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Best Snowboard Mittens of 2024

JUMP TO: DAKINE BARON GTX TRIGGER | OYUKI HAIKA 3-IN-1 | BLACK DIAMOND MERCURY | OYUKI MAAD GTX | ARC’TERYX FISSION SV | BURTON GORE-TEX | HESTRA ARMY LEATHER GTX 3-FINGER | BUYING ADVICE  |  COMMON QUESTIONS

Author: Rob Thijssen, Holly Price | Updated: Jan 27, 2024
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The Short Version

The Long Version

Sometimes, manipulating your snowboard gear while wearing mittens can feel like picking up marbles with your elbows.

It’s clumsy and frustrating.

Especially when you’re still fighting with your binding, whilst your buddies are already halfway down the slope snagging the best lines of the day right from under your nose.

The obvious solution would be to wear gloves. But gloves aren’t as warm. Gloves aren’t as warm as mittens because your fingers generate less heat when they’re not together. And trying to strap in with dead-cold fingers won’t make the scenario any better.

Luckily, manufacturers have come up with a workable solution: lobster or three-finger mittens. Here, the index finger has a separate slot for more dexterity and the other three fingers are kept together for warmth. The ideal union between a glove and a mitten!

In recent years, many snowboard brands have included at least one three-finger mitten in their product line. This increases the number of the options available to us riders, but makes finding the best pair a more daunting task.

But not to worry. We’ve got you covered! Below you’ll find our selection of best snowboarding mittens for this winter. Alternatively, if you plan to prioritize dexterity over warmth, then be sure to also check out our round up of the best snowboard gloves.

If you love reading this review of the best snowboard mittens, then you'll likely love reading some of our other gear review pages:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Looking for some pointers on your mittens purchase? Be sure to check out our buying advice at the bottom of the page. We discuss competing materials, the most common features, and some guidance on the benefits and trade-offs of choosing gloves vs. mittens.

 

SHELL MATERIAL: 4 Way Stretch Soft Shell / Goat Leather

INSULATION: PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation

WATERPROOF: Yes

PRICE: $$

PROS: Durable leather exterior. Wool fleece blend lining

CONS: Can feel a little bulky and don’t have the longest cuff

The Baron GTX Trigger Mittens from Dakine is a do-it-all pair of mittens that performs exceptionally well. The lobster design allows for much more dexterity than the regular Baron GTX Mitten. Opening and closing bindings, and especially zippers, is almost as easy as when you’re wearing gloves, but your fingers will stay a lot warmer!

The exterior is made of a combination of high-quality goat leather with a DWR finish, and stretch soft shell. This eliminates the need for a cuff closure like Velcro, since it slips on easily due to the Stretch to Fit-design. The Gore-Tex insert keeps any rain or snow from seeping through, even in the worst conditions. All the liners are bonded together with high-strength adhesive tape, which makes it virtually impossible to pull out the liner. With the right amount of care these mittens will keep your digits warm and dry for years to come.

The highest quality in synthetic insulation, PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation, uses 55% post-consumer recycled content and keeps your finger from turning into icicles. The special wool/fleece-blend liner provides superior warmth, moisture management and durability. Overall, the mitten is a little bulkier than most other mittens in this review, but therefore it is one of Dakine’s warmest, earning a 5/5 on its Warmth Index.

The Baron GTX Trigger Mitten is a perfect choice when you value dexterity along with superior insulation.

Best Versatility: OYUKI HAIKA 3-IN-1 MITTS

SHELL MATERIAL: Premium Water Resistant Goatskin Leather

INSULATION: Soft shell Gore-Tex INFINIUM™ with WINDSTOPPER®,

WATERPROOF: No

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Extremely versatile glove

CONS: Not waterproof

Although it might seem strange to have a non-waterproof mitt in a best snowboarding mittens review, we do have a good reason to include it.

You see, there are situations where one would just prefer breathability and dexterity instead of a waterproof mitt. One example is when you’re out enjoying spring sunshine laps, things can get warm pretty quickly, making ventilation key. Think about backcountry tourers, photographers and adventurers who require durability and versatility. With the Haika 3-in-1 Mitts those folks have found such a mitten.

Its outer shell is made out of highly water-resistant goat leather with a reinforced thumb and index finger. The soft shell inner glove is equipped with Gore’s Infinium™ membrane with Windstopper® technology, making this a windproof and extremely breathable glove. And although it is a membrane, technically it’s not waterproof, but water-resistant.

A super sticky silicone grip, touch screen tip on the index finger and thumb allows you to operate your smartphone or camera effortlessly. This makes these mittens one of the most versatile pair in this review. Wear just the shell for durable protection, just the liners when you’re skinning up to earn your turns, or both when it gets cold for added insulation.

Thanks to the YKK® zippered cuff, you can slide them on without effort, and the wrist loops prevent you from losing these bad boys.

The Oyuki Haika 3-in-1 Mitts are the most versatile gloves in this review and definitely worth their price tag!

Best Insulation: BLACK DIAMOND MERCURY

SHELL MATERIAL: Pertex Shield, Goatskin Leather

INSULATION: PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation, Fleece

WATERPROOF: Yes

PRICE: $$

PROS: Besides being the warmest pair, they are very durable

CONS: Quite burly. Shell doesn’t have a waterproof insert, only the liner does.

If you’re looking for a warm pair of mittens with premium features, look no further than the Black Diamond Mercury. These gloves have been a frontrunner for a couple of years, consistently garnering a great reputation. A 340g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation and high-loft fleece lining make sure your digits stay nice and comfortable, making this pair ideal for arctic conditions or for people who have cold hands all the time.

One downside of the Mercury is that the shell doesn’t feature a waterproof membrane. Instead, the good folks at Black Diamond opted to give the removable liner a waterproof and breathable BD.dry™ insert. Therefore, you need to re-treat the leather and nylon shell to maintain water-resistance. On the other hand, if you want your gear to last, this is necessary anyway.

A stand-out feature of the Mercury is its optional index finger slot. This gives you the option to either choose a little more dexterity or keep your 4 fingers together for more warmth.

As mentioned, this mitt comes with some cool features. The goat leather palm is stitched with Kevlar stitching, adding to its durability. On top, you’ll find a small loop that lets you hang the mitt upside down to speed up the drying process or from your harness while exploring some steep couloirs. A ring of Velcro keeps the removable liner firmly in its place while a wrist webbing and gauntlet cinch strap create a perfect seal from snow getting in and heat getting out.

The Black Diamond Mercury is a bomber and insanely warm mitt for a very fair price. Note that it is also available in a women-specific version.

Best Women’s Mittens: OYUKI MAAD GTX

SHELL MATERIAL: Goatskin Leather

INSULATION: PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation/PrimaLoft® Grip

WATERPROOF: Yes

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Internal fingers for added dexterity

CONS: Elastic wrist loop looks a bit flimsy

Another beautiful piece of equipment from this brand from the Land of the Rising Sun. The MAAD GTX from Oyuki has a lot of the same features as their Chika Mitt, but with a lot more style!

As with all their gloves, Oyuki uses premium water-resistant goatskin leather over a Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable insert, making these puppies laugh at wet conditions.

A combination of 133 g/m² PrimaLoft® Grip in the palm, and a 200 g/m² PrimaLoft® Gold on top keeps your hands from freezing off when you’re out ripping through the winter wonderland, letting you enjoy the mountain longer.

Internal fingers add a little bit of extra dexterity while the Griptex pull tab allows for quick entry before you close the leather wrist buckle to prevent snow and cold from finding its way in. To make sure you won’t lose these mittens, they each come with an elastic wrist loop, and although they do look a bit flimsy, knowing Oyuki only uses premium materials, we trust they’ll hold.

Top all this off with the seriously stylish, 70s surf culture-inspired design and ‘MAAD LOVE’ embroidery, and you’ll be stealing the show, guaranteed. Ready, set, DROPPING!

Best for Freeride: ARC’TERYX FISSION SV MITTENS

SHELL MATERIAL: 84% Nylon, 16% Elastane, Goat Leather

INSULATION: PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation/PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation

WATERPROOF: Yes

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Generous cuff goes over your jacket. Very warm

CONS: They’re not the most affordable pair in this review

Arc’teryx is known for their exceptional gear and the Fission SV Mittens are no less than exactly that. The shell is made of super durable Fortius™ 1.0. This lightweight, non-insulated, stretchy nylon textile is backed up with premium naturally water-repellent goat skin reinforcements. This power-combo will protect your hands in the most extreme environments Mother Nature has to offer. 

A waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex Active® membrane keeps your hands dry, perfect for people whose hands get warm fast or during high-output activities such as backcountry splitboarding.

Maximum warmth is delivered through a mix of 200 g/m² PrimaLoft® Silver, Octa® Loft, and 133 g/m² PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation. The gauntlet can be easily opened and closed with a single pull, making it impossible for snow to get inside, perfect for when you have to battle your way through waist-deep powder on your way to your Line of the Year. And then there’s that incredible fit… Need I say more...

They might not be the most affordable pair of mittens out there, but if their price isn't a limiting factor, treat yourself to the Tesla of mittens.

Best on a Budget: BURTON GORE-TEX MITTENS

SHELL MATERIAL: DryRide™ 2-Layer Nylon Fabric

INSULATION: Thermacore™ insulation

WATERPROOF: Yes

PRICE: $

PROS: Most affordable pair of mittens in this review

CONS: Material used in palm is less durable than leather

The Burton Gore-Tex Mittens tick all the right boxes, and with a very affordable price tag.

A Gore-Tex insert keeps your hands dry and comfortable throughout the entire day and the 2-layer exterior is made from Burton’s very own DryRide™ fabric, an extremely abrasion-resistant and water-repellent material. The removable 4-Way Stretch Screen Grab® liner is washable, so you’ll have fresh mittens every single time you go out shredding.

Thermacore® insulation keeps your fingers nice and warm on those chilly chairlift rides and thanks to the Sticky Icky™ grip in the palm you’ll be making grabs that are hard to let go. Burton’s exclusive, PU-synthetic leather, Toughgrip™, allows you to have full touchscreen control, without having to take your mitts off, ever.

The hidden pocket on the back allows you to either let in some fresh air on those warmer spring days, or add a heat pack when the temps get arctic. This articulated mitt is a perfect choice for when you’re just getting in to snowboarding or want to bring a spare pair up the mountain. Note that they are also available in a women-specific version.

SHELL MATERIAL: Proofed Army Goat Leather, Triton Nylon Fabric

INSULATION: Fiberfill Insulation

WATERPROOF: Yes

PRICE: $$$

PROS: The most durable mitten in this review, also available in full mitt and 5 finger models

CONS: Expensive, but a true investment

Made with a heavy-duty nylon exterior and one of the toughest types of leather on the market, the Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex 3-Finger Mittens are designed to live through many backcountry adventures.

Besides being windproof, breathable and waterproof, their Triton fabric can withstand the grabbing of many snowboard edges, sharp rocks or ice crystals. This is backed up with their Army Goat Leather, which was originally used to make military gloves. As always with leather items, with proper care these mittens will last you many, many rides. You can purchase Hestra’s own leather glove balm to keep them in tip top condition. 

The liner has 5 separate fingers, which adds some dexterity, but even so, these lobster mittens aren’t your go-to pair if you're looking to fine-handle smaller items like helmet straps, zippers or smartphones. Having said that, they perform fairly well closing and opening bindings, adjusting goggles etc. They feel most at home in the backcountry thanks to their durability and warmth.

A pull strap with Velcro wrist closure keeps them on your hands when you need them to, and a cinch strap on the gauntlet creates a perfect seal so snow and cold can’t creep in and ruin your day.

Being the most expensive pair of three-finger mittens in this review, with the occasional leather treatment, they will last you countless riding days, therefore making the initial investment more than worth it.

BUYING ADVICE FOR SNOWBOARD MITTENS

Gloves vs Mittens

The million dollar question. And the answer is pretty simple. Mittens tend to be warmer than gloves because when your fingers are together, they generate more heat. But mittens lack the dexterity. Gloves are preferred when you need to handle gear like closing your bindings and helmet, adjusting your goggles, handling zippers, etc. However, they are not as warm as mittens.

Some brands accepted this challenge and came up with a new design: the lobster or 3-finger mitten. This is a glove/mitt where your thumb and index finger are separate, and the rest is put together.

Sizing

Finding the right size can be tricky. When shopping for a new pair make sure you have a little room left at the end of your fingertips. If you buy them too small, the fabric creates a pressure point on your fingertips, which will prevent optimal blood circulation, ending in cold fingers. If in doubt, it’s advisable to size up and use an additional thin liner.

Types of Insulation

DOWN: Goose down is the best insulator on the market. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do its job very well when wet. Therefore it’s seldom used in snowboard gloves and mittens.

SYNTHETICS: Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, does perform well in humid conditions. PrimaLoft® is the benchmark in performance of all synthetic insulation. It’s a patented microfiber thermal insulation material that was developed for the United States Army in the 1980s.

Some gloves or mittens have a removable liner. These are often called 3-in-1. You can wear only the shell on warmer days when you want protection from rain or snow, or only the liner when it’s cold and dry. On days when it’s freezing you can wear them combined.

Waterproofness

Keeping your hands dry is key if you want to have warm hands. That is why waterproof gloves or mittens are an important piece of your equipment. But it doesn’t stop there. Making something waterproof isn’t too difficult. After all, a pair of cleaning gloves is perfectly waterproof. The trick is to also make it breathable to avoid perspiration from building up inside.

A lot of manufacturers use a waterproof and breathable insert, like Gore-Tex, but many also offer their own technology, like HyVent from The North Face. It’s basically a thin layer, in between the insulation and exterior, that prevents water droplets (rain, snow) from getting in, while allowing water vapor (sweat) to escape.

Cuff Style

The most important thing is to keep snow out of your jacket and gloves or mittens. Basically, gloves and mitts are designed to go either under the cuff of your jacket, or over it.

OVER THE CUFF (aka “GAUNTLET”): These provide the best protection from snow and cold creeping in, since they go over the sleeve of your jacket and have a draw cord with a cinch to make a perfect seal.

UNDER THE CUFF: Less bulky, these provide better mobility in the wrist and are sealable with a zipper or Velcro. They work best in combination with a Velcro closure on the cuffs of your jacket.

Additional Features

LEATHER PALMS: Good-quality gloves often use goatskin leather in their palms. Goat skin leather is superior to other types of leather because natural lanolin in the skin makes the leather very supple, water-resistant and abrasion resistant. The material is excellent for tasks involving fine dexterity.

Remember that all leather needs maintenance. Applying a leather conditioner once or twice a year is enough to keep the leather in mint condition, making your gloves much more durable over the long term. This is better for the environment, but most of all, it’s better for your wallet.

ARTICULATED: Some gloves have articulated fingers, making it easier to grab items like a ski pole. This also prevents unwanted folds in the palm of your hand, which can create pressure points and thus decrease blood flow, resulting in cold hands.

NOSE WIPE: Usually placed on the outside of the thumb for wiping off those drops before they freeze and turn into icicles.

MINI SQUEEGEE: Some gloves and mitts have this feature on the thumb to clean your goggles. However, be mindful of the possibility of damaging the lens.

PADDING: Additional padding is sometimes added to protect your knuckles.

WRIST & CUFF CLOSURE SYSTEM: Typically a Velcro strap, cinch, or a zipper. This keeps the glove securely on your hands and in the case of gauntlet-style gloves or mittens, keeps snow from entering.

ZIPPERED POCKETS: These pockets often have a double function. Typically, they fit a disposable hand warmer for those cold days or serve as additional ventilation when the temperature rises.

LEASHES: A handy feature that keeps you from losing your gloves or mittens when handling your phone while riding the chair lift up the mountain.

TOUCH SCREEN COMPATIBILITY: This feature is most often found in the fingers and palms of lightweight to mid-weight gloves and allows you to operate your smartphone or tablet without exposing your skin to the cold.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Should I buy snowboard mittens or gloves? Preference between mittens and gloves comes down to warmth. When your fingers are together in a mitt, they produce more heat and warm each other up, as opposed to being individually isolated in a glove. The trade-off for more heat is less dexterity, which is why we recommend hitting the sweet middle-ground spot by opting for a ‘lobster’ or ‘three finger’ style which frees up your index finger, meaning you can still get those bindings tight with lightning speed. 

What are wrist guards? Not to be confused with wrist leashes (they are the long elastic straps that go around your naked wrist and prevent you from dropping a mitten when you take it off) wrist guards (like these Burton ones) are sturdy straps and apparatus that will help prevent a broken wrist in the event of a fall. You can wear these under your mittens, but you may need to size up to allow enough room. 

Do I need insulated mittens? If you’re heading up the hill during peak season, or just happen to feel the cold, you’ll definitely need to opt for insulated mitts. Look for products with PrimaLoft Gold Insulation, such as the Black Diamond Mercury above. Although it’s not as warm as down, the synthetic insulation PrimaLoft is breathable and water resistant, making it the better choice for snowsports. 

How do I know what size mitts to go for? Mittens are available from size XXS up to XXL. Your size is usually calculated by measuring from the crease of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger, but this will vary between manufacturers, which is why you should check the ‘size guide’ on the product page before ordering.

What is the mitten ‘shell’? The shell of your mitten is the exterior. In most cases, this is made up of either solely leather or a combination of leather and nylon.  The palms (which take the most wear and tear) will usually be crafted from leather for durability. Although leather isn’t totally waterproof like GTX nylon, it is water resistant, way more tough and will last for years. 

What is the mitten ‘membrane’? The mitten membrane is the bit between the outer shell and the liner. It’s key that the membrane is made from a breathable material to avoid your own perspiration making the interior of the mitt wet, and therefore cold. Superior membrane fabrics are Gore-Tex, Windstopper and R-TEX. 

What is the mitten ‘liner’? The mitten liner is the bit that you’ll actually feel around your hands inside the glove. Sometimes these are removeable so that you can stay warm when pausing to use your phone or use your fingers. To avoid moisture building up from hand perspiration, look out for mittens with a moisture-wicking synthetic liner. Other common liner materials are fleece or wool, for superior warmth. 

How do I choose the right cuff length? Cuff length will depend on personal preference. Known as a ‘gauntlet’ style of mitten, the point of a longer cuff is to prevent snow from getting in. You will first need to check that your jacket is compatible with a longer cuff length.

MORE INFORMATION

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