We use these gloves for gardening during the colder months in addition to hiking. They repel water some, but keep hands warmer than typical gardening gloves. The only drawback is the latest manufacturing of these gloves resulted in them being smaller than before. We have worn size medium for a few years in this glove, but now we need a size large. SunnySports was great about exchanging them for us after receiving several new pair in size medium from this year's supply. So if you like your glove snug but not tight, and you want the option of using liners with them, you may want to size up now...at least if you usually wear size medium.