Snowboard Mitt & Glove Buying Guide

Snowboard Mitt & Glove Buying Guide

Why Quality Gloves & Mitts Matter

Cold, wet hands can ruin your day on the mountain fast. Premium snowboard gloves and mitts keep your hands warm, dry, and comfortable, letting you focus on your riding, not on numb fingers. The right handwear protects you in storm days at Hotham, wet conditions at Falls, and frigid dawn patrol laps in the backcountry.

Gloves vs Mitts vs Trigger Mitts

Gloves

Feature individual fingers for maximum dexterity, making it easier to adjust bindings, handle zips, and use your phone (with touchscreen-compatible models).

Best for: Riders prioritising dexterity for quick adjustments. Cons: Slightly less warm than mitts in freezing conditions.

Mitts

Encapsulate all your fingers in one pocket, reducing heat loss and maximising warmth.

Best for: Riders prioritising warmth, cold days, and those with circulation issues. Cons: Reduced dexterity for detailed tasks.

Trigger Mitts (Lobster Mitts)

Combine the warmth of mitts with some dexterity by separating the index finger while grouping the others.

Best for: Riders who want warmth with the ability to adjust bindings easily. Cons: Slightly less warm than full mitts but warmer than gloves.

Waterproofing and Breathability

Your gloves need to keep water out while letting sweat escape, maintaining warmth without clamminess.

• Waterproof Ratings: Higher ratings (10K–20K+) perform better in wet conditions.
• Breathability Ratings: Prevent moisture build-up inside your gloves while riding.

GORE-TEX in Gloves

GORE-TEX membranes offer industry-leading waterproofing and breathability. Gloves with GORE-TEX keep water out while allowing sweat to escape, staying dry inside and out, even during wet snow days in Australian conditions. More on this in our GORE-TEX explained guide.

Insulation Types

• Synthetic Insulation (Thinsulate, PrimaLoft): Lightweight, dries quickly, retains warmth even when damp.
• Down Insulation: Extremely warm and compressible but can lose insulating properties if soaked (less common in gloves for wet conditions).

For Australia's varied conditions, synthetic insulation paired with a waterproof-breathable shell is the go-to.

Fit & Sizing

Proper fit ensures warmth and dexterity:

• Gloves should fit snugly without restricting movement.
• Your fingertips should lightly touch the ends without curling.
• Mitts should allow room for air circulation while remaining snug at the wrist.

Size	Men's (cm)	Women's (cm)
S	18–19	16.5–17.5
M	19–20	17.5–18.5
L	20–21	18.5–19.5
XL	21–22	19.5–20.5

To measure: wrap a tape measure around your dominant hand just below your knuckles (excluding thumb) to determine your hand circumference.

The table above is a general guide. For an exact fit, use the size chart for your specific brand below.

Size Charts by Brand

Burton · Dakine · Death Grip Glove Co · Howl Supply Co · Rad · ThirtyTwo · Yuki Threads

Features to Consider

• Leashes: Prevent dropping your gloves off the lift.
• Touchscreen Compatibility: Use your phone without removing gloves.
• Wrist Cinches & Gauntlet Closures: Keep snow out and warmth in.
• Removable Liners: Add versatility across temperatures and easier drying.
• Reinforced Palms: Durability for grabbing edges and dragging hands.
• Nose Wipe Panels: Soft panels for wiping goggles or your nose.

Why Buy Your Gloves & Mitts from Twelve Board Store?

• Stocking premium brands like POW, Burton, Hestra, Dakine, and Volcom
• Handpicked styles tested in Australian snow conditions
• Expert advice to match warmth, fit, and riding style
• Melbourne-based team of riders who use what we sell

Final Thoughts

Don't overlook your gloves and mitts, they're as essential as your outerwear. Whether chasing pow at Falls, carving on groomers, or hiking the backcountry, the right handwear keeps you comfortable, dry, and focused on your riding.

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Shop: Gloves & Mitts · Snow Essentials

Related guides: Snowboard Outerwear Buying Guide · What Is GORE-TEX?

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