What are the top shooting gloves for cold weather hunting. How do different glove materials compare for warmth and dexterity. Which glove features are most important for shooters.
Key Factors in Choosing Shooting Gloves
When selecting shooting gloves, several crucial factors come into play. The right pair can significantly enhance your shooting experience, especially in cold or wet conditions.
- Warmth retention
- Water resistance
- Dexterity and tactile sensitivity
- Durability
- Comfort and fit
Balancing these elements is essential for finding gloves that protect your hands without compromising your shooting performance.
Top Contenders: Sealskinz Shooting Gloves
Sealskinz shooting gloves emerge as a popular choice among hunters and shooters. These gloves offer a combination of warmth, waterproofing, and dexterity that make them well-suited for various shooting scenarios.
Pros of Sealskinz Gloves:
- Excellent waterproofing capabilities
- Good warmth retention in moderate cold
- Thin enough to maintain tactile sensitivity
- Some models feature a removable trigger finger for enhanced control
Potential Drawbacks:
- May not provide sufficient warmth in extreme cold (below -17°C)
- Some users report issues with liner removal when damp
Are Sealskinz gloves truly 100% waterproof? While many users praise their water resistance, experiences vary. Some report excellent performance even when crawling on wet ground, while others find them less effective in extremely wet conditions.
Alternative Options: Barbour Neoprene Shooting Gloves
Barbour neoprene shooting gloves present another viable option for hunters and shooters. These gloves offer unique benefits and considerations compared to other materials.
Key Features of Barbour Neoprene Gloves:
- Suitable for both dry and wet conditions
- Provide good insulation once warmed up
- Durable and flexible material
How do neoprene gloves differ from other materials in terms of warmth retention? Neoprene has a unique characteristic: it requires initial warmth to function effectively. Users should warm their hands before putting on neoprene gloves for optimal performance, especially in cold conditions.
Importance of Proper Sizing and Fit
Selecting the right size and fit for shooting gloves is crucial for both comfort and functionality. Ill-fitting gloves can impair dexterity and reduce shooting accuracy.
Tips for Finding the Right Fit:
- Measure your hand circumference and length
- Consider finger length and overall hand shape
- Try on gloves with your shooting hand to assess trigger feel
- Ensure snug fit without restricting blood flow or movement
How much room should you have in the fingertips of shooting gloves? Ideally, there should be a small amount of space (about 1/4 inch) at the fingertips to allow for proper circulation and prevent cramping during extended use.
Adapting to Extreme Cold: Layering and Specialized Options
For shooters facing extremely cold conditions, standard shooting gloves may not provide sufficient warmth. In these cases, layering or specialized cold-weather options become necessary.
Strategies for Extreme Cold:
- Use thin liner gloves underneath shooting gloves
- Consider mittens with a fold-back trigger finger
- Look for gloves with advanced insulation technologies
- Use hand warmers in conjunction with gloves
What is the lowest temperature at which standard shooting gloves remain effective? Most shooting gloves perform well down to about -5°C to -10°C. Below these temperatures, additional measures or specialized cold-weather gear may be necessary.
Maintaining and Caring for Shooting Gloves
Proper care and maintenance can significantly extend the life and performance of your shooting gloves. Different materials may require specific care instructions.
General Care Tips:
- Clean gloves after each use to remove dirt and oils
- Allow gloves to dry naturally, away from direct heat sources
- Store in a cool, dry place when not in use
- Periodically treat leather gloves with appropriate conditioners
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying
How often should you replace your shooting gloves? With proper care, quality shooting gloves can last several seasons. However, if you notice significant wear, loss of water resistance, or decreased insulation, it’s time to consider replacement.
Balancing Cost and Quality in Shooting Gloves
Investing in high-quality shooting gloves can significantly enhance your shooting experience and performance. However, it’s important to balance cost with expected use and personal needs.
Factors Influencing Glove Pricing:
- Material quality and technology
- Brand reputation
- Specialized features (e.g., touchscreen compatibility)
- Insulation level
- Waterproofing capabilities
Is it worth investing in expensive, high-end shooting gloves? For frequent shooters or those facing challenging weather conditions, investing in premium gloves can provide better performance and longevity. Occasional shooters may find mid-range options sufficient for their needs.
Customization and Personalization Options
As the shooting gear market evolves, more customization options are becoming available for gloves. These allow shooters to tailor their gear to specific needs and preferences.
Customization Possibilities:
- Interchangeable liners for varying weather conditions
- Adjustable wrist closures for a perfect fit
- Custom-molded grips for enhanced weapon control
- Personalized color schemes or patterns
- Integration with other shooting accessories
How can customized shooting gloves improve performance? Tailored gloves can enhance comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve weapon handling by providing a more precise fit and feel for individual shooters.
Emerging Technologies in Shooting Glove Design
The field of shooting glove design is constantly evolving, with new technologies and materials being introduced to enhance performance and comfort.
Recent Innovations:
- Smart fabrics that adapt to temperature changes
- Nanotechnology-enhanced waterproofing
- Biomechanically engineered grip patterns
- Integration of touchscreen-compatible materials
- Advanced moisture-wicking technologies
How are these new technologies changing the shooting glove market? Emerging technologies are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in glove design, offering shooters unprecedented levels of comfort, protection, and performance in various conditions.
Environmental Considerations in Glove Selection
As environmental awareness grows, many shooters are considering the ecological impact of their gear choices, including gloves.
Eco-Friendly Glove Options:
- Gloves made from sustainable or recycled materials
- Biodegradable options for disposable liners
- Brands with strong environmental commitments
- Durable designs that reduce the need for frequent replacement
How can shooters balance performance needs with environmental concerns? Opting for high-quality, durable gloves from environmentally conscious brands can help reduce overall environmental impact while still meeting performance requirements.
Glove Selection for Different Shooting Disciplines
Different shooting disciplines may require specific glove features to optimize performance. Understanding these nuances can help shooters select the most appropriate gloves for their particular needs.
Discipline-Specific Considerations:
- Rifle shooting: Focus on trigger feel and cheek weld comfort
- Pistol shooting: Emphasis on grip sensitivity and dexterity
- Shotgun sports: Quick target acquisition and smooth gun mounting
- Archery: Protection from string slap and enhanced grip
- Tactical shooting: Durability and potential for weapon manipulation
How do glove requirements differ between recreational and competitive shooting? Competitive shooters often prioritize maximum dexterity and minimal bulk, while recreational shooters may place more emphasis on comfort and versatility across various conditions.
The Role of Gloves in Overall Shooting Safety
While often overlooked, shooting gloves play a crucial role in overall shooting safety, beyond just protecting hands from the elements.
Safety Benefits of Proper Gloves:
- Protection from hot barrels and ejected casings
- Improved grip security, reducing the risk of accidental drops
- Insulation from electrical discharge in certain firearms
- Reduction of felt recoil, potentially improving accuracy
- Protection from cuts and abrasions during firearm manipulation
Can the right gloves actually improve shooting safety? Yes, well-designed shooting gloves can enhance overall safety by providing better control, protection from heat and impacts, and reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
Integrating Gloves with Other Shooting Gear
Effective use of shooting gloves often involves considering how they interact with other pieces of shooting equipment and attire.
Key Integration Points:
- Sleeve length and cuff design for seamless integration with jackets
- Compatibility with watch faces or rangefinders
- Interaction with sling systems and other firearm accessories
- Coordination with eye and ear protection
- Integration with biometric safety systems on smart guns
How can shooters ensure their gloves work well with their entire gear setup? It’s important to test gloves with your full shooting kit, including outerwear and accessories, to identify any potential conflicts or areas of improvement in your overall setup.
The Psychological Aspect of Shooting Gloves
The impact of shooting gloves extends beyond physical protection and performance enhancement. They can also play a significant role in a shooter’s mental state and confidence.
Psychological Benefits:
- Increased confidence in adverse weather conditions
- Enhanced focus due to reduced distractions from cold or discomfort
- Ritual aspect of putting on gloves as part of pre-shooting preparation
- Potential placebo effect of wearing “professional” gear
How much does the psychological comfort of wearing familiar gloves impact shooting performance? While difficult to quantify, many experienced shooters report that the familiarity and confidence provided by their preferred gloves can have a noticeable positive impact on their mental state and overall performance.
Future Trends in Shooting Glove Development
As technology and materials science continue to advance, the future of shooting gloves looks promising, with several exciting trends on the horizon.
Anticipated Developments:
- Integration of biometric sensors for performance tracking
- Advanced materials with enhanced thermal regulation properties
- Customization through 3D printing technologies
- Improved integration with digital shooting aids and smart optics
- Development of ultra-thin yet highly insulative materials
What can shooters expect from the next generation of shooting gloves? Future gloves may offer unprecedented levels of customization, performance tracking, and integration with other technological advancements in the shooting sports industry.
In conclusion, selecting the right shooting gloves involves careful consideration of various factors, from material and design to personal preferences and shooting discipline requirements. Whether opting for popular choices like Sealskinz or exploring other options, shooters should prioritize a balance of protection, dexterity, and comfort. As technology continues to advance, the future of shooting gloves promises even greater enhancements in performance and customization, ensuring that shooters of all levels can find the perfect pair to meet their needs.
Gloves | The Stalking Directory
DC .270
Well-Known Member
#1
Hello all,
I usually end up with some fingerless thinsulate efforts from the local garage when the cold really comes in and I’m putting a tank full in the vehicle.
I’m contemplating getting some ‘proper’ shooting gloves this winter. The one’s I’ve been looking at are the Sealskinz – shooting glove. They look like a decent pair that would keep my hands warm, dry, and unrestricted enough to use them for stalking without too much effort fiddleing around with bolts,bullets/ magazines, safetys, and the trigger.
Who can reccommend these gloves or others? As always, I appreciate any replies, comments, and suggestions.
Thanks
DC
chrisstorey79
Well-Known Member
#2
I recently got a pair of these and they do exactly what it says on the tin, although they don’t have the cut out trigger finger they are thin enough to feel exactly what you are doing but thick enough to keep you warm. I find them very good,
note they are quite a generous size fitting. And available in olive green… bonus
Waterproof Gloves Ultra Grip Sealskinz Thermal on eBay (end time 23-Dec-10 15:57:51 GMT)
Oly
Well-Known Member
#3
I use the Barbour neoprene shooting gloves – although your hands have to be warm before they go into the glove for them to work properly.
If you put them on after your hands have already got cold it’s too late and unlike wool/fleece etc it’s very hard to get neoprene warm from a cold start. Otherwise a good glove suitable to dry or wet conditions.
Barbour Neoprene Gloves Page 1
flytie
Well-Known Member
#4
I bought my seal skinz shooting gloves halfway through last shooting season and can only say they have been brilliant.
My only gripe could be that last year when it got down to minus 17 degrees celcius they were not warm enough, but for 99% of my shooting they are without peer.
I just need some lined ones for when it’s really cold!
ft
DC .270
Well-Known Member
#5
Thanks guys.
-17C is pretty cold. I might not have to plan for too many outings in those sort of temperatures! Not living here in sunny, tropical Yorkshire!
It looks like sealskinz of some desctription are top of the list for me. Thanks for the note on the noprene warming issues. I was not aware of that.
DC
redstag01
Well-Known Member
#6
ive got sealskinz and they are waterproof even when crawling on open hill ground.
The latest ones have got a removable trigger finger as well
ScottC
Well-Known Member
#7
I’ve had a pair of sealskinz for a couple of years now, I’ve been very impressed with them. They have always been 100% waterproof and keep my hands warm, if it’s very cold I use liners with them. They’ll never be as warm as a pair of mittens, but they do a good job and allow freedom of movement.
scotspine
Well-Known Member
#8
I got sealskin hunter gloves and I binned them after a few months.
Not even water resistant let alone waterproof. The liners pull out when damp (ie every time you wear them!) and are a bugger to get back in…..hopeless. Good in the dry though!
Tamus
Well-Known Member
#9
DC .270 said:
Hello all,
I usually end up with some fingerless thinsulate efforts from the local garage when the cold really comes in and I’m putting a tank full in the vehicle.
I’m contemplating getting some ‘proper’ shooting gloves this winter.
The one’s I’ve been looking at are the Sealskinz – shooting glove. They look like a decent pair that would keep my hands warm, dry, and unrestricted enough to use them for stalking without too much effort fiddleing around with bolts,bullets/ magazines, safetys, and the trigger.
Who can reccommend these gloves or others? As always, I appreciate any replies, comments, and suggestions.
Thanks
DC
Click to expand…
The one’s I’ve been looking at are the Sealskinz – shooting glove. They look like a decent pair that would keep my hands warm, dry, and unrestricted enough to use them for stalking without too much effort fiddleing around with bolts,bullets/ magazines, safetys, and the trigger.I don’t know if these are the “best” or not, but I wore a pair to go Boar shooting last season, in minus god knows what, standing stalk still in the Baltic woods for hours on end and my hands did not get seriously cold. I suffer from Raynauds syndrome so I guess that means they’re pretty decent gloves.
Dalua
Well-Known Member
#10
I wear Barbour’s knitted wool fingerless gloves.
I find that wool seems to keep you quite warm even when wet, unlike silk-lined leather pheasant-shooting gloves.
Is ‘neoprene’ not the stuff moderator-covers are made of? Not sure I’d like to wear it.
Last edited:
CHRIS WORLEY
Well-Known Member
#11
What size do they come in ?,I find it difficult to find any decent gloves to fit my hand, size is 12.
5 or 2XL.
flytie
Well-Known Member
#12
Tamus said:
I don’t know if these are the “best” or not, but I wore a pair to go Boar shooting last season, in minus god knows what, standing stalk still in the Baltic woods for hours on end and my hands did not get seriously cold. I suffer from Raynauds syndrome so I guess that means they’re pretty decent gloves.
Click to expand…
Tamus, can we have a name or link for your “pretty decent gloves”?
ft
Tamus
Well-Known Member
#13
flytie said:
Tamus, can we have a name or link for your “pretty decent gloves”?
ft
Click to expand.
..Hi Flytie, I was replying to DC .270’s post and he was asking about sealskinz shooting gloves, t’was those I was talking about.
I’ve had the sealskinz waterproof gloves in the past as well and they’re ok but I seem to be savage on gloves and they never stayed waterproof very long. The shooting gloves are warmer and I’ve managed to make them last too.
pigglet
Well-Known Member
#14
I’ve got both the sealskinz shooting glove with the foldable trigger finger and the ultra grip.
The shooting version is the one to go for for shooting.
They are the only gloves I’ve found that are warm enough and keep your paws dry without being overly bulky. The leather palms also become super grippy when wet which I find good.
I have a pair of macwets which I use in autumn which are good but not warm enough for me in this time of year on the North Yorks moors.
The sealskinz ultra grips are great as an all purpose glove. I use mine for general day wear, deicing the car etc. I find them a bit bulky for shooting though.
Have a look here for sealskinz at reasonable prices. They also do a meraklon propylene baselayer which are the same as helly’s for about half the price.
http://www.penrithsurvival.com/penrith_survival/index/
DC .270
Well-Known Member
#15
Thanks guys.
I wish I’d made my decision and bought some a few days ago. I was out on Saturday night and crikey it was cold! minus double figures anyway.
It looks like the sealskinz are the ones for me. In spite of the one comment stating quality issues, I hope that is an infrequent occurance.
Thanks again for your comments.
DC
joncarnage
Well-Known Member
#16
I have a pair of Seeland Keeper gloves, about £35.00. never leaked or been cold when wearing them. Warmer weather I use La Chameau windstopper fleece and leather gloves.
I would recommend both pairs if I had to choose one it would be the Seeland.
Jon
sussexstalker
Active Member
#17
I have a pair of the green sealskins with the foldable trigger finger. I have just had a week in the Highlands and I think it is fair to say they were well and truly tested and passed with flying colours. I always find with gloves that its a bit of trade off, warmth or dexterity?. In the past I have always had two pairs of gloves on the go. One thick pair, extremley warm for sitting in a high seat, that I would remove the one from the trigger hand just before taking a shot.
The other pair for when moving around, so thinner but wind and waterproof. The sealskins are suitable for both senario’s. I havent had then long so dont know how durable they are but so far they are the best gloves I have owned.
Sunny Days
Well-Known Member
#18
I found these work really well
Under Armour Liner Glove , Football Accessories, Hats, Scarves Gloves, Football Accessories – JJB Sports
Orion
Well-Known Member
#19
CHRIS WORLEY said:
What size do they come in ?,I find it difficult to find any decent gloves to fit my hand, size is 12.
Click to expand…
5 or 2XL.Sealskinz Shooting Gloves in XXL on Amazon – £35.99 with free postage.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealskinz-S…4RSS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291472989&sr=8-1
private fraser
Well-Known Member
#20
The pony “lad” on Blair Atholl estate wears sealskinz and he’s out in all weathers and often above the snow line. I’d rather try them on to check fit so next time I’m at Bushwear they’re on my to buy list.
fraser
UNDER ARMOUR SHOOTING/DRIVING INSILATED LEATHER GLOVES,Sz L MENS NWT #1231271
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NEW WITH TAGS UNDER ARMOUR INSULATED SHOOTING LEATHER GLOVESStyle #1231270Color: 001Size: Large*Traditional look*Adjustable cuff closure*Shell:100% Leather *Lining: 100% Polyester Due to variances among color monitors the colors that appear on your screen may not be exact.
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