You can't go wrong with these mittens

By Fringe Ranked #627 - Mittens March 17, 2009

I needed the warmest whatever I could find for my hands. I’m not a skier, yet at times I have to stand in 30 and 20 degree weather with wind-chills into the teens while I wait for my outdoor job assignment.

I’ve never owned mittens and was hesitant about getting them, because I wanted warmth with the versatility of using my fingers. Once I start working and moving, the very warm glove comes off and I use a work glove or no glove until I have to stop again and endure the cold without moving.

After reading reviews and getting opinions from the Backcountry folks, I bought three other types of gloves on Backcountry’s recent sale to compare with these AK Oven mittens: Hestra XCR, Burton AK 3L Throttle, and Dakine Cougar gloves. I didn’t try Outdoor Research Alti mittens. Based on reviews, those also appear to be extremely warm. I just didn’t think I would need a large gauntlet and a higher price to pay for warmth.

These mittens are extremely comfortable; are well constructed (yet none of these gloves/mittens are comparable to the superior construction of the Hestra XCR’s); and they have an excellent fit. They are not true to normal sizes. I am a woman wearing a Men’s medium. They are, however, true to the sizing chart on Backcountry’s website. The width across my knuckles is 3 ¾ inches and that chart correctly corresponds to a Men’s medium.

My ‘Compare Gloves' results: These mittens are the warmest with the Dakine Cougars coming in a surprising second place. I kept the Dakines so I could have warmth and dexterity in a glove and at a great price. I kept the Oven mittens because I would have been foolish to not keep something this warm, especially at the sale price offered. I think the Dakines will overall handle my conditions, yet I haven’t had them long enough to really tell. These Oven mittens are my back up if the Dakines aren't warm enough or if I’m colder conditions.

I agree with reviewer Maren with doubts if these are actually waterproof. Although there is a review that these outperform North Face mittens in “waterproofing.” Burton’s website says: Ultra Breathable GORE-TEX® Ripstop Fabric. I suggest Backcountry change their Tech specs unless these are actually Gore Tex waterproof. This didn’t affect my purchase decision, however. I’ll test these to see if they are waterproof. If not, when in wet conditions, I’ll wear my Dakine Cougars, which have a Gore Tex waterproof insert and very warm Primaloft insulation.

Bottom line: You cannot go wrong in buying these if you want very warm mittens. There is not one review on this site with unfavorable feedback except for the sizing issue-- which really is the buyer’s fault for not looking at the sizing chart before purchase.

View Details: Burton AK Oven Mitten - Men's

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