Staying warm at sea revolves around the right choice in clothing, and gloves are key part of the mix. Unfortunately, hand warmth and dexterity are often at opposite ends of a glove rating scale, and sailors need a good showing in both realms. Add to this, underway conditions that can range from dry cold to practically being submerged in ice water, and it’s easy to see why smart shopping can be a tricky proposition.

So we decided to send Practical Sailor Technical Editor Ralph Naranjo on a series of sea trials with two different glove types. The trip conditions ranged from chilly New

The nylon North Face gloves (above) offer as much warmth—and more dexterity—than the neoprene Glacier Gloves (below).

England deliveries to an absolutely frigid junket…