Winter Gloves Compared: Alpensattel Premium Thermo 3.0 vs. PolarTherm 2.0

Sigi · Sep 18, 2025 · 4 min read

Premium Thermo 3.0 vs. PolarTherm 2.0 head-to-head: Which Alpensattel winter glove stays warmer longer and fits better?

Winterhandschuhe im Vergleich: Alpensattel Premium Thermo 3.0 vs. PolarTherm 2.0 - Alpensattel

Step by step

1
Determine glove size
Measure the circumference of your palm (excluding the thumb) at the knuckles – this gives your glove size in cm. 18 to 19 cm = S, 20 to 21 cm = M, 22 to 23 cm = L, 24 to 25 cm = XL. The glove should fit snugly but allow freedom of movement. Too loose causes heat loss, too tight restricts blood flow.
2
Choose material combination
Three-layer principle: windproof outside (softshell with membrane), insulation in the middle (Thinsulate, PrimaLoft, down), inside microfleece or merino. Breathability is important, otherwise sweat accumulates and it feels cold.
3
Seal wrists
A long gauntlet or cuff over the wrist prevents wind and cold from creeping under the sleeve. Worn over the jacket, it’s the simplest trick against cold hands. Velcro or click fasteners for adjustment are helpful.
4
Note the lining
Microfleece is warm, soft, and breathable – the standard for winter gloves. Merino wool regulates moisture better but is more expensive. Avoid pure cotton: it retains sweat and cools down quickly.
5
Add handlebar gloves in extreme cold
At temperatures below minus 5 degrees Celsius, most gloves alone are not enough. Handlebar gloves (pogies or bar mitts) are mounted over the handlebar and create a windproof tunnel for your hands. Combined with regular gloves, they are extremely warm.

The PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0 are both waterproof and warm: waterproof with an 8,000 mm water column, windproof and warm down to –10 °C. For 0 to 10 °C, the Premium Thermo Fahrrad Handschuhe 3.0 are enough, wind- and water-repellent. For constant rain and sub-zero temperatures, we recommend the PolarTherm.

If you ride a bike, you know it: cold fingers can ruin any ride. Cycling gloves for winter are therefore a must – whether you commute to the office, train on the road bike or head out on a long MTB tour.

For men: Which size and model suit broader hands is covered in our guide Men's winter cycling gloves.

For women: Which size and model suit narrower hands is covered in our guide Women's winter cycling gloves.

Alpensattel has two top models in its range, made specifically for cyclists: the PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0 (warm down to –10 °C, waterproof) and the Premium Thermo Fahrrad Handschuhe 3.0 (for 0 to 10 °C, water-repellent). Both protect against wind and cold, but they differ in temperature range and wet-weather performance.

So you can choose your perfect pair of cycling gloves for the cold season, we compare the two models in this article and show where each one is strongest.

Reading time: approx. 5 minutes

Our recommendation PolarTherm Winter Gloves 2.0

4,8 (114)

down to –10 °C · 3M Thinsulate + ThermoCore Fleece · 15 % thicker than its predecessor

49,97€~~69,97€~~

View now

30-day risk-free trial

4,9 (129)

Premium Thermal Bicycle Gloves 3.0Down to 0 °C, water-repellent

39,97€59,97€

4,8 (114)

PolarTherm Winter Gloves 2.0Down to −10 °C, waterproof

49,97€69,97€

+

BUNDLE · 4 ITEMS

All-Weather Bundle 2026PolarTherm 2.0 · Thermo 3.0 · Thermal Beanie · Tube Scarf

YOU SAVE 99,91€

79,97€ RRP ~~179,88€~~

Thermo SetLong-sleeve shirt + long underpants for cold rides

59,97€89,97€

Fleece ZipperLight warmth under your cycling jacket – with full-length zipper

59,97€79,97€

Thermo SocksWarm socks for cold cycling days

24,97€29,97€

4,8 (49)

Warm BalaclavaFull protection for face and neck

19,97€24,97€

4,8 (143)

Bicycle Neck GaiterNeck and face wind protection

19,97€24,97€

Which winter cycling gloves are waterproof?

Of our winter gloves, the PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0 are waterproof. The outside is a waterproof and windproof layer with an 8,000 mm water column, so rain, snow and splashes stay out. At the same time, the glove is breathable.

The Premium Thermo Fahrrad Handschuhe 3.0 are wind- and water-repellent: drizzle and splashes bead off. For constant rain and sub-zero temperatures, we recommend the PolarTherm.

What is the difference between waterproof and water-repellent?

Water-repellent means the outer fabric lets light rain and splashes bead off, but in longer rain water can soak in. Waterproof means a layer inside the glove keeps water out even when it hits the fabric for a long time. The water column shows how much water pressure the fabric withstands before water gets through. The PolarTherm 2.0 reach 8,000 mm.

PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0: waterproof, for rain, snow and frost.
Premium Thermo Fahrrad Handschuhe 3.0: water-repellent, for cool autumn and winter days without constant rain.

Which cycling gloves really keep you warm in winter?

Our tip: look for three things. An insulating layer that traps air, an outer material that blocks the wind, and dry hands. Damp gloves quickly feel cold.

PolarTherm 2.0: ThermoCore Fleece inside (15 % thicker than the predecessor), 3M Thinsulate in the middle, a waterproof and windproof layer outside. Warm down to –10 °C.
Thermo 3.0: ThermoCore Fleece (also 15 % thicker than the predecessor), wind- and water-repellent outer fabric. For 0 to 10 °C. The glove stays slim, so you still feel the brake and the shifter.

Both have an anti-slip coating on the palm, a touchscreen function and reflective strips. The PolarTherm cuff is 2 cm longer than on the predecessor and closes with a hook-and-loop strap, so no cold air gets in at the wrist.

Which glove suits which temperature?

Below 0 °C down to –10 °C, rain or snow: PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0
0 to 10 °C, commuting and everyday rides: Premium Thermo Fahrrad Handschuhe 3.0
Above 10 °C: a light summer glove, for example our padded summer gloves. More in Cycling gloves for summer 2026.

+

BUNDLE · 4 ITEMS

All-Weather Bundle 2026PolarTherm 2.0 · Thermo 3.0 · Thermal Beanie · Tube Scarf

YOU SAVE 99,91€

79,97€ RRP ~~179,88€~~

+

BUNDLE · 3 ITEMS

PolarTherm Pro BundleTube Scarf · PolarTherm · Thermal Beanie

YOU SAVE 30€

84,91€ RRP ~~114,91€~~

+

BUNDLE · 4 ITEMS

Winter Pro BundleThermal Beanie · Thermo 2.0 · Reflectors · Tube Scarf

YOU SAVE 54,91€

64,97€ RRP ~~119,88€~~

+

BUNDLE · 3 ITEMS

Winter Starter BundleThermal Beanie · Thermo 2.0 · Tube Scarf

YOU SAVE 49,94€

54,97€ RRP ~~104,91€~~

+

BUNDLE · 3 ITEMS

Winter Essentials BundleTube Scarf · Thermo 2.0 · Thermal Beanie

YOU SAVE 49,94€

54,97€ RRP ~~104,91€~~

Which cycling gloves are the best?

That depends on temperature and weather. For frost and wet weather, we recommend the PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0, for drier days between 0 and 10 °C the Premium Thermo Fahrrad Handschuhe 3.0. You will find a selection for summer and winter in Cycling gloves tested 2026, and more tips for cold days in Cycling in winter.

How do you care for winter cycling gloves?

Hand wash or use a gentle cycle up to 30 °C, no fabric softener, no tumble dryer, let them dry at room temperature. After 5 to 10 washes, re-treat the Thermo 3.0 with waterproofing spray so water keeps beading off.

Cycling gloves for winter and summer

4,9 (129)

Premium Thermal Bicycle Gloves 3.0Down to 0 °C, water-repellent

39,97€59,97€

4,8 (114)

PolarTherm Winter Gloves 2.0Down to −10 °C, waterproof

49,97€69,97€

4,6 (1.413)

Premium Thermal Bicycle Gloves 2.0Down to 0 °C, water-repellent

34,97€54,97€

4,6 (1.413)

PolarTherm Winter GlovesDown to −10 °C, waterproof

44,97€64,97€

4,7 (62)

Padded Summer GlovesBreathable & Padded

19,97€39,97€

+

BUNDLE · 3 ITEMS

All-Weather Bundle + Free Tube ScarfPolarTherm · Thermo 2.0 · Tube Scarf

YOU SAVE 74,94€

69,97€ RRP ~~144,91€~~

Frequently asked questions

Which winter cycling gloves are waterproof and warm?

The PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0 are waterproof (8,000 mm water column), windproof and warm down to –10 °C. For 0 to 10 °C without constant rain, the wind- and water-repellent Premium Thermo Fahrrad Handschuhe 3.0 are enough.

What is the difference between waterproof and water-repellent cycling gloves?

Water-repellent means light rain and splashes bead off. Waterproof means a layer inside the glove keeps water out even in prolonged wet weather. In our range, the PolarTherm 2.0 is waterproof and the Thermo 3.0 is water-repellent.

At what temperature do I need winter cycling gloves?

Our tip: once it gets cooler than about 10 °C, your hands chill quickly in the wind. The Thermo 3.0 suits 0 to 10 °C, and below that, down to –10 °C, the PolarTherm 2.0.

Which cycling gloves keep you warm in winter rain?

In rain, we recommend a waterproof and windproof glove so the insulation stays dry. The PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0 combine ThermoCore Fleece, 3M Thinsulate and a waterproof outer layer.

How do I care for winter cycling gloves?

Hand wash or gentle cycle up to 30 °C, no fabric softener, no tumble dryer, dry at room temperature. Re-treat the Thermo 3.0 with waterproofing spray after 5 to 10 washes.

Can I return the gloves if they do not fit?

Yes. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Exchanging for another size is free; for a return with a refund, we deduct €3.90 for the return label.

Which cycling gloves keep your hands warm best in winter?

Three layers are crucial: windproof, water-repellent outer material, an insulating layer (for example 3M Thinsulate) and a comfortable inner lining. The combination matters more than sheer thickness. Our PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0 are rated down to –10 °C – windproof, 100 % waterproof (8,000 mm water column) and touchscreen-compatible.

What should I consider when buying winter cycling gloves?

Four points: 1) Windproofing – more important than insulation alone, because wind chill is the main cause of cold fingers. 2) Long cuff over the wrist to block drafts. 3) Touchscreen function on thumb and index finger. 4) Grippy inner surface so you can hold the handlebar securely even in wet conditions. Too thick is counterproductive – you lose sensitivity when braking and shifting.

Why are windproof gloves more important than thick ones?

When cycling, the movement creates wind – often more than the natural wind. Even at moderate outside temperatures, the effective temperature feels significantly colder due to the wind chill effect. A thin membrane layer that blocks the wind keeps your hands noticeably warmer than a thick but wind-permeable knitted glove.

Are touchscreen gloves useful?

Yes – especially in everyday life. Anyone who uses navigation, phone, or music on their smartphone doesn’t want to take off their gloves for it, especially not in winter. High-quality gloves have conductive threads woven into the thumb and index finger that work reliably. This has no effect on the protective function of the glove.

Back to Blog

The lightweight all-rounder

The Premium Thermo Fahrrad Handschuhe 3.0 from Alpensattel are the right choice for milder temperatures, for commuters and for everyday riding in autumn and winter. The ThermoCore fleece is 15% thicker than on the predecessor, the gloves are wind- and water-repellent and keep your hands warm down to about 0 °C. Reflective strips provide visibility in traffic, and thanks to the touchscreen function you can use your smartphone without taking your gloves off.

Defying the subzero temperatures

When it gets really cold and wet, the PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0 are the right solution: a winter glove for cyclists that keeps your hands warm down to –10 °C. It is 100% waterproof (8,000 mm water column) and windproof, so your hands stay dry even in snowfall or drizzle. The longer cuff has a hook-and-loop closure, and it is touchscreen-compatible as well.

Gempages 506404630339519367 bff5a8e7 3925 4bab a549 b629c8164996

Direct comparison: Which gloves are right for you?

Kriterium	Premium Thermo 3.0	PolarTherm Winter Handschuhe 2.0
Temperaturbereich	bis ca. 0 °C	bis ca. –10 °C
Wind-/Wasserschutz	wind- und wasserabweisend	100 % wasserdicht (8.000 mm Wassersäule), winddicht
Touchscreen	Touchscreen-fähig	Touchscreen-fähig
Einsatz	Für Alltag, Pendeln & Herbst	Für extreme Kälte & Nässe

Secure grip on the handlebar in crisp temperatures

Whether you are looking for lightweight, flexible gloves for everyday use in autumn and winter or reliable protection in freezing cold – Alpensattel has the right solution:

Premium Thermo 3.0

The everyday model for autumn and the transition season, warm down to 0 °C.

Discover now

polartherm-winter-handschuhe-zum-produkt

PolarTherm 2.0

The waterproof winter glove for frost and rain, warm down to –10 °C.

Discover now

This way, you are perfectly equipped for every ride and benefit from a non-slip grip on the handlebars – whether in drizzle, wind, or freezing temperatures. Warm cycling gloves are more than just protection against the cold; they enhance control over the bike and thus the riding experience.

Want to learn more? In this article, you’ll find out what makes good winter cycling gloves and what to look for when buying them.