A Photographer's Guide to Keeping Your Hands Warm in the Winter
I'm not much of a winter person - that's why I live in Southern California!
Yet, that doesn't mean there aren't occasions when I head to the mountains to get some snowy shots.
And when I do, you can bet that I'm prepared with the right gear to both take my photos and keep myself warm.
My hands, in particular, are a tough one for me because they can get so cold, so fast. Yet, in the past, the gloves I used when taking photos just weren't functional, so I ended up taking photos without gloves, which made my hands even colder. It was a vicious cycle!
I resolved to fix the problem, so I've been field testing a number of different photography gloves from several different companies.
If it's warm hands you're after, give any one of these gloves a try!
Vallerret Photography Gloves
While I don't typically shoot photos in weather that requires ultra-warm gloves, when I do, I love the option of wearing the Vallerret IPSOOT glove.
Not only do these gloves keep my hands toasty warm with Thinsulate insulation and a 100% merino wool lining, but with the FlipTech finger caps, I can interact with my camera's buttons and dials with ease - and without having to remove my gloves.
The caps are even magnetic, so when they're flipped open, they stay out of your way for improved functionality.
I also appreciate the fact that these gloves are ergonomically fitted, so they are nice and snug on my hands without being too tight. The fit is just perfect!
The palm of the glove is interesting because it has a non-slip covering.
That's fantastic for those cold days when I need a little extra grip for hanging onto my camera or my iPhone.
The micro-twill and goat leather exterior is water resistant as well, so you don't have to worry about soaked hands.
Add to that a handy zippered pocket for an SD card or cleaning cloth, and you have the makings of a fantastic photography glove!
Learn more about the Vallerret IPSOOT Photography Gloves
FRDM Midweight Outdoor Gloves
If you need a photography glove that'll do to take the chill out of your hands, the Midweight Photography Glove by FRDM is a great choice.
What I like about these gloves is that they are water-resistant and windproof, yet they aren't bulky.
That means that your hands will stay warm on those chilly days, but you don't have to worry about having to wear giant gloves that will only get in your way.
These gloves also have magnetized finger caps on the index fingers and thumbs, so making quick adjustments to your camera settings is a breeze.
The palms of the gloves have a silicone print that enhances the grip while the index fingers and thumbs are covered in a touchscreen-conductive material so you can answer your phone or navigate your camera's touchscreen quickly and easily.
Learn more about the FRDM Midweight Photography Gloves
Freehands Stretch Thinsulate Gloves
Yet another high-quality option I've tested are these Stretch Thinsulate Gloves by Freehands.
With a windproof and waterproof barrier on the back, you're assured that your hands stay nice and warm, even if the weather isn't all that great.
And like you'd expect from a high-quality glove, these things aren't bulky at all, even with all that windproofing and waterproofing.
You'll find magnetic finger caps on these gloves as well, which, again, helps you stay in touch with your camera to make quick work of changing camera settings when the time arises.
Freehands has also incorporated a palm patch to give you extra grip so you're sure not to drop your camera.
Perhaps best of all is the price of these gloves. MSRP is just $35.00, which if you ask me, is a fantastic price for a set of gloves specifically designed for photography in cooler temperatures.
Learn more about the Freehands Stretch Thinsulate Gloves
Final Thoughts
Really, no matter which direction you go - Vallerret, FRDM, or Freehands - based on my real-world testing, you really can't go wrong with any of them!
Each glove offers excellent features, great functionality, and is easy on the budget.
What's not to like about that?!