Gloves or Mittens in the Winter?
Both can be used for a wide range of activities, including hiking, climbing and snow sports.
Gloves offer better dexterity, making them suitable for tasks that require fine motor skills, such as handling equipment, using navigation devices, or preparing food. They provide warmth and wicking to each finger, and you can wear liners for added insulation or choose different glove weights depending on the weather. Because your fingers are separated though, there is more exposed surface area which can mean cold seeps in faster, especially in extremely cold conditions or extended periods outdoors.
Mittens, on the other hand, can be warmer because all fingers are in the same compartment, sharing heat. Though this can result in perspiration, mittens are usually the preferred choice because of superior insulation. They are also easy to put on and take off in cold conditions. You will have reduced dexterity in mittens, making tasks requiring precision more challenging, as in climbing or handling small equipment.
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Winter gloves that allow you to use your cell phone
"Touchscreen" or "smartphone" gloves have conductive material in the fingertips that enables you to use your phone's touch screen without removing your gloves.
Here are some considerations when looking for such gloves:
Material: Look for gloves made with silver-coated nylon or specialized touchscreen-compatible fabric in the fingertips. These materials allow for touch sensitivity and conductivity. These gloves should also have a good grip on the palms and fingers to prevent dropping your phone.
Fit, Comfort & Warmth: Ensure that the gloves fit well and are comfortable for your hands. Proper fit is essential for dexterity and warmth. Consider the level of insulation, and look for options with additional insulation or lining..
Compatibility: Make sure the gloves are compatible with your specific cell phone or device. Most touchscreen gloves work well with both iOS and Android devices, but it's important to verify this.
Durability & Cleaning: Consider the quality and durability of the gloves to ensure they last through the winter season, and check if the gloves are machine washable or if they require special care to clean.
Price: As always, look for gloves that fit your budget while meeting your needs.
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Here’s a list of touchscreen gloves with positive reviews, known for their quality.
The North Face Etip Gloves: Known for its quality outdoor gear, their Etip Gloves offer both warmth and touchscreen functionality.
Smartwool Merino 250 Gloves: Made from merino wool, known for its warmth and moisture-wicking properties, these gloves also work well with touchscreen devices.
Outdoor Research Sensor Gloves: Another reputable outdoor gear brand, their Sensor Gloves are designed for cold weather and feature touchscreen-compatible fingertips.
Isotoner SmartDRI SmarTouch Gloves: Known for its comfortable and affordable gloves. The SmartDRI SmarTouch Gloves offer touchscreen capability and come in various styles.
Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Liner Gloves: These are designed to be worn as liners under heavier gloves or on their own. They provide touchscreen compatibility and extra warmth.
URPowered Touchscreen Gloves: They offer a range of touchscreen gloves for different activities, and are known for their affordability and effectiveness.
GliderGloves Copper Infused Touchscreen Gloves: These gloves are designed to provide excellent touchscreen responsiveness. The copper-infused material helps retain heat.
Agloves Sport Touchscreen Gloves: Specializing in touchscreen-compatible gloves, their Sport Touchscreen Gloves are known for precision and comfort.
Outdoor Research Gripper Sensor Gloves: These gloves are designed for outdoor activities and provides touchscreen functionality.
Nike Element Thermal 2.0 Run Gloves: If you're looking for touchscreen gloves for running, these gloves are designed for cold-weather workouts & touchscreen compatibility.
When choosing touchscreen gloves, consider warmth, fit, durability, and style in addition to their touchscreen capabilities. It's also essential to check the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure the gloves fit your hands comfortably. If possible, try on gloves in-store to help you find the perfect pair for your winter activities.
