Hestra gloves have been my go-to for all my winter outdoor activities for over 20 years now. I grew up skiing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, ice fishing…anything outside in the winter was fine with me…Except cold hands.
I’ve tried all sorts of other brands, but none compare to the warmth, durability, and comfort of Hestra gloves. Plus, they look cool.
In this blog post, I’m going to tell you a bit about the history of Hestra gloves and why I think they’re the best winter gloves for all your winter activities.
I will also provide a few recommendations on certain models that we have used over the years. Hope you enjoy.
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History of Hestra Gloves
Hestra is a Swedish company that has been making gloves since 1936. The company was founded by Martin Magnusson, who started out making leather work gloves for farmers in the small village of Hestra, Sweden.
Magnusson quickly realized that the farmers needed a better glove for working in the cold Swedish winters, so he set about creating a warmer, more durable glove. Magnusson’s son, Lars, took over the company in the 1970s and began expanding its product line to include ski and mountaineering gloves.
Today, Hestra is one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor gloves, and their products are used by everyone from professional athletes to casual outdoor enthusiasts.
Our Top Picks for the Best Hestra Gloves
There are a lot of different types of Hestra gloves, each designed for a specific purpose. They literally have gloves for anything from skiing, hiking, and biking to climbing, running, and fashion gloves. They have different materials, different cuff style, mittens, pre curved fingers for ski poles, and more! Here are some that we love.
Best All-Mountain Skiing: Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski
When you’re spending long days out in the snow and cold, you need a ski glove that you can rely on to keep your hands warm and dry. The Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski is just such a glove, made with durable goat leather for an exceptional ergo grip and feel, and with a waterproof three-layer polyamide fabric backhand.
The liner is easy to take out and exchange if it gets moist, or to adapt to varying activity levels and temperatures. The long collar has a snowlock that keeps warmth inside the glove preventing cold hands.
There is also an eyelet that lets you fasten the glove with a carabiner to your ski pants or climbing harness – handy when you’re working with just a pair of thin Hestra merino wool liners on your hands on those mild days.
So if you’re looking for a great ski glove for those long days outdoors, look no further than the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski – available in 3 and 5 finger models.
Features
- Keep your hands warm and dry in the harshest of conditions
- Durable goat leather for an exceptional grip
- Waterproof three-layer polyamide fabric backhand
- Easy to remove and replace liner
- Long collar with snowlock to keep warmth inside glove
- Eyelet lets you fasten glove with carabiner to ski pants or climbing harness
Best Ski Racing: Hestra Gripen GS
The Hestra Gripen GS 5 Finger racing glove is an advanced glove that has been developed in collaboration with the Swedish and Norwegian national teams.
It features pre curved fingers and external seams for optimum grip on your ski poles, as well as two layers of shock-absorbing material for exceptional protection when banging those gates! They have a durable impregnated goatskin that keeps out the elements, while the stretch polyamide provides flexibility in the fingers.
The knuckles and thumb are reinforced with a ceramic material for extra durability, and the liner is made of soft, brushed polyester. The synthetic insulation is warm and wicks away moisture, and the neoprene cuff style has Velcro adjustments that provide a snug fit around your wrist.
This glove is also available as a mitten for those who prefer mittens.
Features
- Developed in collaboration with Swedish and Norwegian national teams
- Pre curved fingers and external seams for optimum grip on ski poles
- Two layers of shock-absorbing material for exceptional protection against banging gates
- Durable impregnated goatskin that keeps out the elements
- Stretch polyamide provides flexibility in fingers
- Knuckles and thumb reinforced with ceramic material for extra durability
- Soft, brushed polyester liner wicks away moisture
- Synthetic insulation is warm and ensures you stay comfortable all day long
Best All Around Mitt: Hestra Windstopper Tour Mitt
If you are looking for a warm and stylish fleece mitten that can take you from the slopes to the trails then the Hestra Windstopper Tour Mitt is a great option! This is my wife’s go-to for snowboarding.
This versatile glove is perfect for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and other active outdoor activities in cold weather. She loves the soft knitted fleece fabric on the backhand that gives her extra warmth, and a durable treated goatskin palm for a firm grip for clamping in her board. She hates cold hands! The lining is made of microfleece with windproof GORE-TEX Infinium™, which allows moisture to escape while keeping your hand comfortable and dry.
So whether you’re shredding powder or hiking through the snow, the Hestra Windstopper Tour Mitt will keep your hands warm and protected all season long.
Features
- Keep your hands warm and dry while skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities
- Soft knitted fleece fabric on the backhand for extra warmth
- Durable treated goatskin palm for a firm grip
- Lining made of microfleece with windproof GORE-TEX Infinium™
Best For Multi-Purpose: Hestra Fall Line
The Hestra Fall Line 5 Finger glove is an amazing all-around glove. The shorter model features a neoprene cuff style that fits smoothly under your jacket’s sleeve.
Made of impregnated cowhide, it uses outseams that provide comfort and a tighter pole grip. It includes a removable synthetic liner that is easy to dry and wash, as well as foam insulation for extra warmth and stability from the wet snow.
The wrist strap reduces the chance of dropping a glove when on the chair lift or taking off your helmet. And an included carabiner allows you to secure the gloves on your jacket or backpack when not in use. Perfect for those who prefer off-piste just as much as on-piste and who aren’t afraid of a little adventure.
They are available in mittens, 3-finger, and women’s sizes.
Features
- Great for all-around use, including skiing and snowboarding
- Neoprene cuff is comfortable and tightens under your jacket sleeve
- Made of impregnated cowhide with outseams for a better grip
- Synthetic liner is easy to dry and wash
- Foam insulation provides extra warmth and stability
- Wrist strap reduces the chance of dropping gloves
- Carabiner allows you to secure gloves on your jacket or backpack
Best Three Finger: All-Mountain Czone Gloves
The Hestra All Mountain Czone is a tough and reliable glove that is perfect for skiing and snowboarding in all types of terrain. This longer model features a snowlock that fits snugly over the jacket sleeve, keeping out the cold and wet. To me, they are the warmest Hestra Ski Gloves I have used.
The outer glove is made from durable materials, and a CZone membrane makes it completely waterproof and breathable. The fleece liner is soft and comfortable against the skin, while the synthetic insulation keeps you warm and allows moisture to escape.
This glove is also available as a mitten and three-finger model.
Features
- Stay warm and dry in all types of weather
- Snowlock ensures a snug fit over the jacket sleeve
- Durable materials for long-lasting use
- CZone membrane makes glove waterproof and breathable
- Fleece liner is soft and comfortable against the skin
- Synthetic insulation keeps you warm
Best All Around Glove: Freeride Czone Gloves
My absolute favorite Hestra Glove I have owned. I use it for everything I do outdoors…snowmobiling, skiing, and snowboarding. I’ve even used them for ice fishing. I LOVE them.
The Hestra Freeride Czone is a new version of the iconic Fall Line models that has been designed specifically for snowboarding. I’m pretty sure these are going to be on my wife’s Christmas list this year!
The Czone membrane is both waterproof and breathable, and the palm reinforcements provide an ergo grip for great board carry. The snowboard-specific flex zones make this glove flexible and comfortable, while the neoprene cuff makes it easy to access your smartwatch.
Features
- Keep your hands warm and dry while snowboarding
- Palm reinforcements provide an ergo grip for great board carry
- Snowboard-specific flex zones make the glove flexible and comfortable
- Neoprene cuff makes it easy to access your smartwatch
Best For A Day On The Town: Hestra Wakayama Glove
The Wakayama Gloves are made from impregnated, aniline-dyed cowhide for durability and comfort, and feature external seams around the fingers for a superior fit. The wool lining has terry loops that trap large amounts of air to keep your hands warm in cold conditions, and the neoprene interior cuffs provide additional warmth.
The paracord at the wrists lets you adjust your fit, and the Hestra handcuffs secure gloves to your wrists. If you’re looking for a glove that will keep your hands warm and comfortable in all kinds of weather, look no further than the Hestra Wakayama Gloves!
Features
- Keep your hands warm in all types of weather
- Durable and comfortable
- External seams for a superior fit
- Terry loops for insulation
- Neoprene interior cuffs
- Paracord at the wrists for adjustability
What makes Hestra gloves so special?
Hestra gloves are some of the best gloves on the market and for good reason. Their construction is top-notch, they’re made to last, and they look great, too.
Here’s a quick overview of what makes Hestra gloves so special.
Construction
Hestra gloves are constructed out of high-quality materials that are built to last. The company uses a combination of leather and synthetic materials to create a glove that is both durable and comfortable. This construction is one of the things that sets Hestra gloves apart from other brands on the market.
Design
Another thing that makes Hestra gloves stand out is their design. The company’s gloves are available in a variety of styles, so you’re sure to find a pair that suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a simple leather driving glove or something with a waterproof lining for extreme mountaineering, Hestra has you covered.
Fit
One important thing to consider when choosing a pair of gloves is the fit. Hestra’s gloves are available in a variety of sizes, so you’re sure to find a pair that fits you well. The company also offers an extensive range of sizes for their women’s and men’s gloves, so you can find the perfect fit.
Comfort
One of the things that makes Hestra gloves so special is the fact that they are extraordinarily comfortable. This is due to the use of high-quality materials like polyester and spandex. These materials conform to your hand, allowing you to have a full range of motion while still feeling secure. Additionally, the use of these materials helps to wick away moisture from wet snow or rain, helping your hands stay dry in any condition.
Style
Hestra gloves also have a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to style. They manage to be both fashionable and enough for resort use and functional with their pre curved fingers, ergo grip and thermal efficiency for any need. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated leather glove or a traditional ski glove, Hestra has you covered. And because they are available in a wide range of styles, there’s sure to be a pair that’s perfect for you.
Durability
In addition to being comfortable and stylish, Hestra gloves are also incredibly durable. This is thanks to the fact that they are made with high-quality materials that can withstand years of wear and tear. Additionally, the craftsmanship that goes into each pair of gloves ensures that they will stand up to whatever you throw at them. Whether you’re an avid skier or simply someone who likes to be outdoors in all kinds of weather, Hestra gloves will keep your hands protected while looking great no matter your intended use.
Summary
Hestra offers a range of different gloves for skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities. The gloves are made with a variety of materials, including cowhide, fleece, synthetic insulation, merino wool and neoprene, in order to provide warmth, durability and a good grip. The gloves also feature various technologies such as CZone membrane and snowlock to make them waterproof and breathable. They are available in different sizes and models, including mittens and three-finger gloves.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new pair of gloves, and you’re sick and tired of using hand warmers, Hestra is definitely a brand worth considering. Their construction is top-notch, they’re made to last, and they look great, too. I can’t tell you enough how happy both my wife and I have been with our Hestras over the years. I’m sure you will be too! With so many different styles of gloves to choose from, you’re sure to find a pair of Hestra gloves that suit your needs perfectly.
