#9 on this list
Alti II Mitts
Outdoor Research
When temperatures plummet deep below zero and frostbite is a real hazard, five-finger gloves lose the physical battle to trapped body heat. The Outdoor Research Alti II Mitts are built precisely for these extreme scenarios. Widely recognized by independent mountaineering reviews as the benchmark choice for extreme cold, these mitts are designed for high-altitude mountaineering, Arctic expeditions, and severe deep-winter backcountry travel. The Alti II operates as an integrated two-part system. The outer shell uses heavy-duty Gore-Tex fabric to provide total windproof and waterproof integrity, reinforced with durable Pittards leather on the palm to withstand ropes and ice axes. Inside sits a removable mitten liner heavily packed with premium PrimaLoft Gold synthetic insulation, which retains heat even in damp, frosty conditions. Keeping fingers grouped together dramatically elevates overall thermal retention compared to any traditional glove. The inescapable trade-off is almost total loss of fine dexterity. You can hold an ice axe, grip sled handles, or clip into large carabiners, but opening pack buckles, adjusting small camera dials, or unzipping subtle pockets becomes an exercise in frustration. They are also bulky and heavy in a pack. However, when brutal winds and sub-zero temperatures threaten your hands, nothing in this lineup offers greater safety. **Highlights** - Dual-layer design with heavy PrimaLoft Gold insulation provides supreme sub-zero warmth - Fully waterproof, windproof Gore-Tex outer shell resists extreme alpine storms - Removable insulated mitten liner allows rapid drying in expedition tents - Pittards leather palm reinforcement withstands rope friction and tool abrasion - Extra-long gauntlet cuff features dual cinch closures to seal out blowing snow **Watch-outs** - Extreme bulk makes fine motor tasks and zipper manipulation practically impossible - Far too warm for standard winter temperatures or moderate aerobic activity - Heavy footprint requires substantial pack volume when not being worn
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#10 on this list
Fission SV
Arc'teryx
The Arc'teryx Fission SV is a premium, technical ski and alpine glove designed for severe, wet-cold mountain environments. OutdoorGearLab recognized it as a premier glove for winter sports, reflecting its refined balance of weatherproof reliability, anatomical patterning, and moderate warmth. It is aimed at skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers who frequently encounter wet Pacific storms, heavy mixed precipitation, or freezing temperatures where staying dry is critical. Construction begins with an external softshell fabric backed by a guaranteed waterproof Gore-Tex insert that stops driving snow and slush in its tracks. The palm and fingers are wrapped in durable, supple leather that provides dependable grip on ski poles while resisting abrasions from metal edges. Arc'teryx applies a mapped synthetic insulation package designed to deliver warmth without ballooning the glove's profile. The gauntlet cuff is designed to slide smoothly over jacket sleeves, cinching down tight with an easy pull tab. Arc'teryx's legendary attention to patterning gives the Fission SV noticeably better dexterity than many gloves with comparable weatherproofing. However, that performance comes with a steep price tag near $200. In addition, while the 'SV' designation denotes severe weather capability, those who run notoriously cold may find the streamlined insulation slightly lean on exceptionally bitter, sub-zero chairlift rides compared to bulkier expedition alternatives. **Highlights** - Gore-Tex waterproof insert keeps hands dry in the wettest, heaviest snowfalls - Premium leather palm and fingers provide exceptional grip and long-term durability - Articulated patterning offers superior dexterity compared to bulky heavy-duty gloves - Gauntlet cuff with glove-friendly drawcord closures seals cleanly over jacket sleeves - Soft interior lining wicks internal moisture away from fingers during active descents **Watch-outs** - Very high price point represents a significant investment for a winter glove - Streamlined insulation may feel inadequate for people who suffer from chronically cold hands - Leather requires occasional treatment to maintain water repellency over seasons
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alti II Mitts | Fission SV |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Fabric | GORE-TEX waterproof, windproof membrane | — |
| Insulation | PrimaLoft Gold synthetic fill | Mapped synthetic fill |
| Palm Material | Pittards Armortan leather | Treated leather reinforcement |
| Liner Style | Removable insulated mitten liner | — |
| Cuff Design | Extended gauntlet with dual cinch closures | — |
| Weight Class | Heavyweight expedition modular mitten | — |
| MSRP | — | Around $200 |
| Membrane | — | Gore-Tex waterproof insert |
| Cuff Style | — | Extended gauntlet with drawcord |
| Primary Use | — | Downhill skiing and alpine sports |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Alti II Mitts
- Uncompromising sub-zero warmth engineered for extreme alpine environments
- Removable PrimaLoft Gold liner simplifies tent drying on multi-day trips
- Durable Pittards Armortan leather palm stands up to ropes and ice tools
- Gore-Tex exterior barrier provides total windproof and waterproof sealing
- Nearly zero fine dexterity for intricate gear tasks and small zippers
- Excessively bulky and heavy for moderate winter conditions
- Large packed footprint requires significant room inside a backpack
Fission SV
- Refined anatomical patterning yields exceptional dexterity for a winter glove
- Gore-Tex insert provides dependable defense against wet snow and slush
- Leather palm reinforcement provides positive grip and edge abrasion resistance
- Gauntlet cuff cinches smoothly over bulky hardshell jacket sleeves
- High price tag represents a significant investment for a winter glove
- Streamlined insulation runs cool during bitter, static sub-zero conditions
- Integrated lining takes longer to dry thoroughly than modular liner gloves
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.