As enthralling and easy a sport as kayaking looks like, it’s risky in equal measure, especially if you don’t have the right gear with you. If you kayak on a regular basis or throughout the year, then you know just how important kayak gloves are. The best gloves for kayaking are not just waterproof but help keep your hands from turning to numb in colder climates. What’s more, they make it easier for your hands to grip the paddle, taking the strain off them. Plus, they even promote blood circulation, thus making sure that you don’t faint out on the water due to the strain or the cold. If that wasn’t enough, these gloves also protect the hands from injuries sustained due to the sharp elements around such as stones and rocks, thus preventing calluses and blisters too.
Hence, kayaking gloves tend to provide an additional layer of protection not just from the water conditions and the cold weather, but also from cuts, rope burn, abrasions, and even sunburn. Choosing kayak gloves from the gamut of options available in the market today cannot be an easy task. So, we’ve deiced to make it easy for you by drawing up a handy buying guide and listing the 13 best gloves for kayaking, including waterproof ones.
How To Choose The Best Kayaking Gloves?
Why are kayak gloves important? That’s because your hands are one of the first parts of the body that get uncomfortable, wet, sore, and cold. For instance, REI kayaking gloves such as the HydroSkin and Boater’s gloves lend your hand comfort while keeping them from getting cold or wet. Moreover, you need them to be all well and healthy since you’re kayaking, after all. Choosing kayaking gloves involves careful consideration like choosing any other kayaking apparel, be it the Best Kayaking Drysuits or the Best Kayaking Shoes. You need to make sure of the right size, besides the material, the fit, and the comfort it offers, of course. So, what are these aspects that you need to consider? Read on.
Are you looking for other useful kayaking accessories too? You might want to check out the Best Kayaking GPS Units and the Best Kayaking Helmets too.
Material
First and foremost, the material that gloves are made of needs to be considered, which depends entirely on the length and the destination of your kayaking expedition. Spandex or nylon gloves are perfectly okay for warm weather or summer kayaking. For colder climates, the gloves designed are way thicker and usually made from waterproof neoprene. In fact, some cold-weather gloves even come with a fleece inner lining. If you want gloves that dry up quickly, then get synthetic ones since they dry much quicker, but the seams tend to give out quicker. Moreover, raw neoprene, patterned, and synthetic leather ones offer more grip since they have grippier palms.
Thickness
When it comes to the thickness of gloves, there’s a battle brewing between dexterity and protection. Essentially, the thicker that the gloves are, the better protection and warmth they’ll provide to hands. While warmth and protection are taken care of, you’ll have to give up some amount of maneuverability. On the other hand, keeping your hands warm and dry should be the priority. Then again, you also need to consider how much use you’ll need of your fingers. After all, you’ll require moving your fingers to grab your bag, adjust your helmet, or even check one of the Best GPS Kayaking Watches that you have strapped on your wrist.
Fit
Along with material and thickness, another aspect to consider is the fit, which should be neither too tight nor too loose, but just about right. A fit that’s too tight could cut off blood circulation which could be very bad during cold weather. On the other hand, those that are very loose will be uncomfortable, end up causing blisters and even decrease the warmth offered.
Are fingerless kayak gloves waterproof?
One of the most critical aspects of choosing kayak gloves is whether they should be fingerless or with fingers? While fingerless gloves are great for kayaking in the summer or in warmer areas, you won’t be able to use them in colder weather. Gloves with fingers are much warmer and are more waterproof by a large margin. However, fingerless gloves are at best water repellant, and not completely waterproof.
Riverruns Fingerless Fishing Gloves
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Offering 75 percent hand coverage is these Riverruns Fingerless Fishing Gloves which, as the name suggests, an excellent pair of warm weather gloves for kayaking. Made from breathable and comfortable elastic fabric, the gloves are even reinforced with leather for a better grip. What’s more, they even offer UPF 50+ protection from the harmful sun rays. In fact, it can block around 98% of the UV rays, keeping your skin safe.
While they don’t have velcro straps, the well-made design ensures that the gloves sit snugly on the hand and around your wrist. They’re also easy to put on and remove, no matter the kayaking environment. Finally, the efficient finger length allows you to do finer things such as disassemble your fish line, touch your phone screen, etc.
Pros:
- Perfect for warm weather.
- Quick-drying.
- Comfortable and lightweight.
- UPF 50+ sun protection.
Cons:
- Some users with larger hands said that they were slightly tight.
BPS Neoprene Wetsuit Gloves
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Available in a gamut of different designs and sizes are these BPS Neoprene Wetsuit Gloves, an excellent pair of almost-waterproof kayaking gloves. If you want to show off some style while kayaking, then this pair of designer gloves are perfect. While they do provide complete protection to the hands, they’re more ideal for warm weather kayaking. What’s more, they come in two thickness options – 5mm and 3mm. Notwithstanding the thickness, both kinds feature double-lined neoprene that offers adequate protection from water. Moreover, the rubberized palm grip is not just glued but also stitched together for strength, protection, and durability.
Going further, the wrist closure on these gloves is in the form of an easily adjustable strap, thus preventing water from entering inside. Plus, the nifty design even blocks sand, which is ideal if you’re kayaking in sandy environments or muddier waters.
Pros:
- Can withstand rugged use.
- The design blocks both sand and water.
- Comfortable.
Cons:
- Not completely waterproof.
Fishing Tree Fingerless Fishing Gloves
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Are you out kayaking and fishing on a hot and sticky summer’s day? Then you need the Fingerless Fishing Gloves from Fishing Tree in your life. Thanks to the exposed fingers design, you can easily grab paddles, use your phone screen, etc. without any hassles. Moreover, your fingers don’t sweat due to the hot environment. Made from two layers of faux leather with a PVC palm, the gloves also provide plenty of protection from the harmful UV rays. The design and the material add comfort as well as provide protection from sharp objects and rough surfaces. The best part? They don’t stretch out of shape even when they get wet. So, they retain their protective properties and are safe for machine washing as well.
But, that’s not all. Aside from the above, the double-stitched seams provide additional durability, while the velcro wrist wrap allows you to adjust them to your liking. Verified, tested, and preventing everything from calluses to blisters, these gloves are one to look out for.
Pros:
- Quick-drying.
- Comfortable.
- Lightweight.
- Provide UV rays protection.
Cons:
- Users mentioned that the sizes run small.
Glacier Glove Alaska River
10
One of the best waterproof kayaking gloves on this list is also one of the Best Ice Fishing Gloves too – the Glacier Glove Alaska River. Its name says everything – the glove was designed to withstand the harsh and cold Alaskan weather and temperatures. A cross between a fingerless glove and a mitten, the glove features a hybrid palm and hand cover with a windproof lining and inner. However, it’s the outer neoprene layer that offers excellent waterproofing. What’s more, these hybrid gloves work in all weather conditions due to the innovative design where you can simply flip the mitt back. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even a slit on the thumb, allowing you to poke it out for use whenever you want.
Thanks to the sharkskin grip and 2-mm neoprene palm lining, your hands are kept warm during the cold weather too, making them an excellent pair of cold weather kayaking gloves too. So, even if you want to go fishing in the coldest of climates, this glove makes for a reliable and faithful companion.
Pros:
- Windproof fleece offers additional warmth.
- The flip-mitt design is perfect for all weather conditions.
- Good grip.
Cons:
- Some users with large hands have reported fit issues.
Koofin Gear Fishing Gloves
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Made from synthetic leather, the Koofin Gear Fishing Gloves are yet another excellent gear that is the perfect addition to your kayaking kit. Whether it’s your trekking poles, or paddles, or even fishing rods, these ergonomically-designed gloves feature a well-designed palm for better grip. Since they’re both comfortable and yet thin, they’re lightweight, stretchy, and dry very quickly. Furthermore, the sun protection of UPF 50+ offered by the fabric is impressive, to say the least. It’s actually woven into the fabric, and not just sprayed on like other gloves.
Apart from being easy to remove and put on even when wet, these gloves offer excellent maneuverability as well as dexterity. Plus, the fingerless design allows your fingers to move and use even your smartphone without any hassles or restrictions.
Pros:
- Easy to wear and remove.
- Quick-drying.
- Lightweight.
- UV rays protection.
Cons:
- Some users had sizing concerns.
Goture Outdoor Sport
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One of the best waterproof kayaking gloves for fishing is the Goture Outdoor Sport, which features an inventive design allowing your thumb and forefinger to stick out of the cover. So, whether you want to use your smartphone or maneuver using sharp or small objects, or even handle your fishing rod, this one is perfect. What you’ll really like is that the glove’s back features an extremely high-quality and durable neoprene fabrication. Hence, it not only keeps the gloves safe from scratches and abrasions but also keeps your hand dry and warm. A bonus is that the palm’s material is that of artificial leather, which will go a long way in helping you handle slippery fish with ease.
Furthering its litany of positives is the Velcro wrist strap, which makes sure of a snug fit and ensures that it won’t loosen or fall off during use. A well-built glove with a good fit and designed to last is what makes this such a great buy and an important part of your fishing gear and equipment.
Pros:
- Inventive design.
- Made from soft and yet durable materials.
- Comfy to wear and maneuver.
Cons:
- Not exactly suited for extremely cold weather.
NRS Hydroskin Gloves
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Not only are the NRS Hydroskin Gloves excellent gloves for kayaking, but they’re also waterproof! So, if you’re angling or kayaking somewhere in very cold weather or climate, then these cold weather kayaking gloves are ideal. According to their design, they feature a 0.5mm thick and plush neoprene core layer, which provides excellent amounts of insulation. Thus, they provide not only warmth but also protection from the frigid water as well as winter temperatures. What’s more, the thin design doesn’t feel bulky or thick either, despite being completely covered. Furthermore, the PowerSpan design stretches in different directions, allowing unrestricted use of fingers and movement. It’s no surprise that they’re one of the bestselling REI kayaking gloves.
Combined with the silicone pattern on the fingers and the palm, the glove greatly adds durability as well as improves your grip. Moreover, they possess a unique feature called “Thermalpush” in the inner lining, which furthers the insulation within. Finally, the durable water-repellant coating helps them shed water while the snap wrist keeps it snugly fit on your hands.
Pros:
- Unisex gloves.
- Provides an excellent grip.
- Keeps your hands warm.
- Waterproof.
Cons:
- Not suited for warm weather.
Clam Outdoors IceArmor Edge
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Yet another excellent pair of waterproof kayaking gloves is the IceArmor Edge from Clam Outdoors, which is also a great ice fishing glove. The brand has been a leader when it comes to fishing gear for more than three decades, and it’s easy to see why. The lightweight pair of gloves can be worn all day long without you worrying about ending up with chafed skin. Moreover, the exterior of the gloves features a thermoplastic polyurethane build, which makes them resistant to punctures, abrasions, scratches, and what-not.
Going further, these medium-sized gloves work well for both men and women, are lightweight, and even come with a one-year warranty. Besides offering a tight grip for grabbing your gear, they also keep your hands super-warm and are resistant to the cold water and the weather both.
Pros:
- One-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Weatherproof and waterproof.
Cons:
- None, really.
NRS Half-Finger Guide Gloves
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A good pair of half-finger gloves for kayaking is the NRS Half-Finger Guide Gloves, which leave your fingers exposed for easy maneuvering and don’t restrict their movement either. However, don’t be fooled by the half-finger design, for it provides great warmth too, thanks to the cushioning and the innovative design. The gloves feature a silicone palm pattern that provides adequate grip, while the 1.5mm thick terraprene neoprene liner offers immense warmth. Not only do they not restrict mobility, but also they provide both insulation and comfort, making these the perfect cold weather kayaking gloves.
Aside from all of the above, these comfortable gloves fit securely thanks to the wrist pairing straps with an adjustable hook and loop closure. If that wasn’t enough, the single needle stitch with high-tenacity seams provides further durability, lasting these a long time for your use.
Pros:
- Wide range of sizes.
- Flexible.
- Accurate sizes.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Some users complained about slight chafing.
Frabill All-Purpose Task Glove
4
The Frabill All-Purpose Task Glove is not only a great pair of waterproof kayaking gloves but can also be used in colder climates for, let’s say ice-fishing. featuring an Oxford nylon shell, this pair of all-purpose gloves feature heavy-duty threadwork for durability, high-quality inserts, and a brushed tricot lining. Together, they make the gloves not only warm but even 100 percent waterproof! Furthermore, the palm of the gloves is made from reinforced chamade, which is further strengthened with double seams. Thus, they ensure dexterity for handling nimble and petite things, traction, and a strong grip as well.
Besides the above, the lightweight gloves also boast an adjustable neoprene wrist strap and an excellent natural curved shape, thus bettering both comfort and wearability. Rounding up the features are its availability in two sizes, breathable material, and ultimate fit and comfort and fit.
Pros:
- Waterproof and windproof.
- Breathable oxford nylon shell.
- Soft yet durable tricot lining.
- Hook-and-loop adjustable strap.
Cons:
- Virtually none.
Sea to Summit Eclipse Paddle Glove
3
If you’re looking for an excellent pair of fingerless gloves for kayaking, then look no further than the Sea to Summit Eclipse Paddle Gloves which have been designed specifically for paddling. Not only are these gloves comfortable and efficient on the water, but also they protect you from sunburn and blisters. Despite being fingerless, these multifunctional gloves also offer extreme protection, especially in the thumb and the palm regions. Add to that the UPF 50+ protection they offer, and you know you have cinched one good-looking and rather useful pair of gloves.
Aside from the double-layered 2mm thick padding, the glove even features a neoprene cuff coupled with a hook-and-loop closure for a snug yet comfortable fit. At the same time, it doesn’t feel restrictive either.
Pros:
- Adjustable cuff makes the glove flexible.
- Secure and comfortable fit.
- Durable and long-lasting.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that the sizing is slightly off.
FitsT4 Sailing Gloves
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The FitsT4 Sailing Gloves might not be waterproof, but they sure are an excellent pair of gloves for kayaking. Just like any other well-designed pair of gloves, these ones keep your hands protected from blisters, burns, and even plain and simple chafing. The additional paddling beneath the palm areas provides added protection while you haul your boat while preventing paddle twists. The breathable material also ensures that the gloves are quick-drying, while the back mesh keeps your hands dry and cool at the same time.
What you’ll like about these gloves is the ¾th design, which allows you to move your fingers and use your hands freely. Moreover, the stretchable fabric and the two-cut design provide additional dexterity. Rounding up the features is the hook and loop closure for a secure fit and the low-profile features.
Pros:
- Your hands and fingers are free to move.
- Quick-drying.
- The design and fabric provide comfort and dexterity.
Cons:
- Slightly undersized.
WindRider Pro Sailing Gloves
1
Finally, we arrive atop the list of best gloves for kayaking, a spot that’s occupied by the WindRider Pro Sailing Gloves. What makes these gloves an excellent investment is that you can use them for different activities such as biking, climbing, and kayaking too, of course. Thanks to its versatility, you are guaranteed a functional and durable pair of gloves. The design provides additional comfort, while the mesh back keeps your hands dry and cool in warm weather. While they aren’t waterproof, they dry up pretty quickly, thus preventing chafing due to damp gloves.
After taking into note the needs and feedback from customers, WindRider redesigned the gloves in 2018, adding the palm padding for better protection while paddling or hauling while retaining dexterity. The best part? The ¾th design of the gloves doesn’t interfere with your finger movement!
Pros:
- Prevent paddle twists.
- Offer excellent prtection.
- Comfortable to use all day.
- Breathable and quick-drying.
Cons:
- Slightly warmer for sunny days.
