Gloves or Mitts?
With the countdown on to Aussie snow season opening weekend, We thought it's about time that we settle the age old debate - Gloves or Mitts?
Finding the right setup can be hard, everyone seems to have a opinion on what gear works 'best'. The first thing to remember when investing in any new piece of snowboarding outerwear is that everyone is different! And that is why here at MSC we stock over 15 Brands & countless styles of Gloves and Mittens.
We get that this can all be a little overwhelming, Glove, Mitt, Lobster, Leather, Synthetic, GORE-TEX, Mid-Weight, Lightweight, 10k, 15k, Undermitt, Liner, Screen Grab, cuff .... But what does it all mean????
MSC to the Rescue, We have broken it down into three key areas, so consider this your ULTIMATE GUIDE on the quest for perfectly snug hands this season!
1. How much dexterity do you need?
2. How cold do your hands get?
3. What conditions will you be using your gloves/mitts in?
So consider these 3 key points when you read through the info below!
Mitts
Mittens or Mitts encase your entire hand in one pocket - They can tend to be warmer than gloves because your fingers generate more heat when they’re not separated from each other by fabric, as they are with gloves. They aren’t as dexterous as gloves but they can still serve you well when you’re holding ski poles, carving down the mountain on a snowboard or heading out for a hike in frigid temperatures.
Gloves
Each finger is secured into a properly fitting glove, they offer better dexterity than mittens and are ideal for activities where you need to frequently handle gear, adjust boot buckles and zippers. Lightweight gloves are a great choice for aerobic activities, such as cross-country skiing, where your body is generating lots of heat.
Insulation
Synthetic - A more cost effective option to traditional down, it insulates when wet and dries a lot faster. It is a good choice for use while skiing, snowboarding and playing in the snow, especially in damp Aussie climates. There are however downsides to synthetic insulation - it can be slightly more bulky then the down alternative which can significantly reduce hand dexterity especially when teamed with a poor fitting mitt of glove.
Down - Think of your cosy doona! Light and cosy, easy to compress, long lasting and breathable. Down is more expensive than synthetic, but it maintains its loft longer than synthetic, making it a good value over time. However if down gets wet it can loose its warmth quicker then the synthetic alternatives & takes longer to dry. Hence its often paired with a high end waterproofed shell to counteract the potential for soggy insulation.
Water Proofing
Just like jackets and pants there are different levels of water proofing in gloves and mitts as they are tailored and suited for different uses and conditions!
Liners
Liners are great multi purpose addition to any snow kit! The first layer of defence against the colder months, a liner can be a great cost effective option to add additional warmth and insulation in your existing glove or mitt. Alternatively they are a great outerwear option for strolling the village after a long day on the slopes or enjoying Apreś on those warm spring days!
Designed to be a snug fit on your hands, construction consists of Merino or synthetic materials. Merino provides great temperature regulation, comfort and that cosy wool warmth that you know and love - they also have a great life span!
Synthetic alternatives also provide great warmth and protection however they don't tend to regulate temperature quite as well as Marino liners, and can have a shorter life span. They are generally a more cost effective option.
Most liners now days come with touch screen compatibility - anyone who has tried to take photos on the mountain or chair lift will know the hassle of having to remove a Glove / Mitt in order to operate your touch screen resulting in a freezing hand.
Water Proofing
Most Mitts and gloves will have a 'Cheat Sheet' on the swing tags.
0 - 5,000mm - No resistance to some resistance to moisture. Light rain, dry snow, no pressure.
6,000mm - 10,000mm - Rainproof and waterproof under light pressure. Light rain, average snow, light pressure.
11,000mm - 15,000mm - Rainproof and waterproof except under high pressure. Moderate rain, average snow, light pressure.
16,000mm - 20,000mm - Rainproof and waterproof under high pressure. Heavy rain, wet snow, some pressure
GORE-TEX - The top tier in rainproofing and waterproofing under very high pressure. Heavy rain, wet snow, high pressure.
Fit & Size
Getting the correct fit is essential to your hands staying comfortable and dry during your day on the mountain. Gloves and mittens that are too big won’t keep your hands warm and can make it difficult to hold ski poles, operate zippers and do other tasks. When they’re too small, they will restrict movement and likely leave skin exposed at your wrists.
A proper fitting glove or mitten will have about ¼ inch of material at the end of your outstretched fingers. When you make a fist, the fit should not be too tight or restrictive. Consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart for hand measurements if you can’t try on the glove or mitten.
If you have any further questions, come and say Hi in store or give us a call and we can find you the perfect pair!