As the months get colder, taking your bike out for a spin starts to look a little bit different. Because of the cooler temperatures and harsher winds, gearing up for a ride looks extra-important.
One key part of gearing up in the winter is to get yourself a solid pair of gloves. Now, ordinary gloves just won’t cut it. We all know that persistent chill that seeps into your fingers, limiting your control over the throttle and brakes—bluntly, it’s a safety hazard and a quick way to ruin what would have been an exhilarating journey.
That’s where winter motorcycle gloves come into play, a game-changer that can turn your cold-weather rides from a frostbitten ordeal into a steadfast adventure. These are not your regular gloves—unsuitable for combating the cruel winter climate. Winter motorcycle gloves are thoughtfully designed with the challenges of low temperatures in mind; they offer much-needed warmth while still providing that crucial dexterity and grip you need to safely manage the controls.
Here’s a breakdown of how these gloves are different, what features they contain, and what to look for when buying a pair.
The Difference Between Winter Motorcycle Gloves and Regular Motorcycle Gloves
Believe me, both winter and regular motorcycle gloves serve unique, indispensable roles, especially when you have to withstand the harshness of winter riding. However, they’re not the same thing.
To give you a better idea of what each pair of gloves does and how and when to use them, let’s break them down in a bit more detail.
Regular Motorcycle Gloves
These gloves are typically designed with a focus on protection from road rash and trauma in the event of an accident. They’re often armed with armor in the knuckles, palm sliders, and additional reinforcements in high-wear areas.
Ventilation also tends to be a key feature for those hot summer rides, providing the necessary breathability that keeps your hands dry and comfortable.
Winter Motorcycle Gloves
These motorcycle gloves offer a different set of benefits most suited to cold weather conditions. They are designed to provide the highest level of thermal resistance, often using layers of advanced insulation materials, such as Thinsulate or Primaloft. Their structure is heavier and bulkier, primarily because they need to hold more insulation.
Additionally, the glove liners in winter gloves usually have a higher loft, which means they trap more air, creating a better insulation layer.
Moreover, winter motorcycle gloves also tend to be waterproof or at least water-resistant. Variations of synthetic leather or treated natural leather combined with waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex, such as the Olympia 4270 Gore-Tex® Wolf Gloves, are commonly used here. This feature is a lifesaver when you’re cauOlympia 4270 Gore-Tex® Wolf Gloves-Only Small availableght in a wintry mix or when accumulated snow on your bike starts to melt from the heat of the engine.
Features of Winter Motorcycle Gloves
We’ve talked a little bit about what winter motorcycle gloves are. With that said, let’s take a closer look at a couple of features.
These features are intended to improve your control, comfort, and safety during the colder months.
Understanding these features will not only help during the purchasing process but also in utilizing these gloves to their maximum potential.
Insulation
One of the most noticeable features of winter motorcycle gloves is the additional insulation they provide. This is essential for keeping the cold air out and your own body heat in. A good example of insulation is Thinsulate, a synthetic fiber thermal insulation used in clothing, recognized for its ability to retain warmth without compromising on glove thickness or flexibility.
The Olympia Winter Weather 6500 Cold Zip Gloves feature Thinsulate for extra protection against the elements.
Waterproofing
Most winter motorcycle gloves are designed to be waterproof or at least water-resistant. The significance of this feature can hit you during a ride in a surprise winter shower; if your gloves are drenched, your hands can soon become icy. It’s easy to underestimate the role weather plays during your ride. A waterproof membrane, like the tried-and-true Gore-Tex brand, is a must-have feature to keep your hands dry, warm, and functional.
A good example of gloves with this feature includes the Olympia 4298 Men’s Gore-Tex® 2 In 1 Commander Gloves.
Additional Armor/ Protective Padding
Many gloves have reinforced palms and knuckle covers made from materials like carbon or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). I’ve had a pair of gloves with TPU shells on the knuckles, and they undoubtedly add an extra layer of strength and protection, a feature especially handy in case of accidental skids or falls.
One great pair of gloves that has extra protection on the palms and knuckles is the Olympia 186 Typhoon Gloves.
Battery-Powered Heating Elements
Battery-powered heating elements can also be found in some pairs of winter gloves. These high-tech heated gloves typically feature warming elements woven into the fabric or situated in key areas like the back of the hand and around the fingers.
Best Materials for Winter Motorcycle Gloves
Choosing the appropriate material for winter motorcycle gloves is absolutely critical. Material choice can impact everything from warmth to dexterity to safety. Leather, textile, or a combination of both tend to be the most common choices.
In addition to what the glove itself is made of, you’ve also got to think about the insulation materials. Materials like Thinsulate and PrimaLoft are ideal. They are soft, lightweight, breathable, and, most importantly, very warm. Some gloves even feature dual lining – a thinner lining on the palm for better grip, control, and feel of the handlebar and a thicker lining on the backhand for extra warmth.
Leather
Leather gloves, such as the Olympia 4300 Men’s Gore-Tex® Rain or Shine Gloves, are popular because they offer exceptional durability and can often provide excellent protection. Cowhide or goat leather tend to be the most robust, providing strong resistance to abrasion in case of a slide. Leather is also prized for its comfort and the unique way it conforms to your hand over time, creating a personalized fit.
Textile
Textile gloves, like the Olympia 6000 Men’s Mustang I Gloves, are often lighter and more flexible. Many modern textile gloves come with waterproof membranes, which do a great job of keeping your hands dry. Brands like Gore-Tex and Dintex have mastered this, producing materials that are both waterproof and breathable to fight off the chill while wicking away sweat.
Combination
Usually, these gloves will have a leather palm for grip and abrasion resistance and a textile back for flexibility and weather resistance. An example of these gloves could be the Olympia 4104 Men’s WeatherKing Touch II.
What to Look for in Good Winter Motorcycle Gloves
Finding the right pair of winter motorcycle gloves is not just about picking the biggest, thickest pair on the shelf. Multiple factors should be considered before making a choice.
For instance, you’ve got to think about the fit of the glove as well as how comfortable it is. Plus, factors such as durability, versatility, and level of protection are also key.
Here’s a breakdown of a few key features to keep in mind as you hunt for the right winter motorcycle gloves.
Fit and Size
As with any piece of attire, size matters. Gloves that don’t fit correctly can hinder your grip on the handlebars, which can affect driving control. For gloves to be effective, they must fit snugly but not so tightly as to cut off circulation.
Comfort
When riding in cold weather, discomfort can quickly turn into a nightmare. That’s why it’s important to find gloves that fit well and won’t ride up or press too tightly on your hands. A pre-curved finger construction can reduce fatigue and improve comfort dramatically.
Dexterity
Winter gloves tend to be bulkier due to the insulation, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all mobility. Look for gloves designed to maintain finger flexibility, as they will make controlling the bike’s throttle, clutch, and brakes easier.
In cold conditions, fingers can become numb, stiff, and hard to control. This can be dangerous, as managing your bike involves subtle hand and finger movements. These gloves, with their superior thermal insulation, stave off the cold and help retain your dexterity.
Gloves such as the Olympia 4352 Men’s All Season II Touch Gloves can give you the dexterity needed while still providing comfort and protection.
Durability
In the world of motorcycling, hazards are everywhere — from the threat of a crash to the simple wear and tear of daily use. That’s why a truly great pair of motorcycle gloves should be tough enough to handle it all.
Versatility
Not all winter conditions are the same. From mild, wet climates to freezing, dry ones – the type of winter you experience can greatly affect your choice. Versatile gloves can provide an outstanding balance of insulation, waterproofing, and breathability, which work great from chilly autumn through to frosty winter periods.
A good example of versatile winter gloves that are suited to a variety of conditions includes Olympia’s 4350 Men’s All Season I Gloves.
Protection
Riding a motorcycle inherently puts you at a greater risk of injury in the event of an accident. A good pair of winter gloves features robust external armor on the knuckles and fingers, plenty of padding, and perhaps an extra long cuff for boosted wrist protection.
For instance, the Olympia 4370 Men’s Cold Throttle Gloves could be a good pick if you’re after protection.
As always, when it comes to finding the right pair of winter motorcycle gloves, my advice is to try before you buy. This is still the best method to ensure a good fit and to test the glove’s comfort. Even better is if you can test them on a bike to check the adaptability with levers and handlebars.
Benefits of Winter Motorcycle Gloves
Investing in a quality pair of winter motorcycle gloves is worth it. The benefits of these gloves spill over in big and small ways, influencing not only your comfort but also your safety and overall riding experience in cold conditions.
Here are a couple of ways that having a solid pair of winter motorcycle gloves on hand (no pun intended) can upgrade your ride during colder seasons.
Improved Concentration
When you’re not distracted by cold and pain from numbing hand chill, you’ll naturally be more alert and focused on the road. This underappreciated benefit is a significant boon to your overall riding safety.
Longevity of Rides
With the comfort and warmth provided by these gloves, you can comfortably extend your motorcycling adventures into the colder months without worrying about freezing hands. Riding on a chilly November morning has never been more enjoyable.
FAQs about Winter Motorcycle Gloves
If you’ve still got a couple of questions about winter motorcycle gloves, don’t panic. Here are a couple of quick, frequently asked questions about this particular piece of riding gear to help clear up any lasting confusion.
Q: How do I properly care for and maintain my winter motorcycle gloves?
A: It largely depends on the material of your gloves. For instance, with leather gloves, you would want to apply a leather conditioner regularly to keep them supple. For textile gloves, using a fabric spray protector can help maintain their durability and water resistance. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Remember, proper care can extend the lifespan of your gloves.
Q: How long should a good pair of winter motorcycle gloves last?
A: This can vary depending on how frequently you use and care for them. But on average, a high-quality pair of winter gloves that are well-maintained and not overly exposed to harsh elements should last you anywhere from 2 to 4 years, maybe even longer.
Q: Can I machine-wash my winter motorcycle gloves?
A: Generally, most gloves are best hand-washed, especially if they have protective elements like hardened knuckles or heated tech. But always check the care label or ask the manufacturer if you’re not sure.
Q: How do I determine my motorcycle glove size?
A: Measure around the palm of your dominant hand, just below the knuckles, without your thumb. This measurement (in inches) is your glove size. However, every brand’s sizing may slightly differ, so it’s always best to check each brand’s size chart.
Q: If my gloves have a battery-powered heating element, do they still need to be waterproof?
A: Absolutely. Whether your gloves have a heating element or not, you will be exposed to ice and snow in winter, so you need to keep your hands dry. Water conducts heat away from your body faster than air does, so even heated gloves can feel cold if they get wet.
Ride Into Winter With the Right Motorcycle Gloves
Riding isn’t just about the motorcycle you choose; it’s also hugely reliant on the quality of gear you equip yourself with, and in unforgiving winter conditions, appropriate gear becomes vitally important.
As a result, winter motorcycle gloves are a necessity. They protect against harsh wind chill, sleet, or even snow as you speed down the road. They also provide a certain level of water resistance that regular gloves do not, which can make a world of difference during a sudden downpour.
If you’re ready to pick up a pair of winter motorcycle gloves, Olympia gloves has plenty for you to choose from. Or, if you’re not quite ready to buy, sign up for our newsletter to get access to exclusive discounts and sales for when you do feel it’s time to take the plunge.
