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Buying Guide: Picking the Right Hestra Winter Gloves

Buying Guide: Picking the Right Hestra Winter Gloves

Posted by Garson Fields on 18th Dec 2020

If you're reading this, you know that Hestra is synonymous with extremely durable, high quality gloves and mittens. What you may not know is just how many models you have to choose from. The breadth of options means there’s a glove that’s perfect for you, but it can also be overwhelming trying to pick the right one.

It's tricky to discern the minute differences, and the challenge is compounded by shopping online, where important details can easily be overlooked. That's why we've highlighted Hestra's most popular current models, as well as the factors you need to consider when shopping for a pair.

Quick Answer

Skiing or riding the resort in wet snow, get the CZone Mountain family. Want one glove for the whole season, get the Fall Line or Gauntlet Sr. Working outside all day, get the Army Leather GORE-TEX Glove. Struggle with cold hands, get the Heater Gauntlet. Heli skiing or touring in deep cold, get the Heli Ski line. Backcountry travel and mountain work, get the Ergo Grip Incline. Everyday cold weather off the hill, get the John, Tore, or Olav gloves.

Environment

Start with how and where you’ll be wearing your new gloves. Skiing or snowboarding at the resort places a different set of demands on gloves than backcountry touring or mountaineering. The high altitude and dry air of the Rocky Mountains call for different gear than you’ll want for the wetter, warmer Pacific Northwest. Once you’ve defined where you’ll be wearing them and what you’ll be doing, narrowing down your choices becomes much easier.

Left: skier climbs a bootpack. Center: skier mid turn. Left: close up of gloves worn in a off hill setting

Warmth

If you struggle with cold hands or you need gloves for frigid weather, look for the warmest glove you can get your hands on. However, if you’re looking for an everyday ski or snowboard glove, it’s possible to be too warm, particularly on spring days. Casual use can span the entire spectrum. Of course, your personal tolerance for cold makes a big difference.

Close up of putting bindings on a splitboard

Weather Resistance

Waterproof gloves sound like an obvious choice, but they aren’t always the right pick. Dry hands are essential for comfort, and depending on the conditions, waterproof gloves might not actually help you stay dry.

Gloves that are waterproof and breathable get those properties from a membrane that's sandwiched between the shell and the liner of the glove. Even the most breathable waterproof gloves will hold in more sweat than gloves without a membrane.

For high altitude environments that tend to be cold and dry, a weather-resistant glove without a membrane can actually be the best tool for the job. If you’re mountaineering, ice flows and unpredictable weather make a waterproof-breathable membrane essential. The same goes for spring conditions and lower altitudes where slush and wet snow are a constant factor.

Dexterity

Gripping ski poles and opening doors don’t require nimble fingers. Tying knots and operating equipment are a different story. Mountaineers and mountain ops would be wise to choose gloves designed to maximize dexterity.

Using a snow crystal card and magnifier while wearing Hestra gloves

Cuff Style

A gauntlet that fits over your jacket is great for blocking out spindrift and powder, especially if you’re pulling on ice axes or climbing ladders. For resort use, it’s mostly a matter of preference. When in doubt, take a look at your jacket and determine whether it will easily fit over a glove.

Left: skier pulls jacket over glove cuffs. Right: Using a snow crystal card while wearing over cuff gloves

Gloves, Mittens, or 3 Finger

Although some models are only available as gloves, many are also available in a mitten option, which will benefit from better thermal efficiency. A handful are offered in a 3 finger design that splits the difference, offering the warmth of mittens while freeing your index finger for tasks like adjusting your ski boots or strapping into a snowboard.

Hestra Glove Comparison

Here's how the current Hestra lineup stacks up at a glance.

Model Styles Weatherproofing Warmth Best For
CZone Mountain Glove, 3 Finger, Mitt CZone waterproof-breathable Mid Everyday resort skiing and riding
Fall Line Glove, 3 Finger, Mitt Weather-resistant leather, no membrane Mild-to-moderate Dry, cold climates and daily use
Gauntlet Sr. Glove, 3 Finger, Mitt Weather-resistant nylon shell Adjustable, removable liner Beginners and variable spring-to-winter days
Army Leather GORE-TEX Glove GORE-TEX waterproof-breathable Mid-to-warm Ski patrol, mountain ops, daily hard use
Leather Box Mitt Mitt Weather-resistant leather, no membrane Warm, removable liner Cold, dry high-altitude days
Heater Gauntlet Glove, Mitt Weather-resistant softshell and leather Warmest (battery heated) Chronically cold hands, frigid days
Heli Ski Glove, 3 Finger, Mitt Weather-resistant leather, removable liner Warm Heli skiing, tram laps, deep cold
Ergo Grip Incline Glove Proofed leather, no membrane Mid Backcountry touring, mountain work
John / Tore / Olav Glove Water-resistant leather Light-to-mild Casual, everyday cold-weather wear

Environments

Skiing/Snowboarding

A snowboarder lays a deep toeside turn

CZone Mountain Glove

Hestra CZone Mountain Glove

The CZone Mountain Glove is Hestra's current all-purpose resort glove, built with a waterproof-breathable CZone membrane and a goatskin leather palm that grips poles securely all season. Fiberfil synthetic insulation keeps you warm even if the glove gets wet inside, and a Bemberg fleece lining adds a soft next-to-skin feel.

Buy CZone Mountain Glove at Campman

CZone Mountain 3 Finger Glove

Hestra CZone Mountain 3 Finger Glove

Warmer than the standard five-finger cut, the CZone Mountain 3 Finger Glove separates the index finger from the rest for trigger-finger dexterity while keeping the remaining fingers together for added warmth. The same waterproof-breathable CZone membrane and goatskin palm carry over from the standard glove.

Buy CZone Mountain 3 Finger Glove at Campman Buy CZone Mountain 3 Finger Glove at Amazon

CZone Mountain Mitt

Hestra CZone Mountain Mitt

For maximum thermal efficiency without sacrificing weather protection, the CZone Mountain Mitt pairs the same waterproof-breathable membrane and treated goatskin palm with a mitten's shared-finger warmth.

Buy CZone Mountain Mitt at Campman Buy CZone Mountain Mitt at Amazon

Everyday Water Resistant

A skier touring through a forest

Fall Line

Modeled after the padded gloves ski racers made popular, the Fall Line's leather shell withstands multiple seasons of hard use. A low profile neoprene cuff tucks easily into a jacket sleeve, and outseam finger construction gives a great tactile feel for grabbing poles or zippers.

Fall Line Glove

Hestra Fall Line Glove

Buy Fall Line Glove at Campman

Fall Line 3 Finger Glove

Hestra Fall Line 3 Finger Glove

Buy Fall Line 3 Finger Glove at Campman

Fall Line Mitt

Hestra Fall Line Mitt

Buy Fall Line Mitt at Campman

Gauntlet Sr.

The Gauntlet Sr. family is built around a removable insulated fleece liner, so the same glove covers you from a mild spring day to a stormy powder morning. A weather-resistant nylon shell and PU grip palm keep things simple and versatile for riders who want one glove for the whole season.

Gauntlet Sr. Glove

Hestra Gauntlet Sr. Glove

Buy Gauntlet Sr. Glove at Campman Buy Gauntlet Sr. Glove at Amazon

Gauntlet Sr. 3 Finger Glove

Hestra Gauntlet Sr. 3 Finger Glove

Buy Gauntlet Sr. 3 Finger Glove at Campman Buy Gauntlet Sr. 3 Finger Glove at Amazon

Gauntlet Sr. Mitt

Hestra Gauntlet Sr. Mitt

Buy Gauntlet Sr. Mitt at Campman Buy Gauntlet Sr. Mitt at Amazon

Heavy Duty

A skier turning in deep snow

Army Leather GORE-TEX Glove

Hestra Army Leather GORE-TEX Glove

Hestra's most durable winter glove still carries a GORE-TEX waterproof-breathable liner, a goat leather palm, and a generous gauntlet that fits over a jacket sleeve. It's built for patrollers and mountain ops who need heavy duty protection ready for daily abuse in maritime snowpacks.

Buy Army Leather GORE-TEX Glove at Campman Buy Army Leather GORE-TEX Glove at Amazon

Leather Box Mitt

Hestra Leather Box Mitt

Built with a removable liner, the Leather Box Mitt lets you pull the liner for the earliest and latest days of the season, then layer back in when winter turns brutal. Impregnated goatskin leather sheds moisture without a membrane, ideal for cold, dry high-altitude days.

Buy Leather Box Mitt at Campman Buy Leather Box Mitt at Amazon

Cold Conditions

A skier digs a snow pit in Hestra gloves

Heater Gauntlet

For days when no amount of insulation is enough, the Heater Gauntlet family pairs Hestra's rugged construction with a rechargeable electronic heating element built into the back of the hand, fingers, and thumb. Goat leather palms hold up to hard use, and a Flextron 4-way stretch softshell keeps things flexible enough to grip a pole. Note: the electronic components may interfere with avalanche transceivers.

Heater Gauntlet Glove

Hestra Heater Gauntlet Glove

Buy Heater Gauntlet Glove at Campman

Heater Gauntlet Mitt

Hestra Heater Gauntlet Mitt

Buy Heater Gauntlet Mitt at Campman Buy Heater Gauntlet Mitt at Amazon

Heli Ski

The Heli Ski line has earned its reputation for warmth and durability among mountain guides who ski in and out of the resort all winter. A full size gauntlet fits over a puffy jacket, and the removable liner glove speeds up drying at the end of a long day.

Heli Ski Glove

Hestra Heli Ski Glove

Buy Heli Ski Glove at Campman

Heli Ski 3 Finger Glove

Hestra Heli Ski 3 Finger Glove

Buy Heli Ski 3 Finger Glove at Campman

Heli Ski Mitt

Hestra Heli Ski Mitt

Buy Heli Ski Mitt at Campman

Alpine Climbing/Mountain Work

Using a snow saw to examine the snow pack in a snow pit

Ergo Grip Incline Glove

Hestra Ergo Grip Incline Glove

Built for backcountry days outside the ropes, the Ergo Grip Incline uses precurved fingers so you can death-grip a pole shaft in exposed terrain while still making adjustments without pulling the glove off. Proofed goat leather and cowhide provide durability, and a neoprene cuff with Velcro closure seals out drafts.

Buy Ergo Grip Incline Glove at Campman

Casual

Adjusting shoes while wearing Hestra gloves

John Leather Glove

Hestra John Leather Glove

The John blends heritage style with modern tech for cold city commutes or casual mountain errands. Impregnated hairsheep leather and PrimaLoft Gold insulation keep hands warm and dry, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips mean you never have to strip the glove off for your phone.

Buy John Leather Glove at Campman

Tore Glove

Hestra Tore Glove

A sporty deerskin driving glove with a precurved fit, the Tore keeps your hands warm on the drive up the canyon so you're not defrosting fingers before your first run. PrimaLoft Gold insulation gives it a light, down-like loft that holds up after brushing snow off the windshield.

Buy Tore Glove at Campman

Olav Glove

Hestra Olav Glove

The Olav gives a traditional heritage look for everyday winter weather, with outward-facing seams for rustic style and a pre-curved fit for dexterity. Supple deerskin leather and PrimaLoft Gold insulation keep it warm even if it gets wet, with a wool-blend ribbed cuff for a snug finish.

Buy Olav Glove at Campman

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Hestra's CZone and GORE-TEX gloves?

They're both waterproof-breathable, just built for different jobs. CZone is Hestra's in-house membrane used in everyday resort gloves like the CZone Mountain family. GORE-TEX appears in the Army Leather GORE-TEX Glove, a heavier duty option built for all-day professional use in wetter, harsher conditions.

Should I buy a glove, mitten, or 3-finger design?

It depends on how much you value warmth versus dexterity. Gloves offer the most finger freedom, mittens trap the most heat by keeping fingers together, and 3-finger designs split the difference by isolating just the index finger for trigger control while the rest stay warm together.

Are Hestra gloves true to size?

Most run true to size, but fit varies by model and construction. Check the printable Hestra size chart linked on each product page, and size up slightly if you plan to wear a liner or run cold.

Which Hestra glove is warmest?

The Heater Gauntlet Glove and Mitt are Hestra's warmest options currently sold at Campman. Their rechargeable electronic heating elements add active warmth on top of insulation, which traditional gloves can't match. For a warm option without batteries, the Heli Ski Mitt and Leather Box Mitt are both built with removable liners for maximum heat retention.

Do heated Hestra gloves work with avalanche beacons?

Use caution. Hestra flags that the electronic components in the Heater Gauntlet line may interfere with the function of avalanche transceivers. If you're traveling in avalanche terrain, test your beacon's signal with the gloves on before you rely on them in the field.

Can I use ski gloves for ice climbing or mountaineering?

Some can, but dexterity matters more than warmth for technical terrain. The Ergo Grip Incline Glove is built with precurved fingers specifically for backcountry travel and mountain work where you need to grip tools and make adjustments without removing a glove.

What is Hestra's G-Loft or Fiberfil insulation?

Both are synthetic insulations that stay warm even when wet. Unlike down, they don't lose loft when soaked, which matters in Utah's variable spring snowpack or a maritime climate where a glove is more likely to get damp from the inside out.

How do I care for and dry my Hestra gloves?

Remove liners when possible and air dry away from direct heat. Models with a removable liner, like the Gauntlet Sr., Heli Ski, and Leather Box Mitt, dry faster overnight because you can separate the shell from the insulation. Avoid a radiator or heater vent, which can dry out leather palms over time.

In Closing

Although this only scratches the surface of Hestra's offerings, the options outlined here should give you a useful starting point when shopping for Hestra gloves.

With this list, plus our sizing guide, How to Size Your Hestra Gloves and Mittens, you should be able to find the perfect gloves in the right size, the first time.

If you have questions about a different model, or you simply want a second opinion before choosing a pair for yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the shop. We’re always here to help.

About Campman

Campman is an outdoor retail store located in Salt Lake City, Utah, that specializes in gear and equipment for camping, skiing, backpacking, climbing, and everything in between. We understand that the difference between a bad memory and the adventure of a lifetime can come down to the gear you take with you when you head outdoors, and we want our customers to have the best experiences possible. When it comes to getting outside, we get it, and we’ll get you the gear you need to get there.

Questions? Feel free to contact us by phone at (801) 999-8117 or by email at sales@campman.com.

About the Author

Garson Fields

Raised in New England, before transplanting to Utah to chase the freedom of the West, Garson is a mountain bike coach, sometimes racer, seasoned camper, and trusted authority on premium outdoor gear. He grew up skiing at Mad River Glen, later switching to snowboarding, and still has a soft spot for East Coast hardpack. He’s turned that passion and experience into a career in outdoor industry marketing, where he focuses on educating and empowering consumers of all experience levels.

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