#5 on this list
Fission SV
Arc'teryx
The Arc'teryx Fission SV is precision-crafted for technical skiers and alpine riders who demand maximum dexterity in foul, freezing, and wet conditions. SV stands for Severe Conditions, and this glove is tuned for maritime snowpacks, driving freezing rain, and bitter winds where moisture management and precise tool handling are equally critical. It appeals strongly to aggressive resort skiers and backcountry riders who dislike sloppy, oversized handwear. Arc'teryx uses a rugged Fortius 1.0 softshell fabric outer backed by a bonded Gore-Tex insert with Gore Active technology. This construction bonds the waterproof membrane directly to the outer shell and interior lining, eliminating the shifting feel common in multi-layer insulated gloves. Thermal protection is handled by a combination of high-grade PrimaLoft Silver and PrimaLoft Gold insulation mapped specifically to preserve warmth on the back of the hand while retaining a slim, tactile profile along the palm and fingers. Premium leather overlays wrap the high-wear grip zones. The primary downside to the Fission SV is its thermal ceiling relative to its price. While exceptionally windproof, waterproof, and dexterous, it is not an ultra-lofted deep-freeze glove; skiers who run notoriously cold may find it insufficient for sub-zero chairlift rides. It is fundamentally an agile, stormproof performance glove for active users willing to pay for premium tailoring. **Highlights** - Bonded Gore-Tex insert with Gore Active technology for exceptional breathability - Mapped PrimaLoft Gold and Silver insulation for warmth without bulk - Fortius 1.0 exterior fabric balances stretch and weather resistance - Supple leather palm and finger reinforcements for enhanced grip - Articulated patterning allows precise finger movement and buckle handling **Watch-outs** - High price tag for a non-removable liner glove - Not warm enough for extreme sub-zero idle resort riding - Snug technical fit requires careful sizing
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#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)
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Fission SV | Army Leather Heli |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Gore-Tex with Gore Active technology | Treated shell and leather (no membrane) |
| Insulation | Mapped PrimaLoft Gold and Silver synthetics | G-Loft synthetic polyester |
| Shell Fabric | Fortius 1.0 softshell with leather palm | — |
| Liner Design | Integrated, non-removable bonded lining | — |
| Cuff Style | Extended gauntlet with single-pull cord | — |
| Approximate Price | $200 | — |
| MSRP | — | Around $185 |
| Palm Material | — | Impregnated goat leather |
| Backhand Fabric | — | Windproof 3-layer polyamide |
| Liner Type | — | Removable Bemberg fleece liner |
| Cuff Design | — | Extended gauntlet with snow lock cinch |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Fission SV
- Bonded Gore Active construction provides exceptional grip and tactile feedback
- Tailored anatomical shape minimizes hand fatigue when holding ski poles
- Reliable waterproof performance in wet, coastal winter conditions
- Mapped PrimaLoft insulation prevents bulk in the palm and fingers
- Limited thermal warmth during inactive, deep sub-zero conditions
- High price point for a glove without a removable liner system
- Non-removable interior lining takes longer to dry if damp
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
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