The Complete Guide to Dakine Snow Gloves & Mitts
How to Choose the Right Gloves for Skiing & Snowboarding
Snow gloves and mittens are one of the most important pieces of gear for spending long days on snow, whether you ski, snowboard or ride all season. The right glove keeps hands warm, dry and functional across changing conditions, from early-season icy mornings to deep mid-winter storms.
Dakine is known for building durable, technical snow gloves engineered for both performance and comfort. Below you’ll find an educational guide to snow glove technology, insulation types, waterproofing membranes and activity-specific features built to help you choose the best glove for your riding style.
Explore the full Dakine glove and mitten collection here > collection/snow-gloves-mitts
Gloves vs Mittens — Which Should You Choose?
Gloves
Gloves have individual fingers and are great for:
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Better grip & dexterity
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Adjusting buckles & zippers
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Using your phone or gear
Shop gloves:
collection/snow-gloves
Mittens
Mittens keep your fingers together, making them:
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Warmer than gloves
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Great for cold hands
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Popular with snowboarders
Shop mittens:
collection/snow-gloves-mitts
Simple rule:
Gloves = dexterity
Mittens = warmth
Choosing the Right Gloves for Your Riding Style
Different riders prioritise different features. Here are helpful recommendations:
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Resort & All-Mountain: insulation + warmth
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Freeride & Powder Days: waterproofing + durability + warmth
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Backcountry: breathability + liners
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Spring Park: lightweight gloves
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Cold Hands: mittens + insulation + liners
Dakine glove and mitten collection here >>> collection/snow-gloves-mitts
Technology Comparison: Gore-Tex vs DK Dry vs Leather
Technology and fabrics are where glove performance actually happens. Two of the most important elements are:
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Waterproofing (membrane)
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Insulation (thermal management)
Below is a comparison of our technologies:
Gore-Tex Gloves & Mitts
Best For:
✔ High moisture environments
✔ Storm days
✔ Backcountry & freeride
✔ Riders who run “warm” but need breathability
How It Works:
Gore-Tex uses a microporous waterproof membrane that blocks external moisture while releasing internal moisture vapour. This combination delivers waterproofing + breathability under dynamic effort (skiing, splitboarding, hiking).
Pros:
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Best-in-class waterproofing
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Superior breathability
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Durable for touring/freeride
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Consistent performance over time
Cons:
− Premium price point
− Requires layering for “extra warmth” in colder climates
DK Dry™ Gloves — Dakine’s Proprietary Membrane
Best For:
✔ Resort riding
✔ All-mountain skiing & snowboarding
✔ Cold, dry climates
✔ Budget-conscious buyers without sacrificing performance
How It Works:
DK Dry™ uses a waterproof insert that prevents external water from entering while retaining warmth. Breathability is optimised for resort speeds (~moderate perspiration).
Pros:
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Waterproof protection
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Warm & reliable
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Great price-performance value
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Ideal for resort conditions
Cons:
− Less breathable in high-sweat activities
− Not as technical as Gore-Tex for touring
Leather Snow Gloves & Mitts
Leather ski gloves and mitts are highly popular with snowboarders due to dexterity, durability and natural weather resistance. Dakine uses treated leathers to balance performance with water resistance.
Pros:
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Very durable
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Excellent dexterity
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Ages well over time
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Ideal for dry, cold climates
Cons:
− Requires maintenance (leather balm)
− Not ideal for wet maritime environments without membrane
− Warmer climates may overheat
Gloves vs Mittens: Which Should You Choose?
Gloves:
✔ Better dexterity (buckles, zips, phones)
✔ Preferred by skiers
✔ Balanced warmth
Mittens:
✔ Warmer due to shared finger heat
✔ Popular with snowboarders & cold-handed riders
✔ Excellent on storm days
Hybrid Option: 'Lobster' or 'Trigger' Mitts
Split-finger design that blends glove dexterity with mitten warmth. Check out the Camaro Trigger Finger Mitts
How Warmth is Measured: Insulation & Liners
Glove insulation typically uses:
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Primaloft®
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Synthetic polyfill
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Wool blends
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Microfleece liners
Higher insulation = more warmth, but less dexterity.
Lower insulation = more dexterity, but less thermal protection.
Good rule of thumb:
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Resort riders benefit from insulation
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Touring riders benefit from breathability
Matching Gloves to Climate
| Climate | Best Choice | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold & Dry (e.g. Colorado) | Leather or DK Dry | Warmth priority |
| Cold & Wet (e.g. Whistler, Japan) | Gore-Tex | Moisture priority |
| Maritime (e.g. Scotland, Norway) | Gore-Tex | Breathability + waterproof |
| Spring / Park | Lightweight gloves | Higher dexterity |
| Backcountry Touring | Gore-Tex + removable liner | Sweat management |
Women’s Fit and Sizing
Women’s styles generally have:
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narrower palms
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shorter finger lengths
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more insulation options
Women's ski glove and snowboard mitten collection here > collection/womens-snow-gloves-mitts
Care & Longevity Tips
Proper glove care improves waterproofing and warmth:
✔ Dry gloves nightly
✔ Reapply leather balm (leather styles)
✔ Avoid direct heat sources (damages membrane)
✔ Shake liners to release moisture
Wash using a cleaner from Nikwax or Grangers for example, once clean re-apply DWR (Durable Water Repellent) with a product like Grangers Performance Repel or Nikwax glove proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mittens warmer than gloves?
Yes. Mittens keep fingers together, which helps retain heat.
Do I need Gore-Tex gloves?
Not always. Gore-Tex shines in wet climates and powder days. DK Dry is ideal for resort days and drier snow.
Are leather gloves waterproof?
Leather is naturally water-resistant. Treated leather performs well in colder climates and can be paired with membranes for wetter snow.
Should women choose women’s gloves?
Women-specific gloves offer better fit and insulation for most female riders, especially in cold conditions.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Dakine Glove
The best glove or mitten depends on:
✔ riding style
✔ climate
✔ warmth needs
✔ dexterity preferences
✔ membrane technology
Dakine’s range covers both performance membranes (Gore-Tex) and price-performance membranes (DK Dry), across gloves, mittens and leather constructions — delivering solutions for both skiers and snowboarders across a full season.
Ready to Find Your Pair?
Explore our full glove and mitten collection for men and women, including Gore-Tex, DK Dry and leather styles across ski and snowboard categories.
Explore the full Dakine glove and mitten collection here > collection/snow-gloves-mitts