So it turns out this glove has full Gore-Tex XCR insert. I tested them out at Mammoth this past week in epic mid-storm and post-storm conditions. Temps as low as 5 degrees, as high as upper 30's. This glove was plenty warm and is completely windproof and waterproof. Breathability was excellent with the XCR and softshell combination; hands barely broke a sweat even at the upper 30's. Nt sure how they'd perform in true Spring temps or backcountry activity, but I suspect they would do very well...maybe just a tad warm for a full-blown warm Spring day. Dexterity was excleent for a fully-insulated glove due to a relatively thin but effective insulation (Thermolite). This seems to be in many ways identical to the Hestra XCR glove except with a softshell exterior and with leather going all the way around the fingers...so at the current sale price, it's really a steal. The leather broke in and stretched slightly after no time. So I'd say they fit true to size, and if they feel snug at first, they will likely fit perfectly after a day or two of use. Anyway, a great find here for anyone who wants a full-blown Hestra gauntlet glove with full leather palms and fingers, XCR inserts, and insulation.

I received a pair of these in the mail the other day. they look like promising gloves in many ways, but the strap on these is on the backside of the glove unlike the picture here where it is on the palmside. All the other Hestras seem to have a palmside strap....weird. Maybe this is an outdated stock. Anyone know if the outside strap is a bum deal (catches easily or anything?)?

Also, for sizing, I measure 7.25 long and 8 around. I got 8's. They feel comfortable around the plam, but a tad snug in the fingers (and maybe amm. short). I'm thinking the leather fingers may stretch out, but if they don't I could be looking at some cold fingers....bc.com reps tell me stick with the 8 as the palm perimeter measurement is more crucial and theypredict the fingers will stretch just enough....we'll see.

This top fits somewhere between a skintight baselayer and a tight midlayer shirt. You could wear this around town probably as a shirt, especially if you sized up. If you are looking for a body hugging layer, this is not it. In fact, my only criticism is that the cuffs are fairly loose, looser than a long sleeved t-shirt. This is fine if you think of it as a midlayer I guess, as long as the sleeves aren't too long for you, otherwise you'd have to roll them up. Those with thick wrists or long arms may not have this problem. Anyone know how icebreak intended this shirt to be used?