A firefighter glove holder might seem like a simple piece of equipment, but not every holder works the same way. Your gloves need to stay secure while still being easy to access, and the holder shouldn't interfere with your turnout gear.

If you're considering a glove holder, here are the most important things to look for.

1. Secure Glove Retention

The first job of a glove holder is to keep your gloves where you put them. A holder that lets your gloves to fall off, swing excessively, or become separated from your gear defeats the purpose.

Look for a design that holds the gloves securely during normal movement around the station, while riding in the apparatus, and while putting on your gear.

2. Easy Access + Minimal Snag Potential

Your gloves should be easy to grab without creating another problem. A good glove holder should let you quickly access your gloves without digging through a pocket, unfastening multiple components, or untangling them from other equipment.

At the same time, the holder shouldn't create unnecessary snag points. Your gear already has plenty of straps, buckles, tools, and other components, so look for a low-profile design that keeps your gloves accessible without leaving them hanging where they can catch on equipment or obstacles.

3. One-Handed Operation

Being able to attach or remove your gloves with one hand can be useful when you're already holding other equipment or getting ready for a call.

Consider how the holder operates. Can you quickly attach your gloves? Can you remove them without needing to use both hands?

The simpler the operation, the easier it is to incorporate into your normal routine.

4. Compatibility With Your Gear

Not every glove holder will work with every firefighter's setup. Consider where the holder attaches and whether it works with your turnout gear, glove type, and other equipment.

It's also worth considering whether the holder remains accessible after you've put on your gear. A location that looks convenient while you're standing at the station may not be as practical once you're fully geared up.

5. Durability

Firefighting equipment gets used hard. A glove holder needs to withstand regular use without becoming another piece of gear you have to constantly replace.

Pay attention to the materials, construction, attachment method, and overall design. A holder may look convenient, but durability is important if you're going to rely on it every shift.

If It Works, It Works

At the end of the day, there's no reason to fix something that isn't broken. If stuffing your gloves into your bunker pants pockets works for you, keep doing it. If you've found a DIY setup with a carabiner that keeps your gloves secure and accessible, there's nothing wrong with sticking with it.

Handy Hooks goal isn't to convince every firefighter that they need a different way to carry their gloves, it's about finding what works best for them and their gear.

But if you're interested in helping move the fire service forward, looking for ways to improve efficiency, and finding small ways to become faster without compromising safety, it's worth considering a purpose-built solution.

Handy Hooks were designed to give firefighters another option: a simple, dedicated way to keep their gloves secure, accessible, and ready when they're needed.

If your current setup works, keep using it. If you're looking for a better way to keep your gloves ready, give Handy Hook a try.