8 Best Snowmobile Gloves Reviewed

When the snow falls in the winter, you’ll either find me on my snowmobile or my skis. I’ve used plenty of different gloves over the years and always try to find the best option to keep my hands warm. I also need gloves that allow enough movement to work on my sled if required.  

The FXR Leather Gauntlet Glove is my favorite glove for snowmobiling. I like to have a couple of different styles of gloves available to match the type of riding I’m doing or the weather conditions, so I’ll show you a handful of other great options here. 

Gloves are an essential piece of equipment, and you should invest in something that will last a long time and always keep your hands warm. 

The Leather Gauntlet is the best option and my personal favorite, but all of the other gloves that made this list come highly recommended in their respective categories. 

Let’s take a closer look at all of them. 

My List of Best Snowmobile Gloves

Any pair of gloves is going to be better than none at all. But there is also a big difference between an average pair and the best option for snowmobiling. Everything you’ll find on this list will offer plenty of warmth and performance.

1. FXR Leather Gauntlet Glove

• Best for: Overall
• Key features: Waterproof, comfortable, warm, curved-finger design adds dexterity, reflective
• Materials: Cowhide leather
• Insulation: 300G Thinsulate, 200G back of hand
• Sizes available: Small – 3XL

The FXR Leather Gauntlet Glove is my top choice when I’m on my sled. They have the best combination of all of the features that I look for in a snowmobile glove. 

A full-grain cowhide leather construction makes them extra comfortable and adds flexibility. This material breaks in the more you wear them, which means they will continue to get better with time. 

They also come with a pre-curved finger design that allows for another degree of comfort and keeps your fingers free to move as you ride. I feel fully in control with these on my hands. 

Three hundred grams of Thinsulate insulation provides plenty of warmth when you need it. The back of the hand only has 200 grams, which is a nice touch that helps reduce bulk and add breathability. 

The Gauntlet also has a waterproof Hipora membrane liner that adds extra protection against the elements and helps wick away moisture on warmer days. 

Leather construction is not for everyone. You might need to treat these with a waterproofing material after a season or two of heavy use. The leather will also show signs of wear, but this doesn’t mean the gloves lose effectiveness. 

These are a highly recommended option that I think most snowmobilers will genuinely appreciate. 

==> You can also get it on RevZilla.com or CycleGear.com.

2. FXR Recon Heated Glove

• Best for: Warmth 
• Key features: Battery-powered heat, good insulation, durable construction, waterproof, breathable
• Materials: Durable nylon laminate shell, leather palm
• Insulation: 3 stage thermal heat setting, 300G Thinsulate back, 200G palm
• Sizes available: XXS-4XL

If you are riding in extreme cold or tend to struggle with your fingers getting cold, the FXR Heated Recon Glove is a perfect heated option. They are the best snowmobile gloves for warmth.  

Similar to my top option from FXR above, these gloves have a good mix of features you’ll want and need on the trail. They go an extra step to offer a 3-stage thermal heat setting powered by a rechargeable lithium battery for superior warmth. 

This gives you the ability to keep your hands warm in severe cold, and an easy control button allows you to customize your comfort. 

The Recon is built out of a durable nylon laminated shell and leather palm. This is a great combination of materials to give you agility and weather protection no matter if the heater is on or not. 

A wrist strap and goggle wipe are a few additional built-in features that add value. They have a pre-curved finger design, which enhances flexibility when you’re driving. 

The battery will only last about five hours and can be even less when the temperature drops far below zero, so you won’t have reliable heat all day long. They are also very expensive. 

But if you want the option of turning on the heat when snowmobiling, these are the gloves to choose from. 

==> You can also get it on Walmart.

3. Flylow Tough Guy Gloves

• Best for: Low Profile
• Key features: Extremely comfortable, ultimate flexibility, durable, waterproof, affordable 
• Materials: Triple-baked pigskin leather
• Insulation: Spaceloft Micropuff
• Sizes available: XS-XXL

The Flylow Tough Guy Gloves are the perfect option for riders who want a low profile glove built to last. 

These are probably my favorite everyday winter glove for just about any activity. They are comfortable, affordable, and will last you for years if you take good care of them. 

The pigskin leather construction makes the Tough Guy Gloves extra soft and flexible. This allows you to work on your sled and keep a good grip on the handlebars while you ride. 

A triple-baked Sno Seal beeswax treatment adds serious waterproofing to the gloves, so they are ready to tackle the trail as soon as you put them on your hands. 

Spaceloft Micropuff insulation makes them plenty warm, especially for a low profile option. 

I wouldn’t use these gloves in extremely cold conditions because they don’t have enough insulation to keep your hands reliably warm. 

And although they are incredibly durable, you will want to learn how to retreat them with waterproofing wax every season for maximum performance. 

==> You can also get it on Evo.com.

4. Castle X Epic-G1 Gloves

• Best for: Budget Option
• Key features: Affordable, DWR coated, breathable insert, sure-grip palm, padded knuckles
• Materials: High tenacity dobby nylon shell
• Insulation: 200G Thinsulate Platinum
• Sizes available: Small – XXXL

The Castle X Epic-G1 Gloves are a good option for any snowmobiler on a budget. These aren’t the cheapest gloves in the world. But they are some of the most affordable snowmobile gloves that give you all of the warmth and comfort you’ll want on the trail. 

Constructed out of high tenacity dobby nylon, they offer pretty good durability. Two hundred grams of Thinsulate Platinum insulation gives you plenty of warmth as well. 

The shell comes with a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating, which makes the gloves waterproof. A breathable insert adds another layer of waterproofing. 

A few snowmobile-focused features also stand out on the Epic-G1. A sure-grip palm provides extra traction, so you can hang onto the handlebars or any tools if you need to perform a quick fix. Padded knuckles add a little warmth and safety on top. 

The downside to a cheaper glove is that you do sacrifice some quality in construction. These gloves won’t be as durable or warm as the other options on the list. 

They still are a good option that can work well if money is tight. I just wouldn’t expect to get more than a season or two out of use from these. 

==> You can also get it at Walmart.

5. 509 Range Gloves

• Best for: Mountain Riding
• Key features: Pro fit, excellent grip, very durable, extended gauntlet, pre-curved fingers, double-stitched palm
• Materials: Leather and 5TECH
• Insulation: 400G Thinsulate back, 100G palm
• Sizes available: XS – XXL

The 509 Range Gloves are the best option for mountain riding. 

They are fully engineered to offer superior warmth and comfort when you are blasting around at full speeds. Top grain goat leather and 5TECH materials make sure of this but also adds lasting durability.

The palm is double-stitched and laser-etched, making the most used part of the glove extremely strong for heavy use and abuse. 

A pro fit with pre-curved fingers is also a nod toward the speedy intent and feel of the Range Gloves. They look cool while being designed to perform at a professional level. 

400G of Thinsulate insulation will keep you reliably warm, no matter what weather you are trail riding in. A velcro closure and an easy-to-adjust extended gauntlet provide another measure of protection against the elements. 

They also can act as an effective snowmobile glove with wipers to clear off your goggles or helmet thanks to the 5TECH material. 

The velcro wrist strap can bunch up a bit, so you’ll want to make sure you get the proper size. And 400 grams of insulation can be overkill if you ride in warmer weather.   

==> You can also get it on RevZilla.com, CycleGear.com or Walmart.

6. Klim Inversion Glove

• Best for: Warmer Weather
• Key features: Lightweight, comfortable, affordable, flexible, waterproof, silicone palm grips, elastic velcro cuff
• Materials: GORE-TEX, water-resistant suede, 
• Insulation: None
• Sizes available: S-3XL

If you ride in warmer weather, you don’t always want or need a lot of insulation. The Klim Inversion Glove provides you with fantastic performance in a thin, lightweight package. 

They are simple by design but will give you enough protection from light wind and snow to keep you comfortable on the trail. 

GORE-TEX construction is key to keeping these gloves very light and minimal while still offering waterproof capabilities. This material will keep the wind away from your hands as well. 

The palm and fingers are made out of a water-resistant suede that is super comfortable while giving you decent grip and durability. Silicone palm grips will keep your hands from sliding off the handlebars. 

The Inversion also has an elastic velcro cuff to make sure they stay in place while you ride. A nose wipe and touch-screen compatibility showcase how functional they can be while remaining minimal. 

If you’re using snowmobile gloves with a removable liner, you can substitute the Inversion in its place extra warmth.  

These gloves are not very warm. They aren’t supposed to be. So I wouldn’t recommend them in weather under 30F. They also aren’t incredibly durable. 

They are a good lightweight, minimal option that is good to have around.

==> You can also get it on RevZilla.com or CycleGear.com.

7. 509 Backcountry Gloves

• Best for: Backcountry
• Key features: Durable, permanently attached liner, good grip, extended length cuff, 
• Materials: Reinforced goat leather, stretch-woven softshell
• Insulation: 200G Thinsulate Back, 100G Front 
• Sizes available: XS-XXXL

Backcountry snowmobiling can be the ultimate experience, but you’ll want to make sure you have all of the best equipment available to keep you safe and warm. 

The 509 Backcountry Gloves are the perfect choice for any rider who likes to get far away from it all to find fresh snow and wide-open lines. 

Reinforced goat leather construction gives you strength, durability, and warmth. A stretch-woven softshell enhances comfort and cold-weather protection another notch. 

The permanently attached liner means you’ll never lose half of your glove in the snow and gives you another layer of defense against the cold. This liner is breathable too, so you’ll be ready for anything the backcountry throws at you. 

The gauntlet is easy to adjust on the move, and 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation gives you enough warmth when you need it without being overdone. 

While they are versatile in various conditions, I would pack a liner or hand warmers when extreme cold is in the forecast. 

==> You can also get this product on Cycle Gear.

8. FXR Youth Octane Glove

• Best for: Toddlers and kids
• Key features: Youth sizes, warm, waterproof, comfortable, polar fleece lining 
• Materials: Nylon shell
• Insulation: 200 grams
• Sizes available: Youth small, medium, large

The best snowmobile gloves for toddlers and kids is the FXR Youth Octane Glove. 

If you want to get your kids excited about winter sports, you need to keep them warm and comfortable. These gloves will do just that and keep a big smile on their face even in harsh winter conditions. 

They are specifically built for smaller hands but still have all of the features you would expect out of a high quality snowmobile glove. 

A nylon shell with 200 grams of insulation provides a good barrier against wind and cold with excellent waterproofing properties as well. The waterproof membrane layers adds another level of protection. 

With a pre-curved finger design and wrist gaiter, these will fit the hands of younger riders while keeping them comfortable whether they are learning to drive or just hanging out on the back of your sled. 

They aren’t meant for extremely cold temperatures, so be sure to buy your kids glove heaters or get them mittens if severe weather is in the forecast. 

==> You can also get it at Walmart.

What to Look for in Snowmobile Gloves

The following criteria will help narrow down your choices so you can make a more informed decision when buying a pair of snowmobile gloves.

Warmth

Gloves need to keep your hands and fingers warm. That is their primary and most important purpose. There are plenty of other factors to consider, but if gloves don’t offer good warmth, they aren’t worth buying at all.

The more insulation that gloves have, the warmer they will be. If you have trouble keeping your hands warm, consider getting heated gloves.  

Durability

To get a good value out of your snowmobile gloves, you will want a tough and durable pair. Look for high-quality materials such as leather and GORE-TEX that add strength when shopping.

If you do get leather gloves, make sure to treat them with a waterproofing material every season to extend their durability even further.  

Dexterity/Flexibility 

You need to have flexible gloves to operate the controls of your snowmobile effectively. This is especially true if you want to be able to do any field repairs on your sled. I recommend gloves that are thick enough to be warm but thin enough to add dexterity.  

Snowmobile Gloves FAQs

Here are some quick answers to some common questions regarding snowmobile gloves. 

How should snowmobile gloves fit? 

You want your snowmobile gloves to fit tight enough to stay in place as you move your hands around but not restrict any blood flow. Most gloves come in different sizes, so make sure you get the proper size for your hand when ordering. 

What makes the best snowmobile gloves?

The best snowmobile gloves have a great combination of warmth, durability, and flexibility. They need to provide lasting protection against the cold while allowing you to move your hands freely.

Which snowmobile gloves are the warmest? 

The warmest snowmobile gloves often have battery-powered heating systems built-in. The FXR Heated Recon Glove is the warmest option on this list. 

How do you keep your hands warm when snowmobiling?

Keep your hands inside your gloves as much as possible to keep them warmer. If you have to take them off, make sure they are dry before putting your gloves back on. Making sure you are hydrated can help keep your hands a little warmer as well. 

My Verdict

Considering multiple factors, including cold-weather protection and dexterity, my vote for the best snowmobile gloves is the FXR Leather Gauntlet Glove. It is very comfortable while doing a great job of keeping your hands and fingers warm and dry. 

If you can afford it, having multiple pairs of gloves is a good idea so you can match your equipment to the weather or style of riding you like to do. A cold-weather option alongside a lightweight, warm-weather option is how I like to do things.

About Chaz Wyland