Whether you are a seasoned pro or a newbie to the wet weather club, the best waterproof mtb gloves will be sure to make your next rainy mountain bike ride more enjoyable!
The cold, the wet, the mud. Ahhh, the joys of wet weather mountain biking. While we can’t help with cleaning the muck off your bike, we can help with keeping your hands dry and toasty for the ride.
Dry hands don’t only equate to a much more comfortable ride, it also helps you stay in control of the bike, prevent scrapes if you do come off, and helps grip the bars a bit better.
Waterproof gloves are an essential investment for anyone regularly heading out in the rain – whether that is for commuting or desperation to get out of the house on a wet day! They are also good for spring and fall (and winter for those of us in a milder climate) riding to keep the hands a touch warmer!
Below we have the best waterproof MTB gloves that have been tried and tested, and won’t break the bank.
What are the Best Waterproof MTB Gloves?
100% Hydromatic Brisker Gloves Review
The Hydromatic Brisker glove is very good at keeping the water out and are suitable for gripping the bars in wet weather. However, the cuffs aren’t tight-fitting, so they would work better if you tucked them into your raincoat or long sleeve.
These are not super thick gloves, so they won’t keep your hands warm and toasty in cold weather. If you intend to wear them in freezing temps, consider going a size up to fit a liner beneath them.
They are durable, comfortable, and won’t break the bank. And if you find yourself riding the streets in the dark, the reflective tops are excellent for riding and signaling to other road users!
Gore Alp-X 2.0 SO Gloves Review
These are a good quality pair of cycling gloves that keep out the rain and wind when you need them to!
The Alp-X 2.0 has an absorbent material on the thumb to wipe away any unwanted water/moisture. And the palm has a bit of gel padding and grip to keep you riding for longer.
The Gore Alp-X 2.0 SO glove is a super comfortable, well-performing mountain biking glove for any mountain biker.
Showers Pass Crosspoint Fall Waterproof Gloves Review
The ShowersPass Crosspoint Fall Waterproof glove is actually a knit glove that keeps your hands dry and cozy!
They work by having three layers. The outer layer is made of a water-resistant knit exterior. Inside that is the breathable, waterproof Artex (equivalent material to Gore-Tex) membrane. And finally, the inner lining is made of a moisture-wicking Merino wool material.
The ventilation is superb but also keeps the wind out, and the knot glove feels surprisingly durable.
The downside is that the gloves don’t have much padding, but they are still super comfortable gloves as you grip the handlebars. A couple of silicon grippers on the palm and fingers provide a non-slippery surface between the knit layer and your bars.
Gore C5 Waterproof Gloves Review
The Core C5 waterproof gloves are quite clearly high-end waterproof gloves. They are lightweight but well-insulated waterproof and windproof gloves.
They are touchscreen compatible (if they aren’t too wet on the outside) and have an adjustable cuff to keep that water out. The silver material is reflective, which helps for safety while riding in the dark.
Gore-Tex is a well-known and highly regarded material in the waterproofing industry. The Gore-Tex raincoat I have owned for over seven years is still keeping the water out! It is a super durable, well-constructed material that you can be assured will keep your hands dry for years to come!
Fox Ranger Waterproof Gloves Review
The Fox Ranger Waterproof Glove is the final contender in the best waterproof mountain bike gloves category. It is a lightweight, comfortable glove that fits well.
The downside is the lack of durability. We found that the Ranger’s threading tended to come unstitched, which allowed water to enter the glove. Hence, it was no longer waterproof. However, this is more of a warranty issue, so you can probably exchange the gloves. We only mention it as we had heard of this happening to others too.
Otherwise, the Fox Ranger Waterproof is a great glove. It looks nice, very breathable, and is touch screen compatible.
Can I wear Snow Glows while Mountain Biking?
The issue with wearing thick gloves such as snow gloves is the lack of control on the handlebars and breaks. You will find that your hands move around in the gloves relative to the bars. This leads to a lack of control and can lead to disastrous crashes!
Snow gloves are more than fine for easy rides or commutes. We simply wouldn’t recommend them for trail rides or park laps where you need more control and a bit more breathability.
Are Neoprene Gloves Any Good for Mountain Biking?
Neoprene gloves use your body temperature to trap the heat and warm your hands when they get wet. The idea is that warm, wet hands are better than cold, dry hands.
The issue is the lack of breathability. While mountain biking at low speeds, not a lot of air can get in, so your hands do sweat a lot. And if you take off your gloves at any point, you end up with soaking cold gloves that can be difficult to get back on.
We would recommend these gloves for road cyclists instead of mountain bikers, as the higher speeds mean road cyclists achieve higher airflow.
However, if you are interested in trying a pair of neoprene gloves, we’d recommend a pair with grips to ensure it doesn’t become super slippery. The Endura FS260 Pro Nemo Glove is an excellent pair of neoprene gloves. They fit well, are very durable, and come for a good price. Have a look below.
Final Thoughts
Having a good pair of mountain biking gloves is a good investment as it makes the ride in the wet so much more enjoyable! Having soaking cold fingers makes steering and reaching for that break lever much harder than it should be.
If you are willing to invest in a good pair of gloves, the Gore C5 gloves are the way to go. They are ideal for winter riding as well as wet Spring and Fall days.
For slightly lower budgets, the 100% Hyrdomatic Brisker gloves are another very good option to keep your fingers nice and toasty!
If you want more posts similar to the best waterproof mountain bike gloves, have a look at Do I need MTB Gloves, or how to choose knee pads.
