Warm Gloves/Mittens

I am looking for a pair of warm gloves/mittens. I have read topics on cold hands and am aware of other things to do to keep them warm (don't take gloves off outside etc).

The two I am trying to decide between are the Black Diamond Guide Gloves and the Outdoor Research Alti Mitts

I got the guide gloves for christmas and am thinking of exchanging them for the alti mitts. I know the alti mitts are warmer but I'm a little worried about being able to hold on to a ski pole with them. I have heard mixed reports on using mitts like these for skiing. Some say it is difficult to grip/control the poles and others say it's not too bad. I am not a very high level skier so I really don't use poles much when turning.

Does anyone have any experience or advice with either of these types of gloves or any suggestions? Any info is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

For me, the only answer is to have a range of gloves.
The colder it is, the more you have to sacrifice in terms of dexterity.

Trencher

WampaCow wrote:I am looking for a pair of warm gloves/mittens. I have read topics on cold hands and am aware of other things to do to keep them warm (don't take gloves off outside etc).

The two I am trying to decide between are the Black Diamond Guide Gloves and the Outdoor Research Alti Mitts

I'm not sure they're the top two gloves, I've some light BD gloves that I use for touring and climbing and they are good though.

The best gloves are probably the pro range from Hestra, my current pair have are on their third season and they're in fine condition still. I use them winter and spring and they're just fine, slightly hot to climb in but otherwise perfect.

Thanks for your replies.

Trencher: I don't think I go skiing enough to justify multiple nice pairs of gloves. I have an old pair I can wear if the weather is relatively warm so I'm looking for something I can wear in extreme cold.

ise: From what I understand the OR Alti Mitts are the warmest glove out there. The thing is that they are designed more for mountaineering and not skiing.

I've heard/read lots of good things about the BD guide gloves too but I certainly don't know that they are the warmest glove.

One thing I do like about the Alti Mitts is that they have a waterproof outer shell where many others (BD guide included) only have a waterproof liner.

Here is one site I found that mentions them:
http://www.mtnguide.com/gc_gear_review/gearreview-dec06.asp#2

You mentioned Hestra... I've also heard good things about the Hestra Heli gloves.

I'm tempted to just order those Alti-mitts, put them on and judge the dexterity myself.

WampaCow wrote:
ise: From what I understand the OR Alti Mitts are the warmest glove out there. The thing is that they are designed more for mountaineering and not skiing.

warm's not really a big deal though, you can always use liners. The big deal is something you've got some sort of use of your hands with and is hard wearing, carrying skis and grabbing lifts wipes out cheap gloves quick.

ise wrote:

WampaCow wrote:
ise: From what I understand the OR Alti Mitts are the warmest glove out there. The thing is that they are designed more for mountaineering and not skiing.

warm's not really a big deal though, you can always use liners. The big deal is something you've got some sort of use of your hands with and is hard wearing, carrying skis and grabbing lifts wipes out cheap gloves quick.

Actually, if you have cold hands, warm is a really big deal, especially if you have had frostbite :(

WampaCow if you go for Hestras, choose a bigger size glove, than you think you would need. I found their sizes quite small. Especially if you think you might want a glove liner as well.

You can look online at a few good clothing sites.

MEC.ca

Order by mail and get good stuff of good to best quality not made i some sweat shop overseas. They write honest reviews about their gear and Canada is cold so they know of what they speak...

Also try some motorcycle clothing sites. It's off season for many MC shops and cold weather riding gear is identical to downhill gear but usually on sale this time of year. I do this I use ski gloves bought in summer to ride with and motorbike gloves bought off season to ski with... just a thought.