10 Best Gloves for Photographers Right Now: Keep Your Hands Warm This Winter! (2019)
Shooting out in the cold… Brrr, you know the feeling.
Truth is:
In the wintertime you can’t hold your camera gear with bare hands (if you don’t want to freeze your fingers off).
But you also can’t rely on regular winter/battery heated gloves because they’ll likely interfere with your shooting process/camera control.
So, what’s the solution?
Luckily for us, there are plenty of photography-friendly gloves on the market right now.
And in here, I have a list of the 10 best winter gloves for photographers in 2019.
I mean…
Specifically for photographers.
Anyway, here’s what to expect in this article:
10 Best Gloves for Photographers in 2019
Look…
These gloves and mittens have the flip back finger caps and/or touchscreen fingertips, and a design that’s convenient for camera management (or anything else you do outdoors).
Bottom line:
When shooting outdoors this winter, you’ll be warm and, more importantly, have the tactile control you need to operate a camera.
Alright, let’s dive in.
1) Palmyth Flexible Gloves (Editor’s Choice)
Originally, I placed this product fourth in this list.
However…
After seeing a LOT of my website readers purchase this particular product, I realized that it’s hugely popular among photographers and decided that it deserves a #1 spot here.
There are truly a lot of things to like about these flexible gloves.
Specifically:
- They are convertible gloves that are great for many sports/outdoor activities in the cold.
- They also have a water-repellent fabric and good build quality.
- Suitable for mildly cold weather conditions.
But…
Unlike many products in this list, Palmyth gloves are a lot cheaper.
(Doesn’t mean it’s bad quality though!)
Anyway, let’s talk more about what you’ll love about this product.
What you might like about this product:
I think the following…
- water-resistant and windproof
- removable index, thumb and middle finger tips to ensure dexterity
- the finger caps attach to the back with metal buttons
- plush fleece backing for better in thermal insulation
- well stretchable and durable
- a bit of leather material in palm ensures better grip of the camera
- great for mildly cold weather (36ºF/2.2ºC or warmer)
Best of all?
The price tag of this pair is under $35.
(Note: Amazon prices are subject to change!)
Now that we’ve established the things you’ll love about Palmyth gloves, let’s discuss the things you might not like.
What you might not like about this product:
So…
- While this pair has a water-repellent fabric, it won’t save you from heavy rain/snow.
- Not suitable for extremely cold winters.
This is pretty much the biggest downsides of these gloves.
Palmyth Glove Size Chart
Now…
If you decide to purchase this pair, here’s the guide to make sure you get the right size:
Thoughts: Certainly One of the Best Gloves for Photographers
I think these gloves are underrated.
Palmyth certainly are photographer-friendly gloves, which ensure that:
- your hands/fingers stay warm,
- you are comfortable when holding your gear (grip, dexterity etc),
Not to mention that they are highly affordable too.
2) Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 for Outdoor Activities
Vallerret gloves are unique.
Why?
Because they were created for winter photographers BY photographers.
Markhof Pro 2.0 are one of the newest offerings by Vallerret. (Designed specifically for cold weather conditions.)
Truth is:
It’s a great glove for winter photography without compromising on functionality or style.
What you might like about this product:
What exactly is there to love about this product?
Well…
The main features worth mentioning:
- 100% Merino wool liner to provide a great level of warmth,
- top quality materials used (like goat leather and suede) for extra protection,
- FlipTech finger caps help with full access to camera dials and buttons,
- rubberized non-slip grip ensures your gear doesn’t slip out of your hand,
- SD card pockets on the back of each hand (with a zipper).
Awesome, indeed.
I mean it’s a very well-thought out design and construction…
Don’t you agree?
Pro Tip: You may try to add small hand warmers in those SD card pockets to keep your hands even more warm during cold days.
Keep shooting in the cold with these gloves designed specifically for photographers!
What you might not like about this product:
Only one thing:
- Due to design of the gloves, you won’t have much finger dexterity (in case you’ll need precision).
Note:
This glove is designed for every day use in mid winter.
If you want alternative options for deep winter or, let’s say, arctic photography, then you may want to consider Ipsoot photography gloves instead.
(Produced by the same company.)
Final Thoughts: Sweet Photography Gloves for Mid Winter
Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 are:
- stylish,
- warm and comfortable,
- make it very easy to work with a camera.
Without a doubt:
These are one of the best gloves for photography outdoors.
I’m fairly certain you’ll never miss a shot this winter, whether you shoot in the streets or the peaks. *wink-wink*
Keep in mind that as of now the gloves are available on Amazon US and UK only.
Still in doubts?
I encourage you to read my full review on Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 gloves here.
3) Heat 3 Smart Gloves (Best for Extreme Winter)
Without a doubt, this is one of my top picks.
This pair offers photographers an extremely warm protection from cold weather.
I mean…
They are really designed for brutal winter conditions and are used not only for photography but also winter sports activities you enjoy outdoors.
Fact is:
This product was originally designed for Special Forces for its grip, dexterity and warmth.
The only difference is that Heat 3 Smart gloves are:
- touchscreen compatible,
- genuine leather pads on the palm to keep them rugged,
- have more insulation (therefore are more warm).
How cool is that?
What you might like about this product:
I know that this product is a bit pricey, but it certainly is well constructed.
High end materials and thoughtful design make these gloves:
- breathable,
- waterproof,
- warm and comfortable,
- great tactile control and grip to hold your camera,
- and, of course, the ability to touch the screen without taking them off.
Note:
Hand warmers come in handy for photographers. Put them in the inner glove, should you need more warmth. (Will last 10+ hours.)
What you might not like about this product:
Two things you definitely should keep in mind are:
- It’s high price tag.
- These aren’t fingerless/half-finger gloves so, for example, turning rotational dials on a camera might be a bit difficult.
(Still possible though).
Choosing the Right Size
To have the correct size, you need to take a tape and measure the circumference of your hand (not too firm) and then follow this guide:
Now…
These are amazing if you’re shooting in subzero temperature (hmm, arctic photography comes to mind here).
Bottom line:
Heat 3 Smart gloves certainly are one of the best ones for winter photographers.
Chris Nicholls created a great video review for you. Watch it below:
4) FRDM Cold Weather Gloves
Truth is:
FRDM Gear is a rather young company that started its growth in 2017 and within a short period of time they managed to gain insane popularity among winter photography enthusiasts.
Why?
Because these midweight gloves are high quality and simply retain dexterity for using your fingers when photographing.
(Which is pretty much the most important thing.)
What you might like about this product:
Now…
Here are the main things you’ll love:
- high build quality
- weatherproof
- touchscreen compatible
- easy to remove finger and thumb caps
- under $50
… Just to name a few.
Best of all?
Not only are these convertible gloves great for photography in the cold, but also hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing etc.
FRDM gloves are pretty much a dream for avid outdoors people.
But like anything else in the world, this product isn’t perfect.
So let’s look at its disadvantages.
What you might like not about this product:
First of all:
While this pair is great for cold weather outdoor activities, don’t use them if it’s less than 40ºF (5ºC) out if you don’t want to freeze your fingers off.
Secondly:
It isn’t insulated in the same way as ski gloves are for example. However do keep in mind that it comes with 3 layers, so you’ll be warm as long as it’s 40+ ºF temperature.
(To be honest, for me personally these cons aren’t a deal breaker.)
FRDM Sizing Guide
First, you should determine the circumference.
- To do that, measure around your dominant hand at the widest part of the palm (see image above).
Then, you need to determine the length.
- To do that, measure the length of your dominant hand from the base of your palm at the wrist to the tip of your middle finger.
Finally, use the larger of the 2 measurements (in inches) to select your glove size below:
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, FRDM are one of the best photography gloves for winter shooting on the market right now.
(No wonder why it made my top 3 list.)
Good news:
This product comes with a 1 year warranty should these gloves have any defects (within the normal scope of use).
Point is… These gloves are certainly worth buying for 2019.
5) Vital Salveo Fingerless Winter Gloves
Here’s the deal:
Vital Salveo with bamboo charcoal and germanium fiber is part of the 3WARM series that are designed in a way to keep you warm and comfortable during those chilly winter days.
These are half-finger type gloves which means that you can easily work with your camera or anything else.
(And then cover your fingers with the mitten cover whenever needed).
And just like the first two items on this list, Vital Salveo gloves are water resistant and windproof.
What you might like about this product:
What will you like about this product?
Here’s what:
- soft and warm,
- the sandwich concept design,
- half finger gloves = good performance during winter photography,
- the magnet will hold the mitten part,
- windproof,
… Just to name a few.
And what you might not like about this product?
What you might not like about this product:
So…
- While Vital Salveo are water repellent, they are not fully waterproof.
- Suitable for mildly cold winter, not recommended in extreme weather conditions.
(Pretty much similar to items #3 and #4 on this list.)
My Final Thoughts
These gloves are great for most cold weather activities, whether its hiking, skiing, or even outdoor work.
Truth is:
Vital Salveo offer high quality products, so I definitely recommend checking out this gloves for outdoor winter photography in 2019.
6) TrailHeads Power Stretch Convertible Mittens
Here’s the thing:
TrailHeads mittens are pretty popular among photographers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
And it’s not surprising given its versatility, comfort, and well-thought out design.
I will say more:
Stephanie Raftery, the founder of TrailHeads company, is committed to making her customers happy.
So… if you were to order this pair and aren’t satisfied, you can return them whenever.
(No fine print, no time limit.)
What you might like about this product:
Anyway…
Here’s what you’ll love about these gloves for photographers:
- they are thermal,
- slits at the end of each finger with a cozy mitten cover,
- it’s made of Polartec Power Stretch Pro fabric for extra protection,
- not only can you do photography, but also enjoy aerobic activities outdoors,
- has reflective strips for enhanced visibility.
Very cool.
I truly believe you’ll like the way these gloves were designed.
But let’s discuss the things you might NOT like about this particular product.
What you might not like about this product:
So…
Here are the things you should keep in mind:
- these gloves are not windproof or waterproof,
- some people find them not to be durable enough,
- not warm for extremely cold weather, definitely will work for fall or spring-like weather.
Truth is:
These gloves are designed for active wear but certainly can’t be used for standalone used during cold winters.
Choosing the Right Size
Choosing the proper size gloves certainly is easy with TrailHeads.
Refer to the guide below:
Easy, right?
Final Thoughts
Like I said earlier, these gloves aren’t designed for extremely cold weather conditions but I certainly love them for a number of reasons.
These cute convertible mittens are for you if you like activities outdoors in a mildly cold weather.
Now…
The button below send you to photography gloves FOR WOMEN (because it has more Amazon reviews that you can read).
Here’s the link to gloves FOR MEN. (Or simply use Amazon’s search bar.)
7) RucPac Professional Tech Gloves
I will say this:
RucPac company strives to bring the gloves for using tech equipment on location, whether it’s a camera, a smartphone, a laptop, or anything else.
This product isn’t supposed to be used if it’s extremely cold outside but it certainly has its benefits.
Let’s discuss them.
What you might like about this product:
I think it’s the following…
- they are light and elegant,
- warm and comfortable,
- offer maximized dexterity,
- touchscreen compatible,
- weather resistant,
… Just to name a few.
Oh, RucPac also have rubberized palms for a strong grip of your camera.
(Last thing we want is for it to slip through your fingers!)
What you might not like about this product:
So…
- Thumb and pointer finger tips aren’t cut off.
- The build quality is pretty good but not as good as previously mentioned gloves.
- As you might’ve guessed already, these aren’t the gloves that will help you during extremely cold weather.
(Do keep this in mind.)
What About Sizing?
Unlike previous products, you won’t have to measure anything.
These gloves come in 2 unisex medium/large and small sizes but it has stretchy material so it’s unlikely that you order a wrong pair size.
Final Thoughts
These gloves do a good job providing good sensory feedback whatever technology you’re using.
I mean you can text, you can write, you can shoot, do photography and so forth.
And if you’re looking for elegant gloves for non-extremely cold days, these are for you.
8) Palmyth Neoprene Gloves
This pair is similar to #2 on the list (by the same company) with a few differences.
For example:
- They have 2 cut fingers, instead of 3.
- Less warm.
- These Palmyth gloves aren’t as cold weather insulated as the ones I mentioned earlier.
Also, I think they are less stylish too.
(If you care about that.)
What you might like about this product:
So…
Its main features:
- removable thumb and index fingers to retain dexterity
- breathable neoprene material
- durable, windproof, and water-resistant
- Velcro wrist
- artificial leather ensures a good grip
Last but not least:
They are certainly inexpensive!
What you might not like about this product:
While this product receives good feedback, there are a few things you might not like about them.
Specifically:
- not fully waterproof,
- OK for mild weather days but won’t work for deep cold winter weather,
- not everyone will like the neoprene material.
Other than that, this pair is pretty good.
Palmyth Size Chart
Should you choose to buy Palmyth gloves, refer to this chart to make sure you get the right size:
Last Thoughts
I will say this:
The way these gloves were designed for MANY outdoor activities, including photography, hunting, (kayak) fishing, hiking, shooting etc.
Best of all?
It costs around $20. These are definitely the “best value for price” gloves.
(Note: Amazon prices are subject to change!!)
9) Pro Angler Slit Finger Gloves
Look:
While these neoprene gloves were originally designed for fishing, they certainly are photographer-friendly.
Why is that?
Because they…
- have a good grip,
- have cut thumb and index fingers,
- will keep your hands pretty warm.
As you can see, this product does meet basic requirements for photography out in the cold.
What you might like about this product:
Features worth mentioning are…
- 2 mm fleece lined neoprene,
- have pre-curved fingers,
- slit finger design (makes it easy to manipulate camera controls),
- waterproofness except at the slits of course,
- Velcro wrist band.
Now:
While I personally never went to Antarctica or Alaska photo expedition, a few wildlife photographers confirmed these gloves worked great for them.
What you might not like about this product:
So…
What are the things you might not like about this pair?
I will mention a few cons:
- these gloves certainly not suitable for EXTREME cold weather conditions,
- neoprene material might not appeal to everyone,
- they are pre-formed.
And if you’re a Canadian like me, then you might want to consider Heat3 Smart or FRDM gloves instead.
Glacier Glove Size Guide
As before, you need to establish your hand circumference. Then refer to the guide below:
My Final Thoughts
Personally, I’d go with with other glove choices for a number of reasons.
But…
If you like fishing as much as you do photography (in the cold and in the rain), these gloves might be your best choice.
10) AquaTech Sensory Gloves
I will be honest:
This is my least favourite product. I just don’t like them.
But I know it’s widely used among winter photographers, so I decided to be objective and still add it to this list.
The main advantages of using these gloves are that they:
- have index and thumb finger holes,
- slightly waterproof,
- warm enough for mildly cold weather.
(They are pricey though.)
What you might like about this product:
Main features:
- water-repellent
- insulation layers
- high tech fleece lining
- silicone nubbed palm (for better grip)
- adjustable wrist lanyards
Let’s discuss the things you might not like about these gloves.
What you might not like about this product:
- too expensive for photography gloves
- non-durable
- not a good choice for extremely cold winters
- not a high level of comfort and warmth
No wonder why I don’t like them much.
But don’t let my subjectivity get in the way! AquaTech gloves certainly are used by many people for outdoor photography.
Final Thoughts
To be honest a $50 price tag isn’t reasonable for this particular pair of gloves.
There are a lot better gloves for photography in the winter that offer better design and overall level of warmth and comfort.
Truth is:
It’s one of those products where they have a great idea but less than great execution.
Choosing The Right Photography Gloves
I know that some photographers prefer glove liners with touchpad sensitive finger tips (like lightweight Aegend, for example).
But…
Keep in mind that those won’t save you when it’s minus 30 degrees outside, and they might not be the best choice when holding your camera gear.
So:
The aforementioned products do a great job keeping your hands warm when doing photography (or any other winter activities you participate in).
Gloves are certainly the cold weather photography gear that you should buy.
I mean how else to keep your hands warm during winter shooting?
Anyway…
I really hope you found a pair of gloves that suits your needs best.
Best Cold Weather Photography Gloves for 2019
Now…
I’d like to hear from YOU:
- What are the specific things you look for when buying photographer-friendly gloves?
- Have you tried any of these products in the past?
- Did you enjoy this list of top rated photography gloves for 2019?
Any comments? Suggestions? Recommendations?
Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
(Click here to jump straight to comment form.)
Sharing is caring!
Related Posts

What Is The Best Camera for An Amateur Photographer in 2018? (Our Top 10 List)

5 Best Cameras for Landscape Photography 2019 (With The Lenses)

Cool Photography Gifts for Kids: Top 5 Best Cameras for Children Right Now (2019)
About Author
Zarina
Founder of Digital World Beauty website. My purpose here is to provide easy-to-understand guides and reviews on digital technology to make YOUR life easier and help YOU make as informed of a decision as possible.
Hi Zarina!
I am so glad I found your list for the best gloves for cold-weather photographers. Super helpful. I am more of a beginner so I hadn’t really thought of the accessories I will need for winter photography vs. summer.
But with it being winter now, I have been thinking of how to wear gloves to keep my hands warm and take pictures at the same time.
From what I have read here, it sounds like, in addition to photography gloves, I should consider hand warmers too. That is a great idea!
I also enjoyed the link to how to gear up for winter shooting.
It is a comprehensive guide for everything I need to think about including gloves, backup batteries, testing my camera gear before taking photos in the cold, etc.
For buying the photography gloves for me, it sounds like I need to know a few things before I buy.
Things like:
Anything else I should consider?
Thanks again for this helpful list!
Kim
Hi Kim!
Thank you very much for your support! I strive to create awesome content for fellow photographers of all skill levels 🙂
(Too bad I’m still dealing with a broken ankle but at least I can write about what I enjoy… photography!)
Anyway…
1). Yeah, when shooting out in the cold, having proper gloves is a must.
There’s like this dilemma: you can’t take photos with regular gloves, and without any gloves you’ll just freeze. Brrrr.
So…
That’s why I focused on photography-optimized gloves that have the necessary features like removable fingers caps, good grip and so forth.
Hand warmers is an option for photographers if it gets REALLY cold outside. Though if it’s deep winter, Heat3 might be one of the best choices for you.
2). Glad you enjoyed the guide! I am happy to link out to other photography resources online as long as they help my blog readers.
Also, I might create my own guide on winter shooting in the near future. (Winter photography is one of my favourite genres.)
3). Yep, you got it all correct.
Also, if you decide to choose gloves that are not from this list, definitely look out for the good grip. Last thing you want is for your camera to slip out of your hands!
Speaking of Markhof Pro 2.0 gloves. I just published my full review here, in case you’re interested in learning more.
I know this pair can be quite expensive for some people, but it offers such high quality that I think it’s very well worth it.
I appreciate you stopping by! If you have any questions and/or concerns, feel free to ask. I’m always happy to help 🙂
Thanks for your reply Zarina! I’ll check out the new review. Sorry to hear about your ankle. Hope you back out taking pictures soon.
Glad to help, Kim! Yeah it was a pretty bad accident and now in the post-surgery recovery process. I’m just glad that I built a blog around my photography interest, it certainly makes me feel fulfilled 🙂
Cheers.
Gloves have sure come a long way over the years.
These are not the gloves I was used to as a kid but as a photographer you still need to keep your hands warm and work at the same time.
I had gloves that didn’t do the job because my fingers froze right through the gloves. But these all look like they would really keep your hands and fingers warm.
There is quite a difference in price with these. I would want something that works, but $200 is steep! Which one do you prefer over the others?
You’re right Rob.
I know many people used fishing gloves for photography (because of the removable finger caps) but right now there’s a whole new market of gloves designed specifically for photographers.
How awesome is that?
Yeah, paying $200 for a product is a lot but it’s only Heat3 gloves that are that expensive. And the reason is because it’s built for EXTREME winter conditions.
They certainly do the job keeping you warm for a long time and allowing you to work with your gear. Because it’s for deep winters, that’s why it has touchscreen finger tips instead of removable finger caps (so you don’t suffer from icicle fingers).
(Honestly, you should go with this pair if you’re doing a lot of arctic photography, or live in a country with deep winters.)
Now…
My favourite gloves are Vallerret photography gloves – the Markhof Pro 2.0 version. (I even did an individual review on them that you can read here.)
I think the build quality, functionality and style are worth the price. And they work very well for everyday use in mid winters.
I hope this helps! Have fun shopping 🙂
I’m a newbie in photography but I have one question, How easy can you take pictures with the glove? I see you can take the caps out and leave your fingers exposed but how this works, is it hard to manipulate? Please tell me your experience about it. Thank you.
Hi Felix,
The thing is that if you were to use regular winter gloves, then you’d definitely have a problem shooting in the cold. Or holding your camera (especially small compact ones).
That’s why in the beginning of the article I mentioned that you won’t find the usual gloves for winter photography and/or heated gloves for photographers in this list.
Instead I focused on ones that are specifically designed for cold weather photography (so it happens that some of them are known as “fishing” gloves which also work perfectly fine).
So…
The main features that you’d need are:
The products mentioned in this list do satisfy this criteria. And allow you to work with your camera without any issues. Once you gain more experience with cold-weather photography and try some of the gloves, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
Welcome to the club! 😉
Zarina,
Thanks for the comprehensive reviews. I am considering the Palmyth Gloves (No. 4) as they seem best suited to my needs (and budget!). Have you had a chance to examine an actual pair in person, and, if so, what can you tell me about the snaps that hold the finger covers back? Are they sturdy and do they snap firmly? I like the use of snaps as opposed to Velcro or magnets which might pose an issue with my camera. Thanks, and I hope your ankle is mending well.
Hi Gordon,
I haven’t tried them personally yet but I was thinking of getting them later this winter. Though can’t do much photography right now, I can use them for other purposes (thanks for the well wishes by the way!).
I know for a fact that lots of photographers use this pair, especially if they are looking for a nice budget option.
Also, based on what I saw ever since I published this post, Palmyth gloves were the ones that my website followers/visitors purchased the most. Not sure if its because of the 3 finger caps instead of two or what. Or perhaps it’s the price-value ratio.
To answer your question:
While these gloves have a wrist velcro strap, the finger covers attach to the back with metal buttons (so they should be firm enough for your camera operation).
P.S. I enjoyed your photos, thanks for sharing your site! I removed the FB group because the ‘website’ section can only have one link, otherwise there’s an “error” notification.
If you want to leave a FB page link, just leave it directly in the comment and I will approve it 🙂
Oh, how I wish I had come upon your post a few weeks ago when I was covering a high school football game in the cold and wind of Minnesota! I kept having to take my gloves off to take the photos. BRRRR…. I wasn’t sure if I was going to feel my fingers again.
I was falling in love with the FRDM Cold Weather Gloves until you said they aren’t so great below 40 degrees. We haven’t seen a day above 40 for several weeks now!
However, in reading over the other gloves, it seems many of them do not work well in extreme cold, do they? I just feel FRDM have the features I need to be able to control my camera and still keep some of the wind and cold at bay.
Thanks for the honest review of these products. It is appreciated.
Hi Karin,
You’re right, most of the aforementioned options will not work for extreme weather conditions.
If you often shoot in below zero temperatures, I’d suggest the Heat 3 smart layer system gloves (includes linen, mitten, warmer). Some very well photographers on the Internet use this particular glove.
I’ll likely do a review of them in the near future, in case you’re still in doubts.
Also, check out Vallerret website for more alternatives. (In this post, I mentioned Markhof Pro 2.0 but it’s good for mid winter, not extreme weather conditions IMHO.)
Stay warm!
Winter photography is my favourite, I just LOVE this season. I’d just shoot everything with snow on it like a maniac.
The problem though was that my hands would get cold very quickly (I was using the usual glove and would take it off when I needed to take a shot).
I didn’t even realize there were winter gloves specifically for photographers until I came across your post on Facebook. Oops.
Thank you SO much for this useful resource. Really helped me make my decision. I’ll go with Palmyth for now!
Hi Fredery,
It really makes me happy seeing my website visitors satisfied 🙂 (And I appreciate you all sharing DWB’s articles on social media!)
Palmyth is a great choice, indeed.
A lot of people actually kept buying this particular glove, so I moved it from #4 to #1 on this “top rated” list of mine. Hopefully you like them like everyone else does!
The proper photography gloves will protect your hands/fingers and will keep you shooting for longer. (Just always remember that Palmyth isn’t suitable for an extremely cold weather.)
Happy photographing!