Accessories

Arc'teryx Fission SV Glove

John Brown

• 2 min read
Arc'teryx Fission SV Glove
The Arc'teryx Fission SV Glove is the warmest in Arc'teryx's lineup. PrimaLoft Silver and Gold insulation combined with an Octa Loft lining creates furnace-like warmth for severe winter conditions. The GORE-TEX insert keeps hands dry in wet snow, and the Fortius 1.0 shell with goat leather reinforcements handles season after season of hard use. I bought these specifically because Arc'teryx markets them as their warmest option. For snowboarding in sub-25°F temps or windy conditions, they deliver. The dexterity is better than expected for such a warm glove, enough to adjust bindings and manipulate a camera without removing them.

What Are the Arc'teryx Fission SV Glove Specs?

The insulation stack combines PrimaLoft Silver in the back of the hand with PrimaLoft Gold in the fingers and palm. The Octa Loft lining adds another layer of warmth while wicking moisture away from skin. This multi-layer approach traps more heat than single-insulation designs. The Fortius 1.0 shell uses recycled nylon for weather resistance and durability. Double-layer goat leather reinforcements cover high-wear areas on the palm and fingers. The leather breaks in over time and develops a grip that synthetic palms can't match. An elasticated wrist strap and pull-to-close gauntlet seal out snow and cold air.

How Do the Fission SV Gloves Fit?

The fit runs true to Arc'teryx sizing. At just over 6 feet and 165 pounds, I wear a size L with room for a thin liner glove underneath. The gauntlet extends far enough to overlap jacket cuffs and seal the system. One critical note: the insides don't dry well if they get wet from sweat or from being put on and taken off. I turn mine inside out every night and place them near a heat source. Skipping this step means cold, clammy gloves the next morning.

When Should You Wear the Fission SV?

These handle temperatures from -20°F to 25°F, depending on activity level. For resort snowboarding with chairlift exposure, they're comfortable down to single digits. For high-output backcountry touring, they run warm above 15°F. I layer a Gothic Glove or Rho Glove underneath when temperatures drop below 10°F, or the wind chill is significant. The Fission SV has room for a thin liner without compromising dexterity. For milder conditions above 25°F, the Fission runs too hot, and I switch to lighter options.

What Are the Downsides?

The gauntlet style doesn't fit under jacket cuffs; it only fits over them. This works fine for most ski jackets, but can create bulk with certain sleeve designs. The gloves also lack a wrist leash, so I bought one separately on Amazon to avoid losing them on the chairlift. The price sits at the top of Arc'teryx's glove range. For severe cold, the investment makes sense. For typical resort days above 20°F, cheaper options work just as well. The Black Diamond Guide Glove offers similar warmth at a lower price if budget matters more than brand. For other cold-weather gear, see the Rush Pants and the best beanies for skiing.