Ice fishing is an outdoor endurance sport that requires specialized equipment to ensure a successful catch and keep you protected from the sub-zero weather. Keeping your hands warm has been a challenge for many anglers when it comes to ice fishing. For that people have come up with things like an oven mitt style hand warmers but a good pair of ice fishing gloves makes your job more convenient and easier in a harsh environment. From late fall to early spring the weather takes a turn and gloves are a tool that every angler needs It can help to keep your hands completely dry. Finding a pair of gloves to keep your fingers warm under constant exposure to water is not the easiest task. This post reviews the best ice fishing gloves and explores the key features that make them a favorite for anglers.
Best Ice Fishing Gloves: Our Top Picks
Below you can read our reviews for the best products on the market.
Glacier Glove ICE BAY Fishing Glove
Glacier Glove has been in business since 1982 and over the years, has proved the go-to brand for the best fishing gloves. Their Ice Bay Fishing Glove boasts premium neoprene construction, making it an excellent choice for cold weather fishing. The interior fleece lining provides added warm even when your hands are submerged in water. The glove is completely waterproof and can withstand up to 25 degrees for a few hours.
Glacier Glove incorporates a seamless palm design to ensure flexibility when working. It also helps with dexterity and firm grip, especially when you factor in the Sharkskin texture. The glove is designed for utmost durability with double stitched and glued seams that are tear resistant.
Pros:
- Cold weather glove made from premium neoprene
- Fleece lining provides extra warmth
- Sharkskin texture ensures a firm and non-slip grip
- Blind stitched and glued for durability and waterproofing
Cons:
- Fit is a little loose and short
Stormr Stryker Fishing Glove with Premium Micro-Fleece Lined 2mm Neoprene
The Stormr Stryker Fishing Glove designed for men and women is fashioned 100% out of other fibers. It is made from premium neoprene and lined with microfleece for extra warmth. This material is waterproof and lasts a long time. The seams are blind stitched and glued for flexibility, and water resistance. Unfortunately, this doesn’t protect against water penetration when submerged.
The high-stress points of the Stryker like the thumb tip and index finger are reinforced with Kevlar for added safety and wear resistance. It is designed to defy the elements with patented Neoprene Core and Fusion VAPR technology. The palm and finger material is highly durable while the adjustable wrist closure offers a comfortable fit. Grip is vital for anglers and this is something Stormr understands with absolute certainty. That said, these gloves are made with duratex material to ensure a strong and comfortable grip.
Pros:
- Neoprene Core and Fusion VAPR Technology
- Stress areas reinforced with Kevlar
- Ideal for any outdoor activity that requires superior mobility and flexibility
- Strong and comfortable grip with duratex material
Cons:
- Insulation may not be adequate in extreme conditions
Stormr Typhoon Fishing Glove Premium Micro-fleece Lined 3mm Neoprene
The Stormr Typhoon Fishing Glove is made from 100% other fibers and designed to naturally bead the water right off. It has extended wrists to ensure you remain warm and comfortable when holding tournament winning fish. The high-stress points like the thumb tip and index finger are finished in Kevlar to prevent ripping. Like most fishing gloves by Stormr, these are built with the patented Neoprene Core and VAPR Technology. It features micro-fleece lined neoprene.
Also notable is that the material around the fingers and palms is not only durable but also ensures a firm grip. Stormr made these gloves with an abrasion-resistant duratex material to enhance your grip. The adjustable wrist provides a comfortable grip for both men and women.
Pros:
- Abrasion resistant and non-porous material
- High-stress points reinforced with Kevlar
- Superior flexibility in harsh environments
- 3mm thickness for enhanced warmth
Cons:
- Seams are rough and uncomfortable on the inside
Rapala Marine Fisherman Glove
The Rapala Marine Fisherman Glove is designed to be durable and offer optimal protection. Highlights include a latex coating that protects from dorsal fins, teeth and gill plates. It also makes it easy to clean your gloves while providing years of service. You can toss them in the water and air dry the gloves without worrying about shrinkage or loss of shape.
These ice fishing gloves also provide firm, non-slip control when holding fish. You will be able to hold the most stubborn fish securely. They are incredibly warm and keep your hands from freezing. On the downside, the Rapala Marine Fisherman Gloves are not for fish cleaning or filleting. While they do offer a substantial degree of protection, they are not knife resistant. Their water resistance could be better.
Pros:
- Good grip when holding stubborn fish
- Clean up well
- Latex coating protects from gill plates and dorsal fin
- Good and comfortable fit
- Ideal for freshwater and saltwater fishing
Cons:
- Not completely waterproof
LURESHOP Stretch Neoprene Fishing Gloves 2 Cut Fingers
The Lureshop.EU Stretch Neoprene Fishing Gloves are designed for light cold weather and are best utilized in 00C/320F temperatures. Highlights include a fingerless design, where two fingertips can be removed. This makes it easier for an angler to tie a knot, use a cellphone or even take pictures to document their adventures.
These gloves are lightweight and offer a non-slip grip. This is achieved with artificial leather on the palm for ultra-firm grip. The thin stretch neoprene at the back of the glove gives a secure and tight fit, hence optimal sensibility when working on any task. Another thing we love about these gloves is that they are quite versatile. You can use them for boating, hiking, camping, diving, kayaking, fishing and outdoor photography.
Pros:
- Artificial leather on palms provides a non-slip grip
- Offers a secure fit for optimal sensibility
- Fingerless design
- Performs well in low temperatures
- Firm wrist Velcro closure
Cons:
- Not the best choice for anglers with larger hands
Glacier Glove Aleutian Full-Fingered Neoprene Fleece Lined Glove
Another strong contender for best ice fishing gloves is the Glacier Glove Aleutian. It is designed to keep your hands warm and dry during your expeditions. The glove is made from a blend of 10% nylon and 90% neoprene. The result is a formidably waterproof glove that will serve your needs for a long time. The seams are blind stitched and glued to prevent ripping and all-weather protection.
This premium glove is specially designed for use in wet and cold conditions, making every task straightforward and enjoyable. The fleece lined neoprene offers optimal insulation to keep your hands warm while the sharkskin texture ensures a strong grip. Also included is a Touchrite patterned finger, a bonus feature that is perfect for hunting. It offers a positive trigger with a gun or bow release.
Pros:
- Made from durable materials
- Designed to allow for dexterity
- Good for holding and retaining body heat
- Warm, comfortable and flexible
Cons:
- Has a tendency to retain moisture from perspiration
Glacier Glove Pro Waterfowler Waterproof Neoprene Gloves
The Glacier Glove Pro Waterfowler were initially designed for hunting but will exceed your expectations when used for ice fishing. They offer warmth and dexterity, so you don’t have to worry about cold fingers or missed opportunities. Their design was inspired by Glacier’s perfect curve glove. They are made with the patented Touchrite Technology, which allows anglers low friction fingertips for perfect casting.
Another notable feature is the 2mm neoprene lined with fleece for comfort and warmth. The pre-curved fingers offer unparalleled dexterity and unrestricted finger movement while the seamless palm design ensures a firm grip. This glove comes in five different sizes and is 100% waterproof.
Pros:
- Touchrite technology for low friction fingertips
- Warm, flexible and comfortable
- Made with fleece-lined neoprene
- Features a seamless palm design
Cons:
- Not ideal for freezing weather
Clam Outdoors, IceArmor DrySkinz Ice Fishing Gloves
The IceArmor DrySkinz Ice Fishing Gloves by Clam Outdoors is designed to be waterproof for brief immersions and retain breathability. This is achieved by combining an acrylic nylon shell with a nylon-spandex outer shell. The gloves offer a snug fit and boast a long cuff that is draft-free and comfortable. Their seamless design helps prevent chaffing points along the fingers. The grip is fair and tactile feel good, but the palm could benefit from extra grip pad material.
While these gloves are advertised as waterproof, it is important to note that they will not stay dry beyond a certain depth. The good news is that they are breathable, so you don’t have to worry about your hands soaking with sweat after a few hours. This is a good compromise if you will be fishing for long hours. Their slim fit makes them good as a liner glove in extremely low temperatures.
Pros:
- Stays dry inside in most fishing applications
- Offers a snug fit
- Can be used as liner gloves in extreme conditions
- Seamless design prevents chaffing points
Cons:
- Palms could use reinforcement or grip material
How to Choose Ice Fishing Gloves
The best ice fishing gloves offer a combination of must-have features that make them incredibly useful in cold conditions. And while personal preferences factor in immensely, features like warmth, dexterity, and comfort should not be overlooked.
Let’s take a closer look at the factors to consider when choosing ice fishing gloves.
Warmth
Comfort and durability mean nothing if your fishing gloves cannot keep you warm. Look for gloves with 40 grams of Thinsulate insulation at the minimum. You can also opt for nylon because it retains body heat well and is comfortable on the skin. It is important that an ample amount of blood flow through the hands for them to remain functional. The human body has a tendency to reduce blood flow to the limbs in an effort to keep vital organs functioning optimally. As such, your hands become less able to do their work if they are too exposed to the cold. A warm pair of fishing gloves will ensure steady circulation
Waterproof
Gloves should also be waterproof for ultimate protection from the elements. Be on the lookout for gloves made from a shell insert that is waterproof. Some manufacturers use an exterior coating of a waterproof fabric while others opt for a waterproof insert. Coatings don’t have a good track record when it comes to withstanding constant exposure ice chips and hooks. Additionally, a waterproof insert is a must for every ice fishing glove regardless of the exterior material. Neoprene is a good contender because it not only generates heat for the hands but also keeps water out.
Fit
Online shopping can be addictive because you can do it from the comfort of your couch. However, when it comes to gloves, it is best to shop at the store where you can physically try them on before making a final decision. You don’t want to end up with a pair of gloves that is too tight or lose because this will affect the integrity of insulation. Make sure that the gloves comply with what you demand of them. Curl your fingertips and ensure that they are sewn into the tips of the gloves well. You should also make sure that the liners are well designed and don’t pull out with cold, wet fingers. Be sure to read online reviews and get a feel of how comfortable the gloves are.
Dexterity
Many ice fishing gloves tick all the boxes but fail when it comes to dexterity. The ideal gloves should allow you to move and bend fingers. You should be able to do different tasks during your fishing trip. Preserving the functionality of your fingers while keeping you warm and dry is an important quality when it comes to ice fishing gloves. Consider models that require less break-in period.
Conclusion
The above gloves are top choices for any ice fishing enthusiast who wants the best. They combine all of the important features like comfortable fit, dexterity, durability, and insulation to make sure that your expeditions are enjoyable. In addition, their capabilities are not limited to fishing. You can use them for a whole lot of winter activities.
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