When you’re out on the water in your kayak, mobility is important. Depending on the temperament of the waves, you will need to be able to maneuver around quickly and efficiently. This can be hard to do if your hands are so chilly that they become hard to move and stiff with cold.
A quality pair of kayaking gloves will help your hands to retain the heat you need so that you can move properly. They will allow you the range of movement you need to quickly maneuver around on the water, will protect your hands from blisters, and they will also be super comfortable to wear.
But with so many different types of gloves on the market, how can you know you’ve found the best kayaking gloves?
We’ve done all the hard work for you. We’ve researched and reviewed hundreds of products to find the best of the best when it comes to kayaking gloves.
So you can rest assured that the products we’ve reviewed in more detail below will be perfect for your needs. Let’s take a look at the best kayaking gloves!
OUR TOP PICK
The Palmyth UV Protection Fingerless Gloves easily earn our spot of top pick. These particular kayaking gloves give you superior protection from the sun, and have been certified UPF 50+ as well as give you SPF UV protection.
This protection has been woven into the fabric of the gloves, so won’t wear off over time.
What’s really great about these kayaking gloves is that they are super lightweight and have been manufactured using a stretchy, breathable fabric.
This will give you the range of movement you need while you’re out on the water in your kayak. The breathable fabric will help to keep your hands cool, and give you the grip you need.
Another great feature of these kayaking gloves is the fingerless design. This will give you the dexterity you need when they get wet, and will make them easier to pull on or off as needed.
These kayaking gloves are also machine washable, which will make them much easier to clean once you’ve finished using them.
Pros
- Sun protection - gives your superior SPF UV protection and certified UPF 50+ protection
- Lightweight and breathable - gives you the maneuverability you need
- Fingerless design - gives you better dexterity when the gloves are wet
Cons
- Sizing - some customers felt the fingers could be on the longer side
EDITORS CHOICE
Cold hands will be a thing of the past when you wear XUKER Water Gloves. These particular gloves have been designed to keep your hands toasty and warm when you’re out on the cold water.
These particular gloves are appropriate for diving, so you can rest assured that you will get the protection you need when you’re out kayaking. These are versatile gloves that can be used for a variety of water and winter sports.
A handy feature of these kayaking gloves is their adjustable wrist closure. This will allow you to adjust the fit of the gloves thanks to the Velcro straps along the wrists.
It can also prevent too much water from getting into the gloves. These particular gloves feature a unisex fit so as to be suitable for a range of hand sizes.
You’ll get the superior grip that you need with these kayaking gloves. The palm features an anti-slip rubber print so that you can easily grip onto your paddle or kayak as needed. So you will be able to maintain the sure grip you need.
Pros
- Neoprene gloves - one of the best materials for kayaking
- Unisex fit - designed with universal fit in mind, combined with an adjustable wrist closure
- Anti-slip - features an anti-slip rubber print across the palm for superior grip
Cons
- Price varies - depending on the size you need the price will vary
BEST VALUE
The OMGear Neoprene Gloves will give you the perfect fit that you need for your kayaking adventures.
These particular gloves have been designed to be as ergonomic as possible so that they are super comfortable to wear. They feature a unisex design to make them suitable for a range of hand sizes.
What’s really great about these gloves is how versatile they are. These OMGear Neoprene Gloves will be perfect for kayaking as well as a range of other water sports.
They will be ideal for rafting, canoeing, diving, and many, many more. The neoprene fabric features superior craftsmanship so as to prevent any unwanted water from getting into the gloves while you wear them.
These particular gloves will keep your hands warm and cozy while you’re out on your kayak. This fabric is soft and features a 4 way stretch.
They also feature an anti-slip design so that you can grip with confidence. You will get the snug fit you need that will deliver superior protection while allowing you a great range of movement.
Pros
- Versatile - suitable for use with kayaking, sailing, diving, canoeing, and many more
- Neoprene - gives you the warmth and maneuverability you need
- Ergonomic - super comfortable to wear thanks to the unisex design
Cons
- Sizing - some customers found the gloves could run on the smaller side
RUNNER UP
The FitsT4 Sailing Gloves are just the versatile addition you need in your kit ready for kayaking. These particular gloves have been designed for use on the water and can be used for a variety of activities.
They are ideal for use with kayaking, sailing, fishing, surfing, and many more activities. They will give you the dexterity you need to move around on the water efficiently.
You’ll get a superior grip with these kayaking gloves on your hand. These particular kayaking gloves feature a synthetic leather palm that doubles to give you control as well as protection.
You will also get the grip you need to paddle along in your kayak. These particular kayaking gloves feature a fingerless design so that you can easily carry out fine motor activities.
Another great feature of these kayaking gloves is that you will get superior wrist support. These gloves feature a hook and loop closure to make them easier to put on and remove as needed, even when wet.
This will allow you to get the secure closure you need for even better protection. This will give your wrists the extra support they need when you’re paddling along for several hours at a time.
Pros
- Superior dexterity - features a fingerless design to allow you to carry out dexterous movements as needed
- Wrist support - features an easy to use hook and loop enclosure for a secure fit
- Versatile - can be used for a variety of water activities
Cons
- Check sizing - to find the right size for your needs check your measurements beforehand
RUNNER UP
The KastKing Gil Raker Gloves are another excellent choice if you’re concerned about protecting your hands from the sun’s harmful rays.
These particular gloves feature UPF 50 UV protection to keep your hands protected from the sun. This will give you even better protection against the sun compared to competitive products.
A great feature of these kayaking gloves is that they have been manufactured using a breathable material. This will help to keep your hands cool and comfortable without getting sunburned, which will be a lifesaver.
These particular gloves feature a 4 way stretchy fabric which will be super comfortable to wear when you’re out on the water. This stretchy nature will give you the dexterity you need when you’re kayaking.
What’s really great about these kayaking gloves is that they feature a double layer palm. This gives you two layers of fabric to keep your hands protected at all times.
The additional padding will be a lifesaver if you’re using your kayak to go fishing and you catch any spiny fish that you need to remove from your line.
Pros
- Sun protection - offers UPF 50 UV protection from the sun’s rays
- Comfortable - features a 4 way stretch fabric that is breathable and gives you superior dexterity
- Padded palm - gives you the superior protection you need while out on the water
Cons
- Stitching - some customers felt the stitching could be improved
Best Kayaking Gloves Buying Guide
Searching for the best kayaking gloves can be a challenge. If you’ve never bought a pair of kayaking gloves before, it can be tricky knowing what features to look for.
That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve collated all of the essential features you will need to think about when it comes to selecting the best kayak gloves down below.
As long as your chosen kayaking gloves feature these factors, you can rest assured that they will be perfect for your needs.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about kayaking gloves down below, or skip ahead to the frequently asked questions.
Sun Protection
It will be important to opt for a pair of kayaking gloves that will be able to protect your hands from the sun. When you’re out on the water for hours at a time, you’d be surprised by how much sun your hands get exposed to.
It’s best to look for a set of kayaking gloves which will be able to protect your hands from the UV rays of the sun.
Take a look and see how much protection your new kayaking gloves are able to offer you.
Breathable
You will want to opt for a pair of kayaking gloves that are breathable. These will still give you the range of movement you need, will keep your hands warm when they need to be, but without getting too stuffy.
A breathable fabric will also dry out quicker once you have finished using the gloves.
Sizing
Another important factor to consider is what size gloves you need. Depending on how large or small your hands are, you may need to buy an appropriate size pair of gloves.
If you have smaller hands, you may also wish to consider if the gloves come with a fastening to give you a better fit.
Flexible
It will be important to opt for a pair of kayaking gloves that are flexible. This is so that you will get the full range of movement that you need when you’re out on the water.
The more flexible your kayaking gloves are, the easier they will be to use when you’re out kayaking. Flexible gloves will also give you the dexterity you need when you’re out in your kayak.
Versatile
Versatility will be a crucial factor to consider if you enjoy a range of other water sports. This will allow you to use your new kayaking gloves for other sports such as sailing, canoeing, fishing, and many more. Perfect if you want to get up to a variety of activities using your new kayaking gloves.
Best Kayaking Gloves - FAQ's
What Kind of Gloves Do You Use For Kayaking?
It will be important to use gloves that are able to maintain mobility, as well as retain the heat in your hands.
Some of the best materials for kayak gloves include Spandex and neoprene, as these work well to give you the mobility you need as well as retain heat. They will also be more comfortable to wear in the water and give you the protection you need.
The best kayaking gloves are:
- Palmyth UV Protection Fingerless Gloves
- XUKER Water Gloves
- OMGear Neoprene Gloves
- FitsT4 Sailing Gloves
- KastKing Gil Raker Gloves
Do You Wear Gloves To Kayak?
It is generally a good idea to wear gloves when kayaking, yes. This is because they will work to protect your hands from the elements, keep them warm, and allow you the mobility you need when kayaking.
If you are using your kayak to go fishing, then you will need to wear gloves to keep your hands warm and protected.
Can You Use Bike Gloves for Kayaking?
It’s best not to use bike gloves for kayaking because there’s no guarantee that they have been manufactured using the correct materials. Instead, you will be better off using a set of gloves that have been designed to be used in the water.
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