Kodiak Mitt vs Impreza vs Nova: Men's Ski Gloves Guide
By Dakine | Backpacks, Luggage, Surf, Snow, & Bike Gear Since ... | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Buying Guides
Compare the Kodiak GORE-TEX Mitt, Impreza GORE-TEX Short Gloves, Nova Gloves, and Crossfire Short Gloves to match warmth, waterproofing, and dexterity to your riding days.
Quick answer
Choose the Kodiak GORE-TEX Mitt for frigid, deep-winter days when warmth beats dexterity, the Impreza GORE-TEX Short Gloves for mild mornings and variable conditions, and the Nova Gloves for a budget-friendly everyday ski glove. Pick the Crossfire Short Gloves only for spring riding or mild days when you want minimal bulk.
Why mitts and gloves split the decision
Mitts keep fingers together, which generally makes them warmer for the same amount of insulation, but you lose independent finger movement. Gloves give you dexterity for buckles, zippers, and touchscreens, but each finger has more surface area to chill. The Kodiak is a mitt; the Impreza, Nova, and Crossfire are gloves. That single difference should drive your first choice before you compare prices or colors.
If you ride in single-digit temperatures or have poor circulation, start with the Kodiak. If you run warm or ride mostly in spring conditions, a glove like the Impreza or Crossfire will feel less clammy and more useful.
Waterproofing and breathability trade-offs
The Kodiak and Impreza both use GORE-TEX, which is a strong waterproof, breathable benchmark. The Nova uses a DK Dry waterproof insert, and the Crossfire relies on a DWR-coated shell. In practice, GORE-TEX is the safer bet for wet snow and long days, while a DWR shell is fine for cold, dry snow but needs re-treatment over time.
Breathability matters as much as waterproofing. The Impreza's Gore Warm insert is designed to optimize breathability across activity levels, so it suits stop-and-go resort riding. The Kodiak's Primaloft Gold insulation and wool blend prioritize warmth, which can feel excessive on mild days.
When price should not be the deciding factor
The Crossfire is the lowest-cost option here, but it is explicitly a lightweight spring glove. Buying it as your only winter glove will likely leave you cold on lift rides. The Nova sits in the middle and offers a waterproof insert plus high-loft insulation, making it a more complete cold-weather glove for the money.
The Kodiak costs the most, but its goat-leather shell and Primaloft Gold insulation are built for durability and warmth. If you ski or ride more than a handful of days each season, that investment can outlast two cheaper pairs.
Decision rules for picking your pair
- If temperatures are below freezing and you feel the cold: Choose the Kodiak GORE-TEX Mitt. Its mitt design, Primaloft Gold insulation, and goat-leather shell are built for frigid days, and the trade-off is reduced finger dexterity. Reserve the Kodiak for deep winter; it will likely be too warm for spring slush.
- If you ride in mild winter or variable conditions: Choose the Impreza GORE-TEX Short Gloves. The Gore Warm insert and silicone-suede palm give you breathability and grip without the bulk of a mitt. The Impreza is the most versatile glove here for resort riding from morning to afternoon.
- If you want one cold-weather glove at a lower price: Choose the Nova Gloves. They include a DK Dry waterproof insert and high-loft insulation, so you get cold protection without paying GORE-TEX prices. Check the Nova's fit first; value gloves sometimes run roomier than performance models.
- If you only ride spring conditions or mild days: Choose the Crossfire Short Gloves. The DWR-coated shell and minimalist build suit warm laps, but do not expect them to replace a winter glove. Treat the Crossfire as a second pair, not your primary winter glove.
- If you are between sizes: Use the Dakine size chart and measure your hand before ordering. Mitts like the Kodiak fit differently from gloves, so do not assume the same size carries over. A snug glove should not restrict blood flow; a loose mitt loses warmth.
Product facts at a glance
- Impreza Gore-Tex Short Gloves - Mulled Basil: Gore Warm insert and a two-piece palm blending synthetic suede and silicone. The insert targets breathability while the palm adds grip and dexterity for mild-to-variable days.
Impreza Gore-Tex Short Gloves - Mulled Basil - Kodiak Gore-Tex Mitt - Black: Shell composed of 95% goat leather with Primaloft Gold insulation and a 360g wool blend. This combination prioritizes durability and warmth for frigid temperatures, at the cost of bulk.
Kodiak Gore-Tex Mitt - Black - Nova Gloves - Mulled Basil: Water-repellent shell, high-loft insulation, DK Dry waterproof insert, and water-repellent palm. It delivers a complete cold-weather package at a lower price than GORE-TEX options.
- Crossfire Short Gloves - Black/Grey: DWR-coated lightweight glove with a minimalist, form-fitting package. It is best reserved for spring riding or mild days when a heavier glove is unnecessary.
Who each glove suits
Best for
- Riders who feel the cold and want maximum warmth on frigid days (Kodiak)
- Resort riders who want breathable waterproofing and dexterity (Impreza)
- Skiers and snowboarders who want a complete cold-weather glove at a lower price (Nova)
- Spring riders and mild-day riders who want minimal bulk (Crossfire)
Not for
- Riders who need finger dexterity for cameras or buckles (Kodiak)
- Deep-winter riders who run cold (Crossfire)
- Riders who prioritize GORE-TEX waterproofing above all (Nova and Crossfire)
- Anyone who wants one glove for every condition (all four are specialized)
