Dakine Titan GORE-TEX Gloves Evaluation

Bottom Line

The Dakine Titan Gore-Tex Gloves are an affordably priced and waterproof glove suitable for anyone spending prolonged periods in wet snow and cold temperatures. Worn by gear analyst Miles Knotek for multiple years, the Titans are a dependable glove for a variety of winter sports and outings. Best used in moderate temperatures from five to twenty-five degrees, the Titan is an excellent choice for most winter conditions.

We love the removable liner with touchscreen capability for its versatility. It adds warmth to the insulated outer and is strong enough to be worn on its own. 

The large gauntlet of the glove keeps out snow and a waterproof zippered hand warmer pocket on the back of the hand is a great option for the coldest days.

While the Titan lacks the dexterity of thinner gloves, it still works surprisingly well for a glove of its warmth. Zippers, buckles, and backpack straps are all easily adjusted while wearing these. The Dakine Titan is sure to keep you warm for many miles ahead and is priced to be accessible to most budgets.

How We Tested

CleverHiker’s Alaska-based cold weather gear expert, Miles Knotek, put the Dakine Titan Gore-Tex gloves through their paces both in the lab and out in the field. In the lab, he submerged the gloves in water for 4 minutes to measure how long they could resist moisture. For field testing, Miles spent three months exploring Alaska’s rugged trails, peaks, and forests to see how they faired.

Comfort & Dexterity

The Dakine Titan GORE-TEX Gloves offer a solid balance of comfort and dexterity, making them an all-around option for winter sports. 

The gloves feature a durable shell built with GORE-TEX, which keeps hands dry without compromising flexibility. For a glove of its warmth and size, the Dakine Titan is surprisingly dexterous. Buckling backpack straps, opening zippers, and tightening ski boots are all easily accomplished. 

If you do need to remove the main shell to complete a finer task, the removable liner is touch-screen compatible and eliminates the need to expose the skin to frigid temperatures.

 For a budget-priced glove, we were impressed with the Titan’s dexterity and comfort. The fingers are long enough to provide extra room for insulation without being overly cumbersome.

Warmth

We’ve used the Titans from zero degrees to above-freezing temperatures, both with and without the removable liner. Without the liner, the Titan works best in moderate temperatures from 10–30 degrees. The liners add a little more warmth to make the gloves comfortable down into the single digits. We also loved using the liners as a standalone layer for running and cross-country skiing in mild temperatures. 

Still, the Dakine Titan is not our top choice for dangerously cold days. In the single digits and lower, we experienced cold fingertips. These are a great pair for more moderate winter temperatures and do an excellent job for most conditions encountered. 

If you do need extra warmth, there is a pocket equipped with a waterproof zipper on the back of the hand that perfectly fits a hand warmer.

Moisture Control

Thanks to its breathable Gore-Tex insert, the Dakine Titan manages internal moisture by wicking sweat away from the skin. This is the pair we reach for when we want a cold-hardy, heavy glove that can handle aerobic activities. 

We skied and hiked uphill in these, and waded through thigh-deep snow. When the rest of our body was soaked in sweat, the Titans breathe and wick moisture out to avoid the unpleasant sensation of soggy gloves.

 While you might not choose this glove to wear for a run or cross-country ski in milder temperatures, it is a great choice for wearing in colder temperatures when you still need a high level of breathability.

Weather Resistance

Once again, the Dakine Titan surprised us with its performance. Even with a sub one hundred dollar price point, the Titan delivers the weather resistance found in more expensive gloves. 

We’ve used this glove in sleet, snow, and even the occasional winter rain and it’s kept our hands dry no matter the weather. The Gore-Tex insert is a must for anyone recreating in damp winter conditions.

During our immersion test, water did not penetrate the glove to the skin. After four minutes, it was still completely dry inside. However, when we removed the glove from the water, it was noticeably heavier. We wrung out the glove and a large amount of water was squeezed from the hand and fingers. While the polyester shell absorbs water, it does not make it past the Gore-Tex layer underneath. This glove may not be the best choice for a rainstorm, but it will still keep you dry inside.

Durability

Without any leather construction, we were at first skeptical of the Dakine Titan’s durability. However, we’ve used these gloves for years and have found them to hold up season after season. 

The Rubbertec palm adds great durability and grip and has yet to wear through. These gloves are sure to last you multiple seasons intact. After using the Titans for three seasons, we found that the first point of weakness is the seams along the inside of the fingers. These were the first to loosen and open after heavy use across multiple winter seasons. 

While this pair doesn’t make the most sense for working in or for splitting firewood, they hold up to the rigors of skiing and winter sports and are an excellent choice for a long-lasting glove at an accessible price point.

Should You Buy the Dakine Titan GORE-TEX Gloves?

If you’re looking for a glove that balances performance with affordability, the Dakine Titan is a great choice. It’s hard to find a glove under one hundred dollars that performs as highly as the Titan. It’s warm enough for most winter temperatures, and waterproof giving it excellent versatility. Its removable liner is strong enough to use as a standalone layer for aerobic activities, and its touchscreen capability means that you never have to expose your skin to frigid temperatures. 

While the Gore-Tex insert of the Titan does keep water from reaching the skin, the Polyester outer shell absorbs water making it heavy and awkward to wear when wet. With a surprisingly durable construction, the Titan is sure to last you multiple seasons. The Titan is a versatile winter glove that lends itself to snowsports and winter hiking excellently. While it may not be the top choice for the coldest temperatures of the year, it’s a strong pick for most winter days

What Other Winter Gloves Should You Consider?

Check out our full guide to winter gloves.

Burton Gore-Tex Gloves Review: With similar construction and versatility with removable liners, Burton provides another budget-friendly glove for snowsports enthusiasts.

The North Face Montana Ski Gloves Review: Slightly lightweight for warmer temperatures, the Montana provides excellent value for a dedicated snowsports glove.

Showa Atlas 282 TemRes Review: Fully rubberized and waterproof, the Atlas is our cheapest waterproof glove if price is your number one consideration.