Outdoor Research Alti Mitten - Men's - 2009 BCS

These things are the warmest gloves I've ever used. I don't use them to climb Mt. Everest, just snowboarding across the U.S. The only downside is that they are bulky because of all the insulation to make them warm. I can't really call that a downside since these gloves are made for warmth not maneuverability.

Notes:
1) The leather palm will get scratched up over time so remember to get some leather conditioner and be sure to waterproof the leather too.
2) Common sense note, but remember to tighten the gauntlet b/c if you fall, snow will get in.

These are the true champ Of high altitude mitts anything over 8000m and these are the best choice. If you get cold hands try these . They have the same insaltion on the back of the hand as well.

I searched long and hard for a replacement mitten. I had a perfect pair that I simply wore out over many years. This mitten is a very close to what I was looking for but it is MISSING a strap to cinch the mit at the wrist. I think the Black Diamond mitten at the same price has all the features I was looking for at the same price.

If your we're thinking of going to climb Denali.These are what you
need to have.For extreme cold.Don't go there without them.

If your going to be in extremely cold places,these gloves will give you peace of mind and keep your hands warm....

Bomber mitts; the warmest on the market. The shell is Primaloft filled and can be worn by itself in less cold temperatures, or in combination with a variety of liner options that OR has. I find that the included liner is too heavy for most of the conditions I'm out in, so I use a PL150 or PL400 glove liner instead. This also gives me the dexterity I need on more technical routes, yet will keep my hands crazy warm when the temp drops.
If you need a really warm mitt for extreme temperatures, this is the only option worth considering.

yes they are bulky if you have the liners in and yes they are priced a bit steep, but when you are miles from the nearest safety exit these are the mitts you want to save your digits. the palms are super grippy, cinch cords work great, and the idiot cord is awesome in high winds when you need to take them off to use your hands for precise work. my hands have never been cold with them on and i have used them in temps down in the minus 35. i have never had another mitt keep my hands warm in that temp, period.

I think this mitten is too bulky and the liner/shell bond too slick to work in -- I returned mine and got Hestra Heli Glove instead.

They keep your hands warm, no matter what. I think that's all that needs to be said for these. They have a removable liner glove inside, which can be used as a stand-alone mit down to freezing temperatures (so be careful not to order up in size in order to fit liners in as it already has one). Something that hasn't been mentioned is that the fabric on it is extremely durable. I used these to rappel down successive portions of the mountain (about 300-400 meters total), and the palm leather on these did not wear one bit. I was very pleased all around.

For total peace of mind going into high altitude or extreme cold the Alti Mitt is it. The primaloft insulation will cost you a couple ounces over down but will always be warm and toasty. OR has done a great job of crafting a well put together mitt. The dual drawcord closure on the cuffs is easily adjusted and the removable, insulated liners speed drying and give you options if things are unexpectedly warm. If you like your fingers where they are (still attached to your hand) and want there to be no question that they'll stay there take a close look the the Altis.

I got these for skiing because I am a wuss and cannot stand cold hands. I just spent a day skiing in zero degree weather in Aspen and these mittens kept my hands warm!!! I know they are rated for hiking everest, but if you want the warmest ski mitten known to man, this is the one. Once caveat: these mittens are bulky and therefore it was more difficult to grip the pole. However, I survived, and you will too.

My hands are cold hands. These mittens solved my backcountry problem. Throw on some lightweight glove liners while moving and then these things when you stop. Or, when the wind is blowing 60mph and it's -30, you wont have to run for cover. Nothing penetrates these mittens. The leather is so soft on your raw nose too. So nice. Easy to get on and off with the two way drawcords.

Very warm and like others who have responded, I get cold hands quickly so the mittens do work; really nice mechanism for tightening at wrist...easy to tighten and loosen; yes I like the extra strap to keep the gloves attached...particularly on the lift and taking off the gloves; very nice liner... These mittens are big...like the picture.

These are the warmest hand wear I ever ever owned. I just bought a pair for $178 a few weeks ago and thus far have had them at 17˚F. and my hands are actually so warm they sweat a tad!

I use these mittens and other gloves in "regular" outdoor use - running errands, doing snow removal, etc. Last year I bought a pair of Black Diamond Guide gloves. They are very good although I found that even when used with a pair of liner gloves my hands got cold when outdoors doing an hour + of snow removal. So I bought the Alti mittens to try. As other have said, they do the job. My fingers stayed warm the entire time.

There is no need to use glove liners underneath although you can. One note, though. I tried using glove liners. They fit easily. But when removing the Alti mittens the glove liner pulled the thumb of the Alti's inner mitten out from the Alti outer shell. I had to put that back in place before putting the Alti back on. I decided to not bother using the extra glove liner. The Alti's inner mitten and outer shell are plenty warm.

My hand is sized in between the recommendations for Large and Extra-Large. The Backcountry folks said if I prefer a snug fit to go with L and if I prefer a looser fit then the XL. I chose the XL. It does have a loose fit, which I find very comfortable. But if you prefer a tight-fitting mitten then order down one size if your hand measures in between sizes.

The mittens are quite long. End to end, the XL mittens measure 15.5 inches. They extend back over the coat sleeve. There is a pull cord to easily snug the mitten against the coat.

They really are great mittens. I still use the Black Diamond gloves when I won't be out for extended periods and/or it isn't too cold. But the Alti is my choice for the more-severe conditions.

Used this on Denali last season and loved them. Kept my hands warm, even on summit day which was -20F and super windy.
I would recommend getting a size larger than normal so you can put liner gloves under them. That's what i did and it work really well.

Cheers

When I climb at altitude (above 5,000m), I always bring a pair of gloves and a pair of mittens. Specifically, the Alti Mitten. If you're on a long belay in the frigid cold or don't plan on doing a lot of switchbacks, these puppies will keep your fingers from turning black. The extended cuff with drawstring keeps the snow out and the safety straps keep them from sliding over the edge when you need to use your fingers. One note though, if you anticipate changing directions a lot on a rope team and you use a safety strap on your axe, the switchover can be a bit cumbersome.

These gloves are amazing. The black ones come with red liners which are nimble enough to work most devices and carabiners, but the shells make them bomber. Super warm and waterproof. Maybe the best gloves on the market, and am a BD brand loyalist.

Although these mittens may do the trick for providing warmth and dry hands- I returned them before I got to use them. The are beyond bulky and couldn't imagine using them for what I needed them for. Just climbed Kili and needed more dexterity for trekking poles and some scrambling, these mittens would have been a burden. For other uses, they're probably great. Ended up going with some Cabelas and liners.

Canadians: you can find a better price at MEC
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442622455&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302698935