There are many pieces to the equipment puzzle when it comes to ice fishing – but one thing you don’t want to forego is a good pair of ice fishing gloves. Ice fishing gloves will ensure your hands and fingers stay warm, so you can spend less time worrying about chilly temps and icy waters and more time enjoying your ice fishing excursion.
Which ice fishing gloves are best, though? If you’re on the hunt for the best ice-fishing gloves of 2024, keep reading. This comprehensive guide showcases the top five picks for ice anglers. You will also find extra tips on how to keep your hands warm while ice fishing and how to choose the gloves that are right for you.
The Top Five Ice Fishing Gloves
While plenty of great ice fishing gloves are on the market, these five ranked as the top picks for several reasons – including their features, durability, ability to keep hands warm while on the ice, good reviews, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a pair of gloves with a built-in heater or you want a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality, you’ll find it on this comprehensive list of the best ice fishing gloves of 2024.
Quick Look at the Top Picks:
- For those seeking a pair of ice fishing gloves with a built-in heater, the DEERFAMY Heated Ice Fishing Gloves are the perfect choice.
- If you don’t mind spending more on top-of-the-line ice fishing gloves with convenient amenities, choose the Glacier Glove Ice Bay Waterproof Fleece-Lined Neoprene Gloves.
- The Drasry Neoprene Fishing Gloves are the runner-up pair and come with their own slew of features, including three-finger fitting slots and touchscreen fingertips.
- If you enjoy versatility and want to switch from mittens to gloves in a flash, the KastKing PolarBlast Ice Fishing Gloves Convertible Mittens are the best option.
- Are you on a tight budget but want a high-quality set of ice fishing gloves? The Schwer 2 Pairs Waterproof Winter Work Gloves are your best bet!
DEERFAMY Heated Ice Fishing Gloves (Best Heated Option)
What’s the best way to combat cold temperatures? Heat, of course! That’s where the DEERFAMY Heated Ice Fishing Gloves come into play. These uniquely designed ice fishing gloves are literally meant to keep you warm – and it’s all thanks to the heating technology.
Utilizing the handy rechargeable battery, these ice fishing gloves can be charged and used to heat your hands while ice fishing. They offer three levels of heat, starting at the lowest level (104°F to 113°F), medium (122°F to 131°F), and highest (131°F to 149°F). You can quickly find your “sweet spot” on the water with three levels.
There is also a convenient power display that shows 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%, so you know exactly how much charge you have left to enjoy the warmth.
While the heating feature is the standout perk when purchasing these ice fishing gloves, it’s not the only thing you’ll enjoy. These gloves also have:
- Touchscreen Design – With a touchscreen design on the thumb, you can still check your essential messages or weather conditions while ice fishing – all while keeping your hands nice and toasty.
- Windproof – Crafted with an adjustable cuff, these ice fishing gloves can wrap securely around your wrist, blocking any chilly wind from entering your gloves. This is just another layer of protection against briskness that could otherwise leave you feeling chilled!
- Thorough Heating – Yes, the heat feature was already discussed, but it’s essential to know how strategically these gloves were designed to disperse the heat. Heating is found wrapped around the fingers and the back of the hand, ensuring all bases are covered.
At this moment in time, these gloves are only sold in large, extra-large, and XX-large. So, if you have smaller hands, these may not fit as you want. The other (potential) issue some users noted is that the interior material isn’t exceptionally comfortable, mainly because these gloves focus heavily on heating.
Glacier Glove Ice Bay Waterproof Fleece-Lined Neoprene Gloves (Premium Pick)
The Glacier Glove Ice Bay Waterproof Fleece-Lined Neoprene Gloves, simply referred to as “The Ice Bay,” are the best-selling gloves designed for ice anglers. They come with a slew of features to ensure you stay warm and comfortable throughout your ice-fishing adventures.
Take a closer look at all of the features these top-notch ice fishing gloves have to offer:
- 100% Waterproof – Built with Techline neoprene, these ice fishing gloves are designed to fend off water. They’re entirely waterproof – which is a huge perk, considering your gloves are bound to get wet during an ice-fishing jaunt.
- Exceptional Comfort – Keeping your hands dry isn’t the biggest concern. The wrong gloves can leave you with discomfort – but that’s not the case with these gloves. Crafted with 2MM neoprene construction and fleece lining, you can enjoy five-star comfort and dryness from start to finish.
- Impressive Gripping Power – These gloves are crafted with a unique Sharkskin texture to ensure you have exceptional gripping power while ice fishing.
Needless to say, these Ice Bay ice fishing gloves have everything you need for a top-notch angling adventure. You won’t have to worry about freezing or wet hands or leaving the body of water with sore hands.
As a bonus, these gloves are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate just about every hand size. Ranging from X-small (hand circumference 6” to 6 ¾”) to XX-large (9 ¾” to 10 ¾”), you can find a set of gloves that fit you – well, like a glove.
Yes, these gloves are pricier than many other options on this list. That’s solely because they’re a top-of-the-line option built to be durable and long-lasting and provide all of the perks you’d ever desire from a set of gloves designed for ice fishing.
Customers thoroughly enjoy the Ice Bay ice fishing gloves. The only potential gripe is there is no Velcro strap or other concoction around the wrist to tighten things up. If you’re not careful, this leaves room for water to potentially enter the gloves. If the interior gets wet, it takes an awfully long time to dry.
Drasry Neoprene Fishing Gloves (Runner-Up Pick)
While the Glacier Glove Ice Bay Waterproof Fleece-Lined Neoprene Gloves are, without a doubt, a premium option for ice anglers, the Drasry Neoprene Fishing Gloves are a close second. They also come with their own set of features that some ice anglers may prefer, such as:
- Three Fitting Slots – Sometimes, you need to use your fingers while ice fishing. That’s why these top-notch ice fishing gloves are designed with three fitting slots that only expose your fingertips when you need them most.
- Touchscreen Fingertips – Even when ice fishing, you may need to answer a text message or phone call. You may also want to check the weather. Regardless of why you need your smartphone while ice fishing, these gloves allow you to use it without exposing your fingers to the cold.
- Excellent Warmth and Waterproof – Like other gloves on this list, these gloves are designed with a lovely fleece lining and waterproof neoprene to keep hands warm and dry.
- Superior Gripping – With the inclusion of silicone anti-slip points, you don’t have to fuss with loss of gripping power while wearing these gloves – regardless of what the weather conditions may be.
- Adjustable for the Perfect Fit – These gloves come with handy Velcro straps that accommodate a wide range of wrist sizes. This provides a more secure and comfortable fit that is better prepared to fend off chilliness and wet conditions.
The Drasry Neoprene Fishing Gloves are available in sizes from small to xx-large.
The biggest drawback of these gloves is that they are not designed to be submerged in water. Although labeled “waterproof,” they are more for accidental water splashes than intended submersion. Some also complained that they were small and recommended sizing up.
KastKing PolarBlast Ice Fishing Gloves Convertible Mittens (Best Fingerless Glove/Mitten Combo Design)
If you like a mitten design when it comes to ice fishing gloves, you will appreciate that the KastKing PolarBlast Ice Fishing Gloves Convertible Mittens offer a unique mitten/fingerless combo that can be very convenient when you’re out on the water.
And while this dynamic duo is undeniably one of the biggest reasons to buy these ice fishing gloves, it’s not the only thing making them a standout purchase. Here are a few more reasons to add these to your shopping cart:
- Waterproof and Windproof – Why settle for one or the other? With these ice fishing gloves, you can get the best of both worlds. With a four-layer construction, arctic plush fleece lining, and 40 grams of 3M Thinsulate, you can rest assured that these gloves ward off water and wind with ease.
- Easy Conversion from Mittens to Gloves—While some mitten/glove combos are a struggle to switch back and forth, these gloves make it easy. The built-in loop pull allows for easy removal of the mittens, exposing your fingers whenever you need them. The included built-in magnets will keep the thumb and finger flaps out of the way.
- Anti-slip Palm Material – The addition of a microfiber leather layer on the palm not only extends the lifespan of your ice fishing gloves but also creates an anti-slip layer with lots of grip you’ll genuinely appreciate while fishing.
As much as these mittens/gloves have to offer, it’s surprising they’re less than $20 – making them an affordable option for almost any budget! They also come in small, medium, and large sizes, suiting a wide range of hand sizes.
The biggest issue with these mittens/gloves is that the thumb area is kind of oddly shaped and difficult to maneuver – until you get the hang of it, of course. That was really the only gripe with these excellent ice-fishing gloves!
Schwer 2 Pairs Waterproof Winter Work Gloves (Budget-Friendly)
Who wants to spend an arm and a leg on ice fishing gloves? As an angler, you likely want to spend your money on other ice fishing essentials – not a pair of gloves. Luckily, there is a budget-friendly option that’ll keep you toasty without the high price tag: the Schwer 2 Pairs Waterproof Winter Work Gloves.
Don’t let the “work glove” title fool you. These gloves are definitely ice-fishing friendly. Here’s why:
- Waterproof and Windproof – The chill of ice-cold water and the wind can easily make your hands and the rest of your body feel frozen. However, these gloves are crafted with high-quality polyester material and coated with latex to fend off water, wind, and even snow.
- Comfortable and Warm – These gloves are crafted to keep you warm in temperatures up to -58°F. How’s it done? It’s all thanks to the acrylic terry liner, which is not only surprisingly thin but will keep you nice and warm wherever you ice fish.
- Impressive Gripping Power – Every angler knows the importance of a secure grasp, and these gloves ensure you won’t have any difficulties in the “gripping department.” With a faux latex palm, you can easily grip – even in wet conditions.
- Durable Yet Flexible – Made with latex, these ice fishing gloves are known for their durability and tear resistance. At the same time, they’re also quite flexible, which allows you to maneuver your ice fishing gear with ease.
- Two Pairs Per Purchase – It’s always a good idea to have a pair of backup gloves, whether your friends need to borrow a pair, or your other ones get ruined. Thankfully, this pack comes with two pairs of gloves for one impossibly low price.
These ice fishing gloves are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate any ice angler’s hands. They start at medium size (9.84” x 3.94” x 3.15”) and go up to xx-large (10.8” x 4.53” x 3.74”).
The biggest complaint with these gloves was that they run small. Most customers recommended sizing up. Many also said they still felt some coldness while wearing these gloves, but it was manageable and a lot better than if they had nixed wearing gloves entirely.
Features to Consider When Choosing Ice Fishing Gloves
With so many options, you might feel overwhelmed. Which ones are right for you? Which ones will provide you with the best ice-fishing trip?
If you’re stuck on which ice-fishing gloves to buy, you’re not alone. To help make your decision easier, check out these top six things to consider when choosing a pair of ice fishing gloves:
Insulation/Warmth
The first thing to consider is how much insulation and warmth the gloves provide. Some gloves are simply better than others at keeping hands nice and toasty while on the water. Double-check that the gloves are crafted with top-notch insulating materials to avoid chilly mishaps during your ice-fishing jaunt.
Waterproof/Windproof
The interior isn’t the only thing that matters, though. You also need to pay attention to the exterior. With the right materials, ice-fishing gloves can provide a waterproof and/or windproof layer that will keep you warm—even when your hands dabble in the water, or you’re exposed to windy conditions.
Grip
A good grip is essential while ice-fishing – not just to handle slippery fish fresh out of the water but the equipment you’ll need along the way. Ensure that the ice-fishing gloves you’re looking for offer a superior grip, or you may end up losing that fish you’ve been hunting for the past hour!
Durability
When buying a pair of gloves, don’t forego durability! The last thing you want to do is shell out more money on a set of ice fishing gloves. So, ensure that the gloves are built to last.
Special Features
Now, you might be one of those ice anglers who likes or needs “extras,” and that’s OK! Many of the gloves on this list have special features that others don’t, so it’s essential to decide what features you want or need.
For example, the DEERFAMY ice-fishing gloves come with a built-in heater that will definitely keep your hands and fingers warm while you’re enjoying your ice-fishing adventure. On the other hand, the KastKing PolarBlast gloves can easily go back and forth from mitten to glove, and many ice fishers appreciate the versatility.
Size Options
Don’t forget to check the size options of the ice fishing gloves! You don’t want to purchase a pair of gloves that don’t fit you correctly – that will leave your hands open to exposure to wetness and cold temperatures.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the fishing gloves! Not everyone has the same budget, but thankfully, there are plenty of budget-friendly options. It’s essential to stay within your budget!
Extra Tips to Keep Hands Warm While Ice Fishing
Although a good pair of ice fishing gloves will undoubtedly keep your hands warm while you’re ice fishing, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take extra steps to ensure your hands stay warm.
Here are some of the top tips for keeping your hands warm while ice-fishing – even with a high-quality pair of ice-fishing gloves in tow:
Layer With Another Pair of Gloves
When it comes to staying cozy in cold weather, one simple thing to do is to wear layers. That doesn’t have to mean just your clothing, though. You can also layer your ice-fishing gloves.
Layering will do two things. For one, it will add an extra layer of protection and warmth to your hands and fingers, ensuring you don’t get cold. Secondly, they can be used when you need to remove your “bulky” gloves – i.e., if you’re having difficulty grabbing a fish and need more flexibility.
When layering, try to find a thinner set of gloves that still provides warmth. The Thor Grip Heavy Duty Industrial Orange Nitrile Gloves are a prime example.
Bring a Portable Hand Warmer Along for the Ride
While some gloves, like the DEERFAMY heated ice fishing gloves, have built-in warming devices, not all do. The second best option is to purchase a portable hand-warming device, like the Lerat Pack Hand Warmers.
These can be pulled out and used during your ice-fishing excursion to keep your hands warm when you’re not using them.
Or, Use a Hand Muff
Not everyone enjoys portable hand warmers. For one, they’re not exactly “convenient,” especially if you don’t have a place to put them. They also need to be recharged regularly, which can be quite a nuisance.
A hand muff is a great choice for those who prefer something more convenient that does not require charging.
Hand muffs, like the HOT SHOT Men’s Camo Razorback Reversible Fleece Hand Muff, are crafted with materials to warm your hands in a flash. They also come with a handy strap and buckle to situate right around your waist. So, when your hands get too cold, you can stuff them into your hand muff and warm up quickly and easily.
Don’t Get the Interior of Your Gloves Wet
Most ice fishing gloves on the market have a waterproof exterior, which is almost essential when enjoying an activity like this. However, that doesn’t mean the interior is built the same way. In fact, when most ice fishing glove interiors are exposed to water, they take a very long time to dry.
That said, it’s essential to keep the interior of your gloves dry. Don’t try to poke your wet hands inside the gloves. Not only will this make the inside of your gloves damp and uncomfortable, but your hands will end up very cold with no shield from the chilly temperatures.
Elevate Your Ice Fishing Experience with The Right Pair of Gloves
Ice fishing gloves are essential for ice fishing excursions, ensuring your hands and fingers stay warm from start to finish – and these five options won’t disappoint. Find the gloves with all the features you’re looking for at the right price, whether choosing a pair with a built-in heater or a set that can transform from mittens to gloves in a flash.
If you simply can’t decide which gloves to purchase, you can’t go wrong with the premium option – the Glacier Glove Ice Bay Waterproof Fleece-Lined Neoprene Gloves.
