Theres also a zippered pocket on the back of the hand, so you can easily insert a handwarmer on the coldest of days. volcom For absolute warmth, we turn to mittens, which heat more efficiently by pressing your fingers against one another. Finally, what drops the Burton towards the bottom of our listand below the similarly priced Gordini and Dakine aboveis its build quality: the gauntlet closure is prone to loosening and the palm material feels cheap and doesn't grip as well as leather.See the Burton Gore-Tex See the Women's Burton Gore-Tex, Cuff style: UndercuffShell: Canvas/leatherInsulation: NoneWhat we like: Trusted performance, ultra-low price.What we dont: Limited warmth (think hand warmers or liner gloves). The biggest downside is moisture protection. They cost $115 and are worth it if you need an uber-warm mitt that will last for years. Support us! Many of Hestra's freeride gloves are undercuff, and some backcountry skiers prefer the freedom you get with this style. Fully taped Another benefit is that its easier to dry out the gloves if they happen to get wet by separating the two pieces. The glove has Salomons AdvancedSkin Warm tech, which reflects warmth back to your body and works to retain heat, plus a DWR-treated windproof mitt cover, extended cuff, and touchscreen finger. Leatherand particularly treated leatheris water resistant and can withstand light to moderate wetness. And Dakine nailed the details with an easy-to-adjust gauntlet closure, zippered pocket on the back of the hand for adding a heat pack, and touchscreen compatibility on the liner. Read more about us. This all-leather, undercuff design with exposed stitching is a work of art. I opted to size up because I planned to wear them over my thick Dachsteins mitts. The downside of The North Face Montana's dexterity is warmth. The Marmot Expedition Mittens ($115) are wonderfully warm and made for Mount Everest climbers and South Pole scientists. And speaking of insulation, the PrimaLoft not only repels water but also dries quickly if it does get wet. Some indications include the weight of the synthetic (listed in grams) as well as the quality. They still should be plenty comfortable for most folks as long as the temperatures dont dip too low, but those looking for maximum protection should upgrade to the BDs. In the end, Ive found that more expensive gloves like the Black Diamond Guide and Hestra Heli offer the warmth I need. Most ski gloves under $100 just arent warm enough to be comfortable on the chairlift when the temperature dips below about 20F. You'll most often find the technology, however, on thin gloves and liners where it's easier to incorporate, plus the thinner liners are more precise when typing. We reinforced the high-wear fingertip area with burly Cordura, and added a comfortable cinch-strap across the back of the hand to snug them right up. For more background information, see our glove comparison table and buying advice below the picks. From the description, I was concerned that the lining might be too warm for what I was looking for, but theyre just right. This depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy mostskinning up a sunny ridgeline in the North Cascades is far different than bracing No matter your ability level, a comfortable boot is an absolute necessity. overmitt mittens In fact, its tough bulk is a hallmark of the glove, and one of many reasons we have it ranked so highly here.See the Men's Outdoor Research Carbide See the Women's Outdoor Research Carbide. But if youre looking for a versatile mitten system that will keep you cool on the uphills and warm on the mountain, the Diablo Mittens cant be beat. Each of these pieces utilizes Outdoor Research exclusive 3D Fit Technology; a new generation of 3D modeling pattern-making that allows total freedom of movement and functionality. If youre prone to cold fingers like myself, or live in an area with frigid temperatures like the Northeast, youve probably found ski glove shopping to be a bit challenging. Ive long been a fan of layering waterproof/breathable over-mitts like these Marmot Minimalist Mittens with various types of fleece or wool liner mittens or gloves due to the flexibility offered by such a glove system. From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. research outdoor mgs mitts shell medium pair We tested mittens through frigid Minnesota winters, during cold Colorado outings, and while traveling across North America in search of snow-laden adventures. Of course, they lose their effectiveness when overused or when the temperature really drops, but they are a nice touch nevertheless.Back to Our Top Ski Glove Picks Back to Our Ski Glove Comparison Table. As for sizing, I suggest you consult Marmots size & fit guide. gore mittens cornice sectionhiker Those looking for a similarly warm design should check out Hestra's Heli Mittens and Swany's X-Cell 2.1 Mitten.See the Black Diamond Mercury Mitten See the Women's BD Mercury Mitten. Finally, for gloves with a combination of leather and nylon, we recommend Nikwaxs Glove Proof, which adds a solid water-resistant coating to the outer materials. Don't forget to grab a PBR at the lodge to complete your get-up, and per tradition, retire them at the end of the season and repeat.See the Kinco Pigskin Leather Glove. The company touts them as one of our absolute warmest mittens for those really cold days. And we tend to agree. If you know your body runs warmer or more cold, consider that when buying winter mittens. For last winter, The North Face swapped the old Gore-Tex liner for their less proven in-house Futurelight insert, but early indications are that it should still offer solid waterproofing. And the GORE-TEX outer makes for a breathable, waterproof shell. Copyright 2007-2022, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. The system, which heats up to 150 degrees, has a built-in microprocessor for heat control and is powered by a 7-volt portable battery. They have a contoured fit that follows the curve of your hand at rest, and keeps the waterproof-breathable fabric on the backs from restricting any movement. The leather reinforced palm is supple but feels substantial enough to last. The Mercury Mitts are now $110 but still a good buy in our opinion. Fair Wear works to ensure fair and safe working conditions in garment factories. Check Price at evoCheck Price at Patagonia. The Marmot Randonnee is case in point and one of our favorite gloves at the $100 price point. The Shell Mitten model is a waterproof cover mitten that uses hard-wearing 3-layer DRYtechnology material. The interior is soft and impressively cozy, and it has a secure feel in general with the large gauntlet closure and tightener at the wrist. For a favorite North Country combination, mate these Armadillos with our thick, cushy Tuckermitts (sold separately). These extremely popular waterproof mittens are surprisingly dexterous, featuring a lightweight exterior that is quite flexible and grips objects like zipper pulls or boot buckles pretty well (better than the Black Diamond Mercury above). 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One small design oversight weve noticed is that when we cinch the cuff, there is a fair amount of excess strap hanging off the end. Designed for mountaineering and high-elevation adventure, these mittens prove warm even in the coldest conditions. Some gloves forego the Gore-Tex insert and are merely water resistant, which can work in dry climates like Colorado and Utah or if breathability is a priority (one exception is Hestra's Heli, which doesn't include an insert but still has held up well for us in the Pacific Northwest). Warm, soft, true to size, and a great price point the Hestra Moon Mittens ($80) have proven very popular in recent years. Both the Storm Trooper II and Burton Gore-Tex below are solid options at around $70 (and both often are on sale for less). Most brands will now list exact measurements of their mittens, specifically the length of the palm. Most leather gloves come pre-treated, so its not something youll need to do right away (the Kinco above are one exception). Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Zappos. Aside from warmth, waterproofness is the second major factor that can make or break your days on the slopes. Cuff style: GauntletShell: Nylon/synthetic leatherInsulation: Heatseeker syntheticWhat we like: Easy to use and flexible mittens.What we dont: Not as warm as the Mercury Mitts. Entry-level gloves can be fine for those who ski occasional sessions at the resort, but serious skiers will want a serious glove to stay comfortable throughout the day. The Burton Vent Mitts ($17-79) grabbed a hearty 4.6-star average rating across almost a hundred reviews. For its $170 MSRP, we give the edge to the Hestra Heli and BD Guide above in warmth, plus the X-Cells fixed liner is less adaptable and slower to dry than a removable design. In addition to its beautiful design, the Pep also stands out as the top split-finger mitt to make our list for 2022. The Helis premium build quality, warmth, and comfort all stand out at a price that undercuts other high-end ski gloves. As a mountaineer, gloves are an essential for you. If you struggle with cold hands, be sure to look into mittens like the DAKINE Diablo Down Mitten and the Hestra Moon Mitten (one of the warmest synthetic Primaloft-insulated mitts we tested). Wrist Cinches Leather ski gloves are durable, extremely comfortable, and on occasion cheaper than synthetics. Best for high-output winter activities like running, cardio, and hiking, the Fast Wings prioritize lightweight and versatility. If youve beenputting offreplacinga helmet thatsyears old or are new to the sport,recentadvancementshave Gloves may not get quite as much attention as your other winter clothing, but they offer invaluable warmth and protection when the temperature drops. Burton also includes thin liners that are removable and can function independently as a shoulder-season hiking or running glove. To follow in a long line of ski bums and resort employees, simply plunk down the $20 or so bucks these gloves were selling for at press time, buy some Sno-Seal to condition the leather and make it more water-resistant (finish the job with a hair dryer if possible), and ski until your heart's content. Theyll last for several years, and, with a removable liner, they can be used in frigid or kinda-cold weather. They are puffy, PrimaLoft-stuffed, waterproof mitts that have kept our hands toasty in extreme temps as low as -30 degrees F. But theres a caveat: The abundant insulation creates a mitt that lacks dexterity you could easily grip a ski pole, but anything much more than that is difficult. The concept itself isnt new, but GOREs in-house brand, GORE Wear ($80-161), has a lobster mitt weve tried and love. mitten gore Our best mittens in testing were the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt well-insulated, durable, and a great balance of warmth, quality, coverage, and price. mitts gore shuksan Wrist synches provide a secure fit, while We understand that theres a lot of technology incorporated to keep the battery performing in frigid temperatures and reduce bulk, but $359 is a lot for a pair of mittens. To complete your kit, check out our articles on the best ski goggles and ski helmets. Check Price at GiverCheck Price at Huckberry. This popular glove has spawned a couple variations, including a mitten for maximum warmth and a 3-finger glove that splits the difference. Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. I got these mittens to replace a pair with a failing synthetic palm grip and these seem like they will be much more durable. Free Shipping and Returns. Free Shipping and Returns. It's best to step up to a more waterproof design in the wet snow of the Pacific Northwest, but the gloves are a great match for areas with dry snow like Colorado and Utah. We hate to say it, but unless you are a true DIYer, these Flylow leather gloves make more sense than the classic Kincos below. The Montana Mittens from The North Face are a great way to stay warm in moderate temperatures on a budget. Amazingly, these mittens have increased by only $5 since this article was first published. For even more warmth (but even less dexterity), check out the mitten versions of the Titan and Sequoia.See the Dakine Titan Glove See the Women's Dakine Sequoia. We go "Off the Map" to find new roads and epic adventures. Your email address will not be published. The logic is simple: they offer no-nonsense warmth, the right combination of features for season-long use, and a great price point. The Ridge also features synthetic insulation thats warmer and wont pack out as fast as the Kincos. What pushes the Swany X-Cell down our list? Its certainly not a necessary feature, and some dont like the extra bulk, but most skiers find the tradeoff worth it for the added peace of mind on the slopes. Notwithstanding the $359 Lucent Mittens above, Outdoor Research consistently hits a really desirable mix of price and performance. Its a little loop between the thumb and pointer finger that perfectly integrates withTrigger S Poles. Its also made with 4-way stretch in the shell and includes removable split-finger liners to make it very user friendly. On a recent hike, when my hands got too warm, rather than switching to light gloves, I simply pulled out and stashed my Dachsteins and was quite comfortable with just the Marmots. The removable liner glove has a silicone grip and touchscreen-friendly fingertips. The mitts have wrist leashes and easy-pull tabs so you can shed them when you need more dexterity (although the mitts are touchscreen-compatible, so you dont need to shed them to check your phone!). While these leather ski mittens require a little care, theyll also last for years. (Please note that these shells are not seam-taped or sealed. water column rating 20,000mm). Do not dry clean or use solvents to remove stains, Machine wash on wool/delicates cycle (max. waterproof and breathable to keep your hands dry and comfortable. A final element is the level of R&Dhigh-end gloves and mitts are better tailored to fit a hand and have a pre-curved shape for a natural feel. Up To 30% Off Backcountry MTB Apparel .css-1081t4c{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Shop Now, Basecamp Under The Stars Shop Coolers, Camp Furniture & More. 30 C), Connection hook to attach gloves together, MAMMUT DRYtechnology membrane permanent waterproofness, Hard-wearing 3-layer DRYtechnology material. If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. The leather palm provides plenty of grip, and the three-panel thumb construction allows for even better dexterity to grab gear. Gauntlet Style Shorter undercuff gloves tuck into your ski jacket, which requires more work than simply sliding on a gauntlet glove, and they dont offer quite as much warmth. Period. And a final insight on fit: the TemRes is known to run small, so its best to go up one size.See the Showa 282 TemRes Glove. mitt Call em gloves, call em mittens, call em lobster paws the added dexterity of a split mitt is great for cyclists. Unfortunately, stock has been limited lately for the BD Mercury. For all the leather work glove skeptics out there: don't knock it until you try it.See the Flylow Gear Ridge Glove. Different skiers prefer different cuff lengths, but there are some concrete concepts that can help make your decision easier. A final alternative is the 3-finger glove (also called a trigger or split-finger glove), which attempts to bring together the attributes of glove and mitten designs. Are you looking to prioritize warmth, durability, or a balance of both? But if you start noticing the material soaking up moisturealso known as wetting outits a good indicator that the leather needs some work. But a fully waterproof design is the safer bet for most weekend warriors. In these gloves, the pointer finger and thumb have their own slots while your remaining fingers huddle together for warmth. With the newest rendition of the Mercury Mitts, Black Diamond added a trigger finger that separates your index finger from the rest, increasing dexterity without surrendering too much warmth. Flylow built their reputation in the glove world around simple leather designs that came pre-coated (and baked) with Sno-Seal, but theyve stepped up their game with the Super line. Its a great bonus feature on some of our favorite warm, comfortable, and durable mittens. We look for a good mix of freedom of movement without compromising in warmth and protection, which is why we find a glove like the Hestra Heli just about perfect. and degrees of efficiency. multicam tex swoop mitt gore shell research usa outdoor fr non We have a few seasons of resort and backcountry use under our belt with the glove and have found it's a versatile option that does a nice job balancing protection and comfort. Trek, bike, and paddle with GearJunkie and USARA this season as we explore and compete in wilderness events around America. Reviewers note theyve worn them hiking, biking, walking, skiing, winter running, and more. Usually the shell has a DWR finish and is treated with a water-resistant coating to shed snow. Undercuff The best winter mittens will firstly depend on what activity youll be using them for most: skiing or snowboarding, or just keeping your hands cold around town during winter? From our picks above, wrist leashes are included on gauntlet-length designs like the Hestra Heli, Black Diamond Guide, and Gordini Storm Trooper II. The benefit is that the glove flexes easily and is very durable, but you will occasionally need to reapply a leather conditioner to the palm and fingers to keep moisture at bay (a small sample of Hestras Leather Balm is included). Parents also rave at the length of the cuffs and cinches that do a great job at keeping snow out. From hiking boots to snow boots, these are the best winter boots for men of 2022, including top picks from Danner, KEEN, Kamik, and more. And, the pair weighs just 4 ounces (small/medium). The bluesign SYSTEM is a solution for sustainable textile production that eliminates the use of harmful substances. On some models, only pointer fingers and thumbs are touch-screen compatible. Ski gloves and mittens are constructed with two general material types: synthetic and leather. And even riding a fat bike is hard depending on dexterity requirements to shift and brake. Located between the shell material and insulation in a fully waterproof design is a membrane or insert. Our team of experts is bringing you best camping gear reviews and buying guides. These mittens, with an ultralight ripstop nylon shell and 650-fill down, proved warm for us in all kinds of winter weather from frosty and windy fall days to full-on snowstorms. If you need maximum warmth at all costs, however, the Lucent may be worth a try. Check Price at Mountain HardwearCheck Price at DICKS Sporting Goods. A proper-fitting glove helps maximize everything from warmth to dexterity, so its worth the time to nail down your ideal size. The GearJunkie gear guide to mountain, road, and gravel bikes, bike accessories, apparel, and more. From premium Hestras to budget options like the Flylow Gear Ridge, they have a much more natural feel and are usually more flexible and dexterous than a comparable synthetic. Generally, a high-level down-fill will be the warmest insulation you can get in a mitten, although things like the thickness, lining, and a leather, sheepskin, or waterproof material exterior will also add to a mittens overall warmth. Volt says it lasts for 2 hours on the highest setting and up to at least 8 hours on low. We've tested the best hiking gear, packs, and footwear to outfit you for any adventure you choose. Thankfully, mittens are a time-tested, perfect solution to extreme colds. Much like a powder skirt on a ski jacket, this can be very effective at tightening down your gear before skiing through the deep stuff. These UnNew REI Co-op Gore-Tex Shell Mittenis in Good condition. We prefer the flexible construction of the Randonnee, but its thin shell is more prone to soaking up moisture and isnt as durable as the Arete overall. Nose Wipes seams prevent water from sneaking through, and the gauntlet style offers extra Overall, we consider this a nice feature if a glove you like has it, but not one that we would alter our purchase for. Pushing the button on the gauntlet switches between three heat settings (low, medium, and high), but its important to note that the higher settings drain the battery much faster. I feel that its better to have handwear that is a little long since short gloves or mittens can lead to cold hands, so my choice of size works okay. For resort skiers that dont want to spend a ton on gloves, the Burton Gore-Tex is a nice choice. The main advantage is not leaving them behind if you take a tumble, but the straps also provide security if you remove your gloves while riding the chairlift. It may compromise dexterity for skiers trying to grip a ski pole, but by keeping your fingers together, you get extremely efficient warmth (your fingers warm each other). If you prioritize warmth and protection, we think BDs Mercury Mitt above is a better option, but the Flylow is still quite cozy, has better freedom of movement, and saves you a pretty substantial $30.See the Flylow Super Mittens. Cuff style: GauntletShell: Leather, nylonInsulation: PrimaLoft syntheticWhat we like: Great price for a warm and dexterous mitten.What we dont: Cheaper build quality and not a standout in waterproofing. We spend a lot of time outdoors testing gear. In general, warmth and dexterity go hand in hand. Specifically, a range of temperatures. Its when you ski big mountains, venture off trail in harsh conditions, or need added dexterity for handling backcountry or ice tools thats it becomes worth it to upgrade to an optiono like the Arcteryx Fission SV(recently removed from our list due to limited availability). This comfortable and highly functional ski glove has been around for years, but its hybrid leather and synthetic construction remains best in class. But that did little to dampen our enthusiasm for the Fall Line, which deftly balances comfort, dexterity, and a premium look and feel.See the Hestra Fall Line 3-Finger. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. From our Frontier Mitten early prototype testing to the brands 2.0 pair, these mitts proved wonderful from the get-go. The glove nicely balances protection and weight with high-quality PrimaLoft synthetic fill and a water-resistant Pertex shell along the back of the hand. Shell mittens like these are the backbone of winter hiking glove systems: you just swap in different liners when they get wet from perspiration or when you want more or less insulation. Cuff style: UndercuffShell: LeatherInsulation: PrimaLoft syntheticWhat we like: Premium build at a reasonable price.What we dont: Split-finger design still cant match the warmth of a mitten. The downside of all this material is that the BD Guide can take some time to break in. The Swany will certainly do the trick for most ski days, but its been around long enough that the price should be dropped to remain competitive (in fact, price actually went up $5 for last season). Looking for even smaller (toddler) mitts? Ski gloves are the classic choice for resort and backcountry skiing and remain the most popular, but mittens can be a viable alternative. Check Mens Price at evoCheck Womens Price at REI. Ski professionals the world over have trusted Swedish manufacturer Hestra for decades, and the Heli is our top pick.