Milwaukee Cold Weather Work Gloves - Medium

As a tool enthusiast and someone who spends significant time working outdoors in various weather conditions, I was eager to test Milwaukee's Cold Weather Work Gloves (model number 49-17-0141). These gloves promise to offer warmth, durability, and comfort, essential qualities for anyone braving the elements while tackling demanding tasks.

Design and Build Quality

Milwaukee's gloves are designed with a keen focus on durability and protection. Constructed with a synthetic palm featuring Suregrip patches, these gloves provide a reliable grip even in wet conditions. The accordion knuckle panel adds an extra layer of durability, which is a thoughtful touch for those of us who often find ourselves banging our hands against various surfaces.

The snug neoprene cuff ensures a secure fit, preventing debris from entering the gloves while also providing a comfortable seal around the wrist. This feature is particularly useful when working in environments where dust and small particles are prevalent. The fleece-lined spandex back and palm enhance the overall comfort, making these gloves a pleasure to wear for extended periods.

Fit and Comfort

One of the first things I noticed was the fit of these gloves. They tend to run a bit small, so it's advisable to consider sizing up, especially if you prefer a roomier fit. Personally, I found the medium size to be snug but not overly tight, allowing for a good balance between dexterity and warmth. The gloves do stretch slightly with use, which helps them conform to the shape of your hands over time.

The interior of the gloves is lined with a soft, fleece-like material that provides excellent insulation. Even during prolonged use in cold weather, my hands remained warm and comfortable. However, it's worth noting that these gloves are best suited for moderately cold conditions rather than extreme cold. In particularly bitter weather, additional insulation might be necessary.

Performance in Cold and Wet Conditions

Milwaukee advertises these gloves as waterproof, but my experience suggests they are more water-resistant than fully waterproof. While they do a commendable job of keeping moisture at bay during light rain or snow, prolonged exposure to wet conditions can lead to some seepage. This is a minor drawback, but it's something to keep in mind if you frequently work in very wet environments.

Despite this, the gloves excel in providing warmth and protection. The reinforced palm and finger areas offer excellent durability, making them suitable for tasks that involve heavy lifting, shoveling, or handling abrasive materials. The rubber padding on the knuckles is a standout feature, providing extra protection against impacts and scrapes.

Dexterity and Grip

One of the challenges with winter gloves is finding a pair that offers both warmth and dexterity. Milwaukee's gloves strike a reasonable balance, though they do lean towards the bulkier side. This can make fine motor tasks a bit challenging, but for general outdoor work, they perform admirably.

The Suregrip patches on the palm enhance the grip significantly. Whether I was handling tools, carrying materials, or operating machinery, the gloves provided a secure hold, reducing the risk of slips and accidents. The gloves' snug fit also contributes to a sense of control and precision, which is crucial when working with potentially dangerous equipment.

Usability with Touch Screens

Milwaukee includes a "Smart Swipe" feature on the knuckle of the index finger, designed to allow the use of touch screens without removing the gloves. In practice, this feature is somewhat hit or miss. It works well enough for basic tasks like answering calls or swiping through screens, but it's not particularly effective for more precise actions like typing or selecting small icons. While it's a nice addition, it's not a replacement for taking the gloves off when you need to use your phone extensively.

Durability and Maintenance

The overall build quality of these gloves is impressive. The reinforced areas and high-quality materials suggest they can withstand significant wear and tear. After several weeks of use, they show minimal signs of wear, which bodes well for their long-term durability.

Another practical aspect is that these gloves are machine washable. Given the nature of outdoor work, gloves can get dirty quickly, so the ability to toss them into the washing machine is a convenient feature. Just be sure to follow the care instructions to maintain their performance and longevity.

Final Thoughts

Milwaukee's Cold Weather Work Gloves are a solid choice for anyone who needs reliable hand protection in cold conditions. They offer a good balance of warmth, durability, and comfort, making them suitable for a wide range of outdoor tasks. While they may not be fully waterproof and can be a bit bulky for precise tasks, their overall performance is commendable.

I would recommend these gloves to anyone looking for a robust pair of winter work gloves. They are particularly well-suited for general outdoor work, including construction, landscaping, and DIY projects. If you often find yourself working in moderately cold and wet conditions, these gloves are worth considering for their durability and protective features.