How to choose winter gloves, no thermometer required
From chilly October mornings to freezing cold January nights, a Canadian winter covers a lot of ground. One pair of gloves can't do it all.
That's why every KOMBI glove and mitt carries a warmth level from 1 to 4: Chilly, Cold, Very Cold and Freezing Cold. Four steps, one for every kind of winter day and activity.
And the question we hear most? "So, how cold can these go?" You won't find a temperature on our labels. Not because it's a trade secret, but because the thermometer only tells half the story. The other half is you.
Here's how our warmth levels work, and how to find yours.
Why we don’t list temperatures
Picture two people wearing the same gloves on the same January morning at -15°C. One is power-walking to the subway. The other is standing still at the bus stop, face to the wind. Same forecast, two very different experiences.
How cold your hands feel depends on a few things:
- Activity level: the more you move, the more heat your body makes.
- Circulation: some people naturally run colder than others.
- Wind: moving air steals heat much faster than still air.
- Humidity: damp cold creeps in more easily than dry cold, and sweaty hands cool down faster.
So we skip the temperature and give you a warmth level instead: a reliable starting point from 1 to 4 that you can fine-tune to your body, your activity and your day. Here's what goes into each one.
What makes a glove warm
Every KOMBI glove is a team effort among four layers, and each one has a job so you can stay warm.
- Shell and palm: the first line of defence. Leather or synthetic, they take the wear and tear and shed water.
- Membrane: waterproof and breathable, it keeps snow and water out while letting moisture escape.
- Insulation: the heart of the warmth. It traps the air your body heats up.
- Lining: right against your skin, it wicks moisture away to keep your hands dry.
The higher you go on the scale, the harder these layers work. It's the combination that sets the level, not any single ingredient.
Here's proof. Our Authentic and Heritage gloves share the same insulation: PRIMALOFT Gold P.U.R.E., made with recycled fibres.
The Authentic pairs it with a WATERGUARD membrane and a flexible textile shell, landing at Level 3.
The Heritage adds a GORE-TEX membrane and premium goatskin shell, and climbs to Level 4. Same filling, different recipe, different result.
The Four Warmth Levels, One by One
Level 1: Chilly
Light gloves and mitts with little or no insulation, made for chilly days in the city or high-intensity activities. Think morning runs and fall commutes, with WINDGUARD wind protection doing most of the work.
Try: Velocity WINDGUARD Gloves, The Multi Tasker WINDGUARD Gloves or our Metro knits like the Cable Knit Mittens.
Level 2: Cold
Versatile and lightly insulated, these styles keep you comfortable through all kinds of moderate-intensity winter activities: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, long walks with the dog. Expect a first layer of insulation, often ULTRALOFT or PRIMALOFT, teamed with wind protection.
Try: Helix WINDGUARD Gloves, lightweight Pack Away PRIMALOFT Gloves, or touchscreen-friendly Windguardian Gloves.
Level 3: Very Cold
High-performance components that keep your hands warm and dry when the temperature really drops. This is the level for long days outside: tobogganing with the kids, building a snow fort, an afternoon on the outdoor rink. A waterproof membrane joins the team, along with more generous insulation.
Our pick: the Authentic PRIMALOFT Gloves. Made for movement, they pair a waterproof, breathable and windproof WATERGUARD membrane with PRIMALOFT Gold P.U.R.E. insulation. The FLEX-TECH shell bends with every grip, and the adjustable cuff seals out snow. Ideal for winter hikes, snowshoeing and everyday wear.
Level 4: Freezing Cold
Our warmest gloves and mitts. They pair our most advanced water and wind protection with our best insulation. Summit ski days, ice fishing, shovelling the driveway at dawn in a deep freeze: this is where they shine. Two standouts, two philosophies.
The Heritage GORE-TEX: synthetic warmth with timeless style.
A GORE-TEX membrane, PRIMALOFT Gold P.U.R.E. insulation and premium goatskin come together in a design inspired by our ski heritage. Because synthetic insulation stays warm even when damp, it's a smart choice if your hands tend to sweat.
The Patroller GORE-TEX: the power of down.
Goose down insulation and a GORE-TEX membrane earn the Patroller the +GORE WARM certification for superior warmth. A goatskin palm, a waterproof zippered pocket and a wrist leash make it a favourite for ski touring and big days on the hill. Down works best in dry cold.
Find your level in three questions
1. Do you move a lot?
If you run, cross-country ski or walk at a brisk pace, your body supplies a good share of the heat. A lower level keeps your hands from getting clammy.
2. Will you be outside for a long time, or standing still?
Chairlift rides, ice fishing, cheering from the rink-side bleachers: the less you move, the higher your level should be.
3. Do your hands get cold easily?
Go up one level. If your hands also sweat, look for insulation that stays warm when damp, like PRIMALOFT or ULTRALOFT, plus a breathable membrane. Down is fantastic in dry cold, but loses some of its loft when wet.
Need an Extra Notch?
Your warmth level isn't a ceiling. A few ways to turn it up:
- Add a liner. A thin glove worn under your insulated one adds an extra layer of warmth. Bonus: slip off the outer glove to use your phone without exposing bare skin.
- Tuck in a hand warmer. Ours deliver up to 10 hours of heat.
- Get the right fit. It's the most underrated tip of all. A glove that's too tight compresses the insulation, and compressed insulation warms less. Aim for about 1 cm of space at the fingertips and along the side of your hand. Our Glove & Mitt Fit Guide will help you find your size.
- Go heated. For the most extreme days, our heated styles let you dial in your own warmth.
Frequently asked questions
Built the same way, mitts hold heat better because your fingers keep each other warm. Gloves give you more dexterity. The warmth level on each product already reflects its construction, so compare levels rather than formats.
For a full day on the slopes, between chairlift wind and long runs, aim for Level 3 or 4. If you tend to run cold, go straight to Level 4.
Warm, your way
Since 1961, we've tested our gloves and mitts in the best lab there is: the Canadian winter. The verdict after 60-plus years? There's no perfect glove for everyone, but there is one for you.
Find your level, get outside and let us handle the warmth. Our gloves and mitts are also backed by a warranty of up to 5 years.