Versatility is KEY

By Nick Stadie Ranked #80 - Mittens February 3, 2011

I needed something to keep my hands warm on wet and/or windy tours that wouldn't cause a swamp situation inside my gloves on the uphill. These work perfectly. In moderate conditions, I use a thin liner glove (or none at all) for ascent, since my hands tend to perspire a lot. But in bad conditions, I always had the problem that rain/snow or wind or a combination of both would cause a serious chill, sometimes nearly frostbite. A thin, but windproof/waterproof layer is actually often all you need to stay warm when your pump is going because blood is circulating plenty well. Apparently, the OR folks have realized this as well, this mitt is designed perfectly to combat nasty unpredictable weather.

On the downhill, plug in the nice insulated liners and you have an instant hand oven. Of course, in really bitter cold, these are not the most insulated mittens you can get, but they work well in most conditions (down to -10 C I would say). If you're standing around in colder weather than that, go with something thicker.

Bottom line: carry a pair of thin liners, and a pair of these, and you're set. Sizing is true, I am an average guy and I wear a L, as usual.

View Details: Outdoor Research Cornice Mitten

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