If we’re talking about brands such as NRS (for men and women), Sea to Summit, Warmers, Glacier, Water Proof Facing Reality, and Kokatat, you could tell that they offer the best kayaking gloves in the market.
For sure, you can have all the features that you need, whether you value affordability, quality, or durability- just name it. But to start with, let’s have a quick glimpse of the watersport and why you would need the gloves.
So if you want to improve your cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, do kayaking. An hour of this activity can help you lose around 350 calories, depending on how hard you paddle. Also, kayaking is an exciting activity if you go on vacation trips with your family and friends.
Paddling in the cold waters can cause blisters to both of your hands. A pair of the kayaking gloves will undoubtedly give you protection and offer you a good grip on the paddle. During winter conditions, you’d also need these gloves for warmth purposes.
There’s a lot for us to talk about, so without further ado, let’s get to it already.
Table of Contents
- Fast Look At My Top Kayaking Gloves For Different Conditions
- 8 Best Kayaking Gloves
- 1. NRS Hydroskin Full Finger Gloves
- 2. Sea to Summit Eclipse Paddle Glove
- 3. Warmers Paddling Glove
- 4. Glacier Glove Pro Anglers
- 5. Waterproof Heavy Duty Latex Dry Glove
- 6. Kokatat Lightweight Gloves
- 7. Glacier Perfect Curve Glove
- 8. NRS Women’s and Men’s Half-Finger Boater’s Gloves
- Things to Consider When Buying
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Words
Fast Look At My Top Kayaking Gloves For Different Conditions
8 Best Kayaking Gloves
With so many options of kayaking gloves out there, only the best kinds shine the most and have what it takes to be on this list. You won’t have the hassle to browse through many sites because we will give you worthy options. Just read on!
1. NRS Hydroskin Full Finger Gloves
If you want to get rid of that chill, without compromising excellent grip, then you should opt for NRS women’s hydroskin gloves. Not to mention, NRS men’s hydroskin gloves also offer you only the best.
Since these gloves are made with thin fabric, they’re sure to fit your hand well. Also, the four-way stretch outer layer gives you excellent protection. Without a doubt, this gear is probably the best for the fall and spring seasons!
As a plus, it has a water repellent coating and an easy slip-on wrist. The silicone palm ensures you have a non-slip grip on the paddle. You know it, slippery gloves can bring you much discomfort. You might even lose your paddle if you’re not cautious enough, and that event will truly be disappointing.
Anyway, these gloves are well-recommended for water sports around the world, especially that they do not restrain your hands when paddling. It is truly great for in-between-weather kayaking activities, given that it’s not bulky.
With its thermal plush inner lining, it can produce heat, thereby increasing the insulation within. Also, moisture build-up is prevented, and in case there is, it dries quickly.
With this, you’re also ensured of increased air circulation and tissue oxygen levels. For sure, warm air will be trapped inside the gloves, so that it can be held closer to your skin. Wearing these gloves can certainly regulate your hand’s temperature, no more cold or warm feeling for you.
The NRS men’s hydroskin gloves are equipped with high thread seams that can cover the raw edges of the fabric, thereby giving you a neat appearance. The same is true with the NRS women’s hydroskin gloves, these garments come with the same top-notch features that you will surely love.
All in all, these garments, fullfinger for men and women, can be used as high-quality outdoor protective equipment to ensure optimum kayaking experience. There’s no doubt why they’re considered the best for fall and spring.
2. Sea to Summit Eclipse Paddle Glove
Would you like an excellent protector for your hands while enjoying any watersport? If you are a fan of kayaking, then we have something you might really need.
Sea to Summit Eclipse paddle glove is undoubtedly one of the best products in the market. Since it is made from imported materials, you can expect its durability. While the palm area is equipped with soft and flexible synthetic leather, there will inevitably be no hassle for you in whatever activity you might want to indulge in.
Well, this glove is the best for sea kayaking, so if you are a beach geek, it is really something for you. What’s more about this garment that I personally love is that it is installed with UPF 50+ fabric on the back of the hands.
With this, it becomes stretchy and breathable, at the same time ensures to protect your hands from the sun. However, this paddle glove is fingerless, which means that it cannot provide entire sunscreen protection to your whole hands.
But then, this drawback is offset by its top-notch features; aside from those already mentioned, it has a lot to offer you.
Moreover, to keep your hands secured from blisters (specifically due to too much outdoor activity), the material used in the palm and thumb areas comes in 2 layers. Also, a 2mm neoprene cuff with hook and loop is added to its design for a more firm grip.
With its lightweight design and dexterity, you can secure your contact with the paddle; however strong the current is, allowing you to enjoy a fine day under the sun without any inconvenience. If it were not for its leather construction and padding, it should dry relatively quickly.
Since it comes with four different sizing measurements- small (7-7.5 inches), medium (8-8.5 inches), large (9-9.5 inches), and extra-large (9.5+ inches). With this, you’ll surely have a perfect paddle glove fit. Anyway, you can determine your size by measuring your hand circumference in inches.
Considering all the benefits you can reap from this Sea to Summit Eclipse paddle glove. You can never go wrong when you opt for this!
3. Warmers Paddling Glove
If you need a product furnished with the best value, reasonable price, and quality features, Warmers Barnacle paddling glove is the perfect choice for you.
Since it is made with neoprene fabric, the synthetic rubber is ideal for whatever water activity you love. It is engineered in such a way to provide you optimum breathability and ventilation. For sure, it can bring comfort to your fingers, even if you should indulge in a fun-filled day under the sun.
With the addition of lycra, a secure and comfortable grip on the paddle is guaranteed. The so-called “Silicone Barnacles” feature in this product also enhances more paddle control.
On the thumb area, terrycloth is used, which is great for absorbing sweat, thus keeping your hands dry on the inside. Much more, the half-finger design protects the vulnerable spots of your hands during paddling at the same time it offers your fingertips the entire freedom for movement.
But with this design, your upper fingers may not be protected from blisters. In order to neutralize this drawback, the glove is so lightweight, giving you maximum convenience amid an intense outdoor adventure.
Its 3mm four-way stretch construction feels so right in your hands that you won’t even be able to tell that you’re wearing gloves. Perhaps, this feature is the main reason why users opt for this product.
While using this fantastic outdoor garment, you could still be able to do some urgent tasks like responding to important messages, emails and even do calls on your mobile phones. You can also use this during fishing while holding and controlling those rods.
In case you want to make it clean, hand washing this garment will give you better results. And remember to use only mild soap while cleaning it to preserve its original texture. Strong bleach or acid might create results not applicable to its fabric.
The Warmers Barnacle half finger paddling glove comes in four different sizing options you can choose from; surely, you can find the perfect fit for your hands!
4. Glacier Glove Pro Anglers
Are you fond of engaging in water activities even during the winter season? This glove is undoubtedly the perfect protection for your hands against the chilly weather. Glacier Pro Angler glove is explicitly created for outdoor enthusiasts for the cold, windy days.
The material used in creating this product is the top of the line Techline Neoprene. With this, you’re sure that it is 100 percent waterproof, leaving your hands all dry while enjoying a couple of hours in the water—no wonder my friends and I also love this product.
This is also to give your hands the exact form, thereby ensuring a perfect grip on any winter watersport tool- like a kayak paddle or a fishing rod. Without a doubt, this glove is ideal in keeping the cold out from your hands. At the same time, it can give you enough comfort while relishing any water activity of your choosing.
A slit finger design was also added on the thumb and pointing finger, allowing you to tie knots when fishing or making important calls. With this style, your hands will be kept away from cold while doing important tasks simultaneously.
The palm area was created seamlessly with Sharkskin texture, giving your hands a comfortable fit and enhanced grip at the same time. Its blind stitching assures you total durability.
There is no doubt why it is dubbed the best cold weather kayaking fishing gloves<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>. There’s more, as it can also be perfect for ice fishing, hunting, and installing chains. With the Glacier Pro Angler glove, you can have the coziness and flexibility you ever wanted.
5. Waterproof Heavy Duty Latex Dry Glove
If we’re talking about the gloves that can be best for kayaking in Antarctica and extremely cold winter, then Waterproof Heavy Duty latex dry glove is the perfect choice for you.
Since this fantastic gear comes with a size chart, you can choose the right fit for you. Using this guarantees your efficiency. Although this glove is useful in many ways, users love to combine this with a dry glove system from the same brand for a drysuit.
As always, you can depend on this glove because it isn’t too bulky. It fits perfectly in your hands and provides you extreme dexterity. Since it has a heavy-duty surface, you’re sure of its durability, especially against unexpected scenarios that might damage it.
Also, it helps prevent callouses, thereby giving you optimum comfort. Besides, the glove comes with a pre-bent finger design to ensure a snug fit of your hand. I love this because it’s very reliable and much thicker than any other gloves out there.
But then, you can expect a few drawbacks out of the benefits. Having a glove that is too thick would give you difficulty in gripping the paddle. Not only will it affect your level of comfort, but also your enjoyment. This feature will less likely allow you to be able to paddle freely.
Anyway, many people still buy and love the product. Contrary to that thought, this is a very comfortable latex glove with pre-bent fingers and thumb in the right position.
You can have an enhanced grip, given that it’s a dry glove and entirely waterproof. Also, it includes an inner Thermo liner that maximizes heat, making it ideal for cold weather.
Undeniably, this Waterproof Heavy Duty latex dry glove is the perfect choice for extreme conditions and outdoor activities. Undeniably, this Waterproof Heavy Duty latex dry glove is the perfect choice for extreme conditions and outdoor activities.
6. Kokatat Lightweight Gloves
If you want optimum versatility, then these Kokatat lightweight gloves are the ones for you. It is a unisex kayaking glove made up of nylon, spandex shell, and synthetic suede palm.
For sure, this product can give you a consistent grip on the paddle. Specifically, it is engineered with three-fourths finger design, keeping your fingers curled up.
Much more, using this can even save your palm from tearing and wearing. Though fingerless, it still gives you adequate sun protection. There’s no doubt why it is dubbed as the best for hot weather.
Also, it has a tight fit; thanks to Velcro strap closure it comes with. This is sure to give you a comfortable paddling trip. Since the wrist part is adjustable, given that it’s made with hook and loop adjusters, it will be easier for you to put it on and out.
The palm is made of high-quality Amara synthetic leather that ensures durability. At the same time, it provides you optimum protection for your paddling excursions, thereby making Kokatat lightweight gloves worthy of your expense.
7. Glacier Perfect Curve Glove
Since it is made with waterproof materials, this Glacier perfect curve glove is truly perfect for keeping your hands warm and dry even while engaging in watersports. For sure, it is an excellent choice for your exciting kayaking trips.
Personally, I love how lightweight this product is. Also, it is designed with pre-bent fingers, thereby adding to its comfortable characteristic. This gear is undeniably best for winter seasons.
Since it is blind-stitched and glued, the stitching thread is concealed, to make the gloves neat. Also, it gives a positive effect, not only because it can make it nice-looking, but also clean even with the large stitches.
They go with a new pro strap to offer you an integrated wrap design. With this, you will be given optimum security. Also, it ensures that it can provide you with maximum comfort. For sure, these gloves are seamless, thereby offsetting drawbacks.
This product provides a high-level of warmth at the same time waterproofing ability. It allows you to have an excellent grip on the paddle. The curve design substantially reduces fatigue, and it keeps the fingers warm, even if you’re paddling for a long time.
What amazes me the most is that it gives me total comfort and ease during cold weather, but not really good when you’re under the heat of the sun. It doesn’t provide maximum breathability in that case.
It is also constructed with 2MM Techline Neoprene fleece lining, making the gear very convenient and dry on the inside. The Velcro straps have enough length to enable you to wrap it around your wrist.
With these incredible features, having the Glacier perfect curve glove is definitely worth it!
8. NRS Women’s and Men’s Half-Finger Boater’s Gloves
Last, but surely not least in our list is this half-finger boater’s glove from NRS. This is the perfect choice for everybody, given that it’s available for both men and women.
Well, the NRS women’s half-finger boater’s glove is the ideal option if you’re really conscious about sun protection. It is incorporated with UPF 50, thereby giving you an optimum shield from the scorching heat. There’s no doubt why it’s known to be the best fingerless gloves for women.
Much more, it guarantees a non-slip grip and a Velcro closure to provide you with a maximum safety level. Also, there is a fleece lining on the gear to help remove sweat, keeping your hands dry from within.
More so, the shell is made of nylon and spandex for more exceptional durability. At the same time, the palm is equipped with synthetic leather. Perhaps, it’s recommended for warm-weather kayaking due to its open-finger design.
The same is true with the best fingerless glove for men– the NRS men’s half-finger boater’s glove. With this, you’re sure that your motion is not compromised, therefore letting your fingers move freely.
Well, that problem is pervasive when it comes to kayaking gloves. Since NRS heard your pleas, it ensured that this kind of glove could give you the ability to maneuver freely, that’s why my friends love to wear them.
The material on the wrist is extended to meet your sun shirt and prevent more skin exposure. Silicone accents are added for better control and grip to the paddle. Now for breathability and cooling factors, it has vent holes on the palms. These features make the gear one of a kind.
Furthermore, these gloves are incredibly lightweight, though heavier ones aren’t that much of a burden. For sure, the problem will ignite if you kayak for a long time. Just come to imaging how kayaking is tiresome with light gloves, how much more if you do it with a heavy one.
Perhaps, the major downside of these products is their waterproofing capability. Obviously, they’re fingerless.
Anyhow, if you want to have a durable glove that can provide you optimum protection while engaging in a watersport, either NRS women’s half-finger boater’s glove or NRS men’s half-finger boater’s glove is definitely a worthy option!
Things to Consider When Buying
You have to consider various factors before purchasing a pair of kayaking gloves. These accounts will lead you to compare brands and other considerations. You can’t just suddenly pick one without thinking of the best gloves to buy. Remember, do not waste money for being too aggressive.
Practically speaking, you should make smart decisions for choosing gloves. You should evaluate its features and attributes so that there isn’t any room for disappointment. These protective gear must be able to provide you adequate protection for longer paddling time.
We recommend you examine these factors that we’ll give you before finally deciding for a purchase.
Material
Having high-quality materials for the composition of gloves would yield you durability. Since you want gear to protect you during a kayaking trip, you might want to have the most robust pair. Most of the gloves used for kayaking are made of neoprene and latex or neoprene combined with other materials.
Gloves made of Spandex, Nylon, and Lycra are most suitable for the warmer days. These materials give your hands sun protection and defense against abrasions from the paddle, especially during the summer. Unfortunately, these glove types only offer you very little sun protection or even none at all.
Neoprene is synthetic leather that can be used in multiple temperatures. Synthetic leather dries quicker than those of non-synthetic materials. Furthermore, the best kayaking gloves will possess excellent gripping palms for a safe fasten to the paddle. Do not buy those that do not provide extra grip for it’ll only be a waste of money.
Much thicker gloves are designed for the chilly and cold weather. It is for the reason that these gloves are more robust. The best option is waterproof neoprene because it is well-cushioned and insulated.
More so, anti-cold gears may even contain fleece lining for the dry inserts. This equipment is a better choice for the winter season.
While being sure of having the best kind, the gear must not also compromise your motion. The main reason is that you cannot move an inch either forward or backward in the water without paddling. This action serves as the fuel of the kayak, and you are the driver.
Waterproof and Breathability
Those moist or soaking wet hands would kill a happy kayaking day, so you better choose a waterproof glove. So, whether you compete or just troll around, you should have one that has a breathability factor to avoid sweaty hands. If so, you will have much of a discomfort.
If this breathability factor is present in a pair of gloves, you will have moisture-free for a drier experience. Well, the fabrics of the gear would be the most responsible for this problem. Try to be keen looking at the details of the kayaking gloves you’re eyeing.
Breathable barriers are present to most gloves to prevent dampness on the insides. These protective gear will give you total comfort against mild to extreme temperatures so, you better not omit this consideration on your list.
Thickness and Protection
Without safety gloves, blisters and potential cuts from river edges will be much of a worry. Especially in times that we call the “blustery days.” Before trying to make a purchase, one should examine the level of protection and comfort that the gloves can offer. This factor is a must consideration for potential buyers like you.
Moving in water is the use of the kayaking activity, so if you have a painful hand due to blisters and callous, it’ll be not good. You would lose the exciting and thrilling part of kayaking. We highly recommend you to put appropriate protection to your hands before doing so.
Potential cuts and injuries from the siding of the boat and rocks will cause you further and much painful harm. Especially that while on water, your hands are softer and comfortable to cut. More significant cuts are hurtful, so you better be careful. You would get a pair that is comfy, durable, and would secure your hands.
Different kinds of the season also require you to adjust your glove choices. Some of it may be too thick for the warmer days, and some may be too thin for the colder conditions. You must have an applicable kind of glove for correct matching. One must not pick whatever he/she only wants. It must also be appropriate.
Thicker gloves are great for the cold and provide you better safety and warmth. However, gloves that are dull battles the positive features for the loss of maneuvered movement.
This factor is a must decide that you have to consider when purchasing. You would have to weigh or maybe get the ones with both elements.
Fit
You would not want a loose pair of mitts during a happy kayaking adventure, am I right? You need to make sure your hands fit perfectly. Gloves that are too loose can bring you an uncomfortable feeling and may cause blisters due to friction. More so, the provided warmth of the gloves will be lesser.
On the other hand, if this gear is too tight, your fingers’ circulation will be compromised. This problem can put you in danger of cold weather conditions. The best choice you can make is to make sure you have the fit. Not that it will give your hands protection but can also ease up your motion.
There are kayaking sport must-have wrist leashes to avoid losing the gear during trips for the excellent fitting. Some may also have an elasticized wrist to adapt to different hand sizes. In comparison, others provide you with Velcro straps for a more secure fit.
A common problem finding the perfect gloves for you is whether it is too big or too small. Stretchable wrists would be tremendous, but try checking for an adjustable one with Velcro material for better comfort.
Warmth and Comfortability
Retaining the warmth and comfortability is an essential feature for a glove. These kinds of gears are made to offer your hands the protection for everyday activities. Though you would want a durable one, this makes the glove thicker and less comfortable. You better find a permanent but not a bulky type of glove.
Contrary to that thought, much thicker gloves provide you more warmth compared to thinner ones. On warmer days, gloves fabricated with lightweight fabric are recommended. Though, more robust materials are needed for cold conditions. You should first consider the water temperature for choosing the right pair of gloves.
Kayaking will take your energy away by paddling, so you might not want your hands to get blisters. It will be excruciating because paddling requires continuous motion to move forward. With that being said, your hands need a lot of comforts to enjoy your adventure without restraint.
Style
Unique styles and variations are out in the market. People surely have a different perspective on choosing the best kayaking gloves for them. Even though this isn’t the most crucial factor that you’d consider, appearance would still matter, especially in different weather conditions.
The style of the glove may be with fingers or fingerless. Do you want to know the difference? Well, there are lots of pros and cons to this variation. Gloves with fingers are much warmer and completely waterproof. However, they may restrain your motion a little.
On the other hand, fingerless gloves are prone to have your fingers wet. These type of gloves offers you extra tight grip because your fingers are free. You will be using them as if you aren’t wearing gloves.
Since this style factor is never absent on the list, manufacturers try to make as many versatile designs that would fit the taste of the costumers. Some may want full covered hands while there also some that want complete maneuvers and choose the other one. It is still up to your taste, dear customer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gloves essential for kayaking?
Due to the kayaking environment, hands can get cold and wet, diminishing your ability on an excellent paddle. Except for the warmth it gives you, gloves provide protection for your hands against blisters and chafing. Possible cuts may also be present if you lack protection to your hands.
What do you wear kayaking in hot weather?
During warm conditions, choose non-cotton materials. You can also wear a quick-to-dry bottom for more ease and convenience. For the footwear, try avoiding anything without a back strap like flip-flops. The reason is that you’d have a high possibility of losing it while in the waters.
Paddling will give you much of a protection against blustery days. Also, they help fasten your grip while paddling. Some prefer pogies for high protection from different elements of nature like wind and water.
What are the fundamentals of kayaking?
In kayaking, you will serve as the driver. You need to have good posture, that means sitting upright and not to lean back. There are three fundamental paddling techniques to become a proficient kayaker.
The forward stroke is the most fundamental. To perform correctly, put the paddle in the water closer to your toes, place it along the side of your kayak, and remove it by the time it reaches your hips. Repeat on the other side with the other blade. The closer the paddle blades on the sides of the kayak, the straighter it will travel.
Next in line is the sweep stroke. Paddling straight will depend on keeping the blades closer to the side of the kayak. For turning, you’ll have to use the sweep stroke. You have to start by putting the paddle blade on your toes then drawing a large “C.” The farther the paddle blade from the craft, the sharper the result will be.
Last is the backward stroke or reverse stroke. This stroke is performed by putting the blades of the paddle in at your hips and moving it towards your toes. Backstroke is the least common of the three yet helpful for exploring inlets.
What are neoprene gloves?
Neoprene gloves are one of the popular choices in the market. These gloves are often used when heavy-duty protection is needed. Gloves of these kinds resist the degradation much better than synthetic rubber. This gear is a popular choice in the industry today.
Neoprene also gives you excellent chemical resistance. It is also resistant to a broad range of hazardous elements, including alcohols, acids, oils, and inks. These gloves are also valued for weather resistance. By this account, this type of working gloves will last longer than the others.
What should I wear to go kayaking?
The most important gear when you do kayaking is the PFD or the personal floatation device. Do not take it off while you are still in the water. You should dress according to the water temperature and not due to air temperature. Dress in layers and dress for sun protection.
Try avoiding layers of all cotton materials because this absorbs water and hard to dry. Find quickly drying fabrics because the possibility is being soaked wet is keen for kayaking. Most importantly, wear clothes that won’t restrain your motion for paddling.
How do you pick the right size kayaking gloves?
To get the right one, you should look in the description or the details of the products. There will be listed available sizes from small to extra-large or even XXL. It is up to you to determine the right size of the gloves to fit your hands perfectly.
Do not try to get a pair without knowing the size or dimensions. And if your size is not available, do not push it too hard. Try looking for other brands rather than forcing yourself to a purchase. It will just lead you to a waste of money if it does not fit you fine.
Can I use kayaking gloves in other activities?
Yes, of course, you can. Since most are waterproof, you can use it for swimming or even biking. Other water sports are also suited for using these kayaking gloves. In the end, its purpose is to give you warmth and a tight grip. It is also to protect your hands, so this is a versatile product for everyone.
What is the difference between a canoe and a kayak?
Although both are boats and use a paddle, there is a big difference in how you operate it. They also differ in the kind of paddle they are using to move forward on waters.
A canoe tends to have an open top. The knees of the paddler are bent while riding it. The paddler uses a single-bladed paddle to navigate and drive the boat forward.
While kayaks are closed-deck and there is a hole in the middle, the pilot can climb into it. The paddler is sitting on the kayak. He/she uses a double-blade paddle pulling it through the water by alternating movement. By this, the kayak will move forward on a straight line.
Final Words
Due to the multiple variations of the best kayaking gloves in the market, you’d probably find it hard to choose one. But with our help, you’ll be able to make a shortlist of the top of the line gloves leading you to a worthy purchase. Good luck with your search!
