The Best Kayaking Gloves in 2023 [After Testing Dozens]

Kayaking is a thrilling water sport that allows you to explore stunning natural landscapes and experience the rush of paddling down rivers or across open waters. 

However, like any outdoor activity, kayaking comes with its own set of risks and challenges that require proper safety measures. One particular aspect of kayaking safety that often goes overlooked is hand protection.

Kayaking gloves not only protect your hands from blisters and calluses, but they also provide extra grip and warmth in colder water temperatures, but with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair.

So, in this buyer’s guide, we will help you navigate through the features, materials, and sizing to find the best kayaking gloves for your next adventure.

List of the Best Kayaking Gloves in 2023

1. Best Overall – Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Wetsuit Glove
2. Runner-Up – WindRider Pro Sailing Gloves
3. Best on A Budget – SUJAYU Fingerless Gloves
4. Best for Kayak Fishing – Southern Fin Apparel Kayak Fishing Gloves
5. Best for Cold Weather – XUKER Water Gloves
6. Best Protection – Seibertron Full Finger Tactical Gloves
7. Best Grip – BassDash Astro Heavy-Duty Sure Grip Gloves 

The 7 Best Kayaking Gloves in 2023

1. Best Overall – Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Wetsuit Glove

These NeoSport Neoprene Gloves are some of the best kayaking gloves on the market today.

The neoprene material of the gloves is high-quality and durable, providing excellent insulation and protection for my hands. The gloves are also designed to fit snugly, which prevents water from seeping in and keeps my hands warm and dry throughout the trip.

Another great feature of these gloves is their grip. The textured palm and fingers provided a secure hold on my paddle, even in wet conditions. This allowed me to maintain control and paddle efficiently without worrying about my grip slipping.

Additionally, the gloves are easy to clean and maintain. I simply rinsed them off with fresh water after each use, and they held up well after multiple washes.

Pros VS Cons

Pros:

• High-quality neoprene material 
• Excellent insulation and protection for hands
• Snug fit prevents water from seeping in
• Textured palms and fingers provide a secure grip in wet conditions
• Easy to clean and maintain after each use
• Available in multiple sizes to ensure a proper fit for all users

Cons:

• May take a bit of time to get used to the feel of the gloves while paddling
• Relatively expensive

Bottom Line

The NeoSport Neoprene Gloves are ideal for any kayaker in search of an overall reliable and high-performance pair of gloves. They may be pricy, but the benefits they offer are certainly worth it.

2. Runner-Up – WindRider Pro Sailing Gloves

The WindRider Pro Sailing Gloves are often marketed toward sailors, but they work well for kayaking and other water activities.

One of the standout features of these gloves is their design. The 3/4 or full-finger coverage provides excellent protection from blisters and calluses while still allowing for dexterity and a secure grip on the paddle. The gloves also have reinforced stitching in high-wear areas, ensuring that they will hold up over time.

They are made from high-quality materials, including Amara synthetic leather and spandex, which provide a great combination of durability and flexibility, making the gloves comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Additionally, have a Velcro closure that allows for a customized fit, and they are easy to clean. 

Pros VS Cons

Pros:

• Excellent protection from blisters and calluses
• Reinforced stitching in high-wear areas to ensure durability
• Made from high-quality materials
• Velcro closure allows for a customized fit
• Versatile design makes them suitable for various water activities
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Not the best for warm weather
• The thumb patch might not align properly for some users

Bottom Line

The WindRider Pro Sailing Gloves are your best option if you’re in need of a versatile and high-performance pair of kayaking gloves. Their durable construction, secure grip, and full-finger coverage make them ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time on the water.

3. Best on A Budget – SUJAYU Fingerless Gloves

The SUJAYU Fingerless Gloves are a great option for kayakers on a budget who still want high-performance gloves. After using these gloves on several kayaking trips, I can confidently say that they provide excellent value for their price.

One of the standout features of these gloves is their design. The fingerless style provides excellent dexterity. The gloves also have a padded palm that allows for a secure grip on the paddle and provides additional comfort.

Despite their low price point, they are made from high-quality materials, including neoprene and nylon. These materials provide a great combination of durability and flexibility, making the gloves comfortable to wear for extended periods of time on long kayaking trips.

Pros VS Cons

Pros:

• The fingerless design provides excellent dexterity
• The padded palm provides a secure grip and additional comfort
• Made from high-quality materials
• Budget-friendly price

Cons:

• May not provide enough insulation in cold temperatures
• May not provide enough protection against blisters
• The padding on the palm may wear down over time with frequent use

Bottom Line

If you’re on a tight budget, then I highly recommend the SUJAYU Fingerless Gloves. Their fingerless design, padded palm, and high-quality materials make them a great value for anyone in need of affordable and functional kayaking gloves.

4. Best for Kayak Fishing – Southern Fin Apparel Kayak Fishing Gloves

The Southern Fin Apparel Fingerless Sun Gloves are the best kayak fishing gloves I’ve personally used. After trying several different gloves over the years, these have quickly become my go-to choice.

One of the standout features of these gloves is their sun protection. Made from a UPF 50+ rated material, they provide excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays. This is especially important for kayak fishing, where the sun’s reflection off the water can intensify the effects of UV rays.

In addition to their sun protection, these gloves are also highly functional. The fingerless design provides excellent dexterity, allowing you to tie knots with ease. They also have a reinforced palm that allows for a secure grip on the fishing rod and the paddle, as well as provides additional comfort and protection when fishing for a long time.

Another great feature of these gloves is their durability. Made from high-quality materials, including spandex and synthetic leather, they hold up well over time and are resistant to wear and tear. The materials are also quick-dry and stretchy, ensuring that the gloves will fit snugly and your hand will stay dry while you’re fishing.

Pros VS Cons

Pros:

• Provides sun protection with UPF 50+ rating
• The fingerless design provides excellent dexterity and grip 
• Reinforced palm provides additional comfort and protection 
• Made of durable, flexible, quick-drying materials

Cons:

• Synthetic leather is not very breathable
• Sizing may be a bit off for some users, so be sure to check the sizing chart carefully before ordering

Bottom Line 

These Southern Fin Apparel Kayak Fishing Gloves are ideal for kayakers in need of reliable gloves that will provide a high degree of dexterity, comfort, and protection, whether they’re fishing or paddling.

5. Best for Cold Weather – XUKER Water Gloves

If you love kayaking in winter, you’ll need a pair of gloves that can keep your hands warm and dry in even the coldest conditions. These XUKER Water Gloves will exceed your expectations and provide you with the warmth and protection you need to stay comfortable on the water.

One of the standout features of these gloves is their thickness. The gloves come in two thicknesses, 3mm, and 5mm, so you can choose the level of insulation that’s right for you. Both thicknesses are made from high-quality neoprene that’s designed to keep your hands warm in even the coldest water temperatures. 

Moreover, the gloves feature a quick-drying lining that wicks away moisture in addition to a long wrist with a Velcro closure, which helps to keep water from seeping into the gloves. This is especially important in cold weather, as wet hands can quickly become numb and uncomfortable.

Another great feature of these gloves is their flexibility. Despite their thickness, the gloves are surprisingly flexible, which is great for maintaining mobility and control over your paddle or other gear. They also feature a textured grip on the palm and fingers, which provides a secure grip even in wet conditions.

Pros VS Cons

Pros:

• Available in two thickness options (3mm and 5mm)
• Made from high-quality neoprene
• Designed to keep your hands warm in even the coldest water temperatures.
• Quick-drying lining to wick away moisture 
• Allows for excellent mobility and control over paddle or gear
• Textured grip provides a secure grip even in wet conditions
• Long wrist with a Velcro closure keeps water from seeping into the gloves

Cons:

• Can be a bit snug, making them difficult to get on and off.
• Relatively expensive

Bottom Line

The XUKER Water Gloves are the best kayaking gloves that can keep their hand warm and dry in the coldest conditions while also maintaining comfort and mobility.

6. Best Protection – Seibertron Full Finger Tactical Gloves

The Seibertron Full Finger Tactical Gloves provide superior protection to any other gloves on the market. They are designed to withstand the roughest conditions for various outdoor activities, and I have found them to be ideal for kayaking adventures.

The gloves are made from high-quality materials with kevlar stitching and extra thick microfibre to resist wear and tear, making them perfect for kayaking in rough conditions for extended periods of time.

Additionally, they feature reinforced palms and fingers, especially in the thumb crotch part, to ensure an excellent grip and protection from blisters and calluses.

Finally, they feature an adjustable wrist strap that provides a secure fit and prevents water from seeping into the gloves and a pull-on ring for easy removal.

Pros VS Cons

Pros:

• Provide superior protection in rough conditions
• Suitable for various outdoor activities, including kayaking
• Made from high-quality materials that resist wear and tear
• Features and an adjustable wrist strap that provide a secure fit and prevent water from seeping in
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons:

• Not the best for warm temperatures
• Doesn’t allow for much dexterity or mobility

Bottom Line

The Seibertron Full Finger Tactical Gloves are ideal if you’re in need of high-quality gloves that provide superior protection in rough conditions, whether you’re kayaking or doing any other outdoor activity.

7. Best Grip – BassDash Astro Heavy-Duty Sure Grip Gloves 

Just like their name states, the Bassdash Heavy Duty Sure Grip Gloves are the best when it comes to providing an excellent grip on your paddle while kayaking.

The gloves feature a textured palm which that provides a secure and non-slip grip, allowing for better control and handling of your kayaking equipment even in wet conditions.

Another great feature of these gloves is their fingerless design, which allows for greater dexterity and tactile sensitivity. This is particularly useful for kayaking fishing, where you may need to tie knots or handle fish safely.

In addition to their impressive grip, the gloves are also made with high-quality materials, including microfiber leather and spandex, that are durable and flexible. They also feature neoprene padding on the palm and back of the hand, which helps to protect against blisters and calluses, and adjustable Velcro straps, which make them easy to put and remove.

Pros VS Cons

Pros:

• Excellent grip provided by textured and durable palm
• Fingerless design allows for greater dexterity and tactile sensitivity
• Made from high-quality and durable materials that resist wear and tear
• Neoprene padding on the palm and back of the hand for extra protection
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons:

• May not provide enough warmth in extreme cold weather
• May not be suitable for those looking for full hand protection

Bottom Line

The grip on these Bassdash Heavy Duty gloves is simply unbeatable, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their paddling experience.

How to Choose the Best Kayaking Gloves?

Choosing the right gloves for kayaking is essential for ensuring maximum protection and performance on the water. 

Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best gloves for your needs:

• Material: Gloves made of neoprene or a combination of neoprene and synthetic materials are ideal for kayaking. 
  • Neoprene is waterproof, durable, and insulating, making it perfect for protecting your hands from cold water, blisters, and abrasions. 
  • Synthetic materials like nylon or spandex can provide additional stretch and flexibility.
• Design: Look for gloves that are specifically designed for kayaking. These gloves typically have a pre-curved shape to fit the natural curve of your hand, making it easier to grip your paddle. 
  • Some gloves may also have reinforced palms or fingers for added protection against abrasions.
• Fit: Proper fit is crucial for gloves to be effective. Gloves should fit snugly but not too tight to prevent water from seeping in. 
  • Make sure to measure your hand and refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart before making a purchase.
• Thickness: The thickness of your gloves will depend on the water temperature and conditions you’ll be kayaking in. Thicker gloves provide more insulation and protection but may be less flexible. Thinner gloves provide better dexterity but may not provide as much warmth or protection.
• Breathability: Look for gloves that allow your hands to breathe to prevent sweat build-up and discomfort. Some gloves may have perforated panels or mesh for added breathability.

Fingered or Fingerless Gloves: Which Is Better for Kayaking?

The choice between fingered or fingerless gloves for kayaking depends on various factors, so here’s a quick comparison between the two types of gloves to help you decide which one is best for you:

Fingered Gloves	Fingerless Gloves
Provide full hand coverage and protection from cold water, wind, and sun exposure.	Allow for greater dexterity and sensitivity in your hands, making it easier to feel the paddle and perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as adjusting gear or tying knots.
Offer greater protection against cuts, abrasions, and blisters.	Can be more breathable and comfortable in warmer weather conditions.
Can reduce grip and dexterity compared to fingerless gloves.	Offer less protection overall, whether it’s against cold water, wind, and sun exposure or against cuts, abrasions, and blisters.
May cause your hands to overheat in warmer weather.	May be less durable over time, as the exposed fingers can be subject to more wear and tear.

So, to put it simply, fingered gloves are better for kayaking in colder weather conditions or when greater protection is needed against cuts, abrasions, and blisters. Meanwhile, fingerless gloves are better for warmer weather conditions or for kayaking activities that require more dexterity and sensitivity. 

Ultimately, the choice between fingered or fingerless gloves comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions of your kayaking activity.

Why Do You Need to Wear Gloves While Kayaking?

Wearing gloves while kayaking is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended for several reasons. 

1. Protection from blisters: Kayaking requires a lot of hand movements, which can cause friction and lead to blisters. Wearing gloves can prevent blisters from forming, allowing for more comfortable paddling.
2. Improved grip: Kayaking gloves are designed with materials that provide a better grip on paddles. This can enhance the kayaker’s control over the paddle and reduce the risk of the paddle slipping out of their hands.
3. Increased warmth: In cold weather or water conditions, kayaking gloves can provide insulation to keep hands warm. This can prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of hypothermia.
4. Sun protection: Some kayaking gloves are made with materials that offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This can help prevent sunburns and reduce the risk of skin damage.
5. Enhanced comfort: Wearing gloves can provide additional padding and support for the hands, reducing fatigue and discomfort during long paddling sessions.

Overall, wearing gloves while kayaking can improve comfort, safety, and performance. But, it is important to choose gloves that fit properly and are designed for kayaking to ensure maximum benefits.

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