Insulation
Thicker gloves like Burton's AK 3L Throttle ($139.95 as of 2009) are packed with three layers of insulation, so they'll keep you warm in the coldest conditions, but they might be too warm for sunnier days on the slopes. While thin gloves provide enough warmth in warmer conditions, their lack of insulation won't keep your hands warm when the weather turns foul.
Dexterity
As anyone who's tried to lace up a boot with thick gloves on knows, highly insulated gloves can keep you warm, but they're lousy when you need to use your hands for anything other than getting on a lift or adjusting your goggles. Thin gloves like Grenade's Bob Gnarly gloves ($44.95 as of 2009) have a thin neoprene shell to keep you warm in the park and are lightweight enough to let you handle your keys on a lift with fear of dropping them.
Versatility
The key to finding the right balance between thick and thin gloves is to find a glove that allows you to ride in the widest range of conditions. DaKine's Element Mitt ($59.95 as of 2009) has a Theromoloft insulated mitt for riding in stormy weather, but also features a removable liner that doubles as a pipe glove for warmer conditions and park riding.
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
