Some of the hardest parts of the body to keep warm are your hands and feet. No matter how warm the rest of your body is from heated clothing, your extremities can feel the cold.
In some cases, this prolonged exposure to cold, even when wearing gloves, can become painful.
Not only this, but depending on what activity you are undertaking, there might be a severe loss of mobility, and no matter what you do, you can’t get your dexterity back into your digits.
The following reviews take a look at battery heated clothing, which will keep your hands warm and supple, particularly handing when camping.
Some of the glove types are specific to certain recreational activities, while others are seen to aid sufferers who have circulation problems in their hands and fingers.
Contents
Cold hands can be one of the worst things a person can feel, so here’s the top 5 to put an end to all that.
What are Heated Gloves?
For years there have been hand warmers available for outdoor enthusiasts. These used to comprise of fuel sticks that were lit and placed inside a small case.
This was then put in your pocket, and when your hands were cold, you would hold it for a few minutes.
This was the first type of heated gear, but was primitive, and had a little long-term effect. Since then, battery designs have improved, and now gone are the days of these early hand warmers.
Handwarmer gloves solve the solution. Wires are woven into the fabric of your gloves, and when connected to a battery that usually sits on the outside of each glove, they deliver continual heat.
Are Heated Gloves Safe?
Self-heating gloves are incredibly safe, and they are handy in what they do. To further clarify on their safety, there isn’t enough power for the battery to cause a fire in the self-heated gloves.
In addition to this, you might think you could receive an electrical shock. This isn’t possible because there are no bare wires that you can tough, and if you did, the battery doesn’t offer the power needed to shock you.
It doesn’t matter if you are using heated gloves or hand warmer glove liners, you will be glad you chose this solution to keep your fingers warm.
Top Heated Gloves Reviews
1. Flambeau Heated Gear Gloves Kit
This Flambeau heated gloves review takes a look at what has become a crowd favorite. This ranges from dog walkers, people who shovel lots of snow to hunters.
These gloves place the heating wires on the inside of the palm rather than on the back.
This might sound as if it would be uncomfortable, but the heating wires are made from thin carbon fiber.
On the downside of this, if you need the heat on the back of your hands, this might be difficult if there is a strong wind.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Heating elements on the palm and fingers
- Machine washable
- Affordable
- Optional 7-volt battery pack
Cons
- Comes on the large side
- Limited heat – only 2 heat settings
- Reports of short battery life
- User reports of just stopping hands from going numb, and not keeping hands warm
Specifications
- Comes with 2 Lithium-Ion batteries
- Battery life – 5 1/2 hours
- 3.7-volt batteries – good for 1000 charges
- 100% Oxford Nylon
- Waterproof and breathable polyester lining
- 100 grams of insulation
These Flambeau gloves have been reported as one of the most used types for lots of activities rather than being specific.
While being priced anywhere from below $100 to the $150 range, they could be a viable option if long-term usage isn’t a concern, and you need something to keep the chill off your fingers.
A rough guide of their effectiveness is, if your hands were cold before wearing the gloves, your hands would feel normal. If your hands were frozen, they would now feel slightly cold.
Considering the price, this might be a good trade-off between performance for a multi-purpose heated glove.
2. Savior Heated Gloves with Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Heated for Men and Women, Warm Gloves for Cycling Motorcycle Hiking Skiing Mountaineering
The Savior heated gloves do as they say and give all-around heating on both the inside of the hands and on the all-important outside.
Performance is the middle of the road, and although they perform better than many others, they don’t blow you away.
These Savior heated gloves are another that is a multipurpose glove and can be used for skiing, motorcycle riding, and hiking, plus many other activities.
Pros
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- 3 heat levels
- Heats on both sides of the hands and fingers
- Velvet lining
- Included dual charger
- 30 second heat time
- Fully weatherproof
Cons
- Runs on the large side
- Not machine washable
Specifications
- Carbon fiber heating elements
- 7.4 V 2200 mA lithium polymer rechargeable battery
- Battery life between 2.5 – 6 hours
- Heats in – 25-degree temperatures
- The waterproof outer material moisture-wicking fabric on the inside
- Microfiber fingertips
- Leather Palm
- Outer layer – Polyester
One thing with the Savior heated gloves is they don’t look like battery operated gloves. Although this doesn’t affect anything, it does disguise the fact you are using hand warmer gloves.
One added feature is the adjustable wrist closing mechanism. This prevents heat from escaping and cold or snow getting in.
For outdoor types of people or sportspersons who need plenty of finger movement, the Savior heating gloves come in just under $150 while each additional battery if you decide to purchase comes in at around $45 ($90 range for 2)
Another plus point is the Savior heated gloves battery charger allows you to charge both batteries at the same time. There is also a battery indicator, so when you are wearing the gloves, you won’t suddenly find you are left with cold hands.
3. Rechargeable Battery Heated Gloves 3 Heat 7.4V by GLOBAL VASION
If you are after a great pair of women’s heated gloves that can meet all your needs, then you won’t need to look much further than the gloves by Global Vasion.
The coating delivers excellent water resistance, which makes them great for skiing or motorcycling, where water would be hitting the backside.
The company has recently upgraded the lining that now allows an enhanced gripping experience. This is 80% cotton and 20% sponge.
When heating, the gloves first start on the rear of the hand and work their way down to the extremes of the fingers.
For sufferers of Raynaud’s, which can cause pins and needles, the heated gloves for men can quickly remedy this. This heat is a welcome comfort as it re-introduces blood back into the fingers extremes.
Pros
- Highly Affordable
- Water-Resistant
- Great Heat up to 150F
- 3 Heat Settings
- Glove size as stated
- Helps Increase Blood Flow
Cons
- No Drawstring
- Non-Touchscreen friendly
Specifications
- Weatherproof
- Upgraded lining for more comfort and dexterity
- 3 layer construction
- Heats up to 150F
- Color-coded battery indicator
Almost everywhere you see rechargeable heated gloves reviews, the Global Vasion 7.4V heated gloves are highly praised.
They deliver three layers of protection to keep hands not only warm but dry. Even if the heat is only on the back of the hands and the fingers, it finds its way to the fingers extremes in around ten minutes.
The heated gloves have more than enough insulation; they are more than capable of keeping your hands warm down to temperatures of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
For battery-operated gloves, the price of around $70 is a steal when compared to others. Results show the stated battery times are what was found in testing.
So for an all-around heated glove, you can’t go far wrong with this heated glove, they offer plenty of value, and if it is the warmth you are after, then this is the best battery heated gloves for you.
4. Gerbing’s 12V XE Gloves-(Unisex)-Motorcycle-Large
For the ultimate in vehicle-powered heating gloves, this Gerbing heated gear is second to none. With all the battery connections you need, they can be quickly connected to your vehicle’s battery. This can be a motorcycle, snowmobile, or anything else that has a 12V power supply.
One of the most significant downsides is the controller that is advised to be used to get the best heat; this almost doubles the price of the gloves.
Unfortunately is you try to use them without it, things can get a bit too toasty unless the temps are really cold where they start to lose their effectiveness. Being a unisex design, these battery-powered gloves look and fit great to both small and large hands alike.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Wear-resistant palms
- Battery harness and fuses included
- Fast heat uptime
Cons
- Only for specific uses
- Needs separate temperature controller
- A little bulky
- Not touch screen friendly
Specifications
- Patented Gerbing Microwire Technology
- 12V Battery
- Ergonomic finger design
- 135F Max heat setting
- Leather & Tricot construction
- Weight 1.55 pounds without heat controller
The heated motorcycle gloves work as described, but without the heat controller, they do get over warm unless the temperature is freezing.
Glove liners might be required as a barrier to stave off some of the heat. Although the fingers are designed for movement, for anything that requires more than hitting switches or turning a throttle could necessitate the need to remove the gloves.
For a pair of gloves that are priced at around $100, it is a shame that you still need to purchase a temperature controller.
In effect doubling the price, it makes these Gerbing heated gloves quickly fall into another bracket. When you calculate all you need, there could be other alternatives that are a little more flexible than allowing built-in heat control.
5. Outdoor Research Lucent Heated Gloves Black Large
The brand Outdoor Research is widely known for its high-quality outdoor gear. From outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen, or professionals, all testify to the outstanding functionality and design.
The Lucent heated gloves warm the entire hand utilizing thin wire heating elements that run around every area of the side. Heat can be controlled by the built-in controller that sits by the battery pouch.
The battery heated gloves are powered by the newer lithium-ion batters, which the company states will last up to 8 hours in the lowest setting and up to 2 hours on the highest.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Waterproof and windproof
- Long battery life
- Lifetime Warranty
- Quality materials
- Carrying case included in the package
- Drawstring
Cons
- Limited movement
- Heat more concentrated at the top of the hand
- Slow charging times
- Bulky construction
Specifications
- 3 heat levels
- Color-coded light for on/off and temp setting
- Can be heated from 100-240 volts by using the included adapter
- Weight – 507 grams
- GORE-TEX insert with 100% nylon shell
- Water-resistant goat leather palm
- Fleeced palm lining
Although the electric gloves are suited to many outdoor activities and sports, they are also well known and used by countless professionals as heated work gloves. They are also used by a vast number of individuals who have circulation problems.
Out of all our reviews, the outdoor research heated gloves are by far the most expensive and come in just over $1000.
This can place it out of reach for most individuals, but for the warmest men’s gloves, you do get what you pay for with these.
The glove is adequate without any additional heating, and with the drawstring, you won’t be losing heat unnecessarily.
They are expensive, and the company knows the individuals who seek a well-constructed glove of this type won’t mind paying for it.
Most of the men’s heated gloves heat is concentrated around the fingers where it is most needed.
The controls are easy to use, even while wearing gloves. A long press for on, and then you can rotate through the heat settings.
What to Look For When Buying Heated Gloves
No matter what outdoor activity you are doing, there will be heating gloves which fit your need. It doesn’t matter if you are skiing, snowboarding, fishing, motorcycle riding, or even working in the yard and want to keep your fingers warm as toast.
When winter is around, and you are out having fun, you can undertake further actions that will switch between work, play, and using a smartphone.
To enable you to do this, you will need the best gloves that not only cater to the activity but offer the best function for heating as well.
Here are some criteria that you need to look for when buying battery heated clothing for your hands.
Considering Your Wants and Needs
As was just mentioned, this can have the most substantial impact on the type of gloves you choose; not every kind will be suitable.
Although there are none in the above reviews, you can opt for heated mittens, and while they do keep your hands warm, they are not suitable when you need to use your fingers.
Some of these are more suited to specific outdoor activities, which should also be considered. There is also the possibility you suffer from circulation problems.
This can be crippling in the cold, so the hot hands glove you decide upon should heat down to the fingers.
Lastly, some gloves can be heated from an external battery, such as while riding a motorcycle. Although as effective, they lack the portability of the smaller battery-powered gloves.
Budget
Like many other things, you get what you pay for, but this isn’t to say there aren’t any affordable deals. You might find there are features in the heat gloves that are not needed, so paying for these is just a waste of your hard-earned cash.
Some heated gloves are designed for a particular market, and this will be reflected in the price. However, you do tend to find the more expensive gloves are made from better materials.
Hand Size
If your battery-operated hand warmer gloves are too large, they will lose their effectiveness. They need to fit snugly, so there is a contact form where the heating elements sit. You can measure your hand by taking a cloth measuring tape and wrapping it around the palm of your dominant hand. You would use this as the base of your hand size. A lot of gloves we tested were found to be on the larger size when wearing.
Heat Generated
It’s no use having a glove that won’t reach the desired temperature. Although many are battery operated hand warmer gloves, they don’t suffice in extreme cold.
On the other hand, there are some which can reach temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
This might sound way too hot, but when the wind chill factor is high, the inside of the gloves might not feel that hot.
Along with this is the initial heating time, if your gloves take too long to heat, then you have wasted time, and depending on your activity, that might have been the length of time you needed to wear your heating gloves.
Design and Construction
No two pairs of heat gloves will be made the same. This is where you need to decide on the activity or activities you will be doing.
Wind resistant types are best suited to skiers and motorcycle riders. There are some which are further insulated, but these come with extra bulk.
If you are working in the yard or need to have control over dexterity, then you would be wise opting for a slimmer pair.
Lastly, on the design, the very best heated glove will have plenty of layers. This is the secret to heat retention and no matter which part of your body.
Extra Batteries?
A lot of the gloves come with different battery life. This will depend on the battery itself and the heat setting used with the length of time you are heating your gloves.
If you are only in the cold for a couple of hours, it might not be an issue, but if you are out all day, or you are on vacation, you might need longer battery life or rechargeable heated gloves. If this is your choice, recharging time should be considered.
As a rough guide, you can use the following to see how long you might receive in battery life for your hand warming clothing
- High Tem setting – 2 -3 hours
- Medium Temp Setting – 4 – 6 hours
- Low Temp Setting – 5 – 6.5 hours
Final Verdict
This battery heated gloves review took into consideration a lot of things to find which pair of heated gloves were the best for most people.
One of the first areas we looked at was budget, there are expensive gloves, and unless you have an ailment, or are a professional who might have extended use of this type of glove.
They quickly priced themselves out of the competition. For a few days here and there, there is no need to spend so much.
We then looked at usability. Some of the battery gloves rely more on insulation for heating than they do for their battery and heating elements. Although it is a welcome addition, these gloves can quickly restrict finger movement.
Taking everything we found into consideration, we came up with only one recommendation:
The Global Vasion Rechargeable Battery Heated Gloves.
They don’t break the bank and can be used for a multitude of uses. Even sufferers of numb fingers or arthritis can make full use of these gloves no matter what time of year.
They are easy to control and give a great battery life. The heating is quick to reach the extremes of your fingers, and with three-layers, you have ease of mobility while retaining all the warmth that has been generated.
The battery-powered gloves provide plenty of power when it is needed, and all of this is down with no restrictions in cables hanging.
These battery gloves will offer the chance to venture outdoors in the coldest of weather and enjoy yourself, no matter what your activity or pastime.
Read more Hiking Guides
