#10 on this list
Grab Gloves
Palm
The Palm Grab Gloves are a specialized, premium choice from a respected whitewater and touring paddle brand, designed for canoeists who demand exceptional dexterity, natural paddle feel, and cold-wind protection without clumsy bulk. Palm incorporates high-grade titanium-coated neoprene that reflects body heat, keeping material thickness down to 2mm while punching above its weight in warmth. Palm shapes the fingers with an aggressive pre-curve and coats the palm in an ultra-grippy polyurethane pattern that bonds securely to wooden, fiberglass, or carbon shafts. The low-profile GlideSkin wrist seal slides easily into paddle jacket cuffs without snagging on latex or neoprene drytop gaskets, maintaining a smooth interface. However, with only 2mm of neoprene and no heavy fleece or mitten enclosure, the Palm Grab lacks the raw thermal power required for deep sub-freezing winter expeditions. It is an articulate, performance-oriented glove tailored for cool-to-cold conditions rather than brutal arctic paddling. **Highlights** - 2mm titanium-lined CR neoprene to reflect radiant body heat - Highly articulated, pre-bent fingers designed specifically for paddling grip - Durable, high-traction polyurethane palm print - Smooth GlideSkin interior wrist seal that prevents chafing and water flush - Low-profile cuff fits effortlessly under paddle drywear **Watch-outs** - Lacks sufficient insulation for extreme sub-freezing arctic conditions - Snug performance fit requires careful attention to the sizing chart - Higher price point compared to generic neoprene gloves
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#1 on this list
Ice Bay Gloves
Glacier Glove
The Glacier Glove Ice Bay is tailored for canoeists tackling near-freezing open water, wet portages, or late-season river trips who need total immersion protection and fleece warmth without sacrificing basic paddle handling. Long favored by cold-water paddlers and waterfowl hunters, the Ice Bay blends a 2mm blind-stitched neoprene shell with a microfleece interior lining to stave off evaporative cooling. Because the seams are glued and blind-stitched, these gloves remain essentially waterproof until water breaches the wrist cuff. The textured seamless palm offers reliable purchase on varnished wood and composite paddle shafts even when slick with spray. The glove eliminates wind chill completely, which is critical when crossing wind-whipped lakes. The trade-off is breathability and fine dexterity. Because the rubber is non-porous, your hands will sweat during high-exertion flatwater stretches, and untying frozen knots or operating small pack hardware usually requires taking them off. Still, for raw warmth in wet conditions, it remains the standard to beat. **Highlights** - 2mm neoprene construction with glued and blind-stitched waterproof seams - Soft fleece lining for added thermal retention and skin comfort - Textured sharkskin-style palm for solid grip on wet paddle shafts - Full-finger windproof and waterproof barrier against icy spray - Extended wrist cuff designed to tuck cleanly inside drytop gaskets **Watch-outs** - Zero vapor breathability leads to internal sweat buildup during hard paddling - Cumbersome for delicate camp tasks and rigging hardware - Sizing runs snug; paddlers between sizes usually need to size up
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Grab Gloves | Ice Bay Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Material | 2mm titanium-lined CR neoprene | — |
| Palm Grip | Patterned polyurethane traction print | — |
| Wrist Closure | GlideSkin neoprene internal gasket | — |
| Construction | Glued and blindstitched seams | — |
| Finger Shape | Pre-curved ergonomic paddle profile | — |
| Optimal Range | Cool to moderate cold (above freezing) | — |
| Shell Material | — | 2mm neoprene |
| Interior Lining | — | Synthetic microfleece |
| Seam Design | — | Glued and blind-stitched |
| Palm Texture | — | Textured non-slip synthetic |
| Closure Style | — | Extended pull-on cuff |
| Primary Focus | — | Immersion protection and wind blocking |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Grab Gloves
- Titanium lining enhances heat retention without the bulk of thicker neoprene
- Aggressive pre-curved fingers minimize forearm fatigue during extended paddling
- Patterned polyurethane palm provides exceptional grip on wet paddle shafts
- Low-profile GlideSkin cuff nests cleanly inside drysuit and jacket gaskets
- 2mm thickness is insufficient for prolonged sub-freezing winter conditions
- Athletic, low-volume fit leaves minimal margin for sizing errors
- Pricier than entry-level flat-stitched neoprene paddling gloves
Ice Bay Gloves
- Glued, blind-stitched seams create a truly waterproof barrier across the hand
- Textured palm maintains reliable traction on wet wood and composite shafts
- Fleece interior lining cushions the skin and reduces cold-surface shock
- Solid wind protection prevents dangerous evaporative heat loss
- Non-breathable neoprene causes sweat accumulation during hard paddling
- Limited finger dexterity makes small hardware and knot work cumbersome
- Unsealed wrist cuff permits water entry if submerged above the wrist line
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.