Whether you’re downhill skiing, snowboarding, running or even ice climbing, make sure your fingers stay toasty warm so you can enjoy the fun.
Gloves or Mittens?
We learned at a young age that a glove had five spots; one for each finger and your thumb and a mitten had a two spots one for your thumb and one for the rest of your fingers. What else do you need to know?
Gloves
Dexterity. Individually covered fingers provide better flexibility and dexterity making it easier to handle gear.
Cooler: Lightweight gloves are great for aerobic activities when your body is generating heat. Hands usually will sweat less in gloves versus a mitten.
Bulk. Gloves tend to be less bulky than mittens so are easier to stash in a pocket on the run.
Mittens
Warmer: Fingers generate more heat when there is no fabric and cool air separating them. Just like, people, when fingers are huddled together they tend to be warmer:)
Bulky. Mittens made for the cold outdoors can be bulky so they may not be as easy to manage zippers, buckles, etc. but will work fine for snowboarding, holding ski poles or hiking and walking.
The Fit
- Too Big. Your hands won’t stay as warm, and it may be difficult to handle gear.
- Too Small. Movement is restricted and may show skin at wrists so will be colder with more chance of snow reaching the inside.
You should usually have ¼-inch of material above finger and when you make a fist your hands should not feel restricted. Many gloves have sizing charts.
Important Features to Consider
- Insulation and warmth. Down is light, breathable and warmest but needs to stay dry to be effective. Synthetic insulation is less expensive, dries fast.
- Waterproof /Windproof exteriors. Keep moisture, rain, and snow out. Technology, membranes, treatments to fabrics can provide some percent of waterproofing. Look for Gortex for 100% waterproof products. Remember, waterproof usually equal means windproof.
- Wrist Coverage and Banding. Keeps snow out.
- Breathability. Allow moisture (sweat) to escape so fingers stay dry and warm.
- Snaps, Clasps, and Leashes. Help to attach handwear to each other or your other gear, so you don’t lose them. Remember wearing knitted mittens attached by a string? I do!
- Zippers.: Use for ventilation, storage or heat packs.
- Abrasion Patches.: Can provide durability and a better grip on your gear.
- Touch Screen Technology. Ability to use technology without removing gloves or mittens.
- Lobster Claw Style: Less Clumsy and a bit warmer than a glove.
- Fingerless Gloves. Dexterity without warmth.
- Thumb Wipe Patches. Allow you to wipe your nose when it’s dripping. Yes, this is a real thing!:)
Thanks to Jenn Bast and Scheels for participating in this segment. Gear Shown: Nike Dri-fit Tempo Run Gloves: $19.99, Seirus Heatwave Glove Liner: $19.99, Manzella Kula Ski Mitten: $45.00, Swix Sport Lobster Glove: $39.99, Burton Gore-Tex glove $69.95.
Here’s to finding your style,™ – Kim
Interested in snowshoes? click > Snowshoe 101
