Question: Gloves or Mittens?

[sweetnsnooty]

In 25F weather (sunny, light wind), my fingers were numb after just two hours of skiing.

At a sporting store, they recommended mittens but I'm not sure I would be comfortable in mittens. Insulators don't work, my gloves are too small to fit them.

Suggestions? Thanks, ladies!

 

[Jilly]

What kind/make of gloves are you using?

Mittens will be warmer as all the fingers are together for warmth. But I think you might be a "better" glove. I like my Auclairs, Swany's and Avalanche (Canadian brand only). Even within those brands there are better and worst. Expensive doesn't mean that they will be warm either.

 

[sweetnsnooty]

Gore-Tex - fabric all around, inside finish appears to be cotton.

 

[Jilly]

Try a leather pair from Auclair or Paris glove.

Also make sure your gloves are dry inside and out.

 

[michpc]

If you don't like mittens, I'd definitely say to upgrade to a high quality pair of gloves. I'm personally a mitten fan, especially since if you use hand warmers with mittens, the warmer is right above your fingers, so it's extra marm. It definitely limits mechanics, but the only real problem is if I need to get out a trail map or something and my mittens have glove liners so I usually take my hands out with the liners on if I need better use of my fingers.

Can you try going to a local ski shop to get suggestions on the warmer gloves they carry?

 

[sweetnsnooty]

Thanks for the suggestions, I can definitely shop around, just wanted to find out what others here are using - there are so many choices out there, my head is spinning.

 

[Robyn]

I was a life long glove user. Hated mittens, felt so restricted. Then last year so so freaking cold here that my only choice was to give in. I bought a pair of Swany Toaster leather mittens that have a zip opening on the side with a liner so I can get my fingers out to do stuff if needed. LOVE them. Absolutely in love with them. In all but the most frigid temps (like -40) I use them without a warmer pack but can easily throw a pack in if needed. And with the zipper/liner combo I actually feel like I can do more than I could with gloves.

 

[Tennessee]

Mittens

Mittens are definitely the warmest. I take them off when I have to work something and then slip them right back on. Best solution for people who have a problem with cold hands like I do.

 

[sweetnsnooty]

Robyn, I tried the Swany Toasters with the zip just yesterday. I liked how soft the leather was but wasn't convinced that they would be warm enough! Thanks for your input!!! I may just give in to mittens, no fun skiing with numb fingertips!

 

[sweetnsnooty]

My hands are always icicles as well! Wow, I'm almost sold on mittens, will try them on again tonight!

 

[Robyn]

One nice thing about the Swany Toasters is that if my hands start to over heat I can unzip and either do a chair ride or ski a groomer (don't do this in powder cause if you fall you'll fill the inside with snow) to get some wind and cooling in there. It really does work great!

 

[sweetnsnooty]

:-) That will be the day when I'm too warm! Thanks for the tips!!

 

[MaryLou]

Mitten lover here too. My last 2 pairs have been Kombis w/ removable liners. Nothing fancy, but very warm. The only thing that may get cold is my thumb, but I'll pop that into my hand when on the chair. Also use a handwarmer on real cold days. May be a little bulkier - but it doesn't matter when I'm skiing, the warmth is worth it. The only downside is if you use them on warmer days - your hands sweat like crazy - so buying ones with removable liners is key, or always having gloves and mittens handy. It's all I buy my kids too.

 

[ski diva]

Mittens are definitely warmer. We've had a few threads discussing which ones are warmest. You might want to check out this one.

 

[letioga]

I find its personal preference for more finger mobility or less. Mitttens are for sure warmer, but I don't like not having my fingers available. I've found amazing Auclair leather gloves and am almost always warm in them. I sometimes buy those hotpaws handwarmers when it drops into the zeros, but am otherwise happy!

 

[marge]

I've had okay gloves (tried several different ones) but bought mittens last year on clearnace (Burton). They are incredible! My hands have yet to get cold this year.

 

[volklgirl]

Mittens for me unless it's above 35 deg. I have Kombi (pretty warm), Grandoe (oh-so-soft but not holding up well), and Reusch Racing mitts (not very toasty without a warmer, but padded for bashing gates).

 

[Swamp Dog]

another mitten fan here. I hated them for the longest time but then found a pair that I can make do with. They are Burton Gore-Tex, have a glove liner and a pocket for hand warmers.

The first day I used them (this season) was just about 2 weeks ago. I dropped both poles getting on the chair lift for the first time. So yeah, they do take some getting used to.

 

[Kano]

I recently picked up a pair of Swany gloves. Tri-pled I think. I'm very pleased with them so far -- I was having problems with cold hands and too much bulk in all of my gloves. Hate bulk.

So far, my hands are almost the warmest part of me, and I am not feeling like I have too much fabric anywhere!

Karen in Boise

 

[SnowflakeADK]

This season I picked up a pair of Black Diamond Patrol Gloves (thank you Tramdock.com). They are leather/softshell. I've been toasty warm (without handwarmers) down to -10F. I do have some room in them to add a smartwool liner if I wish. Have not had to pull out my bulky mittens yet this year. FWIW, I believe that they are also available in a mitten.