This diagram shows the many different layers utilized in a Gore-tex thermal glove

Alongside thermal underwear, a good pair of thermal gloves is absolutely essential if you enjoy skiing, bush walking, or engaging in any outdoor activity that puts you out in the cold during winter. As anybody who spends time outdoors knows, there is nothing worse than being unable to get warm – and besides comfort, you need to seriously consider your personal safety. In winter time, hypothermia is a reality that is quite dangerous.

Thermal gloves consist of several layers: at the very least there will be an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer (or layers as it may be) are there to prevent cold air from moving through the fabric of the gloves, to carry away precious warmth. Some thermal gloves may also have a waterproof layer, while others still may have a hybrid layer such as Gore-Tex which will repel water but still allow your skin to breathe. The inner layer(s) of the glove serve to keep your fingers comfortable and trap as much heat as possible in the fabric. In some cases, this fabric maybe acrylic, although top-quality thermal gloves still consist of superfine wool or even silk. Caring for thermal gloves is no different to any other thermals – wash them in mild detergent, and air dry.

There are many different types of thermal gloves, ranging from very thin light ones (you would never know that they are anything more than thin cotton gloves) to massive, the clubs like the sort you see worn by polar explorers. There is a thermal club for every situation-a lightweight glove that you can wear when you’re walking to work in the winter time, thermal gloves with removable fingertips which you can wear when you are hunting, and thermal gloves especially designed for motorbike or pushbike riding.

Thin and comfortable thermal gloves like these are essential if you are working in a cold environment

How much should you pay for a good set of thermal gloves? This is a fairly open question, because you can usually pay as much or as little as you want to. Generally speaking, you can get a good basic pair for about $20 from most camping or army surplus stores, and gloves like this will be fine for bush walking or similar activities. However, if for example you are going skiing or will be spending time in extremely low-temperature environments, you’re best off buying purpose specific thermal gloves which may then cost a bit more.

Who uses thermal gloves? Thermal gloves are very common these days, and are often issued to military personnel and law enforcement officers as standard equipment. They are also essential gear for explorers or adventurers, and you will even find highly specialized thermal gloves being worn by astronauts! usually they are worn alongside long thermal underwear as well, for all round comfort in cold conditions.

Buying a good pair of thermal gloves is an excellent investment, and you will not regret your choice the first time you are outside and the temperature drops. As we move towards Christmas time in winter, don’t forget that a pair of thermal gloves and thermal underwear also make an excellent present for somebody in your family!

We all know the signs of the changing seasons. We begin to dig out the thermal underwear, sweaters and winter coats from the depths of the closet. We start to put away our flip flops and shorts, some of us a little more begrudgingly than others.  If you are someone that likes the cold weather then this is a happy time for you but if you are someone who would prefer to be on sunny sandy beaches at all times then this is not a happy time at all. Either way we must be sure we can stay comfortable in the colder weather and thermal underwear makes it easier to do this.

Thermal underwear is a great weapon in your cold weather armory. It is a little more complicated than we give it credit for. The thermals work by performing two main functions to keep you warm. First thermal underwear traps and retains more body heat than regular cotton based clothing. This keeps the heat closer to your skin and in essence, keeps your body warmer. It is works very hard by keeping sweat and moisture away from your skin. This keeps you dry and allows you body to stay warmer. Many thermal undergarments are made up of a two-ply polypropylene fabric that breathes easier than regular clothing and is able to perform the essential functions mentioned above.

A plush cashmere coat can be worn over cashmere blend thermal underwear for true winter luxury

Another fabric that can keep you warm in the colder months is cashmere. This fabric comes from the soft hair of goats raised in the Gobi desert. We usually consider the desert to be a hot place but in the night time the temperatures can drop below freezing.  The goat hair (so soft) takes four years to grow to a useable length and is then hand sheared and hand processed. It is then made into luxury items such a women’s cashmere coat or men’s cashmere sweaters. These articles of clothing are very soft and plush. Since they are made from cashmere which is designed to keep the goats warm, it works very well to keep people warm in colder temperatures.  Thermal underwear is sometimes made of cashmere fibre, often as a blend mixed in with modern manmade fibres with thermal properties, or perhaps with merino wool fibre, which is considered the top of the range when it comes to thermal underwear warmth.

It is also very important to remember to keep your hands and head covered in cold weather. These are the areas of your body that lose the most body heat. A good winter hat and a pair of thermal gloves are essential, preferably thermal gloves. Remember to wear your thermal underwear, spoil yourself with some thermal cashmere clothing and gloves, and then get out there and enjoy the wonderful winter!