Black Diamond Cayenne Gloves
A three-setting lithium-powered heat coil produces up to ten hours (less if you crank it up) of waterproof-breathable warmth. Even better, the Cayenne is sufficiently insulated to keep your hands reasonably warm even when the juice isn鈥檛 flowing.
TAGS: battery-powered, expensive
Sierra Designs Transporter Gloves
Athletically cut but well reinforced (palm, index finger, and knuckles), the midweight Transporters earned this year鈥檚 highest marks for dexterity. The water-resistant and fleece-lined leather-and-soft-shell exteriors are good for all but the coldest temps.
TAGS: workhorse, armored
Mountain Hardwear Dragon鈥檚 Claw Gloves
Articulated goatskin-and-nylon fingers easily grip ski poles and excel in wet-snow climes like the Northwest, thanks to the waterproof-breathable OutDry shell, which doesn鈥檛 allow moisture to penetrate the glove.
TAGS: leather, ergonomic
The waterproof-breathable OutDry mem-brane on the Dragon鈥檚 Claw isn鈥檛 a separate internal layer like in most gloves. Instead, it鈥檚 bonded directly to the outer, which improves dexterity and keeps wet snow from getting inside.
Ibex Kilometer II Gloves
Perfect for nordic skiing or snowshoeing, the Kilometer II relies on a blend of synthetics lined with merino wool to stay lightweight and breathable. The terrycloth nose wipe on the thumb is duvet-soft, and the fabric across the knuckles makes the glove ultrasupple.
TAGS: breathable, merino wool
Outdoor Research Firebrand Gloves
Outdoor Research makes these heavily insulated finger foxholes for the military鈥檚 elite forces. The only American-manufactured glove in the test, the Firebrand has removable liners with batted insulation on the back of the hand and thumb, as well as fleece in the palm for dexterity.
TAGS: special ops, removable liner
Stoic Welder Trigger Mitts
Trigger-finger gloves have long been popular with cyclists for their combo of warmth and shifter-friendliness. Turns out the lobster-claw design is great for futzing with buckles, too. The wool liners dried fast, and the waterproof-breathable Welders performed well sans liners on warmer days.
TAGS: claw, multisport