Anyone with ice fishing experience knows how difficult it can be without a pair of waterproof, warm mittens.
With the wide array of products rampaging in the market, it’s hard to pick the best products.
Fortunately, we’ve done the research to take the burden off you, and we’ve rounded up the five best ice fishing gloves in 2020.
Our top pick goes to the Glacier Glove Ice Bay for its high resistance against zero temperatures, quality interior, and unique waterproofing.
Yet, if you’re looking for a cheaper, more professional or lighter option, here are our other suggested products:
- Striker Ice Combat Glove – Really comfortable fishing gloves
- Glacier Glove Pro Angler – Great alternative to the Ice Bay
- Clam Outdoors IceArmor Edge – Very lightweight
Glacier Glove Ice Bay – Best Ice Fishing Gloves
Specs
These gloves are 100% waterproof. They feature a fleece-lined Neoprene fabrication with 2mm thick and a consistent palm design. The product has an invisible, glued stitching with a woolen Sharkskin texture. It comes in black and ranges between X-small to XX-large sizes. ($$$$)
The Verdict
Offering a cold-proof and waterproof structure, these Ice Bay Fishing Gloves have successfully made their way to the top of our list.
The interior, which consists of premium neoprene, keeps your hands cozy and dry, even if you soak them in water. And, the fleece-lined exterior can maintain your body heat in freezing temperatures.
These neoprene fishing gloves also feature a persistent palm design for optimum durability, blind stitching and glued seams that make them resistant to snags and tears.
With a sharkskin texture, these professional gloves also give you a firm grip, allowing you to hold the most slippery fishes.
As a downside, they only come in one color, which makes them a less favorable option for variety seekers.
In Summary
Overall, the Ice Bay Glacier Gloves are the most cold-resistant options on our list. So, if you’re heading to a sub-zero cold fishing climate, these are your best bet.
However, be careful not to let the size variety fool you. Although they’re the best gloves you can get for extremely low temperatures, customers report they run too small. So, you should go one or two sizes up when ordering.
Striker Ice Combat Glove—Most Comfortable Fishing Gloves
Specs
These are typically men’s gloves found in X-large and XX-large sizes. The palm and backhand materials contain 200g of 3M Thinsulate. The inserts are Hipora fabric, and the exterior is full leather. They come in leather-wrapped fingertips and have breathable linings. ($$$$$)
The Verdict
With its pre-curved fingertips, gauntlet closures and adjustable wrists, this Striker Ice option is the most comfortable on our list.
These gloves can fit like a dream on your hands. Besides, they have extra-long cuffs that offer excellent protection for your arms and prevent even the tiniest objects from entering the inner layers.
Made from thick Thinsulate insulation and Hipora inserts, these gloves are extra breathable and waterproof at the same time. The fabrics let the air pass through your gloves without letting water in. So, you’ll have enough ventilation to prevent sweating.
Moreover, the leather palm and back of hand fabrication mean that the product isn’t only waterproof but also durable for years.
In Summary
Overall, the Striker Combat gloves are specially engineered for very cold climates and can make your ice-fishing experience a breeze.
Compared to other products on our list, this model is considerably higher in price. However, considering the ultimate comfort it offers, it’s worth the money. If you want to order the gloves, remember that they only come in two sizes—X-large and XX-large—and aren’t available for women.
Glacier Glove Pro Angler
Specs
These gloves come in a range of sizes, from small to XX-large, and weigh around 13 ounces. They have a Techline Neoprene texture with pre-curves in the fingers and openings on the thumb and index fingers, while the palm doesn’t have any seams. ($$$)
The Verdict
Designed with cold fishing challenges in mind, these gloves are the best option for professional anglers.
First, they have a thick neoprene fleece lining, making them extremely effective in protecting your hands against wind and cold weather.
Second, they come with perfectly curved fingers so your hands won’t get tired after hours of holding the rod.
Another feature that makes the gloves unique for fishing is the finger openings, to fold the fabric back over the cover and work with your fishing gear.
Nevertheless, bear in mind that the gloves run a little bigger than average sizes. So, if you order your regular size, you may be unable to grip on the rod, fish, etc.
We also found reviews that the gloves have a weird smell because of the petroleum used in manufacturing.
In Summary
These gloves can lend a helping hand in tough conditions and have enough features for long hours of fishing for professional anglers. If you don’t mind the smell, they’re a good option, and don’t forget to go one size smaller.
Clam Outdoors IceArmor Edge – Most Lightweight Option
Specs
This is an imported pair of gloves with a one-year warranty. It comes in one medium size for men, and measures 12 inches high by 5 inches wide. It weighs 2.4 ounces and consists of thermoplastic polyurethane fabric, which is covered by a one-year warranty. ($$)
The Verdict
For over three decades, Clam Outdoors has been manufacturing excellent fishing equipment, and the IceArmor Edge is another masterpiece.
Weighing only 2.4 ounces, these gloves are the lightest product on our list. As a result, they’re very comfortable for long durations.
The exterior material is thermoplastic polyurethane, making them both puncture-resistant and abrasion-resistant and provides a unique grip for fishing.
Offering protection from all fishing hassle, these gloves are super warm, water-resistant, and weatherproof.
In Summary
It’s hard to find other gloves as durable as this pair. Also, being very lightweight and having a one-year warranty, these gloves are the most reliable option for long hours of fishing.
However, as for the sizing, reviews show they don’t fit very comfortably. Although they’re advertised as men’s medium gloves, they may fit a little snuggly for masculine hands.
Frabill All-Purpose Task Glove
Specs
Made out of an Oxford nylon shell, these all-purpose gloves are made of heavy-duty threads and a tricot lining. Their palm material is of reinforced chamude, and their seams are double top-stitch detail. They also have a Neoprene adjustable strap. Note that they weigh about 1 pound and come in two sizes—large and X-large. ($)
The Verdict
Ideal for frigid days, these Frabill gloves are the best-fitting gloves on our list. They have high-quality inserts and are 100% waterproof.
The natural curvature of these gloves is specially designed for the human hand, allowing for ultimate fit and comfort. They also come with an adjustable wrist strap that adds to their comfort.
Besides, they’re made of nylon shell and a brushed tricot liner—a combination that results in a pair of waterproof, warm gloves.
We also found frequent mentions of favorable features like breathability. And, due to the reinforced chamaude palm material, the dexterity and grip are great.
Although the gloves feature double top-stitched seams and heavy-duty thread for optimum durability, a few reviewers complained they didn’t last long.
In Summary
As fully waterproof fishing gloves with a lot of extra features—such as wrist strap, curved fingers and waterproofing—these are probably worth your money and attention. Other than their unproven durability, they provide nearly all requirements for a cold fishing glove.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Ice Fishing Gloves
Warmth
When it comes to ice fishing, virtually nothing matters more than warm hands.
If your hands get cold while angling, you might lose sensation and lose your ability to catch fish.
Also, having cold hands not only feels very uncomfortable, painful and stiff to the touch but can cause skin injuries, such as frostnip and frostbite. Therefore, finding a pair of warm mittens is a must-have for ice fishing adventures.
The amount of body heat that a glove preserves depends on its thickness and insulating material. Neoprene, Thinsulate, fleece and nylon are the most effective insulations in terms of heat conservation.
Also, note that the thicker the insulation, the warmer your gloves will be.
The warmest option on our list is the Glacier Glove Ice Bay, which features 2mm Techline Neoprene combined with a fleece lining. After that, the Striker Ice Combat fabricates with 200 grams of premium 3mm Thinsulate.
Waterproofing
To get a pair of waterproof mittens, consider two important factors:
The gloves should consist of waterproof fabrics, such as nylon, polar fleece, polyester and Thinsulate.
Also, the manufacturer should use the waterproof material for the inserts and the exterior coating. So, in case your gloves tear from contacting the hooks, no water will penetrate your gloves.
All products on our list are either waterproof or water-resistant. However, the Glacier Ice Bay and Frabill All-Purpose models boast 100% waterproofing, and they’ll guarantee your hands will remain dry throughout cold fishing.
Breathability
Although breathability is most important for warmer conditions, it won’t hurt to have breathable gloves for cold fishing. If your gloves are too thick, your hands are still likely to sweat in low temperatures.
Since sweaty gloves can cause many health problems, such as hyperhidrosis, skin damage, fungus and bacteria build-up, you can see why breathable gloves matter.
Some might think breathability will sacrifice heat preservation or waterproofing features, but that’s not always true. As noted in the product reviews, the Striker Ice Combat combines warmth, waterproofing and breathability, all in a single product.
Grip
If you fail to control the movements of a caught fish and let it slide through your hands, what’s the point of fishing?
An improved grip is especially important with low temperatures. Fish can slip out of your hands more easily if the water freezes on your gloves.
So, you should always make sure your gloves have enough flexibility to help with the grip. Also, you should ensure they incorporate seamless palm material for more slip resistance.
Sizing
Incorrect sizing can reduce your comfort and ability to grip, at the same time.
Therefore, either go for true-sized mittens or carefully check that the glove measurements match your hand dimensions.
If you’re looking for a true-sized, best-fitting pair, the Frabill All-Purpose Glove is your clear pick.
Quality & Durability
The last thing you want is to pay a bunch of dollars in exchange for single-use gear. No matter what kind of product you’re about to buy, quality and durability always matter.
In particular, ice fishing gloves require more consideration in terms of quality because your hands have constant exposure to sharp hooks, ice chips and biting teeth. They’re more likely to tear in such conditions.
If you need a long-lasting pair, go for the models with high strength material, such as neoprene, nylon, and IceTech. Also, look for double-stitching or glued seams to achieve more durability.
If you don’t have the time to do the research yourself, we suggest the Striker Ice Combat and Glacier Glove.
Note that the type of water also affects glove durability. For example, saltwater can gradually sink into materials, such as cotton.
So, if you’re looking for saltwater fishing gloves, consider those with lycra latex, leather, wool or neoprene fabrications.
Comfort
Your ice fishing gloves won’t do you any good if they don’t feel comfortable on your hands.
Although thickness is a crucial factor in preserving body heat, your gloves shouldn’t be too restrictive to reduce movement, prevent you from curling your fingers and stop you from handling small objects.
Ideally, search for gloves that incorporate natural curvatures for fingers, gauntlet closures and adjustable wrists. If these aren’t available, make sure the material is less than 3mm to guarantee your comfort.
Wrapping Up
We’ve collected some of the best ice fishing gloves for angling enthusiasts, among which the Glacier Ice Bay Glove is our top pick.
It has excellent features, such as zero-temperature-resistance, 100% waterproofing and durable fabric, all in an inexpensive package.
If you’re looking for a more-fitting or comfortable model, the Striker Ice Combat and Frabill All Purpose will win over the Glacier. If weight is your number one priority, the Clam IceArmor Edge will be a better choice.
