imi

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!

Rowan

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.

bradtx

imi, I prefer mittens also despite a loss in dexterity.

Brad

imi

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!

imi

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?

Rowan

My lobster mitts came from MEC in Canada.

Tourist in MSN

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.

Cyclebum

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.

Rowan

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.

fietsbob

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..

gamecock

eI gave up on "waterproof" gloves long ago. I stretch "rubber" gloves, strong ones like EMTs use, over my winter gloves.

Cyclebum

Large industrial gloves designed for working with hazardous material can be pulled over insulating gloves for waterproofing. Course you still got the condensation issue, but for cycling in cold rain, might be useful. With an over glove, the inner need not be so thick, and the combo will likely be much less expensive and more effective than pricy 'waterproof.' Experience has shown that after about 20 minutes of vigourous pedaling with proper core protection, the extremities warm nicely,