Heat Experience heated gloves: all they can do
10.2.2026
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Siri Schubert
Sometimes I look at things and think: «I don’t need that». Read on to find out why I still appreciate these heated gloves from Heat Experience – and what I’m still missing.
Nine a.m. at the cross-country skiing camp. My first training session is about to begin and I’m still in the changing room. Am I dressed warm enough? After all, the professionally taught session will certainly be partly sweaty and partly calm as we hone our technique.
At least I don’t have to worry about my gloves, because these Heat Experience gloves I got from the manufacturer for testing apparently warm your hands at the touch of a button. So there's only one thing for it: head out into the cold winter air and see if my fingers stay in the comfort zone.
First impressions: cuddly soft and easy to wear
First off, these Heated Nordic Gloves I’m testing are made for sporting activities where you generate heat yourself through movement. As a result, their lining isn’t particularly thick. This becomes especially useful when I slip into the loops of my cross-country skiing poles, adjust my camera or start my Garmin sports watch.
I also like that the fingers are equipped with a touch zone, allowing me to use my iPhone without taking off my gloves. The silicone structure on the inside provides good grip, regardless of whether I’m cross-country skiing or riding a bike (which I’ve also tried, with the same result).
The microfibre inner fleece is comfortable against my skin and insulates well in slightly sub-zero temperatures. One drawback: if your hands are damp, they sometimes get caught in the fleece, making it almost impossible to get your fingers all the way into the glove. I’ve experienced similar struggles with other two-layer models.
Fire and ice
At the heart of the gloves you’ll find the batteries, which fit into a zippered compartment on the cuff. You can place it either on the inside or outside of your wrist. On the outside, they press against my sports watch, so the inside pocket is more convenient for me.
You turn on the gloves at the touch of a button, a big plus for me. After all, when I’m out and about, I don’t want to be fiddling with apps or remote controls. I immediately select the highest level – in red – and the heating wires inside my gloves heat up. I can feel the warmth spreading across the back of my hand and along my fingers. Nice.
While the coach running my cross-country camp gives some initial instructions, my hands are comfortably warm. As we set off and my heart and circulation get going, I turn down the heat. There are a total of three overlapping settings: red for full power (45 to 55 degrees according to the manufacturer), white for slightly less (40 to 50 degrees) and blue for the lowest setting (35 to 45 degrees).
At some point, my hands have warmed up enough from the sweaty climbs and kilometres of cross-country skiing that I can switch off the electric helper.
Would my hands have got warm without heated gloves? Sure. But starting warm was much more pleasant. On top of that, my fingers often hurt after they’ve cooled down then become warm again. My Heat Experience gloves get rid of that unpleasant possibility.
Tips to get the most out of them
If my hands are freezing cold and my fingers numb, say after a long break from cross-country skiing or biking, even heated gloves can’t do much. Here’s my tip if that happens to you: switch on the heated gloves before setting off and when starting a break so your hands don’t get cold in the first place.
By the way, you can also use these gloves without a battery. I particularly like this option, since then I only need one pair for all my winter endurance activities. Thanks to the wind-repellent surface and fleece lining, the gloves work well in slightly warmer temperatures when you’re hiking and walking too. One note for frequent wearers: you can only wash the outside of the gloves by hand, without the battery.
Charging and running time
Speaking of the battery, the runtime isn’t great given its size. According to the manufacturer, it lasts for around two hours on the highest setting. A little less, in my case. However, that was in crisp, cold temperatures around six degrees below zero.
The battery’s supposed to last around five hours on the lowest setting. As a result, I recommend switching off the heating feature completely as soon as your hands are warm. This way, you’ll still have power when you really need it.
Charging the battery takes well over three hours. Pretty long, in my opinion. There’s certainly still room for improvement when it comes to battery tech here.
What I’m missing
As happy as I am with the gloves, there are a few things I still need.
First of all, give me smaller batteries with longer runtimes and shorter charging times. The Heat Experience models are pretty standard for heated gloves, yes. But when I look at other small, powerful battery alternatives, I can’t help but wish for more.
Wish number two: battery charging via USB-C. Give me that instead of the extra charging cable I have to take with me on holiday. If I forget it, I’m screwed.
My third wish: a charge indicator so I can estimate how much battery life I have left.
Last but not least, make the highest level warmer. According to the manufacturer, other gloves heat up to 60 degrees. An extra boost would be great for warming up already icy hands.
In a nutshell
Solid heated gloves that don’t fulfil all my wishes
I’m generally satisfied with the Heated Nordic Gloves. After all, they turned me from a sceptic («gloves with batteries – who needs those?») into a grateful wearer.
They’re cosy, well made and easy to use. Plus, they’re warm enough for active athletes who only need a short temperature boost before starting a workout and during breaks. The gloves target this demographic specifically, so they get full marks there.
Nevertheless, I deducted one star for the batteries. They don’t last particularly long and come with a special cable while leaving out a charge indicator.
Still, the gloves give off enough heat to bridge breaks during workouts. If my fingers are already cold and numb, a few degrees will always help get them warm and flexible again.
Pro
- Great manufacturing
- Comfortable fleece lining, wind-repellent
- Battery can be positioned on either side of your wrist
- Easy to switch on
- Three temperature settings up to 55 degrees
- Warm along the back of the hand and fingers
Contra
- Short battery life with comparatively long charging time
- Special charging cable required
- No charge indicator
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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