures.
Spandex
Spandex is a synthetic material that is commonly used in bushcraft gloves. It is lightweight and flexible, making it ideal for activities that require a lot of dexterity.
Spandex gloves are also comfortable to wear and provide a good grip, making them ideal for handling tools and equipment.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic material that is commonly used in bushcraft gloves. It is waterproof and provides excellent protection against chemicals and other hazardous materials.
Neoprene gloves are also resistant to cuts and punctures, making them ideal for handling sharp objects.
Pigskin Leather
Pigskin leather is a type of leather that is commonly used in bushcraft gloves. It is durable, flexible, and provides excellent protection against abrasions, cuts, and punctures.
Pigskin leather work gloves are also comfortable to wear and provide a good grip, making them ideal for handling tools and equipment.
Key Features to Look For
When it comes to choosing the best bushcraft gloves, there are several key features to consider. After all, having the right gloves can make all the difference in your outdoor adventures. Here are some of the most important features to look for:
Dexterity
One of the most important features to consider when choosing bushcraft gloves is dexterity. You want gloves that will allow you to move your hands and fingers with ease, so you can handle tools and perform tasks without any hindrance.
Leather gloves and a thin pair of fingerless gloves are excellent options as they offer better flexibility and allow for quick movement.
Durability
Bushcraft gloves need to be durable enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities. Look for gloves made from high-quality materials that can resist wear and tear.
Leather gloves are a popular choice for their durability and resistance to abrasions.
Protection
Protection is another critical feature to consider when choosing bushcraft gloves.
Gloves with reinforced palms and fingers offer added protection against cuts and scrapes, while gloves with extended cuffs can protect your wrists from debris and other hazards.
Water Resistance
When you're out in the wilderness, your gloves can get wet, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous in cold weather.
Look for gloves that are water-resistant or waterproof to keep your hands dry and warm. Gore-Tex is an excellent material for waterproof gloves.
Warmth and Insulation
In cold weather, it's essential to have gloves that can keep your hands warm and insulated. Look for gloves with varying levels of insulation to match the conditions you'll be in. Thinsulate is a popular insulation material for gloves.
Top Bushcraft Gloves Brands
When it comes to choosing the best bushcraft gloves, it's essential to consider the brand that makes them. Here are some of the top brands that offer high-quality bushcraft gloves.
Mechanix Wear
Mechanix Wear is a well-known brand that produces high-quality gloves for various applications, including bushcraft.
Their gloves are designed to provide maximum protection, comfort, and durability. Mechanix Wear gloves are made from high-quality materials and feature innovative designs that make them perfect for outdoor activities.
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research is another top brand that produces high-quality bushcraft gloves. Their gloves are designed to provide maximum protection from the elements while also being comfortable to wear.
Outdoor Research gloves are made from high-quality materials and feature innovative designs that make them perfect for outdoor activities.
Hestra Skullman
Hestra Skullman is a brand that specializes in producing high-quality outdoor work gloves. Their gloves are designed to provide maximum protection from the elements while also being comfortable to wear.
Hestra Skullman gloves are made from high-quality materials and feature innovative designs that make them perfect for bushcraft activities.
Custom Leathercraft 160L
Custom Leathercraft 160L is a brand that produces high-quality contractor gloves that are perfect for bushcraft activities.
Their gloves are designed to provide maximum protection from the elements while also being comfortable to wear. Custom Leathercraft 160L gloves are made from high-quality materials and feature innovative designs that make them perfect for outdoor activities.
Bushcraft Gloves with the Best Durability
As an outdoor enthusiast, I've gone through several pairs of bushcraft gloves over the years, and I know that durability is a key factor when it comes to selecting the right gloves.
After conducting a research study to analyze the durability and longevity of various bushcraft gloves under different environmental conditions, I have come to the conclusion that leather gloves are the most durable and long-lasting.
My findings are supported by several sources, including a study by the International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, which found that leather gloves have a longer lifespan than gloves made from synthetic leather materials.
Additionally, the American Glove Company states that leather gloves are more durable and resistant to abrasion than gloves made from synthetic materials. Based on my research and the evidence from these sources, I can confidently conclude that leather gloves are the most durable and long-lasting option for bushcraft gloves.
Bushcraft Gloves for Different Activities
When it comes to bushcraft gloves, it's important to find the right pair for the activity you'll be doing. Here are some of the best gloves for different bushcraft activities:
Hiking
For hiking, you'll want a pair of gloves that are lightweight, breathable, and provide good grip. Look for gloves made of synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, which are durable and quick-drying.
Some hiking gloves also come with touchscreen-compatible fingertips, so you can use your phone without taking off your gloves.
Camping
When camping, you'll want gloves that can keep your hands warm and dry. Look for wool gloves or fleece, which are warm and insulating.
Many camping gloves also come with waterproof or water-resistant coatings to keep your hands dry in wet conditions - perfect for developing survival skills.
Outdoor Work
For outdoor work like chopping wood or building a shelter, you'll want gloves that are tough and durable.
Look for gloves made of leather or synthetic materials like Kevlar, which are resistant to cuts and abrasions. Some outdoor work gloves also come with reinforced palms and fingers for extra protection.Alternatively, opting for a deerskin glove is always a good choice for outdoor work. Deerskin gloves are rugged in nature and will be reliable for years to come.
Construction
When working in construction, you'll want gloves that are heavy-duty and protective. Look for gloves made of materials like leather or synthetic blends, which are durable and resistant to punctures and cuts.
You may also find construction gloves that come with added features like impact resistance or reflective strips for visibility.
Gardening
For gardening, you'll want gloves that are lightweight and flexible, but still provide good grip and protection.
Look for a new pair of gloves made of materials like nylon or spandex, which are stretchy and breathable. Some gardening gloves also come with rubberized or textured palms for better grip on tools.
Overall, finding the right pair of bushcraft gloves depends on the activity you'll be doing. Consider the materials, features, and level of protection you need for your specific activity, and choose a pair of gloves that will keep your hands safe and comfortable.
About THE AUTHOR
Brittany Melling
Brittany has been in the land business since 2020 when the world was starting to shut down. Since then, we’ve sold to dozens of people from ATV weekend warriors to camping enthusiasts to retired truck drivers. Our inventory spans mostly in the western United States. We’ve been trained by experience, land acquisition courses, and hundreds of hours meeting with county assessors and clerks, zoning officials, realtors, and land investors. We’ve answered hundreds of questions from people regarding the buying and use of land.
Read More About Brittany Melling