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Ski Mittens and Glove Liners, Explained

After reading, you'll understand how to read a mitten spec sheet, what a liner adds, and which features matter for your ski days.

Updated October 9, 2026 · Companion to our Outdoors & Fitness review

Black Diamond Mercury Mitts - our top pick
In this guide

Ski mitten pages are full of brand names for insulation and waterproof inserts, and few say how warm the mitten actually is. First-time buyers often assume warm and waterproof come together, or that a liner is just a thin glove. Both ideas are incomplete. Once you know what each spec means, you can compare a mitten from one brand to another.

The 30-second version

  • Mittens are usually warmer than gloves, but you give up finger dexterity.
  • A waterproof insert matters more than an insulation name, because wet insulation loses warmth.
  • A stated temperature or warmth rating helps, but only compare ratings from the same maker.
  • A liner adds warmth and phone access, and it lets you take the outer mitten off.
  • Check for a wrist leash and cuff length, because pages list them as separate features.

The products this guide is about

Our verdict on each, with the full reasoning on the companion review.

What actually matters

  • Insulation - this is the fill that traps heat, such as a synthetic like Primaloft Gold or a plain polyester fill. Look for the type and, if given, the weight.
  • Waterproof insert - a layer inside the shell that blocks liquid water while letting some moisture out. Without it, wet snow can reach the insulation.
  • Water-resistant shell - a coating or tight fabric that sheds light snow. It is not the same as waterproof and will eventually soak through.
  • Removable liner - an inner layer you can take out to dry or wear alone. It makes the mitten adaptable.
  • Touchscreen compatible - conductive material on the fingertips so a phone responds. On a mitten this is rarely practical, so look for it on the liner.
  • Wrist leash - a strap that keeps the mitten attached to you. It helps on chairlifts and when you take a mitten off to use your hands.
  • Gauntlet cuff - a long cuff that goes over the jacket sleeve to block snow, compared with an under-cuff design that tucks inside.

The specs, in plain English

Primaloft GoldA synthetic insulation brand that Black Diamond and Hestra use in some mittens. It keeps some warmth when damp and is a common alternative to down in wet conditions.
DWRDurable water repellent, a coating on the shell fabric that makes water bead up. It helps against light snow but wears with use.
Waterproof insertA separate waterproof layer inside the mitten, like Black Diamond's BD.dry or Dakine's DK Dry. It sits between the shell and the insulation.
Warmth scaleA numbered rating a brand uses to compare its own products, such as Hestra's 1 to 8. It is only comparable within that brand.
Liner gloveA thin glove worn inside a mitten or glove for extra warmth and for use when the outer layer is off. Some are touchscreen compatible.
GauntletA long cuff that fits over a jacket sleeve, which helps keep snow out during falls and deep days.
Cuff cinchA drawcord or strap that tightens the cuff around the wrist or jacket. A one-hand version is easier with a mitten on.
Heat pack pocketA pocket inside the mitten sized for a disposable or rechargeable hand warmer. It adds warmth on the coldest days.
Touchscreen tipConductive material woven into the thumb and index finger so a phone registers touch. Makers list which fingers work.

Green flags vs red flags

Green flags

  • A waterproof insert is named on the product page
  • A stated temperature range or warmth rating from the maker
  • A removable liner you can dry separately
  • A wrist leash listed in the spec sheet
  • A cuff length that matches how you ski

Red flags

  • Only water-resistant on a mitten sold for cold days
  • No insulation type or weight listed
  • Marketing words like warm with no numbers
  • Touchscreen claims that name no fingers
  • A maker page that says mild days only for a winter mitten

Who's who: the brands

  • Hestra - Sells mittens and liners with a numbered warmth scale from 1 to 8 on its product pages.
  • Black Diamond - Lists a temperature range and a waterproof BD.dry insert on its Mercury Mitts.
  • Dakine - Sells the Scout 2.0 Mitts with a removable touchscreen-compatible storm liner.
  • Burton - Offers a range of mittens and glove liners with a lifetime warranty on its product pages.
  • Outdoor Research - Sells modular mitt-and-liner systems, including the Mt. Baker GORE-TEX Mitt.

How to read a listing without getting fooled

Start with the insert, because it tells you if the mitten is waterproof or only water-resistant. Then look at the insulation type, weight if given, and any temperature or warmth rating. Check the liner details and whether it is removable or touchscreen compatible. Finish with the features list for a leash, a cuff style and a warranty. Anything missing from the list should be treated as not included, not assumed.

How much should you spend?

Budget mittens and liners are fine as spares or for mild days, and a thin liner is the cheapest way to add warmth and phone access. Mid-range mittens usually add a waterproof insert, a removable liner and a leash. Premium mittens add leather palms, better insulation and sometimes a stated temperature range. Spend for waterproofing first, since that is what protects the warmth you pay for.

Questions, answered

Should I buy a mitten or a glove with a liner?

If your hands get cold easily, a mitten usually helps because the fingers share warmth. If you need dexterity for straps and poles, a glove with a liner is easier. Some skiers wear a mitten on cold lifts and a glove on mild days. Both can take a liner.

Can I wash a liner glove?

Many liners are machine washable, and Hestra lists the Touch Point Active as washable. Follow the care label for temperature and drying. Washing helps a liner stay fresh because it sits against your skin.

Do I need hand warmers if I have a good mitten?

Not always, but they help on very cold days. Some mittens, like the Dakine Scout 2.0, list a heat pack pocket. See our best rechargeable hand warmers review for options.

How do I size a mitten?

Measure around your palm and the length of your hand, then use the maker's size chart. Sizes vary by brand, so use the chart on the product page. If you plan to wear a liner inside, check that there is enough room.

Ready to choose? See our top pick, the alternatives, and the one we'd skip See the Ski Mittens and Glove Liners verdicts

Or jump to the head-to-head: Black Diamond Mercury Mitts vs Dakine Scout 2.0 Mitts.

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