#8 on this list
Khroma Freeride GORE-TEX Glove
Rab
The Rab Khroma Freeride GORE-TEX Glove is built specifically for committed ski mountaineers, freeriders, and backcountry enthusiasts who demand maximum weather protection combined with athletic mobility. CleverHiker recognized it as a premier snowsports glove, reflecting Rab's reputation for technical mountain apparel that holds up against harsh alpine conditions. It is aimed at skiers who spend long days in stormy conditions and need an impermeable barrier against driving powder. The shell combines rugged polyamide and stretch elastane with durable leather overlays across the palm and high-contact wear points. Underneath lies a fully waterproof, highly breathable Gore-Tex membrane engineered to keep out driven snow while venting internal vapor. Rab utilizes mapped synthetic insulation—placing thicker insulation on the back of the hand where exposure is highest, and leaner fill on the palm to preserve a solid, natural grip on ski poles and ice tools. The Khroma Freeride includes thoughtful alpine features like a wide gauntlet cuff that cinches smoothly over ski jackets, removable wrist leashes, and a soft nose wipe on the thumb. While it balances warmth and dexterity better than most heavy winter gloves, it carries a high price tag. Extreme cold may still challenge the mapped palm insulation for skiers who naturally run very cold, but for active big-mountain days, it is exceptionally capable. **Highlights** - Gore-Tex membrane delivers guaranteed waterproof, windproof performance - Mapped synthetic insulation maximizes back-of-hand warmth while preserving palm grip - Robust leather reinforcements protect high-friction areas from sharp ski edges - Extended gauntlet cuff with one-hand drawcord seals out deep powder snow - Integrated removable wrist leashes prevent accidental drops off chairlifts or ridges **Watch-outs** - Premium technical price point makes it an expensive choice for casual resort use - Thinner insulation on the palm can feel chilly on long, stationary lift rides - Overall bulk still requires removal for intricate tasks like phone navigation
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#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
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Khroma Freeride GORE-TEX Glove | Alti II Mitts |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 9.3 oz (264 g) | — |
| Membrane | GORE-TEX waterproof-breathable | — |
| Shell | Polyamide and elastane with leather | — |
| Insulation | Body-mapped synthetic fill | PrimaLoft Gold synthetic fill |
| Cuff Style | Extended gauntlet with drawcord | — |
| MSRP | Approximately $180 | — |
| Shell Fabric | — | GORE-TEX waterproof, windproof membrane |
| Palm Material | — | Pittards Armortan leather |
| Liner Style | — | Removable insulated mitten liner |
| Cuff Design | — | Extended gauntlet with dual cinch closures |
| Weight Class | — | Heavyweight expedition modular mitten |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Khroma Freeride GORE-TEX Glove
- GORE-TEX insert provides reliable waterproof and windproof defense in heavy storms
- Body-mapped insulation preserves dexterity without sacrificing back-of-hand warmth
- Reinforced leather palm withstands friction from ski edges, poles, and rope work
- Wide gauntlet cuff with one-hand closure seals securely over winter outerwear
- Reduced palm insulation can feel chilly during long, inactive chairlift rides
- Price point near $180 represents a significant investment for casual skiers
- Leather surfaces require regular maintenance to avoid stiffening over time
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
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.