Bottom Line
From the woodpile to the backcountry, the REI Guide Glove is a well-priced and versatile option for anyone looking for a dependable winter glove. We reached for this glove in a variety of conditions making it one of our favorite winter gloves.
Fairly priced, the Guide is a great choice for someone breaking into winter sports. It combines the durability of a leather work glove with the insulation of a winter glove. We loved these gloves for outings in moderate temperatures whether hiking, backcountry ice skating, or staying in a public-use cabin.
Their pre-broken in leather is soft and comfortable, and the synthetic backing provides more warmth than traditional leather work gloves.
While the Guide lacks full weather resistance, it can handle light precipitation and snow. It’s the most breathable leather glove in our lineup and is great for aerobic activities in colder temperatures.
How We Tested
CleverHiker’s Alaska-based cold weather gear expert, Miles Knotek, put the REI Co-op Guide Insulated gloves to the test in comparison tests and while enjoying the winter wonderland. In the lab, he submerged the gloves in water for 4 minutes to measure how long they could resist moisture. For field testing, Miles wore these while exploring Alaska’s rugged trails, peaks, and forests to see how they held up and what conditions they are best suited for.
Quick Specs
REI Guide Gloves
Versatile Leather Gloves
CleverHiker Rating:
4.6/5.0
Price:
$55
Weight:
4.8 oz.
Material:
Leather, polyester
Touch Screen Compatible:
No
Niche:
Multisport
Pros
- Attainably priced
- Durable
- Good features
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not as warm as some
Comfort & Dexterity
The REI Guides are the most supple and comfortable leather gloves in our lineup. With a feel like the gloves are already broken in, we love how supple they are right out of the box.
Inside the glove, a soft fleece lining provides exceptional comfort, ensuring your hands feel cozy even during extended wear. The lightweight synthetic insulation enhances warmth without adding bulk, so you maintain dexterity.
This combination of materials makes the gloves feel snug yet highly functional, supporting fine motor tasks in the cold. The softshell back of the hands and soft suede nose wipe patch on the thumbs are excellent comfort-enhancing features.
Warmth
The REI Co-op Guide Insulated Gloves offer reliable warmth for most winter activities, thanks to their thoughtful combination of materials. They feature a synthetic softshell on the back of the hand, with leather fingers and polyester shearling fleece inside. These materials trap heat effectively without feeling bulky, making them a solid choice for skiing, climbing, and other cold-weather pursuits. The soft fleece lining adds extra coziness, ensuring your hands stay warm and comfortable during extended outdoor adventures.
The coldest we felt comfortable in these gloves was about fifteen degrees. They could not withstand colder temperatures without activity to produce extra body heat.
We loved using these for moderate-output activities like rolling hikes and backcountry ice skating. If you have chronically cold fingers, these may not be the glove for you. However, these are a great glove for higher output activities requiring a slightly thicker glove.
Moisture Control
The REI Guide is the most breathable leather glove in our lineup. The softshell fabric on the back of the hand provides excellent breathability to reduce moisture build-up in the gloves. We loved the Guides for more vigorous activities in temperatures where we needed slightly thicker gloves than liners.
We were never left overly clammy in them, and the synthetic insulation provides warmth when wet. This is one of our top picks for gloves warmer than a liner, while still breathable enough for high-output activities.
Weather Resistance
Treated with nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) the REI Guide is resistant to snow, ice, and light rain. The leather is more water resistant than the softshell back and is great for keeping fingers dry and warm. However, water quickly enters through the soft shell and seams around the fingers, revealing that these gloves are not waterproof.
During our submersion tests, moisture penetrated the seams of the fingers within seconds. The back of the hands held out slightly longer(~90 seconds) before letting in moisture along the seam where the soft shell meets the leather.
After the four-minute test, the gloves were almost completely soaked. While these are not the best performers in wet weather, they provide plenty of weather resistance to handle most drier winter outings with occasional exposure to ice and snow.
Durability
For an entry-level-priced glove, the REI Guide stood up to our tests and remained intact. We’ve used these for skiing, yard work, and for handling split firewood and so far, there have not been any scratches or significant wear marks on the leather or soft shell.
The reinforced layer of leather through the palm adds another layer of protection to enhance durability. The gloves show creases and some darkening of the leather through high-contact areas. Some wear helped these already comfortable gloves break in further. As with other leather gloves, we recommend regular upkeep with Sno Seal or other leather reconditioning products to ensure the best durability and weather resistance.
Should You Buy the REI Guide Gloves?
The REI Guide is the perfect glove for an entry-level snowsports enthusiast looking for a durable and versatile option. The leather construction is durable and stylish and is versatile enough for town or backcountry use.
Warm enough down to about fifteen degrees, the guide is great for active adventures in moderate temperatures. Synthetic insulation provides warmth when wet and the softshell back of the hand provides additional warmth. It’s the most breathable leather glove we’ve tested and we enjoyed hiking, nordic skating, and skiing in them.
While the Guide lacks significant weather resistance for the wettest days, its DWR finish is enough to repel snow and ice in winter conditions. The Guide would make an excellent three-season glove or one for more adventures in moderate winter temperatures. Attainably priced, it packs an excellent punch for a relatively low price.
What Other Winter Gloves Should You Consider?
Check out our full guide to winter gloves.
Showa Atlas 282 TemRes Review: One of the cheapest gloves we reviewed, the Atlas is affordable and completely waterproof for wet conditions.
Burton Gore-Tex Gloves Review: If you’re looking for an affordable winter glove with more warmth and weather resistance, the Burtons are closely priced to the Guides but a better fit for all-around winter performance.
Black Diamond Guide Review: Of the same model name, Black Diamond offers a burly glove similarly constructed but fully waterproof and extremely warm for the coldest days.
