As winter approaches, finding the right protective gloves becomes critical for riders braving cold temps. Premium options boast impressive technology, but do the materials translate to real-world warmth?
After testing out the Climb Vanguard GTX motorcycle gloves in frigid winter weather, I discovered whether these gloves live up to their winter-ready marketing claims. Do they lock in heat or leave hands susceptible to frostbite?
But, the main question I will answer in this review is: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for cold weather for you? Let’s find out!
Klim Vanguard GTX Long Motorcycle Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Offers flexibility with protection
- Lacks insulation for true winter use
- Keeps hands dry but not warm enough
Klim Vanguard GTX Long Motorcycle Gloves – Our Verdict
At the end of the day, while the Vanguard GTX gloves (1) seem well constructed using quality materials, they miss the mark as a true winter glove due to inadequate insulation.
For riders looking for a winter glove, I’d recommend looking into better-insulated options unless you plan to use heated grips below 10 degrees Celsius. The level of warmth doesn’t justify the premium price to me.
What winter motorcycle gloves have you found to work well in frigid weather? Share your recommendations below!
Cold Weather Performance Falls Short
Lacking Warmth Below 4 Degrees
While the Vanguard GTX gloves kept my hands dry in light rain, they struggled to keep my hands warm in colder temps.
Without heated grips, my hands felt quite cold anytime the temperature dropped below 4 degrees Celsius.
For a glove marketed as a winter glove, I expected better insulation and wind protection, especially at this price point.
Breathable Yet Underinsulated
The glove’s thinner leather palm offers good feel and breathability. But there’s minimal insulation here or underneath, which allows cold air to penetrate. While my hands don’t overheat, these aren’t nearly warm enough for me in icy conditions.
Comparison to Similar Jackets
| Product Name | Description of Features |
|---|---|
| Klim Adventure GTX | Short cuff adventure touring glove with Gore-Tex waterproofing and 200g Thinsulate insulation for weather protection. Pre-curved design and goatskin leather palm. |
| Revit Hydra H2O | Sport touring glove with Hydra membrane for waterproofing. Features Primaloft insulation for warmth and goatskin palm reinforcement. Stretch panels aid flexibility. |
| 100% BRISKER | Winter commuting glove with 100g insulation. Has Hipora waterproof, windproof liner and conductive fingertip pads for device use. Pre-curved fingers enhance feel. |
The Klim Adventure GTX gloves offer the most insulation of the three for cold and wet weather riding. The Revit Hydra H2O balances weather protection with more sporty ergonomics. Meanwhile, the 100% BRISKER gloves provide insulation and waterproofing best suited for commuting duties.
Klim Vanguard GTX Long Motorcycle Gloves Overview
These gloves incorporate features like Gore-Tex, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, and D3O armor, so they don’t come cheap.
The construction seems solid, with pre-curved leather palms, soft knuckle armor, and reflective details. However, the level of insulation leaves something to be desired.
Good Ergonomics, Quality Materials
Decent Comfort and Control
On the plus side, the pre-curved palm and textile flexibility allow for good ergonomics. After break-in, the leather palm interacts well with bike controls without much restriction. Finger seams and knuckle armor don’t limit movement or cause pressure points.
Effective Waterproofing
The Gore-Tex liner makes these fully waterproof, an important feature for winter gloves. So far they’ve kept my hands dry down to 4 degrees in light rain. Long-term water resistance remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warmest temperature these gloves are good for?
Based on my testing, these gloves work down to about 4 degrees Celsius if you have heated grips. Without extra heating, 10 degrees is the coldest. I’d recommend using them.
How waterproof are the Vanguard GTX gloves?
The Gore-Tex membrane makes these gloves fully waterproof in light rain. No water ingress after 30 minutes of riding in a light rain down to 4 degrees.
What size should I order if I’m between sizes?
I’d recommend sizing up if between sizes. I normally wear a small glove, but the mediums fit me best, with room for liner gloves on colder days.
Can you use touchscreen devices with these gloves?
Yes, these gloves have conductive fingertip pads that allow the use of touchscreen devices without removing your gloves. Sensitivity seems decent through one layer.
Do the seams or armored panels pinch, bind, or restrict movement?
The pre-curved palm, flexible back panel, and stretch gussets provide good ergonomics. After they are break-in, the seams and armor didn’t cause any pressure points or limit mobility for me. Just took a couple of rides to fully shape my hands.
And Finally…
While the Climb Vanguard GTX gloves offer weatherproofing and quality construction, their lack of insulation leaves them falling short of true winter gloves.
For riders looking for substantial protection from cold and precipitation, I suggest looking into better-insulated options unless you plan to use heated grips when temps drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
The premium price commanded by these gloves just doesn’t match up with their performance in cold weather, based on my experience.
What winter riding gloves have you found that truly keep hands toasty when the mercury plummets? I welcome your recommendations below!
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