What to Use for Gaiter Hooks?

Line locks? Or twist my arm and I'll go by Seattle Fabrics (3 miles away). PM me.

Update: Seattle Fabrics doesn't carry them now.

Mitten hooks? Velcro? Sheet rock screws? (ouch!)

So, I'm wanting to make a pair of overmitts as well….MLD uses eVent, though diygearsupply and thruhiker don't sell it. So, diygearsupply sells goretex. Which one would be more durable so when I use my trekking poles in the winter I won't have to worry about them? (goretex/event)

Most Goretex fabric is going to be slightly heavier than eVent fabric. However, there is so little fabric used in a pair of mitts that it doesn't matter much.

I don't use trekking poles in winter, but I do use cross country ski poles. If your mitts are super thin in the palm area, they might disappoint you, so it wouldn't hurt to have a slightly thicker fabric there unless there will be an insulating layer that is durable.

–B.G.–

Sewing and fabric/craft stores sell "hook & eye" sets. You would just use the hooks. Should be able to find something for $5-$10 like these:

http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Hooks-Eyes-Nickel-Size/dp/B004BP7MIS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417219261&sr=8-1&keywords=hooks+sewing

since you can't buy eVent anywhere, Goretex would be good

Dale, thanks for the offer, that's very kind! Unfortunately it looks like they're out of stock at the moment. And David's idea looks promising.

John, I can't answer re: eVent vs Gore-Tex, but I'm using 200D Oxford for the palms of my rain mitts. I think the extra durability will be worth the sacrifice of non-breathable palms.

Speaking of durability, I'm just now realizing that this Gore-Tex is 2-layer, so I should probably line it. What's the best material to use for that? I have some spare no-see-um mesh around, would that work?

"Which one would be more durable so when I use my trekking poles in the winter I won't have to worry about them? (goretex/event)"

The face fabric is what will determine durability. MLD's version of eVent uses 15d nylon and they're considered the gold standard. If it were me, I would buy a yard of eVent from Owfinc and go from there. The eVent they sell will have a much more burly face fabric than MLD so you'll be fine.

Ryan

Also, MLD seems to use a completely separate fabric for the palm area? Not sure what though….

"Speaking of durability, I'm just now realizing that this Gore-Tex is 2-layer, so I should probably line it. What's the best material to use for that? I have some spare no-see-um mesh around, would that work?"

If it were me, i would use a pile fleece made out of polyester microfiber–feels really nice and adds a bit of near instant warm. You can get it for pretty cheap at Joann's with one of their coupons. But you may want to look for higher quality stuff say at Malden Mills. Grid fleece would also be nice.

No see um mesh isn't that durable or tough (for this kind of application). Even 10D woven nylon would be a bit more durable than the mesh (but i still wouldn't use that).

"Also, MLD seems to use a completely separate fabric for the palm area? Not sure what though…."

Good point, I didn't notice that. Probably an oxford or some other thick nylon.

Ryan

owfinc has eVent!

it is 3 layer so you don't need a lining

they have only three colors

people have said before that Goretex is more durable, eVent more breathable

maybe breathable isn't important for gloves?

I've had the membrane of 2.5 layer eVent delaminate from the face fabric but it was probably from body oils, not wear, because it was the hood and back of neck, not just under the shoulder straps

"If it were me, i would use a pile fleece made out of polyester microfiber–feels really nice and adds a bit of near instant warm. You can get it for pretty cheap at Joann's with one of their coupons. But you may want to look for higher quality stuff say at Malden Mills. Grid fleece would also be nice."

I'd like to use these as rain mitts, not just for cold weather, so I'd rather keep them uninsulated. I also don't want anything with a tight weave that could reduce breathability—thus the mesh idea. Doing some google-fu, it sounds like nylon tricot is a popular lining material, I might see if JoAnn's has some of that.

Michael, i'm also planning to make some rain mittens. I have been practicing with some scraps of fabrics to improve my sewing skills (new to sewing) and on sizing a pattern for my hands / intended use. Thanks for the heads up about the sale at DIYGEARSUPPLY. I just grabbed some Goretex and oxford 200 fabric.

Question to everybody about the recommended lining of Goretex 2-layer, since I'm planning to use this rain mittens always with some separate thin glove liners do I still need to line the mittens?