Winter Handgear

Handgear is vital to keep your hands functional and protected from frostbite.  Cold hands that don't function is problematic on outings.  They are no fun and put a stop to progress when trying to set up a shelter, cook a meal or when just trying to take care of yourself. 

Handgear

Handgear is vital and is something that is often overlooked.  You can, but don't need to spend a fortune on gloves or mittens.  For most of what we do, we can get away with handgear that is under $30 a set.  You just need to make sure you are getting adequate gear for each outing. 

Handgear Options

The goal to keeping your hands warm is to keep them dry, protect them from wind and to add an layer of insulation to keep hands warm.  

Note that Mittens protect your hands better than Gloves.  Not only are the finger together, but mittens often have much more insulation than gloves do.  Of course, gloves are better for tasks that need fingers.

Approaches to Handgear in the Winter

• Breathable, Waterproof, Insulated Polyurethane Gloves

  • These are the BEST gloves for moving snow blocks and building snow shelters

    • Your hands stay dry and reasonably warm when working on snow

    • The smooth outer finish of gloves allows you to glide over the surface of your snow structures to polish them off when filling gaps and doing repairs

    • You can purchase 2 pairs of these for less than a pair or other waterproof gloves

  • Breathability is is what makes these great

    • Most rubberized gloves don't breathe - they are ok for limited use but will fill up with body moisture

    • Breathable Polyurethane protects your hands from snow and outside moisture while allowing moisture to escape

  • Insulation

    • These generally don't come with very much insulation

    • They provide enough insulation for your hands as long as you are active in the the environments we generally camp in 

    • If you a sedentary, you will need better insulation when in very cold environments

  • Example:

    • Showa Best 282

• Shell/Removable-Liner Modular System

  • This is the MOST versatile option for Overnight Winter Outings

    • If you are in an environment where Frostbite is a real concern, this is the system you want

    • For Mountaineering in the Cascades, this is the system you want

  • NOTE: Prior to the introduction of Breathable, Polyurethane Gloves, these were the system for making snow shelters

    • This old-school approach still works

    • These are great

    • This option is more expensive compared to Polyurethane Gloves

  • This uses a Modular System with an outer shell and an inner liner

    • The outside shell layer protects hands from wetness and wind

    • The inner liner layer insulates hands

    • You can mix and match liners within mitten shells

      • You can wear mitten liners or glove liners in a mitten shell

    • When inner liners get wet, remove them and replace with a dry set

      • Place wet liners next to skin or base layer to dry out

      • When in a warm and dry shelter, remove liners and air out shell and liners

  • Example:

    • Outdoor Research Mt. Baker Mitts

• Waterproof, Insulated Gloves

  • These are Great for most Winter Day Outings for Scouts

  • High tech gloves have a waterproof outer layer and built in insulation

  • Great warmth and protection from cold

  • Expensive

  • If they get wet, these are difficulty to dry out

  • You will want backup set of gloves for when these get wet

  • Example:

    • Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Glove

• Economy Insulated Gloves

  • These are OK for most Winter Day Outings for Scouts

  • These may or may not be water resistant

  • They work great when dry

  • If they get wet, change them out for a second pair

  • These are awful for shelter building and expect them to get wet and your hands to get cold

  • Don't expect to dry these out while on an outing

  • Pros 

    • You get get a lot of pairs on sale for very little

    • The are great for cabin camping where you can dry them out and warm your hands with a cup of hot cocoa

    • They are OK for most day trips in the snow

Breathable, Waterproof, Insulated Polyurethane Gloves

• • Best gloves for working with snow blocks and building snow shelters

  • If you are building a snow structure for you outing, you should have 2 pairs of these

  • NOTE: many rubberized gloves are NOT breathable

    • Waterproof gloves that Don't Breathe will work for a while, but your hands will get wet inside your gloves

    • Choose wisely when selecting gloves, the breathable ones and non breathable ones cost about the same

• • Examples:

    • Showa Best 282 Atlas TEMRES Insulated Gloves

      • These sell for around $20

        • BEST Bang for your Buck

      • Waterproof/Breathable TEMRES Technology

      • Acrylic Insulation

      • Allows you to work on snow blocks without getting hands wet

      • aka Smurf Gloves

      • Write your name on the back of these since a LOT of people are wearing the same thing

    • Showa 282-02

      • Waterproof/Breathable TEMRES Technology

      • These have a cinch cuff and come in black

      • These are a favorite among ice climbers

      • A little better than the Showa 282, but costs 1.5-2 x as much

        • Two pairs of Showa Best 282 are better than one pair of Showa 282-02

        • Of course, one of each is even better

Shell/Removable-Liner Glove Combo

• Note: Prior to the introduction of Showa Breathable/Waterproof Polyurethane Gloves, Outdoor Research Mt. Baker II Mitts were the system to get

  • This and similar systems are still excellent 

  • They are just more expensive

• aka "Modular Gloves" or 3 in 1 Gloves

  • Waterproof Breathable Shell and a Removable Liner

  • 3 in 1 - You can wear mitts alone; liners alone; liner with mitts; or sometimes multiple liners with mitts

  • You can mix and match liners and shells

    • This makes is easier to get a second pair of liners

• The best time to purchase new winter gear seems to be around Black Friday and end of Season (February-March)

• Glove Shell

  • Shell is used to protect liners from wind and moisture

  • Should be waterproof with taped or welded seams if used in the Pacific Northwest

    • The material used for Waterproofing matters - See our Waterproof Breathable Fabrics Page

    • If Shell is not waterproof get second pair

    • Some systems are NOT waterproof and are designed for temps where there isn't water

      • Vintage Military ECW Mitts (also uses cotton)

        • Cotton ones look like these 

        • Don't confuse these for Gore-Tex ones that look like these

      • Baffin Polar Mitts  

      • Hestra Sirius Polar Mitt (also uses cotton)

      • Wintergreen Northern Wear Plunge Mitt Expedition Mittens

  • Some Shells are insulated 

    • Insulation makes them warmer, but more difficulty to dry out

• • Example:

    • Outdoor Research Systems

      • Outdoor Research is a local Seattle company and makes a lot of gear specifically for our part of the world

        • They specialize in gear for wet environments 

      • They make several tiers of Glove Systems

        • Outdoor Research Upper Tier Shells

          • Outdoor Research Mt. Baker II GORE-TEX Mitts

            • Per OR are the "First-ever modular handwear system"

            • These are the gloves we talk about in the Winter Skills Adventure Program

              • These are the gloves you want if you are mountaineering in the Cascades

            • Seam-taped GORE-TEX shell 

            • Removable insulated Glove Liner with 340g of Primaloft Silver Insulation 

            • Outdoor Research Alti II GORE-TEX Mitts are similar but made for polar expeditions and are overkill of our needs

          • Military ECWCS Glove System

            • Military version of Modular Gloves System

            • New ones are made by Outdoor Research and come in Mitts and Triggerfinger Mitts

              • These are too expensive to purchase new

              • Cost is Not so bad if you get these Surplus (used military)

                • sportsmansguide.com

                • Gore-Tex ones look like these

          • Outdoor Research Arete II GORE-TEX Gloves 

            • These are OR's Modular Glove System with a Gore-Tex shell and fleece liner 

            • These do use Gore-Tex and are considered completely waterproof, but don't have the same level of insulation as others in this category

        • Outdoor Research Regular Tier Shells

          • Outdoor Research as lower tiered shells that don't use Gore-Tex

          • These are not as waterproof or as durable as their upper tier systems

          • Outdoor Research Revel Shell Mitts 

            • Fully taped Pertex Shield fabric is not as durable or waterproof as Gore-Tex Gloves

          • Outdoor Research Adrenaline 3-in-1 Gloves

            • Ventia is not as waterproof or breathable as Arete II GORE-TEX Gloves 

          • Outdoor Research Highcamp 3-Finger Gloves

            • Ventia

            • Trigger finger option

    • Black Diamond Systems

      • Black Diamond is another premium brand that specializes in quality climbing gear

      • They have several glove system in different tiers:

        • Black Diamond Top Tier Shells - Gore-Tex

          • Black Diamond Absolute Mitts

            • Removable liner with a 100% waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex insert

            • Outer shell - 340 g PrimaLoft Kodenshi

            • Inner shell - 200 g PrimaLoft Kodenshi

          • Black Diamond Guide Gloves

            • Removable liner with 170g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation

          • Black Diamond Guide Finger Gloves

            • Trigger Finger Mitten System

            • Removable liner with 170g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation

        • Black Diamond Regular Tier Shells - BD.dry

          • Black Diamond Waterproof Overmitts

            •  3L BD.dry waterproof breathable shell fabric with DWR finish

          • Black Diamond Mercury Mittens

            • Comes with removable liner with 340g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation

          • Black Diamond Soloist Gloves

            • Glove System

            • Removable liner with 170g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation

          • Black Diamond Soloist Finger Gloves

            • Trigger Finger Mitten System

            • Removable liner with 170g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation

    • Marmot

      • Colorado based company where the weather is drier

      • Marmot Minimalist Shell Mitts 

        • Gore-Tex Shell

      • Marmot PreCip Eco Shell Mitt

        • Waterproof/breathable fabric - Marmot NanoPro

        • Can find for reasonable price

      • Marmot GORE-TEX 8000 Meter Mitts

        • Gore-Tex Shell

        • Removable mitt uses PrimaLoft 700-fill-power-down

          • Down is NOT recommended for Pacific Northwest

    • Burton

      • Prices are more reasonable that others

      • Burton GORE-TEX Mittens

        • Waterproof Gore-Tex shell

        • Removable Liner Glove included

        • Very warm

        • Durable

        • No wrist leash

      • Burton Baker 2-in-1 Mittens 

        • Seems to be a lower tiered option for Burton

        • Dryride Waterproofing 

      • Burton [ak] Oven GORE-TEX 3L Mittens System

        • Waterproof Gore-Tex shell

        • Glove AND Mitten Liner

        • Very Expensive

      • Burton GORE-TEX Gloves

        • Comes with thin liners (women's and men's are different

• Glove Liners

  • Wool or Synthetic 

  • Wear inside outer shell or can be worn without shell

  • Should have 2+ pairs

    • Change out liners as they get wet

    • Keep other liner inside jacket to dry out

    • Some Shell Systems come with their own liners

      • Your second pair of liners does not need to be the same

      • You may want a less insulated pair or one with fingers

  • Example:

    • Smartwool Liner Glove

      • Basic wool liner

    • Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Glove Liners

      • Premium quality liners

    • Burton Glove Liners

      • Burton has a line of liners

    • Military Surplus Glove Liners

      • Fine if they fit and are in good shape

      • You can find new ones and reproduction ones for sometimes under $10 a pair

    • Amazon Liners

      • Something like these are fine and it won't break the bank to get 2+ pairs

      • You can even purchase liners in bulk

      • Just make sure you DON'T purchase cotton liners

    • Outdoor Research Mt Baker Glove Liner

      • Made for OR Mt Baker Glove Shells

      • Many climbers use these in the OR Alti Shells

        • More versatility with a Glove Liner than a Mitten Liner

Waterproof, Insulated Gloves

• These tend to be unreasonably expensive for Scouting use

  • More affordable options may not breathe well

  • Some of our Adult Leaders use these, but have full-time jobs, love winter sports and have stopped growing

• These are great until they get wet

  • You will want a backup pair for when these get wet

• They type of Waterproofing is key

  • Just because it says waterproof, doesn't mean it's waterproof

• Breathability is vital

  • This varies a LOT

  • Some gloves are waterproof but don't breathe very well at all and will fill up with moisture

• Examples:

  • Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Glove

    • Excellent price for a waterproof glove

    • Good waterproofing

    • Poor breathability 

    • Great insulation

  • OZERO 9048

    • Sold at amazon.com

    • Possible Economy option

  • Burton Profile Mittens

    • Good Budget Mittens

    • Uses DRYRIDE two-layer shell

  • Burton Deluxe GORE‑TEX Mittens

    • Relatively low price for Gore-Tex Mitten

    • Roomy enough to add liner

  • Dakine Phoenix Gore-Tex Glove

    • Very popular ski glove

    • Expensive

  • KUIU Northstar Glomitt

    • HDry Waterproof Membrane

    • Hunter Trigger Finger Gloves

  • Outdoor Research Revolution GORE-TEX Mitts

    • Excellent Gore-Tex waterproofing

  • Outdoor Research Revolution II GORE-TEX Gloves 

    • Excellent Gore-Tex waterproofing

    • Reasonably priced

    • Also have Under Cuff Version

  • Outdoor Research Alpinite GORE-TEX Glove

    • Excellent Gore-Tex waterproofing

    • Good insulation 

    • Better flexibility, breathability and durability than Revolution

    • Expensive

  • Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-finger

    • Very Expensive

    • Trigger Finger design allows for balanced dexterity/warmth

    • Great insulation

    • Hestra has several other excellent gloves and mittens

  • Arc'teryx Fission SV

    • Very Expensive

    • Excellent ski glove - one of the best

    • Great protection from wind and snow

      • Good for extreme cold

    • PrimaLoft

    • Elasticated back of wrist - Can't manually tighten wrist 

Non-Waterproof Gloves

• You don't always need a waterproof glove

• These are fine for dry days where you are out snowshoeing on a day trip and don't plan to get wet

• You should bring a second pair in case you fall in the snow

• Examples

  • Fred Myers Clearance Sales

    • Great selection of inexpensive, insulated gloves

    • Purchase a few pairs

  • Mechanix Wear Coldwork Original

    • Durable work glove

    • Good if doing service projects or working on a vehicle

    • Can wear liners under them

    • NOT waterproof and talk a long time to dry

  • Kinco Lined Heavy-Duty Premium Grain & Suede Pigskin Ski Glove

    • Technically waterproof if you treat them

    • Very durable for a snow glove

    • Reasonable price if you get it on sale

  • M-1949 Extreme Cold Weather Arctic Mittens

    • Old school military mitten

    • Made from leather and cotton which isn't ideal in the modern world

    • The backside is wool for warming face and wiping your nose

    • You can get a surplus pair for around $20 sometimes

    • Trigger finger versions are also available

      • M-65 Trigger Mitten Shells

      • Not as warm

      • You can find these for under $10 with liners

  • Smartwool Spring Gloves

    • Great gloves

    • Pricey when not on sale

    • Great for snowshoeing

  • The North Face Denali Etip Gloves

    • Polyester Fleece

    • Can use touchscreen

    • Ok for cooler days (not extreme cold)

    • Might use as liner

  • Nathan HyperNight Reflective Convertible Mitt

    • Mitten/Glove - mitten covering can be rolled back to allow fingers to work independently 

    • Can use touchscreen

    • May be used as liner

    • Not great insulation 

    • May be good for sports

  • Hestra Windstopper Touring

    • Nice gloves

    • Great dexterity

    • NOT waterproof

    • Expensive

    • They have other excellent Nordic ski gloves, liners and other gloves