The Best Heated Gloves, Mittens, and Socks for Cold Weather Travel

The right pair of heated gloves, mittens, or socks can make the difference between going inside early due to freezing fingers or toes and staying outside all day, regardless of the weather. However, good heated gear is tough to find—there are plenty of versions on the market that don’t hold a charge or warm up to the promised temperature. 

We’ve done the research (and the product testing) and found the best heated gloves, mittens, and socks for cold weather travel.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

What to Look for When Buying Heated Gloves, Mittens and Socks

Here’s what you need to know in order to buy the right heated gear that will actually work:

Fit: Size up in your gloves and mittens. Your hands need circulation in order to stay warm, and tight gloves or mittens will restrict that blood flow. 

Material: For gloves and mittens, look for heated options that will be warm even when the rechargeable heat is turned off—which means styles that are wind- and water-proof.

Battery Type: Some heated gloves, mittens, and socks run on non-rechargeable batteries, but we don’t recommend those. Cold weather causes batteries to drain quickly, and you’ll burn through a lot of batteries. Instead, look for gear that uses rechargeable batteries, preferably ones with extra battery packs that you can swap out as needed.

Battery Life: Battery life varies widely depending on the product you choose. Make sure to check the estimated amount of time the gear you choose can run on a single battery charge. You don’t want to get used to having heated hands and feet and then lose power halfway through the day, as you’ll feel extra cold without the heating element. 

The Best Heated Gloves, Mittens, and Socks

Outdoor Research Lucent Heated Sensor Mitts

With a wind- and water-proof exterior (that’s still breathable) and a cozy insulated and fleece-lined interior, Outdoor Research’s Lucent Heated Sensor Mitts will keep you warm and dry without even turning on the heating element. But for particularly frigid days, you’ll be glad to have that extra heat available (literally) at your fingertips.

Each mitten has its own rechargeable battery that fits snugly in a locking zippered compartment and the base of the gloves to keep it secure and out of the way. The batteries will last for eight hours on the lowest power setting (which is still pretty warm), five hours on medium, and 2.5 hours on high. A bright power button is built into the mittens, and makes it easy to toggle between heat levels. 

The Lucent Heated Sensor Mitts are touchscreen-compatible leather fingertips, so you won’t have to yank your hands away from their warm cocoon when you need to change the power setting or use your phone.

Fieldsheer’s Mobile Warming Technology Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks

Keep your toes toasty all day long in Fieldsheer’s Mobile Warming Technology Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks. Wear these with any shoe or boot (including ski boots), as the rechargeable battery packs sit in a dedicated pocket at the top of each of the calf-length socks. 

Heating elements under the front of the foot provide warmth exactly where you need it, and targeted cushioning in the arch and heel add extra comfort and support. The socks are Bluetooth-enabled, so you can control the temperature of these socks from your phone, making it easy to turn the heat up or down as needed (and see exactly how much battery power you have left).

There are four heat settings available, and if you leave the socks on the lowest setting, you can get around 11 hours of power before needing to recharge them. 

Although the merino wool socks are odor-resistant, they can be machine-washed after removing the battery pack.

Fieldsheer’s Mobile Warming Technology Thermal Heated Glove

Made from a water-resistant fleece fabric, Fieldsheer’s Mobile Warming Technology Thermal Heated Gloves can be worn on their own or as a heated glove liner. 

A buckle at the wrist traps heat in and keeps the gloves securely in place, and touchscreen fingers and a non-slip silicone palm make it easy to use your phone without taking off the gloves. 

The unique split-pack rechargeable battery design reduces the weight of each glove, and powers the heating element for up to eight hours on a single charge. The gloves can be recharged quickly, only taking 3-4 hours to power-up fully.

ActionHeat Rechargeable Heated Insoles

Make any pair of boots heated with ActionHeat’s Rechargeable Heated Insoles. Cut the insoles down to create a perfect fit for your foot, and then place them in your slippers, ski boots, or shoes. 

The rechargeable insoles have three different heat settings that can be changed via an included remote control. On the lowest setting, these insoles will keep you warm for up to eight hours on a single charge. 

The thin insoles won’t change the fit of your footwear, and have a deodorizing feature that will keep odors away.

Aroma Season Heated Mittens for Kids

Kids get cold hands too! Help them stay outside longer with Aroma Season’s heated mittens. Available in sizes for ages 4-12, the gloves come in bright pink or blue to suit your kids’ preferences. 

An oversized button makes it easy for kids to control the temperature themselves, and a full charge can last up to 10 hours on the lowest setting.

These mittens can be used with or without the heat, thanks to a waterproof fabric and extra-long cuff that keeps out the snow.

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