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Q. I would appreciate your advice on expedition gloves or mittens. I usually use thin silver streching gloves next to my skin.(Very warm but they wear out very fast as the silver fall down and I think they are discontinued.I used them for years.The best). Next I use "OR"windstopper mitts and over them EMS Pinnacle Fleece Mittens plus my "OR" gore-tex outer shell mittens. I am looking for an equal or more efficient but simpler system. Thank you, Manuel.

A. Hi Manuel,

Boy, that's a lot of mittens and bulk on your hands, and to tell you the truth, fleece is not the best insulator available. I can think of two great mittens and some thin underglove combos that will be equally warm if not warmer than your current setup. I would start with a thin liner-type glove and use just one expedition Mitten over the top. What I use is the Patagonia Expedition Weight Glove Liner, or the Marmot Evolution Glove as the my inner layer.

Over the top, go with the goose down North Face Himalayan Mitt. These are the warmest mittens I have ever used; my hands never get cold, even in -20 Alaskan temps. Another good choice is the Marmot Expedition Mitt, which has synthetic insulation, as opposed to goose down. The reason I like this simple 2 piece system is it's simplicity. I use the "idiot straps" to keep them tethered to my wrists. When I need to handle gear or ropes or whatever, I slip the Mitts off and have great dexterity with the thin liner glove. I have used this system for years and swear by it. For warmer climates I go with a 2 piece glove combo. Good luck and happy climbing!
Bob

This month's Gear Guru question was submitted by Manuel from Staten Island.

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