Waterproof gloves
#1
Thread Starter
aka Timi

Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 320
From: Gothenburg, Sweden
Bikes: Bianchi Lupo & Bianchi Volpe Disc: touring. Bianchi Volpe: commuting
Waterproof gloves
I have a pair of Sealskinz All Weather Cycle gloves, that I use in colder wet weather.
Testing them under a tap they are 100% waterproof, but when riding, the gloves are soon soaked through - even with rain jacket arms covering the glove cuffs (so no water running down my arms)
There is bound to be some condensation, but is the pressure of holding handlebars somehow defeating the waterproof membrane? Or something else going on?
Any tips or recommendations for other waterproof gloves? Not for winter riding, but just those cold wet days on tour...
Thanks!
Testing them under a tap they are 100% waterproof, but when riding, the gloves are soon soaked through - even with rain jacket arms covering the glove cuffs (so no water running down my arms)
There is bound to be some condensation, but is the pressure of holding handlebars somehow defeating the waterproof membrane? Or something else going on?
Any tips or recommendations for other waterproof gloves? Not for winter riding, but just those cold wet days on tour...
Thanks!
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
Waterproof mitts.
The thing I have found with gloves is that to seal the seams, the tape adds more bulk inside the glove.
With mitts, or lobster claws, the seam taping is reduced, and the pair I have continue to be excellent in all cool conditions -- waterproof with the jacket wristband pulled down over the top, and helpful in keeping the wind off, plus with a thin pair of gloves underneath, my fingers remain comfortable.
The thing I have found with gloves is that to seal the seams, the tape adds more bulk inside the glove.
With mitts, or lobster claws, the seam taping is reduced, and the pair I have continue to be excellent in all cool conditions -- waterproof with the jacket wristband pulled down over the top, and helpful in keeping the wind off, plus with a thin pair of gloves underneath, my fingers remain comfortable.
#4
Thread Starter
aka Timi

Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 320
From: Gothenburg, Sweden
Bikes: Bianchi Lupo & Bianchi Volpe Disc: touring. Bianchi Volpe: commuting
Waterproof gloves
Thanks guys. I'll look into mittens, and even lobster claws.
I'm fine riding with mittens (do it all winter long) but the lack of dexterity would be an issue, yerknow those frosty mornings making coffee with gloves on. Really don't want two pairs with me.
Maybe mitten food prep is just another acquired skill!
edit: maybe Chefisaac could chime in about that!
I'm fine riding with mittens (do it all winter long) but the lack of dexterity would be an issue, yerknow those frosty mornings making coffee with gloves on. Really don't want two pairs with me.
Maybe mitten food prep is just another acquired skill!

edit: maybe Chefisaac could chime in about that!
#5
Thread Starter
aka Timi

Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 320
From: Gothenburg, Sweden
Bikes: Bianchi Lupo & Bianchi Volpe Disc: touring. Bianchi Volpe: commuting
Waterproof gloves
hmm... Seems like the lobster claws from the usual suspects (sealskinz, pearl etc) are made for winter riding.
Any tips/links to medium weight waterproof lobsters or mittens?
Any tips/links to medium weight waterproof lobsters or mittens?
#7
Senior Member



Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,720
Likes: 2,104
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
I have used neoprene gloves for kayaking in very cold water. Wetsuit type material. The water can get in but the material still offers warmth. I have not tried them for biking, when the rain is that cold I don't bike that day.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 1
From: NE Tx
Bikes: Tour Easy, Linear USS, Lightening Thunderbolt, custom DF, Raleigh hybrid, Felt time trial
On a recent tour in New England in 3 days of rain and cold, the gloves were soaked but the hands were warm. Warm is what I was after. I doubt that it's possible in those conditions to have both, even with 'waterproof' gloves. No more than it's possible to stay totally dry in the even the best rainwear. Rain, sweat, or both, depending on the material.
Most raingear does a lot better job just walking about than when cycling, which does stress the material and seams in ways not intended.
Mittens do seem be the preferred way to keep the hands warm in very cold weather. Makes sense.
Most raingear does a lot better job just walking about than when cycling, which does stress the material and seams in ways not intended.
Mittens do seem be the preferred way to keep the hands warm in very cold weather. Makes sense.
Last edited by Cyclebum; 06-15-13 at 11:45 AM.
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
I'll add that Thinsulate and Polarfleece seem to me to be excellent materials for staying warm when wet. I renewed my acquaintance with Polarfleece gloves recently when pruning fruit trees in dew-laden, near-freezing conditions. Toasty warm fingers...
Thinsulate has saved my hands and fingers on more than a few randonnees with freezing nights, too.
Thinsulate has saved my hands and fingers on more than a few randonnees with freezing nights, too.
#10
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
Only rubber gloves are water proof, anything else is water resistant, if its sewn together.
Its got holes in it for every needle stroke.
I used a Shell Glove and a separate polarfleece liner glove for a while..
It allows the 2 to be separated, to dry.
'warm when wet ' is sales lingo, really it's still wet ..
2 years ago I Got a cycle rain Cape , it drapes over my hands , Now they remain Dry .
for those that use jackets , hands get wet till freezing, then snow wont soak in .
easy to make waterproof gloves when water is in its sold , rather than liquid state..
Ive tried Neoprene wind surf paddling gloves on a bike, I end up with a pool
of water in side the fingertips..
Its got holes in it for every needle stroke.
I used a Shell Glove and a separate polarfleece liner glove for a while..
It allows the 2 to be separated, to dry.
'warm when wet ' is sales lingo, really it's still wet ..
2 years ago I Got a cycle rain Cape , it drapes over my hands , Now they remain Dry .
for those that use jackets , hands get wet till freezing, then snow wont soak in .
easy to make waterproof gloves when water is in its sold , rather than liquid state..
Ive tried Neoprene wind surf paddling gloves on a bike, I end up with a pool
of water in side the fingertips..
Last edited by fietsbob; 06-15-13 at 11:34 AM.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 1
From: NE Tx
Bikes: Tour Easy, Linear USS, Lightening Thunderbolt, custom DF, Raleigh hybrid, Felt time trial
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
techman
Winter Cycling
14
01-03-13 12:25 AM





