Review: Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gloves
By Ski Expert
Mary B
Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gloves
$253.21
$338.95
25% off
7 photos
The Curated Take
4.5/5
The Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gloves are ideal for individuals who seek warmth and comfort in cold weather activities like skiing and snowshoeing. These gloves offer three heat settings and maintain warmth without bulkiness, ensuring all-day comfort. They have a durable design, maintaining their appearance and functionality even after several seasons of use. The gloves are waterproof, keeping hands dry in various weather conditions. However, they may feel slightly stiff for some users. Despite minor breathability issues, these gloves are a valuable investment, providing lasting warmth and durability for cold outdoor adventures.
Ideal for
- Has three heat settings
- Warm without being bulky
- Battery lasts the whole ski day
Not ideal for
- Takes a few hours to charge
Waterproofing
I have never had an issue with the waterproofness of these gloves. Whether it was a sunny day, a cloudy day, a snowy day, or a freezing rainy day on...Read more
Durability
I have had these gloves for 3-4 seasons, and they still look like new—no fraying or seams coming undone. The lining is still plush. The leather palm is still intact...Read more
Comfort
The fingers are already pre-articulated to wrap around my pole and have a nice ergonomic feel. The sizing for my hand was spot on and continues to fit great after...Read more
Warmth
For those with poor circulation or Raynaud's disease, I highly recommend these gloves to keep their hands and fingers warm. The heating elements go all the way to the tips...Read more
Ease of Movement
The finger and palm area can be slightly stiff. Compared to other gloves that I have that are not heated and not liners, they are slightly stiffer. This could be...Read more
Breathability
On a few occasions where it was really warm out or it started cold but then became like a spring day, my hands did start to sweat a bit. It...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Mary B
About the gloves
- Model: Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gloves
Test conditions
- When I bought these: Gifted to me
- Where I’ve used them: Skiing in the U.S. East and West Coasts and Europe, and snowshoeing in my backyard
- How many times I've used it: 50
Expert Reviews of the Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gloves
Mary B I had wanted a pair of battery-heated gloves for a long time, primarily to use while skiing. My body runs cold all of the time. I was gifted a pair of these gloves, and I absolutely love them. They make my days skiing pleasant!
The gloves are waterproof and have a decent amount of insulation. They don't feel any different from a regular glove, except they are slightly heavier because of the battery, but it is not an issue at all. On not-so-frigid days, the gloves still provide enough dexterity and warmth (without the heat on). The battery is stored in a zipper pouch on the gauntlet and plugs into the wires within the pouch. I hold the button down to turn on the heat until it lights up. It has three different settings: Low, Medium, and High—green, yellow, and red, respectively.
They last until the last run at Medium and Low (while turning them off when inside for lunch or bathroom breaks). I have had to run them on High on really cold days and ski the last hour or two with no heat. Going from heat to no heat reminded me of how miserable it always was to have freezing hands.
Product Specs
| Gender | Unisex |
| Age Group | Adult |
| Featured technology | EnduraLoft™, GORE-TEX®, ALTIHeat™ Battery-Powered Heat |
| Features | Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable, Quick-drying, Water resistant, Touch screen compatible, Glove leash, Thumb nose wipe |
| Material | Goat Leather, GORE-TEX®, Polyester/Polyester blend, Nylon/Nylon blend |
| Best use | Snowsports, Downhill skiing |
Review Ratings
Waterproofing
5/5
Mary B gave 5 of 5 stars. I have never had an issue with the waterproofness of these gloves. Whether it was a sunny day, a cloudy day, a snowy day, or a freezing rainy day on the ski slopes, my hands have always stayed dry from outside elements. I have also not had to retreat the waterproofness after 3-4 seasons.
Durability
5/5
Mary B gave 5 of 5 stars. I have had these gloves for 3-4 seasons, and they still look like new—no fraying or seams coming undone. The lining is still plush. The leather palm is still intact with no wear marks, and the elastic on the gauntlet cuff is still going strong. Usually, the elastic goes first, but so far, so good in these gloves.
Comfort
4/5
Mary B gave 4 of 5 stars. The fingers are already pre-articulated to wrap around my pole and have a nice ergonomic feel. The sizing for my hand was spot on and continues to fit great after many seasons. My hands are not too tight, allowing circulation, but they are snug enough to feel the heated elements warm my fingers. The only drawback is that some folks might find the gloves a little stiff in the hand area. I find them slightly stiff, but that is not why I use these gloves.
Warmth
5/5
Mary B gave 5 of 5 stars. For those with poor circulation or Raynaud's disease, I highly recommend these gloves to keep their hands and fingers warm. The heating elements go all the way to the tips of each finger, not just around the palm and back of the hand. There have been many days where I normally would have cringed to go out skiing, knowing I'd be freezing. Now I don't have to worry. I can go out and actually enjoy skiing because I'm warm.
Ease of Movement
4/5
Mary B gave 4 of 5 stars. The finger and palm area can be slightly stiff. Compared to other gloves that I have that are not heated and not liners, they are slightly stiffer. This could be cumbersome for some things, such as trying to pull a zipper or small item. It can be difficult to grab. But they are just fine for most tasks, like adjusting boot buckets and goggles. It isn't enough for me not to love them.
Breathability
4/5
Mary B gave 4 of 5 stars. On a few occasions where it was really warm out or it started cold but then became like a spring day, my hands did start to sweat a bit. It was not enough to bother me or make my hands cold from the sweat, but note the gloves don't breathe well. I recommend not wearing these gloves in milder weather if someone has hot hands.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Mary B I love that these gloves have long-lasting heat, are not incredibly heavy, and are durable. I have used these gloves mostly in icy-cold New England weather skiing. When I have them fully charged overnight and ready to hit the slopes, I can get a full day of skiing out of them by having them on the Medium heat setting. The Low setting will last longer and is good on days with temperatures above freezing. For very frigid days, the High setting works well but will not last a full day of skiing. I usually end up an hour short. However, I rarely need it on High all day. Considering the gloves have two batteries hidden in the gauntlets, they are not overly heavy either. And I love that the gauntlets are nice and long. Lastly, these gloves are very durable. I have had them for 3-4 seasons now, and there is no fraying or wear. They still look brand new. Overall, these gloves are great, and I love them.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Mary B My favorite moment with these gloves was when someone asked me what they were on a lift. Usually, on the lift, they are very obvious because one can see the Low/Medium/High light when it is on. It was fun explaining how they worked and are so much better than those silly little hand-warmer pouches.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Mary B I trust Outdoor Research because they make quality gear. Their gloves are no exception. I have other OR mittens that are over 10 years old and still look and feel like new. These heated gloves are no different. I have other brands of gloves that have lasted less than the Prevail gloves. I am also pleased that after 3-4 seasons, I have not had to replace the rechargeable battery yet. I believe they are worth the money.
