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Ice fishing is fraught with dangers from the cold to fish scales and hooks. The right pair of ice fishing gloves can help protect angler’s hands from cuts, slices, and serious injuries like frostbite. High-quality gloves will allow the angler to keep fishing with them on. If you’re looking for the best ice fishing gloves, this article is for you.
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Ice Fishing Gloves Compared
Preview | Model | Material | Waterproof | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Glacier Glove Ice Bay | Neoprene | 100% | ||
No products found. | Velazzio Thermo1 | Polyester | 100% | |
KastKing Mountain Mist | Neoprene | Waterproof back | ||
BPS Double-Lined | Neoprene | Water-resistant | ||
WindRider Rugged | Nylon | 100% | ||
Palmyth 3M | Thinsulate | No | ||
Stormr Typhoon | Neoprene | Water-resistant | ||
Memphis Glove N9690FCL Ninja Ice | Nylon | Water-repellent |
Why Gloves Are a Must-Have When Ice Fishing
Snow and ice can cause frostbite, but they can also cause fingers to go numb and get clumsy. With so many sharp objects and lines that can easily cut through the skin if mishandled, numb hands and fingers aren't just uncomfortable but can be downright dangerous.
Fishing with gloves on can protect the angler from getting cut on hooks, fish spines, and line. That’s true in the warmer fishing seasons and goes double for ice fishing. Plus, gloves allow for warm fingers that can adjust the settings on fishing electronics.
Choosing Quality Winter Fishing Gloves
Glove Design For Ice Fishing
Features like waterproofing are crucial for the best ice fishing gloves to have. These gloves can also be heated by batteries or have pockets for disposable hand warmers. Ideally, the right pair will be warm enough to keep you fishing without additional heating, but the option to have extra heating can help recharge energy in the middle of an ice fishing trip.
The warmest hand coverings are mittens, but not being able to move fingers individually seriously hinders anglers’ ability to fish. Convertible models with mitten covers and exposed fingertips underneath solve this problem but are generally less waterproof.
Durability & Material Type
Ice fishing gloves should be strong enough to handle lines and rope sliding across their surface without wearing down. Some materials that manufacturers use to meet this goal are neoprene, nylon, polymers, and rubber.
Some of these materials are also outfitted with leather pads on the palms and fingers for extra durability. While it’s also ideal for gloves not to let hooks poke through and stab the wearer, not all materials will do so. Older gloves also tend to weaken no matter what materials they’re made of.
Grip & Dexterity
Those pads on the palm and fingers also make ice fishing gloves grip better. When seemingly everything around you is covered with ice and water, the additional grip can be the difference between a lost fish or a serious injury. That grip should be strong but not so strong that it catches on other objects.
For tying knots and dehooking fish, glove fingers should be easy to move. Of course, there’s a tradeoff between durability and dexterity, but many companies have found a way to give the best of both worlds.
Snug Fit
The same sizes you’d find on clothing is usually how manufacturers size their ice fishing gloves - that is, small, medium, large, etc. However, each company can run small or large. For that reason, they put out sizing charts that demonstrate the length of the fingers and dimensions of the palm.
This is useful, but each individual will have to know their own hand and finger size before they can shop for the best fit. Remember that a snug fit is great for warmth, but a fit that's too tight can limit dexterity and even lead to overheating and sweaty palms.
Comfort & Breathability
To prevent overheating and sweat, the material of ice fishing gloves can be constructed to allow heat to escape but keep cold from getting in. In addition, the palms can be built to curve naturally, which will prevent bunching up when the hand is put into a fist.
Allowance for natural movement makes a huge difference over time. One of the most important places to look for comfort is the wrist. It should be adjustable to ensure a snug fit for everyone and to keep cold from entering through the bottom of the glove.
Warmth
Layering is one of the most common ways ice fishing gloves offer more warmth. Typically the inner layer is lined to prevent water from seeping in. The outer layer is for grip and durability, and the middle layers are for warmth.
Besides layers, gloves can have pockets or space for a hand warmer to be inserted. They can also run their own heating elements off of battery power. That can be great, but make sure the gloves will be warm enough to protect you if the battery should die or else bring extra batteries along.
Price
Ice fishing gloves tend to stay within the double digits, but some of the more robust versions can run a bit higher. They're definitely worth it for anglers who fish in icy conditions or fish often and need that equipment to keep their hands in working order.
Unlike some other fishing equipment like rods and reels, gloves typically don't come with an outright warranty. However, the most popular sellers have fair return policies and, in some cases, a guarantee that works much like a warranty would.
8 Best Ice Fishing Gloves Reviewed
1. Glacier Glove Ice Bay
Our Top Pick!
Material | Neoprene |
Available Sizes | Extra small, small, medium, large, XL, XXL |
Waterproof | 100% |
Fingers | Closed |
The Glacier Glove Ice Bay fishing glove is the perfect combination of thin material and waterproofing. Being less thick makes these gloves more flexible, but the neoprene material it’s constructed with is still durable enough to withstand hooks and fish scales while keeping the hands warm.
Glacier glove has also textured the exterior of these gloves with what they call Sharkskin. They grip really well even in wet conditions and come in plenty of sizes to ensure a snug fit. Ice Bays have a classic look retained from their long tenure as the most popular ice fishing gloves on the market.
The stitching is invisible all around the gloves, and the body is a uniform matte black color. In addition to this minimalist style, these are also the best rated ice fishing gloves in terms of performance. They're completely waterproof and lined with fleece for extra warmth. The 2MM neoprene used in their construction is commonly used in wetsuits.
Grabbing small objects like hooks or fishing line is much easier with these ice fishing gloves than it is with most other full-fingered gloves. Modifying settings on a fish finder or camera can be done with these gloves on, just watch high-friction contact with things like thick rope because it might wear through the material.
Pros
Cons
2. Velazzio Thermo1
No products found.
Best Heated Gloves for Ice Fishing
Material | Polyester |
Available Sizes | Small, medium, large, XL |
Waterproof | 100% |
Fingers | Closed |
Thermo 1’s are great for ice anglers who are looking for a more technologically advanced glove. Anyone worried about possible short-outs with electric gloves in wet conditions, rest assured that the battery pouch on these ice fishing gloves is entirely watertight and waterproof.
Toggling through the heating modes is easily done with the push of an exterior button, which can still be done with the gloves on. The exterior shell of the palm side of the gloves also works with smart screens so anglers can use their cell phones without having to remove the gloves.
Layers of waterproof and windproof material and the carbon fiber heating element don’t stop these gloves from being surprisingly breathable. 3 stages of heating make these the warmest ice fishing gloves, and at temperatures right around freezing the lowest setting is often sufficient, meaning the battery will last even longer. It doesn't take more than a few hours to charge the battery fully, and it should keep a charge for between 4 and 10 hours, depending on the power setting.
Even when the battery dies, these gloves stay pretty warm. Wrist loops and a drawstring closure on the wrist allow a custom snug fit for every wearer. Locking clips make these gloves a cinch to store when not in use. The battery adds some weight to these gloves, but not enough to interfere with ice fishing.
Pros
Cons
3. KastKing Mountain Mist
Best Open-Finger Gloves for Ice Fishing
Material | Neoprene |
Available Sizes | Medium |
Waterproof | Waterproof back |
Fingers | Open & Closed |
For more dexterity when the situation calls for it, these KastKing Mountain Mist with removable fingertips on the first and second finers are just the trick. They provide enough warmth and dryness for anglers’ hands to last longer in cold and wet conditions.
All the straps - both the wrist strap and the loop used to hold the finger coverings open - are sturdy enough for a snug fit without being cumbersome. One nice design feature is that the finger coverings work on a smartphone screen to cut down on the number of times the wearer will need to expose their fingertips.
In addition to their colorful design, the palms of these gloves are durable and have a pretty nice grip on them. Fleece lining on the inside of the glove keeps hands warm for long periods without making them sweaty or overheating them.
Bear in mind that these are recreational gloves, so their target temperature is between 20 and 40°F, but anything below that and your hands will start to feel the cold after a while. They won't be the warmest ice fishing gloves in extremely cold conditions, but for normal winter conditions down to and just below freezing, they work just fine.
Pros
Cons
4. BPS Double-Lined
Most Versatile Option
Material | Neoprene |
Available Sizes | Medium, XL, XXL |
Waterproof | Water-resistant |
Fingers | Closed |
These BPS ice fishing gloves offer much more choice than most competing varieties. Two different levels of double-lined neoprene are available in a wide range of colors and sizes. The wrist strap is more aesthetically balanced than on other gloves, but it doesn’t stop water coming in through the bottoms of the gloves unless you wear them in tandem with a full wetsuit.
If you don’t plan on fully submerging your hands in the water, then this isn’t a big deal because the gloves do work great above the ice. The grip on the fingers and palms keeps a good grab when handling fish or items that have been in the water.
Anglers can use BPS ice fishing gloves for long periods without hand fatigue since they’re so lightweight. The stitching is visible on the edges and around the middle two fingers, but it is watertight. These gloves come from a smaller company, but they still promise a fair return policy if there's some kind of a defect.
The rubber palms of the glove keep hooks from poking through, but for more substantial sharp objects like metal, they may not stop everything. But they do fit snugly enough to last through all manner of watersport activities without causing any chafing or blistering.
Pros
Cons
5. WindRider Rugged
Best Waterproof Ice Fishing Gloves
Material | Nylon |
Available Sizes | Extra-small, small, medium, large, XL, XXL |
Waterproof | 100% |
Fingers | Closed |
WindRider has built the most waterproof ice fishing gloves possible and even added an extra storage pocket on the back of the glove. While some water does enter through that zipper pocket if the glove is fully submerged for a prolonged period, no water ever enters the main compartment of the glove itself.
The key to the design of these gloves is the layers: nylon forms the base, then a material similar to GoreTex called Hipora, a synthetic fiber insulator called Thinsulate and a foam insulator. All this adds up to a very warm glove, and the inner fleece lining keeps it comfortable against the skin.
The exterior of the gloves is tough but not too tough to deal with small hooks without letting any sharp points through. Anglers will still be able to grip the fishing line despite the admittedly bulky shape of the gloves.
Considering they’re a tad oversized to provide more warmth, they do still fit snugly, even over jackets. The fingertips are designed to work with a smartphone screen but not for more than answering a phone call - pressing small buttons isn’t likely to be too easy with these gloves, so if you’re using a fish finder frequently, you might find yourself removing them periodically to make adjustments. However, the ability to keep an additional hand warmer in the provided pocket means warming your hands back up afterward can go pretty fast.
Pros
Cons
6. Palmyth 3M
Best Convertible Ice Fishing Gloves
Material | Thinsulate |
Available Sizes | Small |
Waterproof | No |
Fingers | Open & Closed |
There’s no better way to get the warmth of mittens and the functionality of fingerless gloves than this pair from Palmyth. They are plenty warm thanks to a thick layered construction and a thick cushion around the wrist to keep warm air in and cold air out.
They aren't waterproof or particularly even water-resistant, but as long as they're kept out of direct contact with the body of water, they work great for fishing. The mitten tops flip back and attach with a magnet, so there's no loop or hook to risk getting snagged on anything. Anti-slip pads on the palm and fingers of these gloves help keep your grip right where you want it, which is great for rod handling on the ice.
It might take a few uses to break in these gloves, but for that small setback, they are sturdy and firm during use. The palms have a curve built into them to prevent bunching when the wearer makes a fist. The wrists adjust for a better fit and keep cold out in cold temperatures, but the gloves don't do as well in temperatures below 20°F, so you might need a thicker pair for extremely cold conditions. For wintry conditions any warmer than that, you should be fine.
Pros
Cons
7. Stormr Typhoon
Most Comfortable Ice Fishing Gloves
Material | Neoprene |
Available Sizes | Extra-small, small, medium, large, XL, XXL |
Waterproof | Water-resistant |
Fingers | Closed |
Though they are also incredibly durable, these are also the best ice fishing gloves for anyone who prioritizes comfort. It’s not just that they are easy to wear for long periods, but that they have enough flex to handle the rigors of fishing.
The thumb and first finger feature kevlar to make them extra durable, so they handle fishing line and other cordage better than some competing models. Stormr rates these gloves to be water-resistant, and they work great with hooks and other gear that's gotten wet. As long as they aren't submerged in water, they'll keep your hands reasonably dry.
These are also one of the most professional-looking pairs of gloves available. They're nearly uniform except for the glued seam beneath the second and third fingers. The wrist is adjustable just like on other gloves, but it doesn't look as bulky as it usually does. Typhoons are fine for surf fishing and certainly tough enough to handle fish, but they won’t protect as well from high winds or temperatures below 30 or 40°F at which frostbite is a risk.
Of course, wearing a liner or sticking hand warmers inside the gloves might help, but for the most extreme conditions, these gloves might not pass muster. If you're the type to fish in a decked-out fishing hut and bring a heater along, then these gloves will protect your hands during all the regular ice fishing tasks.
Pros
Cons
8. Memphis Glove N9690FCL Ninja Ice
Best Budget Ice Fishing Gloves
Material | Nylon |
Available Sizes | Medium, large, XL, XXL |
Waterproof | Water-repellent |
Fingers | Closed |
They may not look as fancy as some competing models. Still, these gloves outperform most other ice fishing gloves in extremely cold temperatures and have a special application applied to help them repel bacteria.
The wrist is knit for a tighter fit and does fairly well keeping the hand warm, apparently all the way down to -58°F, although you’ll likely have lots more problems if you find yourself in temperatures that low. The exterior coating is tough enough to last through many fishing trips, and the gloves are inexpensive enough to replace if they should go bad.
As far as the fit goes, these gloves don't have much stretch, but that also means the fit doesn't loosen with time. They're seamless on the exterior, which helps them repel water. The interior is soft enough to wear throughout a long day of fishing on the ice.
They are relatively thick but still fold up small to be carried in a pocket or tucked away in a tackle box or fishing sled. These gloves may not have the sleekest design, but they are the most straightforward high-quality ice fishing gloves you can buy without making a considerable investment. For an extra pair or a primary pair, these gloves are excellent.
Pros
Cons
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Ice Fishing Gloves
Ice fishing gloves should be waterproof if the angler plans to have to reach down into the water for any reason. Many gloves are water-resistant, meaning they can handle exposure to water and ice on fish and other equipment without failing.
Gloves must be watertight, so a warm internal temperature can be maintained. While waterproof gloves are superior in that regard, they are also less breathable than water-resistant ones.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can I wear fingerless gloves while ice fishing?
Many anglers prefer fingerless gloves when they go ice fishing because the dexterity of bare fingers is needed to tie knots and deal with fish finders. However, if those bare fingers are numb, they won't be of any use. The best solution is convertible gloves with a mitten top that can be temporarily removed.
What is the best glove material for ice fishing?
Some folks prefer less plastic and synthetic materials for comfort reasons, but most find these materials to handle water the best and keep hands warmer. The most popular material currently is neoprene, which protects the most reliably. Nylon is the runner up, but it is a bit less flexible.
Are neoprene gloves completely waterproof?
Neoprene is designed to be completely waterproof, and it almost always is. It's important to look at the seams and stitching in ice fishing gloves because even if the neoprene is waterproof, weak glue or stitching can let water inside the glove.
How much should I spend on a pair of quality ice fishing gloves?
If you fish often or in brutal conditions, investing more in a pair of ice fishing gloves will save you pain and discomfort later and allow you to fish longer. Weekend anglers or anybody who only goes out on the ice a few times in the winter can probably get by with more basic gloves that don’t cost as much.
Can I still use ice fishing gloves, even in warmer environments?
More breathable ice fishing gloves might still be usable in the warmer seasons, but remember that ice fishing gloves are designed to keep hands warm. You might find yourself with some clammy, overheated hands if you try to take a pair of fleece-lined ice fishing gloves out on the water in 90° summer heat. A thinner pair of fishing gloves is probably a better choice.
Conclusion
Ice fishing gloves are primarily a tool for protection. They should keep water out, heat in, and still allow the angler to manipulate hooks, line, and fish with no issue. For their versatility and ability to keep hands warm, the Glacier Glove Ice Bay are the best ice fishing gloves on the market.