OTEX Articles

Tips to Keep Your Hands Warm, Dry, and Ready for Action

When you invest in a quality pair of cold weather photography gloves, you want them to deliver — no matter how bad the weather gets. That’s why we created the OTEX XT series gloves: durable, waterproof, insulated gloves designed specifically for outdoor photographers and adventurers.

But even the best gloves in the world need to be used the right way to perform at their peak. In this post, we’ll share our top real-world tips to help you get the most out of your OTEX gloves — so your hands stay warm, your gear stays accessible, and your focus stays on the shot.

1. Seal the Wrist Strap Properly to Stay Dry

Yes, OTEX gloves are fully waterproof gloves designed for outdoor photographers. But water has a sneaky way of getting in if you give it the chance—especially at the wrist.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to stay dry is to secure the wrist strap firmly over your jacket sleeve. We specifically designed the OTEX velcro wrist straps for this reason—they create a tight seal that blocks out moisture. Unlike elastic stretch cuffs, which tend to soak up water like a sponge, our straps help prevent rain or snow from running down your arm and into the glove. If the strap is too loose, or worn under your jacket, water can gradually seep in and compromise comfort.

Another thing to avoid is constantly taking your gloves off. If your hands are wet when you put them back on, that moisture stays inside and compromises the insulation. The gloves are still doing their job—it’s just now they're fighting internal moisture as well.

Quick fix: Keep a microfibre towel handy in your pocket or camera bag. Use it to dry your hands and gloves during wet conditions. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference when managing wet gear in a downpour.

2. Warm Hands In, Warm Hands Out

Here's a little-known truth: gloves don’t create heat—they trap the heat you give them. If you start with cold hands, even the most insulated glove can feel like it's not working.

To get the best results:

• Warm up your hands first. Movement and friction often works the best.
• Always make sure your hands are dry before putting gloves on.
• If you're in a freezing environment, hand warmers can give you a head start.
  
  

We tested this ourselves in the Alps. When our hands were already cold, the gloves didn’t feel warm. But after warming up with movement and popping in dry hands, the difference was dramatic. Within minutes, they were toasty.

For extreme cold, layer with glove liners underneath your OTEX gloves. It works the same as layering jackets: extra insulation, better heat retention.

3. Use Hand Warmers 

It seems obvious, but hand warmers are an inexpensive and non-intrusive way to warm up your hands and even your gloves.  You can keep a pair in your pockets or better yet, pre-warm your gloves by placing  a pair inside your gloves prior as you’re driving to your location prior to your shoot.

If you want to take it to the next level, the OTEX XT-850 gloves come with a clever little feature designed for the most brutal conditions: large built-in zip pockets that can house the hand warmers. These pockets sit right across the back of your hand, where warmth is needed most.

Here’s how to get the most from them:

• When you find yourself standing around for a while, activate the hand warmers for instant heat and place them in the pocket.
• The heat will gently radiate across your hand while still allowing full flexibility.
• Close the zip completely to trap warmth and keep the elements out.
  
  

It’s perfect for pre-dawn starts, mountain summits, or any situation where sub-zero temps are a reality. Combined with good layering and proper use, this gives the XT-850 gloves a serious edge in extreme cold.

4. Flip Fingers? Use Them With Intention

One of the most-loved features of OTEX gloves is the flip-back finger caps, which give you instant camera access without having to take your gloves off.  

But in wet or freezing weather, limit exposure. Every time you open the caps, you’re giving the cold a chance to creep in. Use them only when necessary, and keep your fingers dry before sealing them back up.

The magnetic closures on OTEX gloves make this easy—quick access without them flapping about and getting caught in wet snow. Just don’t leave them open longer than you need to.  If it’s icy and wet, another quick dry with your towel will help keep the moisture out and maintain the glove’s excellent warmth.

5. Treat Your Gloves Like Any Other High-Performance Gear

These gloves are built to last—but like any good piece of gear, they’ll last longer with a bit of care.

After use:

• Hang them somewhere warm and ventilated to dry completely.
• Open them up fully (especially if they’ve been exposed to moisture).
• Avoid stuffing them damp into a bag for the night.
  
  

If the gloves get dirty, a cool machine wash or hand wash is advised and be sure to follow the care instructions on the internal label.  Proper care protects the glove’s waterproof membrane and thermal insulation, so they’re ready for the next cold shoot, hike, or snowstorm.

Trusted by Photographers, Designed for the Wild

At OTEX, we design gear that we use ourselves—on remote trails, icy ridges, and in wild places where there are no second chances. That’s why OTEX gloves aren’t just about warmth—they’re about control, comfort, and confidence in tough conditions.

So whether you're shooting in a frosty Tasmanian forest or chasing auroras in Scandinavia, know this: you're wearing gloves that were built to handle it. Just follow these simple steps, and your gloves will deliver every time.

Ready to Take on the Elements?

If you’ve just picked up a pair, now you’ve got the knowledge to use them right. And if you’re still on the fence, this is your sign—invest in gloves that are made for photographers who don’t stop when the weather turns.

👉 Shop the OTEX glove range now