Articulated Armor for Storm Days and Backcountry Missions: Stio Objective LP Insulated Ski Gloves Review

Everyone who’s worn a pair of well-fitting ski gloves knows the satisfaction — hence the saying, it fits like a glove. In the late 17th century, makers custom-tailored gloves to match the shape of the hand and fingers closely. While the Stio Objective LP Insulated ski gloves aren’t customized, the ergonomic shape reflects precision and craftsmanship, and this was noticeable the first time I pulled them on. 

I tested these ski gloves at Silverton Mountain, snowcat skiing with Irwin Guides, and on self-powered backcountry days, including a particularly blustery ski tour with a 3,000-foot climb. 

The articulation of the Stio Objective LP Insulated ski gloves mirrors the natural curve of my hand and fingers, which boosts comfort and mobility. This ski glove design is made of full-grain leather plus reinforcement on the palm and a smooth polyester cuff. It looks sleek and technical, and is. 

In short: At a mid-tier price point, the Stio Objective LP Insulated ski glove ($179) is a midweight, insulated design with ergonomic finger construction and functional details. The glove uses a breathable ePE GORE-TEX membrane that blocks snow and wind while being PFAS-free. It has a comfortable, slightly roomy fit — ideal for cold-weather resort days, stormy weather, and ski tours that stay above 15 degrees. 

See how this ski glove compares to our other top picks in the Ski Gloves buyer’s guide.

Performance in the Elements: Stio Objective LP Insulated Ski Gloves Review

We all talk about building a quiver of skis, but I have far more pairs of gloves than skis. I need a specific pair for the conditions, activity, and output.

The Stio Objective LP Insulated ski glove sits squarely in the middle of the spectrum, able to protect my hands in the broadest range of conditions. It’s too toasty for warm spring days and can be too much for upskilling. 

These gloves work nicely at the resort or on tours, and I mostly used them on descents. They served me well on freezing days (32 degrees) down to about 15 degrees, and then my hands needed more for descents or lift rides. 

Fit, Insulation, Comfort

Compared to the Flylow Wolverine Glove, this pair runs roomier, especially around the fingertips, digits, and knuckles. That said, there’s a noticeable curvature around and through the end of each finger. An ergonomic shape offers comfort, function, and performance. 

The idea is that a tailored silhouette will provide better dexterity and grip, enhance warmth (by removing air pockets), and lead to less fatigue over time. An even tighter-fitting ski glove would offer better performance for technical tasks. But, for a ski glove that provides adequate warmth for a broad range of cold conditions, this one feels nicely tailored. I particularly liked how the glove felt when wrapping my hand around ski or splitboard poles. 

The Objective is insulated with 100 g of PrimaLoft Gold Eco, a 100% recycled fill. The quantity strikes a good balance for active cold-weather use. That said, for deep-freeze days below 15 degrees F, I’d reach for a toastier option like the Swany X-Cell or Black Diamond Guide ski glove.

PFAS-Free: Blocks Wind & Snow

During one backcountry ski tour in a howling alpine snowstorm at 12,000 feet in Colorado, the Objective LP proved its storm-ready credentials. Thanks to the best-in-class GORE-TEX insert, it blocked wind, shed snow, and breathed well.

I’ve tested dozens of winter gloves for hundreds of hours, and this is the first pair of ski gloves I’ve tested with GORE-TEX’s innovative ePE technology. The membrane, the glove’s DWR fabric treatment, and the entire manufacturing process are PFAS-free. 

This pair is among the industry’s first to feature the fully eco-conscious GORE-TEX tech, and it worked just as well to block the elements. At print, the only other ski glove our team has tested with the progressive technology is the Dakine Impreza GORE-TEX Glove, a lighter-weight option with less insulation and excellent touchscreen capability. 

Smart Details & Soft Materials

As a ski tourer living in one of the coldest places in the lower 48 states, I know how vital a nose wipe is. And I love the Objective’s soft suede nose (or goggle) wipe patches covering each thumb’s top. 

The merino-polyester blend (50/50) liner feels soft and breathable, keeping moisture at bay without overheating. The fabric isn’t buttery but is on the softer side. 

The designers placed nubuck patches across the palmar surface and palm to improve grip and durability while I grabbed my ski poles or held the handlebars of my snowmobile. A removable 4-inch leash adds security, but I found it a tad lengthy. I really liked the low-profile cuff, which fits seamlessly under my jacket sleeve.

One of the most unique details of this design is a 1-inch wrist gusset held taut with elastic. You can peel open the fabric (imagine a soft taco shell) to grab the slender elastic. I decided to use the elastic as a hang loop to keep my gloves snug on the grips when I planted my ski poles.

Critiques

My only gripe lies with the touchscreen functionality. While this ski glove includes conductive leather on the index finger and thumb, the curved seams reduce accuracy, making quick texting or navigation awkward. 

It’s not a deal-breaker, but don’t count on it for seamless screen use. Also, why bother putting this technology on a thumb? Maybe I’m missing something, but I’ve never seen someone navigate a screen with their thumb. 

Secondly, while this ski glove provides adequate warmth for moderate to cold conditions, I found I needed a bit more insulation when the temperatures dropped below 15 degrees — that’s exactly why I have a quiver of gloves.

Conclusion

This Stio Objective LP Insulated ski glove hits the sweet spot for most winter days. It combines solid weather protection against wind and snow, a comfortable fit, and solid construction. 

The most noticeable design detail is the articulation along the fingers, which I liked. The gloves feel supportive without being stiff or tight. The fit feels just right with some room inside, without the glove feeling sloppy. The suede wipes on each thumb are soft and utilitarian.

The price point of these gloves sits a tad above the median, making it an excellent value for the investment. Plus, this is one of the first ski gloves to incorporate the toxic-free waterproof-breathable ePE technology from GORE-TEX. 

Whether ski touring or lapping lifts through blowing snow, this glove balances style with excellent performance. For those who want warmth without bulk and who care about eco-conscious design, it’s a worthy daily driver.