Do You Need a Kayak Glove While Kayaking? (8 Tips To Warm You Up While Kayaking)

Like other kayak accessories, gloves are of much importance, especially if you plan to run rapids on icy rivers. They are good for long-distance kayaking trips or when heading out on the water in winter. It will protect your hands from getting blisters and prevent your fingers from freezing while keeping them warm.

Key Takeaways

• When you paddle in the water for more than two hours without gloves, your hands will start to hurts
• What type of kayaking gloves you will need depends on your hands, personal preference, and the weather condition in which you paddle
• Neoprene gloves are best for the winter season because these types of gloves will keep your hands dry and warm even in extremely cold weather
• While kayaking, you should always avoid leaving your hands idle for an extended period as they can catch a cold easily

Do You Need Gloves For Kayaking?

If you are kayaking regularly, you need to think of purchasing a pair of gloves. It will not only keep your hands warm but also protect you from potential cuts from sharp rocks and keep blisters at bay. For a long-distance kayak trip, you will get to paddle comfortably for a long without hurting your hands. 

For beginners, we highly recommend one wear gloves for the same reasons. Look for affordable pair and ensure it will fit your hands perfectly. Later on, you can go for high-end sets as part of your kayak accessories. Consider the kind of activity you want to do, the material, and the thickness of the gloves while purchasing your new pair. 

Are Neoprene Gloves Warm?

Neoprene gloves will keep your hands dry and warm even in extremely cold weather. Just ensure they are waterproof with a thickness of 3mm to keep you warm during cold weather. The best neoprene gloves should have smooth bare rubber on the palms side for grip, claw-like curvature in the fingers, and Lycra lining. 

Remember the thicker your neoprene gloves, the warmer they will be, but as thickness grows, the stiffer they become. Normally these gloves work by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and neoprene, which keeps you warm. Make sure your set fits in your hands perfectly, i.e., not too tight or loose gloves. Such pairs are meant for the cold and winter seasons to give you warmth in your hands. Consider your terrain conditions before purchasing these kinds of gloves.

What Are The Best Gloves To Keep Your Hands Warm?

Some of the best high-rated gloves to keep you warm in extreme weather include; Burton Men’s Gore-Tex Gloves, The North Face Men’s Montana Gore-Tex Glove, Erdogyne ProFlex817WP Waterproof Insulated Work Gloves, BPS Storm, and Glacial Glove Perfect Cure just to mention a few. Note that you ought to choose one based on your activities.

This is because there are many gloves meant for different activities as well as weather conditions. When paddling, your hands are the source of power to keep you moving forward, and thus you need to protect them at all costs. And hence the introduction of kayak gloves for such purposes. 

Check The Tips Below For Warm Hands During Kayaking:

Always Keep Warm

Our priority when going to a cold environment is to stay warm. This may sound obvious to you, but warming up freezing fingers requires more effort. You should purpose to keep warm from the start, instead of waiting for things to get worse then look for ways to warm your fingers in the middle of freezing weather. To ensure you keep warm, put on a pair of quality gloves that fit well, and are meant for cold weather.

Take Care Of Your Core

Our hands normally get cold easily, and that’s why people focus mostly on keeping them warm by wearing mittens. It is ok, to wear something on your hands to make them warm, but don’t neglect your body, especially the core! Put on warm layers depending on your activity level and weather changes. In case your hands get cold, the heat will be pumped from within the body to other parts that will help to keep your fingers warm. It’s good always to ensure your core is warm for heat generation. 

Stay Dry All The Time

You will feel cold if your hands are wet and hence the need to keep them dry all the time. To kayak in cold weather, ensure you have a waterproof glove as it will block outside moisture to keep the hands dry. Wear your pair meant for your activity to avoid overheating and getting sweaty palms. 

Having lightweight liner gloves under a waterproof set is a very good idea as it gives you choices. You can put on the liner gloves only when they feel hot, and after cooling down, you can always pull on the shells. When using liner gloves, you get maximum dexterity without your hand being exposed to harsh weather. 

Get Windproof Gloves

A pair of waterproof gloves are naturally windproof and will block the wind, but if you are wearing fleece, it will be advisable to get something that’s windproof. Don’t even try avoiding this, as the fingers can get frozen due to the cool breeze that would send shivers down the spine. 

Avoid Tight Clothes

Tight clothing will always make you feel uncomfortable while kayaking and cause poor circulation of air, especially your gloves, wristwatch bands, or shirt cuffs. The result will be cold hands and a shivering body. Make sure your gear and clothing fit properly before embarking on your trip. 

Keep Moving

You should always avoid leaving your hands idle for an extended period as they can catch a cold easily. Keep on paddling to warm them up while increasing the flow of blood to your fingers. But if they get uncomfortably cold, you can do arm circle exercises. When using a ski or trekking pole, you should be vigilant to avoid causing injuries to your hands. 

Consider Adding Some Extra Heat

If your fingers catch a cold so easily or you have poor blood circulation, you should consider getting hands warmer packets. They are a great way of warming up your fingers effortlessly. Other options include gloves and mittens with inbuilt heating elements to give you extra heat in extremely cold temperatures.

Avoid Trying To Be Tough When The Situation Worsens

If you start feeling cool on certain body parts while on your trip, stop and try to warm up. You can decide to keep moving or add extra heat, as stated earlier in the article, or place your finger on your armpits for warmth.

What Are The Best Waterproof Gloves?

Here are some waterproof gloves from top brands you can try:

1. Carhartt W.P. Waterproof Insulated

2. Youngstown Gloves 03-3450-80-l 

3. DeWalt DPG750L Extreme Condition Cold Weather Work Gloves

The waterproof pairs for work are the best in making your job easier. Its ability to keep your hands feel warm makes them even better. When working under freezing conditions, they ensure your fingers are heated throughout. Some kayakers have taken a step to improve their wardrobe collection through stylish waterproof gloves, aside from being very helpful to them in their daily activities.   

Manufacturing companies come up daily with a unique style to fit the high demand out there while improving their designs based on several factors. Owning a set of these insulated work gloves will enable you to perform your duties correctly, knowing you have the correct equipment. Truly, the best will be the one that fits in your hands entirely and ensures your fingers are warm at all times. Lastly, it should allow you to carry on with your duties normally without difficulties. 

How Warm Are North Face Etip Gloves? 

North Face Etip Gloves are great thermal pairs for women to keep their hands warm. Thermal gloves are considered to be the most heated type, thanks to the insulation inside and the outer shell made to protect your hands. With these, you can plan a kayak in icy water without worrying much about your hands.

Have we told you that one can use the phone at the same time? These tech-friendly five-finger touch capability pairs will keep your hands warm while enabling you to scroll on social media platforms. The durable set uses a lock clip system to allow you to store them both without worrying about losing one of them. They come in several colors to choose from, including pink, purple, and gray. But it might cost you an extra coin, which is all worth it.

Are SealSkinz Gloves Waterproof?

The brand states that these pairs are one hundred percent waterproof, have a windproof membrane and are breathable. Yes, they are pretty good, and one will be tempted to get just a couple of them. But the customer’s reviews on these pairs are a little bit worrying as some say these gloves allow some water to get in.

This is especially when the pairs are used for a long in cold weather. To add to that, they will take time to dry up when they get wet, and it takes time to get them warm again. Putting it on or off when they are wet is a hustle for many customers. We hope the company will look at the feedback and work on them immediately. 

Why Do My Fingers Get So Cold Even With Gloves On? 

You need to get the correct gloves based on the weather and the activity you will be doing. Wearing the wrong glove in cold weather makes your hands wet and cold. Ensure you have the correct size that fits in your hands and avoids the loose ones, as this will cause water to get inside.

Replace your worn-out pairs with a new set as this makes your hands stay dry. If you stay in harsh weather conditions for a long time, your gloves might get wet, making your fingers cold. Lastly, look for quality waterproof pairs if you want to stay warm and dry in the cold season. 

Are Heated Gloves Any Good?

Having a heated product gives you a different dimension of warmth, which is generally great. These regular non-heated high-quality insulated products can get cold after a while leaving your fingers shivering in the cold. As you know, regular pairs retain the heat that our bodies produce, meaning you are still losing it. 

On the other hand, the heated one creates its temperature and will improve circulation in your hands. Exposing yourself to cold temperatures for a long time or planning on doing winter activities, we recommend you have heated pairs. They come in handy to those people having medical disorders that affect the blood circulation in their bodies like autoimmunity or nervous breakdown. It’s good to embrace technology, especially when its benefits outweigh the traditional ways of doing things.

How Long Do Heated Gloves Last?

The durability of heated gloves will depend on several factors, such as the time spent in water, the battery type, usability, and age. Since manufacturers don’t charge the batteries, it is your responsibility to ensure they are fully charged for about 8-24 hours. The LED indicators indicate when the battery is full.

Lithium-Ion batteries are one of the most advanced cells available nowadays in terms of power, size, and storage capacity. You can be on the losing end if you don’t take good care of them. It’s a good practice to charge your batteries constantly if using them regularly. This will also ensure their ability to store electricity. Getting another pair will be beneficial as you get to replace them while on the go. 

Should Winter Gloves Be Tight Or Loose?

Regardless of the season, a simple fit is crucial. Look for one that fits your hand’s size perfectly to avoid unnecessary problems. The tighter ones will restrict the heat and blood circulation in the hands, making them even colder. Looser ones will cause harm to your hands like blisters since there is space for unnecessary friction.

People usually think the tight one will keep their hands warm. We are sorry to disappoint you, as this is not the case, as explained. 

What Are The Best Gloves For Raynaud?

Raynaud disease makes your hands feel cold and painful, no matter the season of the year. You need to get special gloves that help in keeping warm and managing the condition. Consider silver types, copper, touch screen and typing types, Raynaud’s mittens, or Electric Heated Gloves as they work well for those with the diseases. 

We know you want the best product set for Raynaud, but the good pair is the one that will enable you to manage the disease symptoms. Of course, there are numerous pairs designed for this purpose, which offer specific heat-retaining properties. The type of gloves will also depend on the activities you like to engage in and how severe your condition is. 

Here Are The Best Types Of Gloves For Raynaud:

Silver Gloves

Silver types are the best pair for anyone battling Raynaud disease since the heat will be reflected in your hand thanks to its silver thread. Furthermore, it will help prevent any loss of your natural body heat. You can either get the standard eight percent or the deluxe twelve percent silver thread depending on your personal preference.

Copper Gloves

For someone who feels unhygienic with other pairs, they should go for Semi-Compression Warming Copper Gloves. The copper reduces bacteria while providing reliable heat retention. They are also recommendable to someone who has arthritis as it helps to reduce inflammations of the hands associated with such diseases. Thermal–regulating properties that the pair features help increase blood flow, hence minimizing the pain that arises with those diseases.

Touchscreen And Typing Gloves

These types will enable you to continuously use your touchscreen device as well as type on your computer. Consider fingerless models as they are great when it comes to maintaining full finger dexterity and finger feelings. They are suitable for managing diseases indoors whether you are in the classroom or working at your desk etc.

Raynaud’s Mittens

If you are suffering from Raynaud’s disease, you should go for mittens pairs other than gloves. The benefits are equivalent to someone who has the Deluxe Silver Gloves. Electrically heated mittens are also available, which keep your hands warm throughout the year and will distribute heat when your hands need it.

Electric Heated Gloves

For continuous heat all through, consider the electric heated gloves. A good example is the 30Seven Heated Waterproof Cycling Gloves pair that features the Novo heat technology. It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to make sure your hands remain warm. The waterproof pair protect your hands in extremely cold temperatures. There are different electric heated gloves you can always choose. 

Do Gloves Or Mittens Keep Your Hands Warmer?

When you have the right pair of gloves or mittens for a certain activity, it will bring out the difference between a comfortable and enjoyable outing versus a miserable trip with freezing fingers. They help keep your hands warmer, provided you make the right purchase. Consider the activity you will undertake to make an informed decision. 

Both pairs are made with synthetic exteriors and a waterproof, insulation, and breathable barrier for warmth in cold and wet seasons.

Gloves Versus Mittens

Gloves– are made in such a way that each finger separates from the other. Meant for activities where you might need to frequently adjust boot buckles, handle gears, and zip zippers. They normally offer better dexterity than mittens. Heavyweight pairs are good for cold and wet weather like winter. Simultaneously, the lightweight ones are preferably great for aerobic activities like cross-country skiing because your body generates more heat. 

Mittens are warmer compared to gloves since the fingers are together hence generating more heat. But they are not dexterous compared to gloves though they will serve you well in different activities like snowboarding in cold temperatures. 

Are Glove Liners Necessary?

Liners are thin gloves pairs worn inside other mitts or gloves and are necessary to provide one with an extra layer of protection, increase warmth, and absorb sweat. You can choose to wear them alone, especially in moderate temperatures, and when dexterity is a priority. For more heat, wear them inside the insulated model set. 

Here Are The Advantages Of Glove Liners:

1. Added warmth and grip– various jobs need grips or dot-coating gloves, which are typically not insulated. Prompting you to wear liners for warmth while also having the grip benefit of the coated pairs. 

2. Moisture-Wicking Abilities– liners are worn majorly to wick moisture away from the hand. Water is not good for warmth, so you will need to move moisture, such as sweat away as soon as possible from your hands. 

3. Added Comfort– we tend to use rubber gloves for various activities, but our hands sweat, making us uncomfortable. To avoid such a situation, we recommend using a liner inside your pairs to wick moisture away while giving one more comfort.

4. Touch Screen Ability– liners allow you to touch your screen devices, which might not be possible while wearing heavy gloves or mittens. You can wear them alone or with fingerless gloves or a convertible mitt. 

 Final Take

Choose the right gloves depending on your hands, personal preference, and the weather condition in the location in which you paddle. Don’t go for tight or loose pairs; rather, go for snug-fitting to enable heat circulation while avoiding blisters in your hands. Your favorite couples normally last for a short period, because you use them more often. For fun-filled trips and comfortable ones, ensure you have the right pairs of gloves in terms of quality, material, and weather terrain.

References:

https://getoutdoorgears.com/kayaking/are-kayaking-gloves-necessary/
https://aqoutdoors.com/a/blog/should-i-paddle-in-gloves-pogies-or-mitts-the-pros-and-cons-of-all-three