A good winter ski glove has a notoriously difficult job to do. It needs to be a fortress against sub-zero winds, a dry suit for your hands in heavy sleet, and somehow remain dexterous enough that you aren't fumbling with your boot buckles like a lobster. Usually, to get a "GORE-TEX" stamp on that kind of performance, you’re looking at a $160 to $200 investment—a price tag that can eat up half of a budget traveler's season pass budget.
That’s where the REI Co-op Switchback GTX comes in. Priced at just $100, it makes a bold claim: premium GORE-TEX weather protection for about half the cost of the "big name" competitors. After putting these through the wringer from the high-altitude winds of Aspen Snowmass to the mundane but brutal task of clearing a frozen driveway, I’ve found that while they aren't a perfect "one-glove-fits-all" solution for every climate, they represent one of the best value propositions in the outdoor industry today.
Quick Verdict: Performance for the Price
The REI Switchback GTX is a 3-in-1 powerhouse designed for the resort skier who values versatility and budget over the buttery feel of high-end goat leather. It offers a robust waterproof shell and a removable fleece liner that actually works with a smartphone.
Are REI Switchback GTX gloves warm enough for extreme cold?
While these gloves feature GORE-TEX Plus Warm technology, they are best suited for moderate winter temperatures above 15°F. In my testing, skiers with Raynaud’s or poor circulation found them insufficient for sub-zero days, as the synthetic insulation has a distinct thermal limit when the "feels like" temperature hits the single digits.
Pros
- True Waterproofing: Genuine GORE-TEX insert at a bargain price.
- 3-in-1 Versatility: The removable liner makes drying out overnight a breeze.
- Touchscreen Compatible: The liner actually works with your phone for mid-mountain selfies.
- Large Gauntlet: Easily fits over bulky jacket sleeves to seal out powder.
Cons
- Synthetic Palm: Not as durable or "grippy" as genuine leather over long-term use.
- Bulky Dexterity: The 3-in-1 setup feels a bit "clunky" compared to low-profile mountain guide gloves.
- No Wrist Leashes: You’ll have to be careful not to drop them off the chairlift.
Technical Specifications & Features
On paper, the Switchback GTX looks like a spec-sheet hero. It utilizes a multi-layer construction consisting of a durable synthetic polyester shell, a GORE-TEX Plus Warm insert, and a removable 100g fleece liner.
What sets the "Plus Warm" designation apart is that the entire system (inner lining, membrane, and outer material) is engineered to keep hands warmer for longer. However, there is a trade-off. At the $100 price point, REI uses synthetic reinforcements rather than the premium Grade-A goat leather found on a $200 Hestra or Black Diamond glove. This results in a slightly stiffer feel out of the box, but a significant 50-60% savings in your wallet.
| Feature | REI Switchback GTX | Premium Leather Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$100 | $190 - $220 |
| Waterproof Insert | GORE-TEX Plus Warm | GORE-TEX |
| Palm Material | Synthetic / Reinforced | Genuine Goat Leather |
| Liner | Removable Fleece | Fixed or Removable Wool |
| Best Use | Resort Skiing / Budget Travel | Backcountry / Professional Use |
Field Testing: From Aspen Snowmass to Driveway Clearing
I took these gloves to Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley to see how they handled "real" winter. Testing occurred across a spectrum of conditions, from sunny 25°F "bluebird" days at Aspen Snowmass to a biting morning where the thermometer read 8°F with a wind chill that brought the "feels like" temperature down to 3°F.
The expectation was that the GORE-TEX would handle the moisture, but the real question was the thermal floor. During high-output activity—like hiking a ridge line to get to a fresh bowl—the breathability of the shell was impressive. I didn't experience the "swamp hand" effect that often plagues cheaper, non-breathable waterproof gloves. However, the moment I sat still on a slow, wind-exposed chairlift at 11,000 feet, the limits of the synthetic insulation became clear.
Warmth and Insulation Performance
There is a science to staying warm, and REI leans heavily on the GORE-TEX Plus Warm technology. But as a budget-conscious gear reviewer, I have to be honest: synthetic insulation has its ceiling.
During my testing, the gloves performed flawlessly down to about 15°F. Above this temperature, my hands were toasty, sometimes even bordering on too warm. But once we hit that 3°F threshold at the summit, the cold began to creep in through the finger caps.
For the average skier who heads into the lodge for cocoa when the temps hit the single digits, these are more than enough. However, if you suffer from Raynaud’s syndrome or generally poor circulation, you might find the Switchback GTX a bit thin for the "polar vortex" days. You can mitigate this by swapping the included fleece liner for a heavyweight merino wool liner, but out of the box, these are "moderate cold" champions rather than "arctic" specialists.
Versatility & 3-in-1 Functionality
The standout feature of the Switchback GTX—and the reason it’s a staple in my gear bag—is the removable liner.
Do the REI Switchback GTX gloves have a removable liner?
Yes, they feature a removable fleece-lined inner glove. This 3-in-1 setup allows you to wear just the liner for uphill hiking, just the shell for wet/warm spring skiing, or both combined for maximum protection. The liner is also touchscreen compatible, which is a lifesaver when you need to check a trail map without exposing your skin to the wind.
The liner isn't just an afterthought; it’s a well-tailored fleece glove in its own right. During a mid-day break, I appreciated being able to pull the shells off to let them dry while keeping the liners on to handle my phone and gear.
The dexterity is "good," not "great." Because you are dealing with two separate layers (shell + liner), there is inevitably some internal friction. You won't be tying shoelaces or performing surgery in these, but adjusting goggle straps and zipping up a jacket is perfectly manageable. The one glaring omission? The lack of wrist leashes (idiot strings). If you take these off on the lift to adjust your helmet, you’d better have a firm grip.
Waterproofing and Wind Protection
This is where the REI Switchback GTX earns its keep. Many "budget" gloves use proprietary waterproof coatings that wear off after a few uses. By using a genuine GORE-TEX insert, REI ensures the waterproofing is baked into the DNA of the glove.
Is the REI Switchback GTX waterproof?
Yes. During field testing at Aspen, I spent a full afternoon in 8 inches of heavy, "wet" snowfall. While the outer synthetic fabric eventually looked saturated (wetted out), the internal GORE-TEX membrane remained impenetrable. My hands stayed bone-dry throughout the storm and the subsequent snow-clearing session back at the driveway.
The wind protection is equally impressive. The high gauntlet cuff features a one-hand cinch system that effectively seals the "entry point" of the glove. Even when skiing at high speeds, I felt zero air penetration through the seams or the fabric.
Durability and Trade-offs
After several weeks of heavy use, the synthetic "leather" palms are holding up well, but this is the area where you see the cost-cutting compared to a $200 glove. Real leather gains a patina and softens over time; synthetic materials tend to eventually crack or scuff.
Budget Hack: At a $100 price point, you can technically buy two pairs of these for the price of one pair of premium leather gloves. For the casual resort skier who gets 10–15 days on the mountain per year, the Switchback GTX will likely last 5+ seasons, making the "leather vs. synthetic" debate mostly academic.
One design quirk to note is the width of the gauntlet. It is generously sized, which is great for fitting over a heavy parka, but if you prefer to wear your gloves under your jacket sleeves, these will be much too bulky. The drawstring system is functional, though it can be a bit fiddly to release with your teeth if your other hand is already gloved up.
Final Thoughts: The Value Proposition
The REI Switchback GTX isn't trying to be the most advanced glove on the mountain. It’s trying to be the most sensible one. For the backpacker or budget traveler who needs one pair of gloves that can handle a ski trip, a winter hike, and shoveling the walk, this is a screaming deal.
You are getting the gold standard in waterproofing (GORE-TEX) and a highly functional 3-in-1 system for a price that leaves enough room in the budget for an extra day’s lift ticket. If you aren't planning on summiting Denali or skiing in -20°F temps, there is very little reason to spend more.
Best For:
- Budget-conscious resort skiers and snowboarders.
- Travelers who need versatile, 3-in-1 winter protection.
- Those who prioritize dry hands over "premium" materials.
FAQ
Q: Can I use these for ice climbing? A: I wouldn't recommend it. The bulk of the 3-in-1 system makes it difficult to get a precise grip on ice tools. Look for a dedicated, low-profile climbing glove instead.
Q: How do I wash the REI Switchback GTX? A: Since the liner is removable, you can machine wash the fleece liner on a gentle cycle. For the outer shell, spot clean with a damp cloth and a GORE-TEX safe cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. Never put the shells in the dryer; air dry them away from direct heat.
Q: Do they run true to size? A: Yes, though they feel slightly "roomy" to accommodate the liner. If you are between sizes and prefer a snug fit for better dexterity, consider sizing down.
