If you're visiting Harbin, Lapland, Scandinavia, Iceland or the Arctic for the first time, you have probably spent time researching the right winter jacket, snow boots and thermal wear.
But one winter accessory is often overlooked:
Gloves
Many travellers assume their waterproof snow gloves only are enough because the product description says:
✓ Touchscreen compatible
✓ Use your phone without removing gloves
✓ Scroll on your smartphone
While this sounds convenient, the reality in -15°C to -30°C temperatures is very different.
The Problem With Touchscreen Snow Gloves
Most touchscreen snow gloves work reasonably well for:
✓ Swiping
✓ Scrolling
✓ Answering calls
However, when travelling, we often need to do much more than that.
For example:
📸 Taking photos
📍 Using Google Maps
💬 Replying WhatsApp messages
🔐 Typing passwords
🚕 Booking transport
📱 Entering verification codes
Many travellers quickly realise that typing accurately while wearing thick snow gloves is difficult.
As a result, they remove the gloves completely or expose part of their fingers.
This is where problems start.
How Fast Do Fingers Get Cold in Harbin or Lapland?
Your fingers are one of the first body parts to become cold.
When exposed to extreme temperatures, your body automatically reduces blood flow to the hands and feet to preserve warmth around vital organs.
That's why fingers can become cold, numb and painful surprisingly quickly.
In places like:
❄️ Harbin (-20°C to -30°C)
❄️ Lapland (-15°C to -25°C)
❄️ Northern Norway
❄️ Arctic Circle
even a short period of exposure can leave your fingers feeling stiff and uncomfortable.
Many travellers experience:
Tingling fingers
Numb fingertips
Reduced finger movement
Difficulty holding phones and cameras
Pain when warming hands again
Once your fingers become cold, it can take quite some time for them to feel comfortable again, even when wearing heated gloves or hand warmers.
Most tourists won't develop severe frostbite during normal sightseeing.
However, repeatedly exposing fingers while taking photos, using maps or texting can increase discomfort and cold-related injuries.
This is why experienced winter travellers focus on reducing skin exposure as much as possible.
Why Inner Knit Gloves Are So Useful
Inner knit gloves act as a protective layer between your skin and the cold environment.
If you need to remove your snow gloves for a few seconds, your hands are still protected.
Instead of exposing bare skin to -20°C air, you're exposing a thin thermal layer.
This simple difference can significantly improve comfort during your trip.
Benefits include:
✓ Additional insulation
✓ Reduced heat loss
✓ Protection when removing outer gloves
✓ More flexibility for using smartphones
✓ Better comfort during long outdoor activities
The Hidden Feature Many Travellers Love
One of the most practical designs for winter travel is an inner knit glove with:
🧤 Thumb opening
🧤 Index finger opening
These small openings allow you to:
Unlock your phone
Type messages
Take photos
Use travel apps
Enter passwords
without removing the entire glove.
Once finished, simply cover your fingers again and continue enjoying your trip.
For many travellers visiting Harbin or Lapland, this becomes one of their most-used winter accessories.
Best Glove Layering for Harbin and Arctic Winter
For temperatures below -15°C, we recommend:
Layer 1
Inner knit gloves
Layer 2
Waterproof insulated snow gloves or mittens
This layering system provides:
✓ Warmth
✓ Wind protection
✓ Water resistance
✓ Smartphone usability
✓ Reduced skin exposure
The same principle applies to winter clothing in general: layers work better than relying on a single item.
Final Thoughts
Many first-time Singapore travellers focus heavily on jackets and snow boots but underestimate the importance of hand protection.
The reality is that you'll probably use your phone dozens of times every day during your trip.
Even if your snow gloves are touchscreen compatible, there will be moments when you need more precision than a simple swipe.
That's why experienced winter travellers often wear:
Inner knit gloves + waterproof snow gloves
especially for destinations such as Harbin, Lapland, Scandinavia and the Arctic.
It's a small accessory that can make a surprisingly big difference to your comfort.
Recommended by Winterbuddy
Planning a trip to Harbin, Lapland, Scandinavia or the Arctic?
Our finger-access knit gloves feature convenient openings for the thumb and index finger, making it easier to use your smartphone while keeping your hands protected from the cold.
Perfect as an inner layer under waterproof snow gloves for temperatures below -15°C.
👉 View Product Here
Rent waterproof snow gloves here