#6 on this list
Inferno Mitts
Kokatat
Engineered for serious expedition paddlers, open-water canoeists, and wilderness trippers facing brutal sub-freezing air and near-freezing water, the Kokatat Inferno Mitts are built to commercial drysuit standards. Kokatat applies expedition-grade materials here, pairing thick insulating neoprene with a high-pile thermo-plush lining that traps warmth even when thoroughly damp. The mitts feature an aggressive pre-curve tailored strictly for holding a paddle shaft, drastically reducing the forearm exertion needed to paddle for hours in severe cold. Blind-stitched seams and a snug wrist seal keep the worst water ingress at bay, while the heavy-duty textured palm coating delivers reliable traction on wet paddle shafts. This is specialized survival-grade warmth, meaning it is excessively warm for casual spring paddles and totally unsuited for any camp chores requiring bare fingers. Slipping them on and off requires intent, but when hypothermia is a genuine risk on open water, their thermal retention is among the best available. **Highlights** - Heavy-duty insulating neoprene exterior designed for freezing water immersion - High-pile thermo-plush interior lining for premium heat retention - Pronounced pre-curved shape built specifically for paddle shaft grip - Blind-stitched and glued seam construction to resist water penetration - Heavy-duty textured palm coating for dependable paddle traction **Watch-outs** - Overkill and prone to overheating in moderate temperatures - Total lack of finger dexterity necessitates frequent removal for small tasks - Premium price tag compared to standard neoprene alternatives
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#7 on this list
Solution Gear Paddle Gloves
Sea to Summit
The Sea to Summit Solution Gear Paddle Gloves are designed for canoeists wanting balanced protection during transition seasons, cold rain, and chilly winds rather than sub-zero winter expeditions. These gloves bridge the gap between heavy neoprene mitts and thin summer sun gloves, prioritizing flexibility, paddle feel, and blister protection alongside moderate thermal insulation. The design combines a 2mm flexible neoprene back to shed chilly water and wind with an anatomically cut, reinforced synthetic leather palm. This gives canoeists an organic, natural feel on the paddle shaft without deadening tactile awareness. The pre-curved fingers minimize resistance, while the hook-and-loop wrist closure allows for easy entry and exit. However, because they prioritize articulation and paddle feedback over bulk insulation, they lack the dense thermal linings needed when temperatures dip near freezing. The synthetic palm is also not waterproof, meaning cold water will soak through under sustained rain or immersion. **Highlights** - 2mm flexible neoprene back-of-hand panel to block wind and water spray - Durable synthetic leather palm with reinforced wear points for shaft friction - Pre-curved finger construction minimizing grip fatigue over long mileage - Adjustable hook-and-loop wrist tab for a secure, custom fit - Lightweight, low-profile design that packs down easily **Watch-outs** - Not warm enough for true freezing or near-freezing winter paddling - Seams and palm materials will let cold water soak through under immersion - Velcro wrist strap can snag on synthetic base layers
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Inferno Mitts | Solution Gear Paddle Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Full mitten with pre-curved paddle grip | — |
| Primary Material | Thick insulating neoprene | — |
| Interior Lining | High-pile thermo-plush fleece | — |
| Seam Construction | Glued and blind-stitched | — |
| Palm Treatment | Textured rubberized traction coating | — |
| Wrist Closure | Extended stretch neoprene cuff | — |
| Back Material | — | 2mm flexible neoprene |
| Palm Material | — | Reinforced synthetic leather |
| Closure | — | Adjustable hook-and-loop wrist strap |
| Finger Shape | — | Anatomically pre-curved |
| Water Resistance | — | Wind/spray resistant back, permeable palm |
| Ideal Range | — | Moderate cold (roughly 45°F to 60°F) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Inferno Mitts
- Superior thermal retention in sub-freezing air and near-freezing water
- Pronounced pre-curved shape minimizes forearm fatigue over long paddling days
- Glued and blind-stitched seams significantly reduce cold-water flushing
- Textured rubber palm provides reliable traction on slick paddle shafts
- Near-total loss of finger dexterity forces removal for simple camp chores
- Excessively warm and prone to heavy sweating in mild shoulder-season temps
- Tight cuffs and high-pile interior make donning with damp hands difficult
Solution Gear Paddle Gloves
- Retains excellent tactile paddle feedback via the synthetic leather palm
- 2mm neoprene backing provides reliable wind and spray protection
- Pre-curved fingers reduce forearm muscle fatigue on long tours
- Reinforced palm patches hold up well to shaft friction and blister points
- Synthetic leather palm absorbs water upon complete immersion
- Not warm enough for freezing or near-freezing winter conditions
- Velcro wrist closure can catch and pill knit jacket cuffs
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.