Best Touring Gloves For Motorcycle Riders
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Our editorial content is reader-supported. If you click on some of our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more here.Motorcycle touring is one of the most cherished pursuits in our lives. Get up early in the morning, pack up your bag, roll your camp, and leave for your next destination.
What could possibly be better than this?
However, wearing the right gear can make all the difference. One of the biggest dilemmas that confronts motorcyclists is the choice between gloves, which isn’t as simple as picking any outfit to wear.
You have to take into consideration all the features that you may require during your multi-day trip and plan accordingly. Based on your itinerary, you may require a touring glove with thick insulation, or the one that includes a Gore-Tex breathable and waterproof membrane, or it can be a touring glove that is completely light in weight and breathable to give you a more relaxed feel on a hot sunny day.
Based on these requirements, we have included something for everyone out there. So, without any further ado, let’s take a look at our guide to the best touring gloves for your next expedition.
Top 10 Touring Gloves
Held Air N Dry Gloves
Held, a world leader in motorcycle gloves, has developed a Gore-Tex 2in1 technology that allows you to wear the glove in two different ways. You get a ‘DRY’ glove as the first sleeve which is waterproof, windproof and breathable thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane, and ‘AIR’ glove as the second sleeve which is unlined non-waterproof and completely breathable layer. This feature makes them versatile and an all-weather motorcycle touring glove. How cool is that!
These are an extremely attractive touring glove with some sporty highlights. The upper part of the glove is made of DuPont® Cordura and is finished with leather. On the knuckles there is a hard plastic shell with small vents that allow air to pass through.
Elastic inserts around the joints facilitate movement, whereas on the fingers (middle and ring fingers), two additional small plastic openings promote maximum ventilation. Furthermore, highly abrasion-resistant Superfabric®, used in several other Held’s motorcycle gear, is incorporated in the areas most at risk: the tip of the ring finger, the outer pinky, and the palm.
There are reflective 3M Scotchlite stripes and markings on the index finger, middle finger and wrist. And on the palm, extremely resistant and soft kangaroo leather is used. Besides, the double stitching and particular attention to detailing have made the gloves sturdier.
You can also find a wiper on the left index finger to clear your helmet visor if need be. Additionally, there are two Velcro® closures for improved wearability, one on the wrist and a larger one on the forearm. And to top it all, these are CE certified (EN 15594:2015).
Price: $299
Features:
- Gore-Tex 2in1 technology
- Visor wiper
- Velcro® closures
- 3M Scotchlite reflective stripes
- DuPont® Cordura
- Highly abrasion-resistant Superfabric®
- Hard knuckle protectors
- Separate variants available for both men & women
- Ideal for long distance touring
Held Madoc Max Gore-Tex Gloves
Madoc Max touring glove was developed specifically for mid-season touring. It features a stretch fabric and leather inserts on the back and a soft goatskin on the palm. On the inside there is a breathable, waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex membrane, which can withstand vagaries of the weather.
It is suitable to be used both while riding in the suburbs as well as during cross-country tours, owing to its characteristics such as; high sensitivity of the finger tips that allow easy operation of smartphones, an adjustable Velcro® closure that allows you to tighten the strap around the wrist, hook that tightens the sleeve, and a visor wiper on the forefinger of the left hand that is particularly useful if you are suddenly obscured by the splashes of a puddle.
The Madoc Max glove is certified in accordance with EN 13594:2015 regulation and is outfitted with rigid plastic knuckle protectors, which are shielded by foam and covered with leather.
In addition, there are reinforcements made out of leather, Held’s Armaprotec on the side and palm of the glove, and reflective inserts that make you more visible in low light conditions.
Price: $185
Features:
- Waterproof & breathable Gore-Tex gloves
- Goatskin palm
- Velcro® closures
- Visor wiper
- Reflective stripes
- Held Armaprotec reinforcements
- Hard knuckle protectors
- Touch screen compatible
Rukka Virium Gore-Tex X-Trafit Gloves
Rukka Virium is a top of the line, super-premium touring glove all the way from Finland featuring a Gore-Tex membrane, limited insulation, and plenty of protection.
Coming in at around $150, these are great pair of gloves all around for sport touring, sport commuting, and adventure riding, particularly during the warm weather.
As such, these are great for wet weather riding as well, thanks to the Gore-Tex technology that allows it to be waterproof and breathable. And since the liner is bonded to the outer shell (Gore grip), or in other words, Gore-Tex layer is laminated to the outside of the glove, it ensures they don’t get soaked in the rain.
There is also a wrist strap along the cuff that allows you the flexibility and the ease to adjust the gloves just the way you like it. Some of the bonus features include; reflective parts on the glove and the logo, vegan friendly fabric, and four touch sensitive fingers.
All in all, the Rukka Virium X-Trafit gloves are an excellent choice if you want to embark on a long tour, whilst ensuring that your hands are dry and comfortable. Further, integrated knuckle, scaphoid, and finger guards protect against any kind of impact, while the integrated touch-sensitive thumb and index finger allows you to comfortably use your phone on the go.
Price: $152
Features:
- Gore-Tex X-Trafit technology
- Touch sensitive finger and thumb
- Visor wiper
- Extra grippy palms
- Waterproof & breathable
- Comes with 2 years warranty
Scorpion EXO Tempest Gloves
A three-season functionality is what you get from Scorpion’s EXO Tempest Gloves. Featuring a lightweight insulation at the back of the hand, these are an ideal pair for riders out there who use heated grips thanks to the non-insulated palm area. Thus, the heat dissipated from the heated grips is quickly distributed over the entire hand.
Suggested reading: Motorcycle gloves for heated grips
And speaking about their fitting, do consider stepping up at least one size from what you would normally wear, as these are designed in a European cut and size.
On the palm you will find goatskin leather, allowing you to have excellent tactile feedback. Then you have a waterproof Hypora® liner that keeps your hands nice and dry, in addition, the back of the hand is made from a stretchable fabric that offers both comfort and flexibility.
One gauntlet goes into the sleeve, while the other goes over the jacket eliminating any chance of water ingress, and the inside of the cuff has drain holes that allows water to seep off without entering inside the second layer.
There is accordion stretch on the back of the hand for comfort, reflective stripes for improved visibility, and hard plastic knuckles which offer a higher level of protection than a regular touring glove.
As for those of you who like to operate the brake and clutch levers with just one or two fingers, there is a light foam padding on the back that assists this operation with ease. And lastly, a visor wiper on both the index fingers of your hands to clean off any traces of dirt from your helmet.
Price: $89
Features:
- Double gauntlet touring glove
- Silicone prints to assist gear & brake lever
- Waterproof Hypora® liner
- Hard knuckle protectors
- Drain holes
- 100g Thinsulate insulation
- Dual closures
Alpinestars Belize Drystar Gloves
Intended for hardcore riders that can be worn in three seasons, Belize Drystar gloves are suitable for motorcycles with heated grips.
In its construction, Alpinestars has used a multi-layer combination of stretchable polyamide fabric, leather, as well as perforated leather on the back of the hand. Further, the characteristics of Drystar membrane, which is included in the glove, is also similar to Gore-Tex membrane and delivers excellent results.
Along the palm, a thinner, semi-perforated construction has been incorporated to give an added feel and dexterity. There are plenty of stretch inserts around the thumb and palm area, and copious amount of leather on palm which has been enhanced with synthetic suede for reinforcement. To ensure safety in case you crash, there are TPU inserts in vulnerable areas and sliders around the fingers.
Another striking feature of this glove is the wrist closure system, something new to Alpinestars, with stretchable straps that can be easily (and tightly) tucked under the sleeve of the jacket.
Besides the touchscreen compatible fingertip, it also features a combination of aramid fiber and polyamide reinforcements (Arshield), which provides resistance against abrasion to the fourth finger. Furthermore, the glove and its safety features comply with CE regulations (level 1).
Price: $179
Features:
- Waterproof Drystar membrane
- Touch screen compatible
- Arshield reinforcements
- TPU palm slider
- Carbon reinforced hard knuckle
- CE level 1 certified
Klim Adventure GTX Short Gloves
The Adventure GTX is packed with number of attributes that make it a rugged and practical glove for all kinds of weather. Combined technology of Gore-Tex and Gore Grip ensures that water remains outside the gloves, while the stretchable fabric ensures lightweight and comfortable journey.
Klime Adventure GTX, where GTX stands for Gore-Tex, is an ideal pair of adventure glove designed to be worn during the summer months. But most importantly, these are perfect for bulky riders out there who typically struggle to push their hands inside any regular gloves.
Constructed from a combination of goatskin and textile, it offers comfortable tactile feedback. There are ceramic prints across all of the common sliding surfaces on the glove that increase its resistance against abrasion, at the same time a carbon fiber knuckle protector dampens any impact that may occur along the slide.
There is a single Velcro® strap on the back of the hand that stretches all the way to the front, a pull tab on the back, and underneath the knuckles there is a small cut-out for added flexibility.
In addition, the Poron XRD material incorporated on the palm ensures comfort even after long riding hours while simultaneously acting as an impact protector.
Price: $179
Features:
- Gore-Tex + Gore Grip membrane
- Poron XRD palm
- Touch screen compatible
- Visor wiper
- Velcro® closures
- Ceramic print around slide areas
- Hard knuckle protectors made from carbon fiber
REV'IT! Kryptonite 2 GTX Gloves
In case you are going places that are relatively much colder, it is best to prepare yourself beforehand and pick something like the Kryptonite 2 GTX gloves, designed by REV’IT!
These gloves are much better suited for winter touring than they might actually look. They are made from waterproofed goat leather with a barrel dye finish, known for flexibility and high resistance. This leather is made of flocked PU synthetic leather, which increases the comfort of the rider thanks to its superior breathability compared to natural leather.
Further you are also provided with a Thinsulate®, Gore-Tex® and Gore-grip technology that adds to its waterproofing efficacy.
They are stylish, elegant and have an excellent finish, with some serious protection. The Kryptonite GTX are rather stiff initially, but as you wear them, they become more and more comfortable.
Another special feature is the knitted cuff, designed to prevent possible air leaks and thus can be worn under the sleeve of a jacket. Backed up by Velcro® on the wrist, they clearly limit water ingress. In terms of waterproofing, there is absolutely nothing to complain about. And of course, you do get a visor wiper on the edge of the index finger to clear off any dirt from your helmet.
Price: $169
Features:
- Gore-Tex Gloves + Gore grip technology
- Temperfoam round thumb and palm
- Velcro® closures
- Visor wiper
- Hard knuckles (PU)
- Thinsulate G insulation
- Waterproof & thick insulation ideal for winter touring
iXS Arctic-GTX 2.0 Tour Glove
The new Arctic-GTX 2.0 Tour Gloves offered by iXS are designed specifically for winter. The Primaloft insulation (240 g) insulates the glove in cold temperatures. And the internal Gore-Tex membrane makes the glove waterproof and windproof while maintaining high breathability.
And while the interior of the Arctic glove is lined with a tri-fleece lining, the outer material consists of a mixture of polyamide and a substantial amount of goatskin. In doing so, iXS has laid a lot of emphasis on ensuring an optimal tactile feel.
The fingers with stretch inserts minimize creases when grasping the handlebar grips. While the hands are further protected with shock-absorbing Impacton® (Visco-Elastic foam) cushioned over the knuckles.
There is also a rubber slip on the left index finger to wipe the helmet visor in the rain. And the tip of the index finger is compatible with the touchscreen, so you can use your smartphone without removing the glove. Moreover, reflective prints on the index finger and wrist enhance visibility in low light conditions.
These gloves are compliant with European standard EN13594:2015 and are available in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL.
Price: $149
Features:
- Gore-Tex waterproof & breathable membrane
- Reinforced knuckles with shock absorbing Impacton®
- Clarino® double layer palm
- Visor wiper
- Double protection on pinky finger
- Velcro® closures
- Ideal for winter touring
- CE certified
Dainese Scout 2 Gore-Tex Gloves
Dainese Scout 2 Gore-Tex are extremely attractive with fine suede details accentuating the elegance of these gloves.
A particular feature is the high cuff style used in this glove, as it is designed for winters it is definitely a very appropriate choice. The inserts around the knuckles and around the joints are not visible from the outside and this gives a much more defined and precise shape to the glove.
At the palms you will find a reinforced polyurethane insert mixed with suede and goat leather that not only gives a touch of class but also provides greater safety in case you crash during your journey.
The most important feature of this product is the waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that guarantees breathability, and if that’s not enough there is also a high-quality thermal padding with soft inserts that allows you to keep your hands warm even during the coldest winter months.
And if you use your phone a lot, it also includes touch sensitive screen fingers.
Thanks to the pre-curved fingers and the adjustable cuff, the glove is very comfortable to use and adjust depending on your wrist. Moreover, this glove is equipped with an anti-slip strap that can be very helpful in several circumstances.
Price: $199
Features:
- Gore-Tex waterproofing
- Primaloft insulation
- Goatskin leather
- Visor wiper
- Dainese Smart Touch
- Techno inserts on knuckles
- CE level 1 certified
Spidi Rain Warrior Gloves
These are a really great option for riders out there looking for a low-profile glove. You get a good amount of protection, resistance to rain, with a touch tech capability.
Often times, it takes a lot of toil in shortlisting a touring glove that has waterproofing capabilities with minimum insulation. With Rain Warriors, however, Spidi has ensured to provide great tactile feedback, that are excellent for summer touring.
Waterproofing capabilities while being extremely light in weight was the primary objective targeted by the engineers of Spidi. Which is why this product also uses the proven H2Out membrane, known for its water-resistant properties. In fact, this technology is used in a number of other products manufactured by Spidi in collaboration with Toray, a Japanese manufacturer of innovative textiles and fibers.
These unlined gloves are anything but heavy, with a weight of just 200 grams. Nevertheless, Spidi guarantees a lot of safety. The outside of the hand and the palm are padded with reinforcements using Spidi’s Warrior technology. In addition, CE Level 1 approved knuckle protectors are also fitted for further protection.
Price: $119
Features:
- Waterproof & breathable H2Out layer
- Touch screen compatible
- Unlined gloves ideal for summer touring
- Spidi’s Warrior reinforcements
- Hook & loop adjustments
- CE Level 1 knuckle protector
Bottom Line
So, these were the best touring gloves for all our motorcycle riders out there. Hope this list helps you in shortlisting an ideal pair for your next tour. Furthermore, you can learn about the most important features of motorcycle gloves and what you should look out for in a motorcycle glove in our section: How to choose motorcycle gloves.
PS: Special thanks to our team of group leaders and mechanics who really went above and beyond in curating this list. Cheers!
