Thermic Freeride Ultra Heat Gloves - Best Heated Undercuff Glove for Versatility
A well-built undercuff heated glove featuring a 360-degree heating element, ideal for freeriding, snow shoveling, and versatile winter use where a shorter cuff is preferred.
- +360-degree heating system wraps around fingers for effective warming of cold digits
- +High-quality materials including goatskin leather and Primaloft Gold insulation
- +Reinforced palm and undercuff design offer good dexterity for a range of cold-weather activities beyond skiing
- -Battery life is relatively short, especially on high heat, which may not last a full day in extreme cold
- -Boxier battery pack housed on the underside of the wrist can feel bulky compared to articulated designs
- -Not the warmest option in the lineup, best for moderate to cold days rather than extreme conditions
The Thermic Freeride Ultra Heat Gloves are designed as a capable and versatile heated option for those who prefer an undercuff style or engage in a variety of winter tasks. Their standout technical feature is the 360-degree heating system that wraps around the fingers, providing warmth from all angles to effectively combat cold fingertips. The build quality is robust, utilizing durable goatskin leather, a reinforced palm, and Primaloft Gold insulation (80g in the palm, 266g on the back). This combination offers reliable warmth and weather resistance through a 10k/10k waterproof breathable membrane and a velcro wrist cinch. The undercuff design and quality materials yield good dexterity, making them suitable not only for skiing but also for activities like snow shoveling, winter hiking, or skinning uphill in the backcountry. The gloves are comfortable and require little break-in time.
The primary limitation is battery performance. The runtime is shorter than many competitors, with the high setting lasting less than 1.5 hours. In very cold weather where the heat is needed consistently, the batteries may deplete before the end of an extended outing. Additionally, the battery pack's form factor can feel more noticeable on the wrist. For users seeking a single pair of heated gloves for resort skiing, backyard chores, and active winter pursuits in moderately cold temperatures, the Freeride Ultra Heat presents a solid, well-rounded choice.