Recommend a good down mitten

[Brock Graves]

After screwing up my elbows going through the fire academy I had to get surgery in both funny bones(ulnar nerves). My 4th and 5th fingers on both hands are super sensitive and painful to the cold but, gotta get back to work. Fortunately for me that's backpacking. I searched and found some people with goosefeet gear mittens but, it's not on their site so I would like to be able to get something to me in the next week. Any recommendations?

[Bob Gross]

I don't know how you feel about sewing your own mittens. There is a standard mitten pattern, and I made some out of polyester fleece. My total cost was less than a dollar.

Then, additionally, I made some rain shells for them out of cuben fiber scraps.

–B.G.–

[Brock Graves]

I appreciate the recommendation but, our sewing machine is very cheap and frustratingly painful to use not my cup of tea to get into that. Thanks though!

[J Dos]

Brock,

Are you familiar with Black Rock Gear? If not, they are a cottage company in Washington State. From what I've seen, BPL mostly has rave reviews for their products. They make top notch UL down gear. I have one of their original Black Rock beanies and it's an awesome piece. I haven't yet laid down the cash for a pair of mittens. They are in the 80$-90$ range.

I just checked the website for availability and Evan (the owner) is saying they are completely sold out. But, if you are interested in the mitts they offer, it may not hurt to ask if they have had any returns.

Of course, you can't beat what Bob paid for his mitts:) Almost makes me want to start sewing this year.

[Russell Adams]

I have a pair of the BRG liner mitts and they are great! Well worth the wait.

[Paul Hatfield]

How about the Hestra Primaloft Extreme Liners?
http://hestragloves.com/en/gloves/liners/primaloft-extreme-liner/

They have a *lot* of insulation.

Outer material: Wind/waterproof, breathable polyamide ripstop nylon
Insulation: Primaloft polyester (Palm: 400gr, Backhand: 600gr)
Tab at Cuff
Sizing: These liners are sold in sizes 7, 9 and 11 only

[Ito Jakuchu]

I would really think about separating your outer shell and your thermal insulation, just like with your torso.
I have hands that get cold really quick and I use the Mt. Baker Shell Mitts from Outdoor Research.

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/mens/gloves/mt-baker-shell-mitts.html

These are 70D Goretex waterproof mitts, inside which I use very very warm double layer fleece mitts like the Outdoor Research PL 400 Mitts, or other fleece liners that I exchange if they get wet (hasn't happened yet), sweat out, or if they are too warm/too cold etc.. Flexible warmth rating, waterproof, and includes back ups. Can highly recommend checking it out.

edit – they also sell a version with 170gr. primaloft gloves included – perhaps even nicer.
http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/mens/gloves/mt-baker-modular-mitts.html

[Larry Swearingen]

Hello,
Not to get too far off the track but you might try "Dachstein Mitts".

At least that's what they were called when I used to ice climb in the
70's. Google Search "Dachstein Mitts". I think these are the same thing. I just used the ones in the attached photo yesterday, with very thin liner gloves, at 12° below zero and 20-25mph wind, while snow blowing my driveway here in Fort Wayne, IN. Believe me it was friggin' Cold. I started work with the liners and a decent pair of
gloves. The fingers were hurting and then numb within 8-10 minutes.
I took a break to warm the hands and dug out my old Dachstein Mitts.
Went back to work and it was all good. No more frozen fingers.
I then skied down the street to pick up our mail. My face was frozen,
didn't wear the scarf like I should have, but the hands were fine.
Keep in mind that these Mitts are around 40 years old. They haven't been used in most of that time but they still work fine.
The wool is a VERY Dense weave and sheds water too.
I used to Ice Climb at Tahquitz Rock in SoCal and the Sierra Nevada
(North Palisade etc.).

Larry S

[Angelo R.]

Check out RBH mittens too.

[Brock Graves]

Thanks for all the good advice! Following up on the info now! It's very much appreciated !

[Brock Graves]

Brg has some camo mittens left in stock and on sale! Thanks for the recommendation

[Author]

Posts