Women's version -> Unisex, -> Waterproof due to the Ventia inserts You can wear the liner alone while hiking and then throw on the shell when the wind or rain picks up. Santic Dorin Cycling Liner Gloves View on Amazon, 4. For convenience, a comparison table with a brief summary of all the essentials of each of the contenders on our list is available. The average weight is 72 g (or 2.5 oz) but this number drops by almost a third to 50 g (1.8 oz) when excluding the two outliers (the heaviest models). Another great design is the Minus33 Merino Wool Glove Liner, a good quality knit glove liner perfect for layering underneath shell gloves. -> Lightweight, useful, and versatile -> Tricky sizing, Weight -> 52 g (1.8 oz) Price -> $22 -> Lightweight, compact, easy to pack Touchscreen compatible -> Yes Minus33 Merino Wool Glove Liner View on Amazon, 9. Touchscreen compatible -> Yes Just an ounce or two per pair provides sufficient warmth and coverage for your hands. The latter can be done by wearing a waterproof shell glove on top of your liner whereas the former is the primary purpose of base layers and the main reason why they exist. Unlike most liners, the Versaliner Sensor gloves include both a polyester glove liner and a water- and wind-resistant nylon shell that conveniently fits inside a pocket on the glove. You want them tight enough they will slide easily into an outer glove, but not so tight they cut off your circulation. The reason is simple when talking about gloves, low weight (and dexterity) and durability are usually mutually exclusive. -> Prone to durability issues A too loose glove is much easier to fall and disappear, plus it negatively impacts the fit, comfort, and fine motor skills. Most gloves have a similar size and shape but differ in the small design details. -> Work well in a wide array of temps, -> Provide little warmth -> Not windproof, Weight -> 45 g (1.6 oz) Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Glove Liners View on Amazon View on Backcountry, 17. The widespread use of smartphones and other touch screen devices means that many outdoor lovers expect to be able to check their phone on the go without having to take off their gloves. Graph 3: Liner gloves price comparison (US dollars). Columbia Omni-Heat Touch Liner Gloves View on Amazon View on Backcountry, 8. We also help narrow your choices by highlighting some of the best glove liners currently available. A great way to keep your shell gloves handy ;), WATER RESISTANCE:HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL. Finding the right-sized glove requires you to measure the width and sometimes the length of your dominant hand. Dakine Storm Liner Gloves View on Amazon View on Backcountry, 14. It has a touchscreen compatible fabric on the forefinger and thumb that works well with a mobile phone or tablet. Best of all is the chamois on the thumb that doubles as a nose wipe. You do need to be gentle with the shell as it is made of a lightweight 20D nylon. Price -> $19 Women's version -> Unisex, -> Light and add no bulk -> The touchscreen feature doesn't work that well, Weight -> 65 g (2.3 oz) Women's version -> Unisex, -> Lightweight The SmartWool Liner Glove is a classic merino liner thats on top of this chart because of its classic design, bulk-free fit, and incredible versatility. Touchscreen compatible -> Yes -> Not for windy weather unless used as liner glove, Weight -> 56 g (2 oz) Carhartt Force Heavyweight Liner Knit Glove View on Amazon View on Moosejaw, 11. This post may contain affiliate links. Liners tend to be lightweight and packable, so there is no reason why they shouldn't have a place in your pack. Graph 3 below shows the price range of the best liners on our list. Home Backpacking Resources Hiking Clothes & Layering Best Liner Gloves for Outdoor Adventures in 2021. Price -> $35 Silk also is fast drying. Ill-fitting gloves can be a real danger to the user especially when climbing or skiing. It would be very easy to lose one glove if you are not careful. The base layer typically is a glove liner that slips inside an outerwaterproof, windproof or insulated shell. Sitka Gear Traverse Glove View on Amazon, 21. Gloves also protect your digits from the chilling effects of frostbite. It cant be different because the bulk-free fit is a very important factor to the overall functionality and especially to: Good fit is crucial to the perceived comfort and performance. If you need a pair of good liner gloves, its definitely worth paying the twenty-some dollar price tag. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. -> Form-fitting fleece fabric A longer cuff helps secure the glove on your hand, but not everyone likes the feeling of a long glove. -> Not very good with touchscreens The Outdoor Research Versaliner Sensor Gloves are the most expensive gloves, but dont let the price deter you. Women's version -> Unisex, -> With Omni-Heat thermal-reflective lining Material: Ascentshell 3L (100% nylon 20D stretch ripstop shell, 93% polyester, 7% spandex ActiveTemp fleece liner). So touchscreen compatibility is one of the most important features of liner gloves today. Carhartt Force Heavyweight Liner Knit Glove is an old favorite of ours because of its stylish look, bulk-free fit, and useful features. Chris also wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail. This comes at no extra cost to you. Storm Liner has a wide touchscreen compatible forefinger and thumb area that works reliably. The materials in these gloves are usually cotton, terry cloth, or nylon. Touchscreen compatible -> No -> A lot of dexterity It was hard to choose the best budget design as both Santic Dorin and Carhartt Force Heavyweight are very close in our book and each of them has its pros and cons. -> The touchscreen capabilities don't work as they should work, Weight -> 43 g (1.5 oz) Get epic tips, guides and how-to's in your inbox every two weeks. Used in at least three of the contenders on our list including the Burton Power Stretch Glove Liner and Marmot Power Stretch Connect, it is touted as an agile fabric that has enough tensile strength for durable shape recovery and performance wicking abilities. Liners often are worn underneath an outer glove, so they should be snug-fitting. -> Excellent moisture management Though warm, they are a barebones pair of gloves and lack critical extras like touchscreen fingertips or clips to keep them together. Made with a stretch fleece, the Dakine Storm Liner has a snug fit the moves as you bend and flex your hand. The Ventia insert is not the most expensive waterproof breathable insert but it certainly adds to the overall price tag of these liner gloves by Outdoor Research. They are ideal as a standalone glove while hiking and then slide easily into a shell for extra warmth. Weve reviewed liners weighing from 25 g (0.9 oz) for the best lightweight design the Arcteryx Rho to 300 g (10.6 oz) for the heaviest model Dakine Element Liner. Jump straight to the reviews. Arcteryx Rho Gloves View on Amazon View on REI, 3. Versatile and functional: great for a multitude of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, running, bike riding, taking photographs, walking around the city, etc. Touchscreen compatible -> Yes Good grip; work well when some fine motor skills are required even when theyre wet on the outside (most gloves and especially bulkier gloves will freeze stiff and become useless), One of their biggest advantages can be a huge weakness if you have sweaty hands as these liner gloves arent that breathable and could retain some moisture instead of transporting it to the outer layer of the gloves where it could evaporate, Durability issues outside fabric, especially in the fingertips (including the touchscreen pads) tend to wear out after some moderate/heavy use, The fleece material pills and once soaked with water, its slow to dry, Touchscreen friendly fingertips facilitate working with touchscreen devices, Good as standalone gloves for spring and fall, work well underneath more substantial gloves for colder days, Wind-resistant thanks to the Polartec Wind Pro material engineered to reduce the amount of wind chill, Thin yet very warm for liner gloves; limited sweating as these are highly breathable, Fit snug and allow for excellent fine motor dexterity; the silicone gripper palm pattern to keep a firm grip of tools and other equipment, The touchscreen feature doesnt work very well, Heavier than most other models of glove liners; such a weight is more typical of winter gloves, Half-finger design preserves the dexterity of the fingers; the gloves are easy to work with as they allow for full use of fingers and hands without restricting movement, The high merino wool content is the reason why these gloves have the characteristics and properties typical of merino wool (90% content), namely moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, anti-odor, and fire resistance abilities, Work well as a standalone but can also be worn as liner gloves under another set of gloves, Good stretch ensures good fit; comfortable for working outside, operating cameras, as well as everyday use, The material is thin and this liner construction cannot withstand extreme wear and tear, With Omni-Heat thermal-reflective lining reflects body heat, The Omni-Heat thermal-reflective lining reflects body heat and retains warmth protecting from the cold, The Omni-Wick technology provides excellent moisture management as it pulls moisture from the skin and spreads it into the fabric, then transports it to its surface where the moisture evaporates, Versatile the Omni-Heat Touch Liner works well as a normal glove or mitten liner or as a standalone during all your winter activities, Very good quality and reasonable price typical for Columbia products, Work well not only as liners but also independently, however, not wind-resistant so youd want to avoid wearing them on their own in windy conditions, Run a bit larger than expected so measure your hand carefully before ordering, Perfect for layering underneath shell gloves, Combination of merino wool and stretch nylon, Versatile and easy to use while in the outdoors hiking, running, cycling, fishing, hunting or working, Compact and comfortable fit; easy to put on and take off, The 85% merino wool content and good quality construction make these gloves reliable for winter performance (still not suitable for extreme cold unless under other gloves or mitts), Fit under other gloves or mittens easily for added warmth (and also dexterity and sensitivity while other gloves are off), Slippery, cant provide good grip in icy conditions, No touch function (huge minus if youd like to use your phone while with them), The weave is too thin, so these are not very durable, Anti-slip silicone pads on palm; touchscreen fleece thumb and index fingertips, For high output activities thanks to the, Come with a set of useful features for enhanced functionality including glove clip to attach them safely to belt loops or pack, anti-slip silicone palms for non-slip gripping, and tapered wrists for a snug fit, Nice fit (not bulky at all and fit wonderfully inside mits) plus the breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying fleece fabric works well for all kinds of use, Really comfortable and the touchscreen sensor tips work decently most of the time, The sensor tips and the silicone elements on the palm and mid fingertip arent very durable, Works better as a liner as this glove isnt windproof can be used as a standalone for still cool days as well as a liner on those colder days, Built with Force technology to wick sweat and dry fast, Silicone palm and fingers provide excellent grip in wet and dry conditions, Warm, these liner gloves are thicker than some other models yet theyre lightweight; the knit liner is excellent for cold weather; can be worn alone in mild temperatures or as a liner in combination with the, Moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties; breathable fabric, Great fit and surprisingly high dexterity for such gloves its easy to use tools, phones, etc. -> Run smaller than expected, Weight -> 26 g (0.9 oz) Touchscreen pads on both the index finger and thumb (Dakine Rambler) make it easy to text. -> Thick enough and warmer than most glove liner models Touchscreen compatible -> Yes Weather protection may not be among the most typical characteristics of glove liners but still, there are wind-resistant models that can be used safely in most conditions. Note that wearing gear with good insulative abilities is a great choice for walks and non-intensive pursuits in general. -> Good stretch and good fit, -> Edges are easy to get snagged We think that the reasons for this are the smart design and the overall quality of the construction and craftsmanship. Artificial materials are breathable and fast-drying like wool, but, unlike silk, they can take a beating. Price -> $19 We break down the differences between these materials and step you through the myriad of features to consider before you add a pair of glove liners to your hiking kit. Its worth noting that the only waterproof liner the OR Waterproof is the most expensive choice on our list. -> Prevents sunburns, -> Flimsy construction Graph 1 and Graph 2 below show the weight of each of the 21 models in our review. See the disclosure page for more information. Our one complaint is the stitching at the seams, which makes the glove feel bulkier than it should. Women's version -> Unisex, -> Agile 4-way stretch material They are basically merino wool and some synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and elastane (theres lots of information about the various materials in our guide onthe best hiking gloves theres a link to the piece at the beginning of this post). Its also uncomfortable, reduces dexterity, and causes hands to be cold. Merino wool glove liner on the left (Smartwool 150), synthetic on the right (OR Versaliner). The form-fitting Omni-Heat Touch will allow you to operate your phone with ease. Price -> $25 First Lite Aerowool Touch Liner Glove View on Amazon, 18. -> Comfy, -> The sensor tips and the silicone elements on the palm and mid fingertip aren't very durable -> Very comfy: soft, cushy material, -> Weird sizing Another great liner is the Arcteryx Rho, whose job is to provide a comfortable, next-to-skin fit without itching or chafing. A solid interlocking clip keeps the gloves together when you are not using them. Liner gloves should be an important part of your cold-weather wardrobe. It can be challenging to get the correct size, especially since each glove has a different fit. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. -> The touchscreen sensitive pads work with most not all smartphones REI Co-op Merino Wool Liner View on REI, 12. Wed recommend a couple of designs that will let you navigate a modern phone starting with the Columbia Omni-Heat Touch Liner Glove a versatile liner crafted from moisture-wicking and breathable material with a heat-reflective lining. Thankfully, most manufacturers provide a size chart that you can use to choose the right size glove for your hands. In cold weather, you don't want to hike outside without gloves on your hands. It feels much warmer when wet in comparison to polyester. Wrap it across the knuckles and around the palm of your hand to find the width. The silk gloves slide on smoothly and feel luxurious on your hand. Honestly, waterproofness is not among the most important things liners should possess unlike dexterity and moisture management as well as effectiveness when worn underneath shell gloves. 1. -> Allow for excellent fine motor dexterity, -> The touchscreen feature doesn't work very well The main role of liner gloves is to keep your hands effectiveness when traveling in various climates and environments. For frigid weather, some gloves use heated liners that are powered by rechargeable batteries. They are not recommended for wearing while hiking unless you are going into extreme conditions. Camotrek is reader-supported. -> Little durability Glove liners are versatile. Among the liners with the best insulative abilities, we have our top-rated SmartWool Liner Gloves and Dakine Storm Liner Gloves two different models crafted from different materials but relying on the insulative properties of merino (and acrylic) and polyester fleece respectively. -> Grippy Graph 1: Weight comparison between liner gloves designs (in grams), Graph 2: Weight comparison between liner gloves designs (in ounces). Glove liners are a base layer and should be both light and packable. Look for glove liners that breathe well and dry quickly. Marmot Power Stretch Connect Gloves View on Amazon View on Moosejaw, Face/shell fabric: Body: 45% merino wool, 45% acrylic, 9% nylon, 1% elastane; Thumb & index finger tip: 95% polyester, 4% other fiber, 1% elastane, Face/shell fabric: Torrent 190 (84% polyester, 16% elastane), Best for: Fast and light hiking or running, Face/shell fabric: 87% Polyester, 13% spandex, Lining & insulation: Yes, microfleece lining, Best for: Hiking or cycling in cool weather, Face/shell fabric: Ventia insert: 95% Polyester, 5% spandex; 100% polyester tricot lining, synthetic Touchscreen suede, Best for: Lightweight weather protection for high output, Face/shell fabric: Polartec Wind Pro fleece (77% polyester, 13%, 8% elastane); silicone palm pattern, Face/shell fabric: 90% Merino wool, 7% nylon, 3% elastic, Face/shell fabric: Omni-Heat Reflective Smooth Thermo Stretch Fleece: 91% Polyester, 9% elastane, Best for: Warmth in cool-to-cold still weather, Face/shell fabric: 85% Merino wool, 10% stretch nylon, 5% elastic, Face/shell fabric: ActiveTemp fleece (265g): 93% polyester, 7% spandex; Thumb & Index Finger Tip: touchscreen fleece, Best for: High output activities in cool weather, Womens Version: Available -> Amazon | Moosejaw| Backcountry, Face/shell fabric: 95% Polyester, 5% spandex, Best for: Using tools/fine movements in cold weather, Face/shell fabric: 50% Merino wool, 50% polyester, Face/shell fabric: 87% Polyester, 13% elastane, Face/shell fabric: 94% Polyester, 6% elastane, Womens Version: Available -> Amazon | Backcountry, Face/shell fabric: Body: 95% merino wool, 5% elastane; Thumb & Index Finger Tip: 92% polyester, 8% elastane, Face/shell fabric: 84% Polyester, 16% elastane, Face/shell fabric: 96% Merino wool, 4% Lycra/elastane, Face/shell fabric: Aerowool: 65% Merino wool, 35% integrated 37.5 Technology nylon, Best for: Ultralighters/Lightweight pursuits, Face/shell fabric: Polartec Power Stretch: 91% Polyester, 9% elastane, Face/shell fabric: Polyester Spandex Knit, Best for: Hunting, hiking, and other activities in cool weather, Best for: Hiking or running in the fall and spring, Table 1: Best liner gloves comparison table, Weight -> 43 g (1.5 oz) In the FAQ section, you will find an article discussing whats different between gloves and mitts for cold weather. Capable of withstanding some serious use and abuse, the Sitka Gear Traverse are very solid gloves for their mere 68 g (2.4 oz). But there are heavier designs with added insulation that are worth checking as they also have their advantages. -> Merino wool has many advantages over its alternatives They are rarely waterproof (the Outdoor Research Waterproof Liner offering complete protection from wind and water is more of an exception) or even water-resistant. Affiliate disclosure: We aim to provide honest information to our readers. At the bottom of our list, you will find lighter models such as the Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Glove Liners,Minus33 Merino Wool Glove Liner, andREI Co-op Merino Wool Liner Gloves. Price -> $39 Women's version -> No, -> Good as standalone gloves and as a glove liner Because they're minimal gloves, you won't find extras like clips to hold them together. The OR Waterproof are thick and warm and offer a good level of protection in bad weather. You can also find an in-depth post about the best hiking gloves together with everything you need to know about how to choose the right gloves for your need. When shopping for glove liners, you may stumble across liners meant for driving, casual wearing around town, or for working outside. -> The touch screen function is really responsive -> Won't keep your hands warm by themselves in windy, snowy or cold conditions, Weight -> 25 g (0.9 oz) Why? The gloves add a layer of warmth under a shell and have an ample cuff for wearing under a jacket. Its placed right after the section containing the reviews of the 21 models of liner gloves discussed here. Fleece insulates well but merino the best insulative material for liners beats fleece hands down. Women's version -> Unisex, -> Half-finger design to maintain dexterity The last thing you want is a pair of gloves that will freeze because they are sopping wet with sweat. -> Moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties In a hurry? -> Snug fit, work well when finger finesse is needed Touchscreen compatible -> Yes Price -> $27 While having some great characteristics, properties, and features, their durability is not especially impressive. It also wicks sweat away from your hands, which is critical in the cold weather. Another design among the most durable ones is the Burton Power Stretch Glove Liner. -> Run small and a too-small range of size options Women's version -> Unisex, -> Engineered to provide dexterity Its bulk-free fit is great for use on the trail as a liner on cold winter days or as a standalone on cool spring and autumn days. Burton Power Stretch Glove Liner View on Amazon View on REI, 16. Best Liner Gloves for Outdoor Adventures in 2021. -> Good bang for your buck - you'll hardly get any liners better at this price, -> Not wind-resistant We had to put on an insulated shell at camp. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. Generally, merino is an excellent fabric for making base layers, gloves, and other garments that stay next to the skin. Designs that we think are well-suited for high winds include the Santic Dorin Cycling Liner (because of the quality wind-stopper fabric) and Dakine Element Liner Gloves (due to the Polartec Wind Pro material that can reduce the amount of wind-chill considerably) as both utilize wind-resistant fabric that can cut the wind effectively. -> Easy to use a touchscreen device, -> Thin and not very warm Generally, from less than $20 to a bit more than $50, you can find good and reliable liner gloves with some nice features. They also are hot, making them suitable for hunting, ice fishing, and similar low-intensity activities. They are not intended for hiking. Which are your favorite liners? Some man-made materials like polyester and Polartec Power Stretch have excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying abilities to keep up with any activity. -> The touch response is good Of course, moisture management and quick-drying go hand in hand in coping with the heat and sweat that the body releases. Women's version -> Yes, -> Provide decent protection from the elements Women's version -> Unisex, -> Versatile and functional Almost every manufacturer makes a glove liner, so the material choices, feature sets, and color options are numerous. -> Wind-resistant, -> Not very warm especially if you have poor circulation The Dakine Rambler glove is a thin yet versatile glove that can be worn alone on cool spring days or with an outer glove during the fall and winter. It can be finicky, so practice with your gloves at home before you rely on it in the backcountry. In addition, these extremely packable gloves with an ultralight design can be stored in a pocket easily (just like the SmartWool Liner). Models like the Arcteryx Rho andOutdoor Research Waterproof Liners are a great example of liners capable of keeping the wearer dry and comfortable in dry and rainy conditions respectively. The Nathan Reflective gloves are available in a men's and awomen's version. Our top recommendation for budget-friendly liners is the Santic Dorin Cycling Liner a wind-resistant multi-purpose glove that works equally well on the trail and as an everyday glove in town. TOUCHSCREEN COMPATIBILITY:WORKS BETTER WHEN THE GLOVESFIT SNUGLY. Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners View on Amazon View on Backcountry, 5. Synthetic gloves are a great choice when you don't need the warmth of wool but want something more rugged than silk. -> Heavier than most other models of glove liners, Weight -> 68 g (2.4 oz) Because for your hands to feel dry and comfortable, the ability to wick moisture away from the skin and transport it to the outer side of the liner is much more important than the ability to repel water coming from the outside.