#6 on this list
Army Leather Heli
Hestra
The Hestra Army Leather Heli Glove is one of the most celebrated and long-standing models in the ski industry. Designed for freeriders, mountain guides, and dedicated resort skiers, it prioritizes field repairability, hand comfort, and rugged mechanical durability. It is built to endure multiple seasons of heavy wear, rope handling, and harsh mountain exposure across varying winter climates. The Heli Glove pairs a windproof, water-resistant three-layer polyamide fabric on the back of the hand with Hestra’s durable, specially treated goat leather on the palm and fingers. Inside, it uses a removable fleece liner insulated with G-Loft synthetic polyester fibers. Crucially, the exterior does not incorporate an impermeable plastic membrane like Gore-Tex. Instead, it relies on tightly woven technical shell fabric and thoroughly waxed leather to stop wind and shedding snow, which yields vastly superior breathability and quick-drying capabilities. The trade-off of omitting a drop-in waterproof membrane is that in extremely wet, sloppy coastal snow conditions, the leather will eventually absorb moisture if not consistently maintained with leather balm. For dry cold, powder days, and active freeriding, however, its supple feel, outstanding breathability, and easily replaceable liners make it a premier investment. **Highlights** - Extremely durable Army Goat Leather palm and fingers - Removable Bemberg fleece liner insulated with G-Loft synthetic fill - Windproof, water-resistant three-layer polyamide backhand fabric - Extra-long gauntlet with snow lock cinch and velcro wrist adjustment - Includes elastic wrist leashes to prevent accidental drops on the lift **Watch-outs** - Lacks a fully waterproof membrane; relies on leather proofing - Requires routine leather conditioning to stay water-repellent in wet snow - Liner can pack out over multiple seasons of heavy use (though it is replaceable)
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#7 on this list
Fall Line Gloves
Hestra
The Hestra Fall Line Glove is tailored for modern freeride skiers, snowboarders, and resort riders who favor a clean, low-profile, under-cuff aesthetic without compromising on tough construction. It is designed for those who prefer tucking their glove gauntlet cleanly underneath the cuff of their hardshell jacket, offering a seamless interface that eliminates wrist bulk while providing substantial warmth. The Fall Line is built almost entirely from soft, impregnated cowhide leather, giving it exceptional flexibility, comfort, and grip right off the shelf. External seam stitching along the fingers minimizes internal pressure points and enhances overall dexterity. Thermal regulation is handled by G-3 polyester insulation paired with a soft Bemberg lining. Like several of Hestra’s core alpine models, the Fall Line uses a removable liner, making it simple to pull out the insulation to dry by the fire at the end of the ski day. Because the glove sits under the jacket cuff, skiers who frequently take deep powder tumbles need to ensure their jacket wrist closures are securely cinched to avoid snow sneaking inside. Furthermore, because it relies entirely on impregnated cowhide rather than an internal waterproof membrane, keeping the glove dry requires regular applications of leather conditioner, particularly when skiing in wet, heavy snow. **Highlights** - Full cowhide leather shell provides superior feel and grip - Removable soft fleece liner insulated with G-3 polyester - Outseam finger construction improves dexterity and reduces hot spots - Low-profile neoprene cuff with a secure velcro closure fits under jackets - Includes wrist leashes and a small carabiner for hanging storage **Watch-outs** - Under-cuff design can let powder in if jacket sleeves are not tightly sealed - Lacks an internal waterproof membrane; depends on leather maintenance - Cowhide requires periodic wax treatment to maintain water resistance
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Army Leather Heli | Fall Line Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Around $185 | — |
| Palm Material | Impregnated goat leather | — |
| Backhand Fabric | Windproof 3-layer polyamide | — |
| Insulation | G-Loft synthetic polyester | G-3 polyester fiberfill |
| Liner Type | Removable Bemberg fleece liner | — |
| Cuff Design | Extended gauntlet with snow lock cinch | — |
| Waterproofing | Treated shell and leather (no membrane) | Leather impregnation (no membrane) |
| Shell | — | Impregnated cowhide leather |
| Lining | — | Removable brushed Bemberg polyester |
| Cuff Style | — | Under-cuff neoprene with hook-and-loop closure |
| Included Hardware | — | Elastic wrist handcuffs and carabiner |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Army Leather Heli
- Durable goat leather palm withstands heavy rope work and ski edges
- Removable G-Loft liner allows fast drying and easy replacement
- Superior breathability compared to membrane-lined waterproof gloves
- Deep gauntlet and wrist leash system keep snow out and prevent drops
- Lacks a waterproof membrane; can wet out in heavy, wet coastal snow
- Demands periodic leather balm application to maintain water resistance
- Bulky gauntlet profile can be cumbersome under narrower jacket cuffs
Fall Line Gloves
- Supple impregnated cowhide provides excellent grip and comfortable flex
- External seam construction enhances internal room and fingertip dexterity
- Removable liner accelerates drying times and extends product lifespan
- Low-profile neoprene cuff fits smoothly beneath technical jacket sleeves
- Lacks an internal waterproof membrane, requiring frequent leather conditioning
- Under-cuff profile can allow snow intrusion during deep-powder tumbles
- May lack sufficient warmth for extended days in sub-zero alpine conditions
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.