There’s nothing quite like the thrill of long-haul touring on a motorcycle. The open road, the ever-changing landscapes, and the feeling of freedom are unmatched. But any seasoned rider knows that the right gear is just as important as the ride itself—especially when it comes to your gloves. Whether you’re navigating through blistering heat or braving unexpected downpours, the right touring gloves can make all the difference in comfort, control, and safety.
In this article, we’ll break down five of the best touring motorcycle gloves on the market today, each designed to offer top-tier protection and comfort for the long haul. We’ll look at the Cortech Scarab V3 Gloves, Klim Badlands GTX Gloves, Dainese Steel Pro Gloves, Rukka Imatra 3.0 GTX Gloves, and Joe Rocket Windchill Gloves. So buckle in, we’re about to get into the nitty-gritty.
1. Cortech Scarab V3 Gloves: Value and Versatility
The Cortech Scarab V3 Gloves are the Swiss Army knife of touring gloves—affordable, versatile, and packed with features that make them a great option for riders who need all-weather performance without breaking the bank.
Features
Crafted with a mix of leather and textile, the Scarab V3 gloves are designed to offer both durability and comfort. A major win for these gloves is the inclusion of the Hipora® waterproof liner, which provides excellent protection from the elements. Whether you’re caught in a downpour or riding through a misty mountain pass, your hands will stay dry. The inclusion of 3M Thinsulate insulation also means they’re ideal for cooler climates, keeping your fingers from going numb on frosty morning rides.
Protection
Cortech didn’t skimp on safety either. With molded knuckle protectors and abrasion-resistant material, the Scarab V3 gloves ensure your hands are well-guarded from potential mishaps. It’s clear these gloves were designed with the touring rider in mind, offering a balance of affordability, comfort, and protection.
Verdict
For riders looking for an affordable yet reliable glove for a range of weather conditions, the Cortech Scarab V3 delivers. It may not be the flashiest glove on the market, but its versatility and value make it a solid contender for long rides.
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2. Klim Badlands GTX Gloves: Premium Protection for Harsh Conditions
If you’ve been around the motorcycle touring scene for a while, you’ve likely heard of Klim. Known for their premium adventure gear, Klim’s Badlands GTX Gloves set a high standard for touring gloves, especially for riders who face challenging, ever-changing environments.
Features
The standout feature of these gloves is the GORE-TEX® technology. This guarantees that the Badlands GTX gloves are 100% waterproof while still remaining breathable, making them ideal for riders who find themselves in harsh, wet conditions. The interior is lined with Outlast® technology, which regulates hand temperature by absorbing, storing, and releasing heat when necessary. If you’re riding in unpredictable climates, this feature alone makes them worth considering.
Protection
Protection-wise, the Badlands GTX gloves are about as robust as they come. With a full goatskin leather construction, they offer high levels of abrasion resistance. Poron® XRD® knuckle protection and Superfabric® palm overlays further reinforce impact and abrasion protection. They also feature visor wipers on the left index finger, a simple yet crucial feature when the rain is pouring down and you need to clear your helmet’s visor.
Verdict
For the rider who isn’t afraid of tackling extreme weather and needs gloves that will perform no matter the condition, the Klim Badlands GTX are an investment in protection and comfort.
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3. Dainese Steel Pro Gloves: High-Performance Protection
Dainese is a brand synonymous with high-performance and sleek Italian design, and the Steel Pro Gloves are no exception. While they may not be specifically designed for touring, their track-level protection and refined construction make them a formidable option for serious long-distance riders.
Features
The first thing you’ll notice about the Steel Pro Gloves is their aggressive styling. But beneath the sharp looks lies a wealth of practical features for the road. Made from full-grain leather, these gloves are breathable, comfortable, and durable. The standout feature here is the steel knuckle protection—a Dainese specialty—which is combined with TPU inserts to provide unparalleled protection against impacts.
Protection
This is where the Steel Pro Gloves really shine. Composite inserts in the knuckles, back, and fingers, combined with thermoplastic resin reinforcements, create a highly protective glove that still allows for a good range of movement. These gloves were born on the racetrack, and that level of protection carries over to the street.
Verdict
While the Dainese Steel Pro Gloves might lean more toward high-performance riders, they are an excellent choice for touring motorcyclists who want maximum protection without compromising comfort.
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4. Rukka Imatra 3.0 GTX Gloves: Luxury Meets Function
For riders who value quality and craftsmanship, the Rukka Imatra 3.0 GTX Gloves deliver in spades. Rukka is renowned for making some of the best touring gear, and these gloves are no exception.
Features
The first thing that sets the Imatra 3.0 GTX gloves apart is their GORE-TEX® membrane with a X-Trafit™ technology. This means these gloves are not only fully waterproof but also offer excellent dexterity and feel, a combination that can be difficult to find in waterproof gloves. The gloves also feature Kevlar® reinforcements, making them highly durable and resistant to wear.
Protection
When it comes to safety, the Imatra 3.0 GTX gloves are no slouch. The gloves are fitted with hard knuckle protectors and reinforced palms, offering great impact and abrasion resistance. Rukka’s gloves are designed with longevity in mind, and the Imatra 3.0 GTX proves itself with features like extra long cuffs to ensure complete protection against the elements.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a premium glove that doesn’t cut corners on either comfort or protection, the Rukka Imatra 3.0 GTX Gloves are well worth the investment. They strike an excellent balance between luxury and practicality, making them ideal for long tours through unpredictable weather.
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5. Joe Rocket Windchill Gloves: Cold-Weather Comfort
Sometimes simplicity is key, and Joe Rocket proves this with their Windchill Gloves. Designed for riders who need solid cold-weather performance without too many bells and whistles, these gloves excel in keeping your hands warm on long, chilly rides.
Features
The Joe Rocket Windchill Gloves are constructed from drum-dyed cowhide, offering durability and a soft, supple feel. They come with a waterproof and windproof barrier, ensuring your hands stay dry even when you encounter rain or snow. An additional 100G insulation helps retain heat, while the gel palm inserts reduce vibrations, adding a layer of comfort for long-distance rides.
Protection
Though not as feature-packed as some of the other gloves on this list, the Windchill Gloves offer solid protection for the everyday rider. The padded knuckles and reinforced fingers offer basic protection, though they lack some of the advanced impact resistance found in higher-end models.
Verdict
For touring riders who prioritize warmth and comfort without the need for over-the-top features, the Joe Rocket Windchill Gloves are a great, budget-friendly option. They provide excellent cold-weather performance without sacrificing too much in the way of protection.
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The Right Gloves for Your Ride
Selecting the best touring motorcycle gloves comes down to understanding your needs. Whether you’re an all-weather adventurer, a high-performance enthusiast, or a rider looking for simple cold-weather comfort, there’s a glove on this list for you. From the budget-friendly Cortech Scarab V3 to the luxurious Rukka Imatra 3.0 GTX, each of these gloves offers something unique for the touring rider.
So the next time you’re gearing up for a long ride, make sure your hands are ready to go the distance—because when you’re hundreds of miles from home, comfort and protection aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential.
If none of the gloves here are what you’re looking for, consider my other motorcycle gloves articles.
