Three Unique Gloves to Beat the Spring Chill

Stay warm on your next ride or run with these quality options.

Castelli BOA Glove

$120, Castelli-cycling.com
The draw: Dialed-in fit
Key feature: Use the BOA Fit Dial to channel your inner power ranger
Chill factor: Four snowflakes

If you haven’t noticed, BOA fasteners are everywhere. From shoes (both running and cycling) to helmets, you simply spin the little dial and a lament tightens up your stuff. Developed in response to pro cyclists at chilly spring classic, Milan-San Remo, who couldn’t remove their mitts, Castelli modernized its riding gloves with a device that’s super effective at tightening (twist and the extra-long gauntlet wraps your wrist for a super snug fit) and loosening (pull the dial and the cuff comes undone). Matched with a waterproof/windproof layer and mid-weight insulation, we liked these gloves for temps between 40 and 60 degrees. Though the BOA seems a little out-of-place while running, the dials were light enough to be unnoticeable. The one thing we did miss? A snotcloth on the thumb.

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Amfib Lobster Glove

$75, Pearlizumi.com
The draw: Crazy warmth without sacri cing dexterity
Key feature: Nothing says warmth like a neon lobster with hi-vis accents
Chill factor: Five snowflakes

The unconventional lobster design on these gloves rides a fine line between full-on mitten—which would offer risky control on the bike—and full-fingered glove—which would leave your digits frigid and lonely in their individual cocoons. The AmFIB Lobster Glove hits that sweet spot between the two with a waterproof insert, fleece lining, and a softshell outer layer. Though advertised to be most effective between 20-30 degrees, with an additional liner (see the Merino 150), these could work in lower temps as well. Our hands stayed toasty and in-control on long, chilly descents under 40 degrees and crazy warm while running in similar weather.

Smartwool Merino 150 Glove

$30, Smartwool.com
The draw: Super-packable for changing conditions
Key feature: Touchscreen-compatible fingertips for giving “likes” on the go
Chill factor: Two snowflakes

While both of the other gloves in our roundup are ideal for wet and windy conditions, this pair is best for cool to chilly dry conditions (think 40 to 70 degrees for running and 50 to 70 degrees for cycling). Despite missing a wind or waterproof layer, the 150s are still workhorses—especially for running—because they are so easy to bring along and offer incredible breathability for hot-handed folks. The soft feel of the Merino wool not only keeps hands warm, but also feels good. Touchscreen-compatible thumbs and fore fingers are effective, and while these gloves are about as thin as you can get (Smartwool’s 250s with 100-percent Merino wool are measurably thicker), these make an excellent everyday spring option or an effective liner for more brutal conditions.