During the fall I was on the lookout for a new pair of snowmobile gloves that I could count on to keep my fingers warm during cold-weather rides. As I’ve gotten older – and wiser, no doubt – my body has become more sensitive to cold weather than it did in the early 2000s.
When I found out about Arctiva’s fully insulated, waterproof/windproof/breathable Ravine Glove, I ordered a pair right away. The gauntlet-style gloves are made with 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation on top and 100 grams in the palms and fingers. Priced at just $65, they’re a low-cost option but they exceeded my expectations for budget gloves. They’re comfortable, warm and durable, and I like their simple style.
It was cold for many of my rides early last season with temperatures near or below zero degrees, but the Ravine Glove always made sure my hands stayed warm. The soft rubber squeegee worked well to clear snow dust and sleet from my goggle lenses.
The fit was on the loose side but they weren’t a distraction for my hands to manipulate the handlebar while weaving through the woods. After initially trying a size 8 (medium) glove, I went with a size 7 (small). I typically wear size 8 or 9 gloves, depending on brand, so that tells me Arctiva gloves run big. Factor that if you buy them online.
I’ve owned several other pairs of Arctiva gloves over the years that have proven to be durable, and I’m sure my Ravines will last for a long time, too. I wore the gloves for roughly 750 miles last winter and they show no signs of wear. The synthetic leather palms and forefingers look like new, none of the seams have separated and all stitches are intact. The only reason a person would know my Ravine gloves have been used is because some of the reflective graphics have delaminated. There isn’t anything I don’t like about these gloves, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these to riders who want to add a low-cost, no-nonsense glove to their arsenal of snowmobile gear.
Editor’s Note: In each issue of Snow Goer magazine, our team of product testers reviews various aftermarket products in the Cold Tested department. Subscribe to Snow Goer now to receive such reviews, 6 times per year delivered to your home.
