Winter Gloves

I've had this problem a lot, as my hands seem to get cold much more easily than others, and if not properly covered will be aching from cold by the end of an hour run at 30 degrees F. What I do to alleviate this is double-layer. Similar to what you would do for your torso/arms on a cold day. I use a base Polartec layer to keep moisture away from my skin, and a thick outer fleece or ski glove to keep my hand warm. You might want to try this, as you won't get such good results with one pair of gloves as you would with two.

I don't have any problems and just use cheap cotton gloves, however, I have read that mittens are much better for extremes. The thoery is that they allow the fingers to gain heat from each other. That might be a start.

I'd recommend a variety of glove arrangements until you settle on some you're comfortable with. Agreed w/'runthis' to make a wicking first layer glove first, something that breathes, then add other things as needed. I wear differing gloves depending on the temp. If you can find'em, get some waterproof mitts. They'll be magic below 20 degrees.

Just keep trying things, including wool mitts/gloves, even if you get sweaty, hot hands, until you find what works.

I laugh now at what I wore 10-30 years ago...cotton gardening gloves. Heck, 30 years ago you wore whatever was available including leather.

I still use those cotton gardening gloves, but I live in the South. When it gets really cold, I have a really good pair of winter cycling gloves. I would look to see what those cats are wearing because they face tougher conditions with the wind whipping across the handlebars.

I like the gardening gloves because they're cheap. I'm always losing them on the run when I take them off and stuff them in front to impress the ladies.

Out.

Kilgore, That is a magic move with the gloves. And to think I've been removing a sweatshirt for that trick all these years? I wondered why it never worked.

To follow what scotth said, I've even seen people have great success with kids (if you can find them big enough) mittens that are lined, but have a waterproof outer synthetic layer. These things sweat and hold in heat big-time.

I guess I'm the only one who wears old (clean) running socks on my hands. They work like mittens by allowing your fingers to "share" heat, unlike gloves. I've also worn the Bill Rodgers type of cheap cotton gloves. They work better when it's not real cold. If it's below zero, I'll wear the cotton gloves with a pair of running socks on top of them. The socks are really good for mopping up sweat and snot, too! And I don't mind if I lose them... they're just old running socks, anyway.

I have had immense success with the brown cotton/blend gardening gloves available at any hardware store, supermarket, even convenience store for about $1.50-2.00.

Unless it's raining, they are warm enough for temperatures as low as 10 degrees F ... below that, I just pull my hands within my sweathshirt sleeves. And they are inexpensive enough that they are disposable in a race if your hands are warm enought, or if you have an "urgent hygienic need" during a run.

I run in a pair of Polartec gloves. They're 100% polyester, kind of like polar fleece fabric. These keep my hands warm to about -10C. Any colder, or if there's a strong wind, I need mittens.

I bought my wife a set of wind resistant running mittens from Running Room. Kinda pricey for mitts - $35 Cdn plus taxes - but she swears by them for real cold and windy conditions.

Doesn't anybody go to running stores or get running-wear catalogs? Newsflash! They actually make running specific gloves- for all weather temperatures out of techical fabrics that wick sweat, block wind, whatever you require. Unless you are incredibly cheap, drop $6.00 and get a pair- or, here' a nutty idea- get a few.

They have running stores? Where runners can buy running stuff?

Pete, I didn't mean you...the comment was directed at the others who are relying on old gardening gloves, ski mittens, and holey underwear as gloves. It's almost like they are either trying anything to avoid spending a buck, or are trying to be McGyver, using household items to get the job done. Do they also run in their dress shoes I wonder?

McFly,

There's some fairly accomplished runners (not me) that have shared their MacGyver tips in this thread. Sometimes the old tried and true methods are still valid - sometimes not. I run with a buddy who's 50 - he refuses to wear anything against his skin that's not cotton. He grew up in the old days when real runners were tough. I guess he likes the bloody nipples, blisters and chafing in other places. I, being somewhat (in relative terms) younger, have embraced the new technology. Works for me. Anyway, no harm no foul. All in good fun.

Observer has the answer. Mittens are soo much better. You fingers end up warming each other.

I can wear three layers of gloves and my fingers will still freeze in the first few miles. But just one layer -- mittens and they'll stay warm for as long as I run

Alright, here how it is up north. You run in cold weather, you wear mits, gloves just don't cut it, never have never will. when its just a little cold outside 0 to -10 a simple pair of sox over ur hands does the job nicely and can also be used for a quick asswipe after that midrun deuce. When it gets below -10 to -40 especially with the wind in the prairies, you gotta have windproof mits. i personally use neoprene mits that cut the wind 100% and hold in the heat, without a fat lair of wet material. Others tend to use standard waterproof mits for playing outside. I have also seen many runners with long fingered cycling gloves.

But like anything else, when u run in the cold, your never warm until 20-30min into the run, or until ur face is completely numb.

Peace

If you're willing to spend $40 or so, go to a cycling store and get a pair of Pearl Izumi Lobster Gloves. These are the best out there, and will last forever.

I wear cheap gloves from places like Old Navy or the Gap. Polartec style and under $10.

I don't feel the need to spend hundreds of dollars on high-tech fabrics and the like. I've tried half a dozen "dri fit" or wicking materials, and none of them can keep me dry. Maybe I sweat more than everyone else?

Now, I wear cheap gloves, old hat, a couple of long-sleeved cotton t-shirts, or a hanes sweatshirt (or a combination). Tights or wind pants. Total cost of outfit, around $30.

Whatever works for you.

[quote]DougC wrote:

I guess I'm the only one who wears old (clean) running socks on my hands. They work like mittens by allowing your fingers to "share" heat, unlike gloves. I've also worn the Bill Rodgers type of cheap cotton gloves. They work better when it's not real cold. If it's below zero, I'll wear the cotton gloves with a pair of running socks on top of them. The socks are really good for mopping up sweat and snot, too! And I don't mind if I lose them... they're just old running socks, anyway.

It must be an old school thing. Sometimes I would add a sandwich bag either to the top of or underneath the sock. If you put the bag on top, you can ditch it as soon as the hands get sweatty.

Doesn't anybody go to running stores or get running-wear catalogs? >>

I would if they had anything that worked better than what I have; my experience is that cheap $1 brown gloves work fine, and on very cold days wear socks over the gloves or wear mittens. It's just a lot more convenient to go down to the local Wal-Mart and do this when it gets cold than to go the the running store (which is 70 miles away) or wait until they come in the mail from Road Runner Sports.

Of course, many of us who've coached high school know the kid who, when you ask him/her how their winter running is going, tells you "I haven't been running because I haven't had time to buy any running gloves".

Living in upstate NY, I've got an entire glove system. When it's in the 30's, I use lightweight polypropylene glove liners. Cheap, effective, and almost feels like you've got nothing on your hands. When it's a little cooler, I use expedition weight poly glove liners (I get these from Sierra Trading Post, about $6-7). You can snot all over them and you're hands will still be warm. If it's about 20 or cooler (or stiff wind) I have a pair of Manzella GoreTex gloves (fleece lined). These things are brilliant, but more expensive ($20-something). I cannot wear them in temps over 20F as my hands will melt. I generally don't like to run outside when it's sub-zero, but from XC skiing experience I find the Manzella's to still be effective. If you have a serious cold-hands problem, definitely go with mittens as mentioned previously.

I have also found that a waterproof shell (GoreTex or similar) works great. What I have is a very minimalist shell mitten. Extremely light. I slide them into a pocket and if the wind proves to be a bit too much for the lightweight liners, I slip on the shell. That combo works well down into the 'teens for me.

A good place for gloves, mittens, liners, shells, and other winter gear (poly briefs, vests, etc.) is CampMor. I've purchased a ton of stuff from them, all at good prices.

www.campmor.com