Your hands lose dexterity as they become cold, making simple tasks such as adjusting equipment or clipping a rucksack buckle increasingly difficult. In extreme conditions, keeping your hands warm is essential.

How should gloves fit?

Getting the right fit is one of the most important factors when choosing gloves. Every manufacturer uses slightly different sizing, so always check the individual size guide.

Gloves should fit comfortably without being too tight. A tight glove can restrict circulation and compress insulation, reducing its effectiveness. However, gloves that are too large allow warm air to escape and can make handling equipment difficult.

If you intend to wear liner gloves underneath your outer gloves, allow enough room for an additional layer. Ideally, try gloves on before buying and check that you can easily put them on and remove them.

Do I need more than one pair of gloves?

For cold or wet conditions, carrying a spare pair is always sensible. Gloves can become wet through rain, snow or perspiration, and having a dry pair to change into can make a significant difference.

A glove layering system works particularly well for winter activities. Lightweight liner gloves can wick moisture away from your skin, while insulated or waterproof outer gloves provide warmth and protection.

Winter mountaineering and climbing may require several different gloves, from lightweight gloves for walking to warm insulated gloves for belaying or handling an ice axe. Spare gloves are particularly important when conditions are wet.

Are waterproof gloves completely waterproof?

Waterproof gloves provide excellent protection from rain and snow, but they are not necessarily guaranteed to keep your hands completely dry. Water can enter around the cuff, particularly if rain runs down your jacket sleeve.

Your hands also produce perspiration, so dampness inside a glove may be caused by sweat rather than rain. Breathable waterproof gloves, including those using GORE-TEX technology, can help moisture vapour escape while protecting against external water.

For multi-day walking and backpacking, a lightweight, breathable and quick-drying glove may sometimes be preferable to a fully waterproof design.

For winter walking, mountaineering and climbing, look for gloves with a longer cuff or gauntlet to help prevent snow entering. Wrist cinches can also help retain warmth.

Why are technical gloves bulky?

Technical gloves combine several features to provide warmth, weather protection, durability and grip. Depending on their intended use, they may include insulation, moisture-wicking liners, waterproof membranes, reinforced palms and stretch fabrics.

Leather palms are popular for their durability and grip, while synthetic materials can provide a lighter and faster-drying alternative. The best choice depends on the activity and conditions.

Gloves or mittens?

The choice between gloves and mittens largely comes down to warmth versus dexterity.

Five-finger gloves offer the best dexterity, making them ideal for activities where you need to handle ropes, equipment or walking poles. Mittens are generally warmer because your fingers share their heat and there is more space for warm air to circulate.

Three-finger or lobster claw gloves offer a compromise between the two, providing more warmth than traditional gloves while retaining some dexterity.

For extreme cold, highly insulated mittens can be the warmest option.

What about touchscreen compatibility?

If you regularly use a phone or GPS while outdoors, look for gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips. These use conductive materials that allow you to operate touchscreen devices without removing your gloves.

How can I keep my gloves working for longer?

Good aftercare can significantly extend the life of your gloves. Follow the manufacturer's washing instructions, repair small areas of damage and re-proof waterproof gloves when required. Leather gloves may also benefit from appropriate leather treatments or wax.

Choosing durable gloves and looking after them properly reduces waste and means they can provide reliable protection for many seasons.

Top tips for choosing gloves

• Try gloves on before buying wherever possible.
• Make sure your fingers have enough room without the glove feeling loose.
• Consider whether you need space for liner gloves.
• Choose waterproof gloves for prolonged exposure to rain or snow.
• Look for insulated gloves or mittens for cold conditions.
• Choose gloves with good dexterity for climbing and technical activities.
• Consider touchscreen compatibility if you use a phone or GPS outdoors.
• Carry spare gloves on longer or more demanding adventures.

The right gloves should keep your hands warm, dry and protected while still allowing you to carry out the tasks your activity demands.