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Waterproof gloves have, in the past, potentially been a bit of a hit and miss product in the cycling world. With many arguably not being waterproof enough or just an odd fit.
However, due to extensive research and development waterproof gloves are now both comfy as well as actually waterproof.
How to Keep Your Hands Dry While Cycling
First and foremost, the most effectively way of keeping your hands dry while cycling is: wearing waterproof gloves. Much like waterproof overshoes, over trousers and socks, waterproof products are a solid go-to for keeping any part of your body dry while riding.
Next, I’d highly recommend taking a spare pair of gloves in your pocket or alternatively in a bar bag. This is so that you can swap to the spare dry ones when your first set become wet. However this can be a little impractical, but it’s still a good method to use.
Another top tip to help keep your hands dry while cycling would be to wear latex style gloves underneath your regularly ones. This may be a bit of an old school trick but it does work quite effectively.
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Durable waterproof gloves
Sealskinz Unisex All-Weather Gloves
Stay dry with Sealskinz All-Weather gloves, designed to prevent liner movement and work with touchscreens.
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Waterproof reflective gloves
PROVIZ REFLECT360 Waterproof Cycling Gloves
Stay warm, dry and visible with REFLECT360 winter gloves, featuring web grips, padding and touchscreen compatibility.
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Stylish winter gloves
Rapha Winter Gloves
Stay dry and warm with Rapha’s water-resistant gloves, featuring a soft fleece lining and reflective logo.
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Neoprene cycling gloves
dhb Neoprene Cycling Gloves
Stay warm and dry with dhb’s close-fitting gloves made of 100% neoprene, featuring reflective detailing and reinforced palms.
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Budget-friendly cycling gloves
Elite Cycling Project Malmo Waterproof Cycling Gloves
Stay warm and dry with Elite Cycling Projects’ windproof and waterproof Malmo gloves, featuring gel padding and thinsulate insulation.
Cycling Gloves vs Regular Gloves
Cycling gloves can be very different to regular gloves. For example cycling gloves often have a protective gel padding on the palm in order to prevent your hands from going numb. However, regular gloves don’t tend to include this as it’s a very specific need for cyclists.
Additionally, regular gloves also tend to have a fleecy or wooly texture, whereas more often than not cycling gloves tend to be made from synthetic material, but may still have a fleece lining inside for comfort and warmth.
Lastly, cycling gloves often have a microfibre thumb for wiping your nose or face on: not many regular gloves posses this design feature as it’s not often needed unless exercising and thus sweating.
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Best Rain Gloves for Cyclists
Taking into account all of the above as well as the vast range of choice on the market, we have condensed a range of our favourite cycling gloves for riding in the rain into our favourite top five.
Therefore, you will hopefully find a well rounded selection of which will hopefully suit all of your needs, whether your concern be the waterproof rating, style, budget, dexterity or out and out warmth.
Thermal Waterproof Touchscreen Gloves for Cyclists
1. Sealskinz Unisex All-Weather Gloves
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£44 -
$55 -
€50
Prices are approximate
Materials: Outer: 52% Polyester, 27% Polyamide, 18% Polyurethane, 3% Elastane; Middle: 100% Polyurethane Membrane; Inner: 100% Polyester
Windproof? Yes
Water-Resistance: Waterproof
Touchscreen Friendly? Yes
The Sealskinz All-Weather Gloves are a great durable all round glove that is durable as well as 100% waterproof, thus protecting you from the elements.
Moreover, the All-Weather gloves have also been designed to eliminate liner movement to prevent the inside becoming bunched up, as well as that they are also windproof.
Additionally, these gloves are touch screen compatible, meaning you can use your phone even in a downpour and still keep your hands nice and dry.
Are Sealskinz Gloves Really Waterproof?
Sealskinz are 100% waterproof, hence they are top of our list and a firm favourite among many cyclists.
Reflective + Waterproof Touchscreen Gloves
2. PROVIZ REFLECT360 Waterproof Cycling Gloves
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£45 -
$56 -
€51
Prices are approximate
Materials: 80% Polyester, 20% Cotton
Windproof? Yes
Water-Resistance: Waterproof
Touchscreen Friendly? Yes (index finger only)
The REFLECT360 from Proviz offers complete waterproofing as well as breathability in a warm and fleece lined winter glove.
These gloves also feature silicone web grips on the palms for increased grip in the rain as well as protective padding underneath for optimal comfort and protection.
Also, these gloves are fully reflective, aiding your visibility and signally to other road users as well as touchscreen compatibility.
Waterproof Winter Cycling Gloves
3. Rapha Winter Gloves
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£80 -
$100 -
€90
Prices are approximate
Materials: 85% Polyester, 10% Leather, 5% Elastane
Windproof? Yes (Insulated on the back of the hand and fleece inner-lining)
Water-Resistance: Water-resistant (DWR treated)
Touchscreen Friendly? Yes
The Winter Gloves from Rapha are a stylish yet practical resolution to cold and wet hands while on the bike. Their outer offers a water resistant top layer in order to keep your hands dry.
In addition to that, the gloves also feature a soft fleece lining within for optimal comfort and warmth, as well as a merino cuff to help lock heat in.
Notably, these gloves also come equipped with a reflective logo to help keep you seen (especially when signalling). As well as touch screen compatible fingers, making it easier to use your phone in cold conditions.
Best Neoprene Cycling Gloves
4. dhb Neoprene Cycling Gloves
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£26 -
$32 -
€30
Prices are approximate
Materials: 100% neoprene
Windproof? Yes
Water-Resistance: Water-resistant
Touchscreen Friendly? No (index finger only)
The list wouldn’t be complete without the Neorprene Cycling gloves from dhb. These gloves are made from 100% noeprene which is a warm and popular material that wetsuits are also made out of.
Furthermore, these have a close fit thanks to the stretchy nature of the fabric, allowing for improved dexterity and insulation: keeping you warm even when you are soaked through.
Lastly, there is also reflective detailing on the outer as well as reinforced palms to keep your palms protected and comfortable.
Neoprene Gloves FAQ:
What Are Neoprene Gloves Good For?
Neoprene is good for riding in any wet conditions.
Are Neoprene Gloves Waterproof?
Neoprene gloves are not waterproof as such, they tend to allow water in which in turn heats up and therefore keeps you warm: just in the same way a wetsuit would.
Do Neoperene Gloves Keep You Warm?
Yes, neoprene gloves are very effective at keeping your hands warm when riding in rain or when soaked through.
Are Neoprene Gloves Good for Cycling?
Neoprene gloves are often regarded as a good choice for cyclists, especially those looking for a lighter glove and one that is dexterous.
Best Budget Waterproof Cycling Gloves
5. Elite Cycling Project Malmo Waterproof Cycling Gloves
Materials: Synthetic
Windproof? Yes
Water-Resistance: Waterproof
Touchscreen Friendly? Yes (index finger only)
Price: £24.99
If you were seeking a budget friendly option, then the Elite Cycling Projects Malmo gloves are a solid choice. They offer both windproof and waterproof protection to help keep you warm and dry.
Moreover, these gloves also provide comfort and protection in the form of gel padding which is placed across the palms as well as the knuckles.
As well as the above, the Malmo gloves are also lined using thinsulate insulation material from 3M in order to ensure comfort as well as warmth on even the coldest of days.
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