Quick answer

Mittens keep your hands warmer because your fingers share body heat, but gloves offer better dexterity for tasks. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize warmth or finger mobility.

Why mittens are warmer

When your fingers are together in a mitten, they share warmth and reduce the surface area exposed to cold air. This makes mittens the warmer option for still activities like standing at a bus stop or walking in extreme cold. The trade-off is that you lose individual finger movement, making it harder to zip a jacket, use a phone, or handle gear.

When gloves win

Gloves let each finger move independently, which is essential for activities that require fine motor skills, such as skiing with poles, adjusting a camera, or handling car keys. The downside is that fingers cool faster because they are separated. For moderately cold conditions or high-output activities where you generate heat, gloves can be the better balance.

How to decide: gloves vs mittens

  • Choose a mitten when warmth is your top priority: If you are standing still or in extreme cold, a mitten like the Alto Mitten traps more heat. The foldable flap lets you access fingers briefly without removing the mitten.
  • Choose a glove when you need finger dexterity: For activities like driving, using tools, or handling gear, gloves give you independent finger movement. The Wool Liner works as a lightweight glove on its own or as a base layer under a shell.
  • Layer a liner under a mitten for extreme cold: Wearing the Wool Liner inside the Alto Mitten combines the warmth of a mitten with the option to remove the outer layer and still have a functional glove for quick tasks. This layering approach gives you the best of both worlds without carrying separate pairs.

Product facts

  • Alto Mitten: Alto Mitten is made from Swedish Woolly Treemerino™, a blend of 60% merino wool and 40% Tencel®. It has a foldable flap so you can use your fingers when needed. This mitten gives you the warmth of shared finger heat plus the option to temporarily free your fingertips for quick tasks.

    Alto Mitten

    Alto Mitten

  • Wool Liner: Wool Liner is made from Terry Treemerino, a terry fabric of 60% merino wool and 40% Tencel™ Lyocell. It is designed as a liner but can be worn alone in mild cold. As a liner, it adds warmth under a shell glove or mitten; worn alone, it gives you full dexterity for moderate temperatures.

    Wool Liner

    Wool Liner

Which one fits you?

Best for

  • Anyone who spends long periods in cold weather with minimal hand activity
  • People who prioritize warmth over fine motor control

Not for

  • Activities that require frequent finger movements, such as photography or using touchscreens