5 Tips to Keep your Hands Warm for Outside Work
How to Keep Your Hands Warm When Working Outside
To keep your hands warm while working outdoors, choose insulated and waterproof gloves, avoid moisture, maintain good blood circulation, and select materials adapted to winter temperatures. Layering, proper sizing, and frequent breaks to warm your hands are essential to maintain dexterity and prevent cold-related injuries.When winter hits, it is essential to protect your hands from cold. And unfortunately, we have all had the unpleasant experience of frozen fingers.
Whether you work outside or love the outdoors, winter can be hard. That’s inevitable. But… cold hands don’t have to be.
Outdoor workers know from experience that hands are more vulnerable to the cold and its resulting damages. The skin of our hands is thin and has a high concentration of blood vessels that can get cold very easily and can quickly lose their mobility.
The main culprit? Lack of moisture and exposure to humidity.
During winter, the humidity in the outdoor air plunges. And inside, thanks to heating, things are even drier. The air becomes drier while the humidity level decreases. Hands become drier, irritated, and may even crack.
How to protect your hands while working outside
Understanding how to protect your hands against the cold and choosing a pair of gloves designed for winter outdoor work is essential for your optimal comfort and safety.
Check out this resource to learn more!
*Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wearing cotton gloves in cold weather
- Keeping wet gloves on
- Choosing gloves that are too tight
- Forgetting wrist protection
- Neglecting liners during extreme cold
5 key elements for effective winter hand protection
1. HUMIDITY IS NOT YOUR FRIEND
When in contact with skin, water increases conductivity, which then accelerates energy loss. Any excessive energy loss will cause premature fatigue in addition to the discomfort from the cold.
Humidity in a cold environment can lead to frostbites. Its initial symptom usually is a tingling sensation that may go as far as to complete and prolonged paralysis of a limb, such as a hand, arm, or foot.
What to do:
- Choose gloves with a waterproof coating to keep moisture out.
- Use elastic or extended cuffs to seal out rain and snow.
- Leather is an excellent natural barrier against moisture and cold.
Keep your hands safe and dry with Kosto winter gloves!
2.CHOOSING THE RIGHT GLOVE MATERIAL
The material used to create the glove impacts its efficiency to protect you against the cold and humidity.
| Material | Advantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Thinsulate™ | Lightweight, excellent insulation | Extreme cold |
| Leather | Durable, wind-resistant | Construction, handling tools |
| Synthetic fabrics | Quick-drying, good dexterity | Precision tasks |
| Wool | Warm even when damp | Moderate cold |
| Neoprene | Excellent water resistance | Wet or snowy environments |
✔ Features to look for:
- Thermal insulation
- Extended or adjustable cuffs
- Waterproof or windproof membranes
- Reinforced palms for durability
Avoid Cotton at All Costs : Cotton absorbs moisture and loses insulation, increasing the risk of cold injuries.
3. CHOOSE THE RIGHT GLOVE SIZE
Sizing is just as critical as the material itself. A bigger pair of gloves allows wind and rain to enter, which remove all insulating properties of your equipment, no matter its quality.
On the other hand, a smaller glove won’t fit properly on your fingers and wrists, which will cause retention issues. A tight glove can cut off the blood flowing to your fingers, significantly reducing motricity.
Tip: Your gloves should allow free movement, with no unnecessary space at the fingertips.
4. ADAPTED TO OUTDOOR CONDITIONS
To choose the right equipment, think about the conditions you face daily:
- Cold and dry air?
- Wet snow or freezing rain?
- Sharp or abrasive surfaces?
- Metal tools or cold equipment?
Selecting a glove that will protect you against the conditions you face, and only that will be beneficial.
5. TAILORED FOR YOUR WORK
Your work environment may expose you to specific risks:
- Abrasions
- Cuts
- Vibration
- Prolonged tool handling
- Heavy materials
- Extreme cold
Various resources are also available to help you make the right choice!
Above all, know that injuries caused by the cold are sometimes irreversible. Quality equipment, even if expensive, is worth consideration.
