Kayaking is hard on your hands. Hours of gripping a paddle shaft leads to blisters, friction burns, and in cold conditions, numbness that affects your control and enjoyment on the water. A good pair of kayaking gloves solves all of that.
The challenge is choosing the right pair. Summer paddling calls for lightweight, breathable gloves with sun protection, while winter paddling needs neoprene insulation that keeps your hands warm without sacrificing grip. We’ve reviewed 6 of the best kayaking gloves across both categories so you can find the right pair for your conditions and budget.
Summer Gloves
1. KastKing Sol Armis Sun Gloves – Best Overall
The KastKing Sol Armis is our top pick for summer paddling. Made from Poly Spandex, it offers a flexible, comfortable fit with reinforced palm and finger regions to protect against paddle friction and blisters. The breathable fabric wicks moisture quickly, and the extra-long cuff with SPF 50 protection keeps the sun off your wrists.
The pull tabs make them easy to get on and off with wet hands, and they come in a range of colours and sizes. Lightweight and quick-drying, these are a great all-round summer glove at an excellent price point.
What We Liked
- Breathable and quick-drying
- SPF 50 sun protection
- Good palm padding
- Available in many colours
What We Didn’t Like
- Sizes can run small
2. Palmyth UV Fingerless Gloves – Best UV Protection
The Palmyth UV Fingerless Gloves are the most reviewed summer paddling glove on amazon.com.au with good reason. The UPF 50+ sun protection covers the back of the hand and wrist while the fingerless design keeps your fingertips free for handling gear and lines. The lightweight stretchy material fits snugly without restricting movement and dries quickly after getting wet.
Available in multiple colours and sizes for both men and women. A reliable and affordable summer glove from a brand that specialises in water sports sun protection.
What We Liked
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Highly reviewed with fast AU delivery
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Available for men and women
What We Didn’t Like
- No palm padding
3. FitsT4 Kayaking Gloves 3/4 Finger – Best Padded Summer Glove
The FitsT4 Kayaking Gloves are a dedicated paddling glove with a padded palm and mesh back that provides good grip and comfort without overheating your hands in warm conditions. The 3/4 finger design leaves the fingertips free while the padded palm protects against paddle shaft friction and blisters on longer sessions.
The mesh back provides excellent breathability, and the adjustable wrist strap ensures a secure fit. Available for men, women, and kids in multiple sizes.
What We Liked
- Padded palm for blister protection
- Breathable mesh back
- 3/4 finger design
- Available for men, women, and kids
What We Didn’t Like
- Some sizing inconsistency reported
Winter Gloves
4. PAWHITS Wetsuit Gloves 3mm – Best Budget Cold Weather Glove
The PAWHITS 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit Gloves are the best value cold weather option on this list. The 3mm neoprene construction provides solid thermal insulation while the anti-slip palm gives a reliable grip on a wet paddle shaft.
The five-finger full coverage design protects all fingers in cold water, and the velcro wrist strap keeps them securely in place during active paddling. A practical no-fuss cold weather glove at an excellent price.
What We Liked
- Excellent value
- Anti-slip palm
- Full finger coverage
What We Didn’t Like
- Less dexterity than thinner gloves
5. Osprey Source Eco Wetsuit Gloves 3mm – Best Premium Cold Weather Glove
The Osprey Source Eco is the premium cold weather option on this list. The 3mm neoprene construction provides excellent thermal insulation and waterproofing, and the anti-slip grip palm gives confident control of the paddle in cold, wet conditions. Made with eco-friendly materials, the Source Eco is a well-constructed glove from a reputable water sports brand.
The full finger design provides complete coverage in cold water, and the secure wrist closure prevents water intrusion. Ships to Australia with reliable delivery times.
What We Liked
- Premium 3mm neoprene construction
- Anti-slip grip palm
- Eco-friendly materials
- Reputable water sports brand
- Full finger coverage
What We Didn’t Like
- Higher price point
- Fewer reviews than budget alternatives
6. BPS Water Gloves – Best Budget Winter Glove
The BPS Water Gloves are a practical budget option for cold weather paddling. Made from 3mm double-layered neoprene, they provide solid insulation and durability at an accessible price. The rubberised palm gives a reliable grip on the paddle, and the elastic and velcro wrist straps keep them securely in place.
A no-frills cold weather glove that does the job without breaking the budget.
What We Liked
- Double-layered neoprene
- Rubberised grip
- Adjustable wrist strap
- Budget friendly
What We Didn’t Like
- Grip less durable than premium options
How to Choose Kayaking Gloves
Material
The right material depends on the season. For summer paddling, look for Spandex or Lycra — lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. For winter, neoprene is the standard choice. A 1-2mm thickness suits mild conditions, while 3mm is better for cold water. Avoid going thicker than 3mm unless you’re paddling in genuinely icy conditions as it significantly reduces dexterity.
Grip
Look for gloves with synthetic leather or rubberised palms — these maintain grip on a wet paddle shaft. Fit matters too. Too tight and you’ll restrict blood flow, making your hands colder. Too loose and friction builds up causing blisters. Measure at the palm and check that fingers, knuckles, and wrists all fit comfortably.
Aftercare – Looking After Your Gloves
Rinse gloves with fresh water and a small amount of baby soap or wetsuit detergent after each use — especially after saltwater paddling. Dry them slowly in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which breaks down synthetic fabrics over time. Store in a cool, dark, dry place between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I wear gloves whilst kayaking?
Yes, you should definitely wear gloves while kayaking as they provide a better grip and protect your hands from blisters. They also keep your hands warm during the colder months.
How do I keep my hands dry while kayaking?
To keep your hands dry while kayaking, use full finger kayaking gloves.
What kind of glove material is used for kayaking?
For summer, spandex and lycra material gloves are best for kayaking. Whole neoprene-made gloves are the best option for winter paddling.
Final Thoughts
The right kayaking glove depends on when and where you paddle. For warm weather, the KastKing Sol Armis is our top pick — it’s breathable, well padded, and offers excellent sun protection at a great price point. For cold weather paddling, the NeoSport Premium Gloves are the most versatile option, available in both 3mm and 5mm neoprene to suit a range of conditions.
If you paddle year-round, consider buying one pair from each category. The price difference between a summer and winter glove is small, and having the right glove for the conditions makes a noticeable difference to your comfort and performance on the water.