The Ergodyne ProFlex 850 Insulated Freezer Gloves are a good pick for cold storage workers who need warmth and dexterity for picking, packing and scanning. They are rated for a full 8-hour shift at -5°F (-21°C) and up to 1 hour at -20°F (-29°C) at a moderate work level. They are not waterproof and offer only light cut protection, so wet or blade work needs a different glove.
If you work in a cooler or freezer, your gloves decide how long you can do fine tasks before your fingers give up. Most pages that rank for this glove are stores selling it, so it is hard to find a plain explanation of what the numbers mean on the job.
This Ergodyne ProFlex 850 review breaks down the temperature rating, CLO value, safety standards and limits, so you can decide before you order. It also covers who should skip these freezer gloves.
We did not test this pair ourselves. This review is based on Ergodyne’s published specifications, the Amazon listing, published safety standards, and what workers say about cold-weather gloves in Reddit discussions. Details can change, so confirm them on the product page before you order.
Ergodyne ProFlex 850 at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Temperature range | -5°F to -20°F (-21°C to -29°C), depending on activity |
| CLO rating | 1.3 |
| Insulation | 150g, lightweight |
| Cut and abrasion | ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 cut level A2, abrasion level 5 |
| Standards | EN 388: 3X22B, EN 511: 23X |
| Grip | Silicone patterned palm and fingers, reinforced thumb saddle |
| Touchscreen | Thumb, index and middle finger (not through screen protectors) |
| Cuff | Neoprene with hook-and-loop closure and ID space |
| Sizes on Amazon | XX-Small to 3X-Large |
| Amazon rating when we checked | 4.2 out of 5 from 221 ratings |
The Ergodyne ProFlex 850 is a lightweight insulated freezer glove for people who still need to use their fingers. It relies on 150g of insulation instead of the thick padding on bulkier gloves, so you can pick small items and scan labels without pulling the gloves off.
That trade-off defines the glove. You get dexterity and grip, and in return you get less warmth in the deepest cold than a heavily padded glove would give you.
- Rated for a full 8-hour shift at -5°F (-21°C)
- 150g insulation keeps bulk low for picking and packing
- Silicone palm and fingers for gripping cartons and packaging
- Reinforced thumb saddle for rough handling
- Touchscreen fingers on thumb, index and middle finger
- Neoprene cuff, ID space and hi-vis accents
- Not waterproof, water penetration was not tested
- Only 1 hour at -20°F (-29°C) at a moderate work level
- A2 cut protection is low
- Touchscreen fails through screen protectors
- Care instructions differ between sources
1. The Temperature Rating Depends on Time and Activity
Ergodyne gives the ProFlex 850 a 1.3 CLO rating, a measure of insulating ability. At a moderate work level, that translates to up to 1 hour at -20°F (-29°C) or a full 8-hour workday at -5°F (-21°C).
Ergodyne counts picking and packaging as moderate work. Light work such as driving a forklift creates less body heat, so your hands will get cold sooner in the same room.
Ergodyne itself says thermal ratings are a guide, not a guarantee, and that warm-up breaks still matter.
2. Light Insulation Means Dexterity Is the Strength
The 150g insulation is lightweight and, according to Ergodyne, free of bulk. That helps when you pick, scan and handle small items in a cold room.
The silicone pattern on the palm and fingers helps you hold cartons and packaging. The reinforced thumb saddle adds durability in a high-wear area, and the neoprene cuff with hook-and-loop closure makes the gloves easy to put on and take off.
The Amazon listing gives the fabric as 66% nylon, 21% polyester, 10% polyurethane, 2% cotton and 1% spandex.
3. The ProFlex 850 Is Not Waterproof
Neither Ergodyne’s description nor the Amazon listing claims waterproofing. The EN 511 code of 23X also ends in X, which generally means water penetration was not tested.
Frozen goods often carry frost that melts against warm hands, and wet fabric loses warmth quickly. For washdown areas or melting ice, look at a waterproof glove such as the Ergodyne ProFlex 7501, which is fully latex coated. Its listing gives no temperature rating, so it suits cold wet weather better than deep freezer work.
4. Cut Protection Is Light
The glove meets ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 cut level A2 and abrasion level 5. A2 is a low cut level, enough for things like cardboard edges, not for knives or sharp metal.
If you open cartons with a blade, treat this glove as a warmth layer and follow your employer’s rules on cut-resistant gear.
5. Touchscreen Fingers Work, With One Catch
The thumb, index and middle fingers use touchscreen-friendly material, so you can swipe and type on tablets and scanners without removing the gloves.
Ergodyne notes it does not work on phones with screen protectors. If your device has one, expect to remove a glove for input.
6. The Size Range Is Wide, So Measure First
Amazon lists sizes from XX-Small to 3X-Large. A glove that is too tight squeezes the insulation and can restrict circulation, and one that is too loose costs you dexterity.
Check the size guide on the listing against your hand measurements. Pricing on Amazon also varies noticeably by size, so compare your size across sellers before you buy.
7. Care Instructions Differ Between Sources
Ergodyne’s product description says machine washable, cold wash and air dry. The Amazon listing says hand wash.
Follow the care label on your pair. Cold water and air drying are the safe common ground, and skipping the dryer avoids heat that can shorten the life of synthetic gloves.
What Do EN 388 3X22B and EN 511 23X Mean?
These codes look technical, but each digit answers a simple question about the glove.
| Standard | Code | Plain Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 | A2 cut, level 5 abrasion | Light cut protection and strong abrasion resistance |
| EN 388 | 3X22B | Abrasion 3, blade cut test not run (X), tear 2, puncture 2, ISO cut level B |
| EN 511 | 23X | Cold protection: convective cold 2, contact cold 3, water penetration not tested (X) |
In short, this is a cold-protection glove with light mechanical protection, not a heavy-duty or wet-work glove.
Who Should NOT Buy the Ergodyne ProFlex 850
This glove is a strong fit for dry cold storage tasks, but it is the wrong choice in several situations.
- Your work is wet, such as washdown areas or melting ice, because the glove is not waterproof
- You stay in -20°F (-29°C) or colder for more than an hour, since that is the rated limit at moderate work
- You cut cartons with blades or handle sharp edges, because A2 cut protection is low
- You need the touchscreen to work through a screen protector
- You already struggle with cold hands, because a rating cannot replace advice from your doctor
For heavier or wetter options, see our guide to the best freezer work gloves.
How to Stay Warmer in the ProFlex 850
Workers in an r/electricians thread on extreme cold share a few habits that apply to any insulated glove. Their advice is anecdotal, but the ideas are common in cold-weather work.
- Add a thin liner: several commenters wear a thin glove underneath. They disagree on nitrile, and one warns it traps moisture, so a moisture-wicking liner is the safer choice. Make sure the gloves still fit without squeezing your fingers.
- Keep your core warm: commenters say warm arms and a warm torso help keep hands warm.
- Rotate two pairs: keep a spare pair somewhere warm and swap when the first pair gets cold.
- Take warm-up breaks: read OSHA’s Cold Stress Guide for the warning signs of cold stress and safe work practices in cold environments.
Ergodyne ProFlex 850 Alternatives
For wet cold, the Ergodyne ProFlex 7501 is a waterproof winter glove with a nitrile-dipped palm, sized Small to 2X-Large. For deeper cold or longer exposure, a heavier freezer glove will do better than the lightweight ProFlex 850.
We compare more options in our freezer work gloves guide, and you can browse more practical picks in our Health and Lifestyle section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Ergodyne ProFlex 850 gloves waterproof?
No. Ergodyne does not describe the ProFlex 850 as waterproof, and its EN 511 code ends in X, which generally means water penetration was not tested. These gloves suit dry cold storage work. For wet conditions, choose a waterproof glove such as the Ergodyne ProFlex 7501.
What temperature are the ProFlex 850 gloves rated for?
They are recommended for -5°F to -20°F (-21°C to -29°C). At a moderate work level, Ergodyne rates them for up to 1 hour at -20°F (-29°C) and a full 8-hour workday at -5°F (-21°C). Individual warmth varies, so treat the rating as a guide.
Do the ProFlex 850 gloves work with touchscreens?
Yes, on the thumb, index and middle finger, so you can swipe, tap and type on tablets and smartphones without removing the gloves. Ergodyne notes that it does not work on phones with screen protectors, so test with your own device or expect to take a glove off.
Can you machine wash the ProFlex 850 gloves?
Ergodyne’s description says machine washable with a cold wash and air dry, while the Amazon listing says hand wash. Check the care label on your pair. Cold water and air drying are the safest common ground, and you should skip the dryer to protect the insulation.
Are the ProFlex 850 gloves good for outdoor winter work?
Ergodyne says they also suit outdoor workers in construction and mining, plus activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing. Wind and moisture make outdoor cold harder on your hands, and these gloves are not waterproof, so wet or windy conditions may call for a different glove.
Where can I buy the Ergodyne ProFlex 850 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia?
In the US, the ProFlex 850 is sold on Amazon and through industrial safety suppliers. Buyers in the UK, Canada and Australia should check the Amazon listing for their region and local safety suppliers, because stock and shipping vary by country. EN 388 and EN 511 are European standards.
The Ergodyne ProFlex 850 is a solid pick for dry cold storage work where you need dexterity, such as picking, packing and scanning. It covers a full shift at -5°F (-21°C) and gives you a short window at -20°F (-29°C).
Skip it if your work is wet, involves blades, or keeps you in the deepest cold for hours. In those cases, a waterproof or heavier glove is the better buy.
Buying for someone who works in cold storage? Our gift ideas page has more practical picks.
