Winter Riding Essentials – Why Gauntlet Gloves Make All the Difference

Winter Riding Essentials – Why Gauntlet Gloves Make All the Difference

31st Jul 2025

Every Summer we forget, we forget the numbness of our fingers, the freezing pain that shoots through our hands and the biting cold wind that hits our face. Every brake and throttle movement are a nightmare, and riding is no longer enjoyable. 

Spring and Autumn do nothing but deceive us with their warm rides and slightly cool crisp mornings. 

So, before Winter hits and the forgotten memories of painful hands are a reality, be prepared with gloves that will make it a distant memory that we will quite happily never feel again. 

Gauntlet Gloves are a must have in the biker world. If you are a serious rider and the cold weather is part of your riding lifestyle, then Gauntlet Gloves will be the ultimate survival kit for an untamed rider. 

Why Regular Gloves Don’t Cut It in Winter

Yes, regular full fingered gloves keep your hands covered, but in very cold temperatures and moving along at speed, they are nothing short of wet toilet paper. 

Reasons why regular gloves just don't cut it in Winter

  • Too short: The cold wind bounces straight off your jacket cuffs and straight to the opening of your gloves. 
  • Not insulated: No liners mean it has zero insulation. It has no protection against the cold. 
  • Poor weather protection: Any rain or frost will not only be wet but too freezing to feel your hands. 
  • Limited wrist coverage: The more skin you show, the more that can get damaged. Regular non gauntlet Gloves expose wrists and lower forearm. 

Summer Gloves are just that, Summer Gloves. Stick to Winter Gloves for the best protection and warmth in the colder temperatures. 

What Are Gauntlet Gloves?

The Army tank in the Glove world, Gauntlets are made longer for more coverage and have high protection. They generally go over or under the jacket sleeve to make a barrier between the wind, cold and rain. 

Gauntlet Gloves are generally thicker, and most Winter Gauntlets have a thermal liner. Made from either premium leather such as cowhide which make them Weather Resistant or are completely waterproof with waterproofing materials. 

Gauntlet Gloves are the best gloves for not only Cold conditions but harsh environments as well.

If you still aren't a fan of Gauntlet Gloves, here are a few good reasons to change that one track mind: 

Top Benefits of Gauntlet Gloves for Winter Riders

1. Full Wrist and Forearm Protection

Winter Motorcycle Gloves aren't afraid to go all the way. Designed to cover the wrist and the lower forearm, these beauties will stop any cold or wind sneaking onto your skin. They will completely stop any wind hitting the vulnerable spot on and above your wrist. It doesn't seem like much, but it makes a hell of a difference. 

2. Superior Insulation

Winter gauntlet Gloves are lined with thermal. The heat stays in, and your hands stay warm minus any bulkiness. 

3. Water and Wind Resistance

Winter gauntlet Gloves are made for Winter which means they are made for damp conditions. Some have waterproof membranes which prevents any water coming through the gloves or you can get Gauntlet Gloves that come with an outer shell waterproof sleeve. 

4. Enhanced Safety

Gauntlet Gloves are already protective enough, but there are Gauntlet Gloves that can include a couple more safety features such as armoured knuckles and reinforced palms. 

5. Perfect Seal with Your Jacket

Made to marry your jacket, Gauntlets will go under or over your sleeve to form a smooth and consistent barrier from the weather and elements. 

Key Features to Look for in Winter Gauntlet Gloves

Not all Winter Gauntlets are the same, you have a right to be choosy. A couple of points you may want to look for depending on your needs, comfort and style. 

  • Quality Leather or Hybrid - Best for durability, look for full grain leather or a hybrid mix of textile and leather.
  • Waterproof-For wet conditions, a waterproof membrane or waterproof outer shell cover. 
  • Thermal Insulation- A must to keep your hands warm in cold temperatures. 
  • Closure- Make sure the closure adapts to what you need such as an adjustable wrist strap or a wide open fit. 
  • Touchscreen capability- A bonus in this modern world. Answer calls or us the on-screen map without taking your Gauntlets off. 
  • Armour and reinforcements- Palm sliders and knuckle protection are available with some Winter Gauntlet Gloves. 
  • Best Gauntlet Gloves at RhinoLeather for Winter Riding

Top Two Selling Winter Gauntlet Gloves at RhinoLeather:

1:The Outrider Premium Cowhide, reinforced palm and a rain cover with pocket. Our bestselling Winter Gauntlet Glove with no complaints yet: 

2: Typhoon - Hybrid construction, waterproof, double Velcro plus a lot more: 

Not our only Winter Gauntlets, check the link at the end to check the rest out!

Tips for Maximizing Winter Glove Performance

A few tips to keep your Winter Gauntlet strong and give you the best on a winter ride: 

  1. Pre-warm your gloves: Before your ride, wear them around the house for about half an hour to get a head start on the warmth. 
  2. Use inner glove liners: The best companion with Winter Gloves are glove liners. They keep hands warmer and keep the moisture away. Also make the Gauntlets a lot easier to slide on and off. 
  3. Pair with a winter jacket: If you are wearing with a jacket, make sure the fitting between the sleeves and the gauntlets is right. 
  4. Avoid over-tightening: Blood flow is what makes us warm. Don't tighten the gloves too much, this will restrict circulation. 
  5. Break them in: Break the gloves in a couple of times, this will make the gloves fit you like a glove once they mold to you. 

Conclusion

Winter riding takes a lot of guts. If you don't think it is that bad, then you have not truly experienced winter riding. 

Gauntlet Gloves are a line of defence for comfort and protection. The difference in a winter ride all comes down to the gloves. 

If you want the same love of riding all year long, then forget your average gloves and grab yourself a pair of Winter Gauntlet Gloves. 

Built for the cold.

Stay Wild. Stay Warm. Ride with Gauntlet Gloves.

Ready to ride hard and stay warm? Shop RhinoLeather range of Winter Gauntlet Gloves. We have what you need with little added touches to make the perfect glove.