Rebel, with a Cause!
03-01-2007, 20:38
I received a pair of the new Mountain Laurel Designs Rain Mitts Here are the Specs:
Weight: 1 oz
Color: Yellow ( Black available )
Material: Event Fabric
Size: Large
Cost: $40
A Little History First
As most hikers know, previously the only other rain mitts to be had were the Outdoor Research Rain Mitts and Rain Claws. These are no longer produced and almost impossible to find except every now and then on EBay. I had a set of the OR Rain Mitts for my 2002 AT hike and they were the perfect combo for cold and wet days like going through the Smokies. Most gloves like the GoreTex stuff was way too bulky and weighed alot. One pair I bought ( Goretex ) was too big to go into my hiking pole straps. As I was looking for a good set of rain mitts for my wife gear selection, I found nothing out there until now. Read On.
Now Ron at Mountain Laurel Designs
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/
Has come up with the perfect solution. Light weight, Breathable Waterproof Event Fabric sewn in to a rain mitt configuration. Thats a mitten and a thumb design. The Mitt has a drawstring closure on the end and is plenty long enough in length to go over your rain Jacket sleeves ( or under ) The OR mitts had a stretchy cuff that would get soaked with water in no thime. Not the case with the MLD Rain Mitts.
Here is what Ron has to say ( QUOTE )
Two layer eEVENT fabric is the lightest fully waterproof, highly breathable fabric available
Comfort down to 35+ degrees worn alone or mid 20s with a liner glove while on the move
High wear palm and thumb front area is double layer eVENT fabric facing membrane to membrane to prevent body oil/sweat/dirt from contaminating the membrane and for easy cleaning.
Minimum of seams to maximize strength
Anchored wrist cordlock / bungee closure is easy to use with mitts on.
Ergo wrist and thumb shape reduces seam stress while holding trekking poles.
Long gantlet wrist covers jacket cuffs.
Sized to fit over a light to medium glove liners. 2/22/2007: Med and Large sizes have both been tweaked a tiny bit larger. If you would take a Patagonia thin glove liner in Med, order medium. If you would take a Lg or XL liner, order large.
NOTES: Designed for ultra lightweight protection for 3+ season hikers needing short term early morning warmth or anytime rain protection. Not intended as an all day everyday cold weather mitt or shell. At less than an ounce for the pair, they wont last as long as a 5oz mitt. Not warranted against fabric wear out but should last most thru-hikers one full trip, your mileage may vary. Size corresponds to most light glove liners. If in doubt, size up. Minimal seam design balances the need for strength in a light fabric while maintaining a functional fit and thumb articulation. ( END )
Today My wife and I returned from a hike up the the AT at Spence Field in a very heavy rain storm with lots of rain and wind. I wore the MLD Rain Mitts from the start and they worked perfectly all by themselves. Plenty of room inside to move my hands and worked great with my hiking poles straps. My wife complained about the stretchy material on the OR mits getting soaked. She now wants a pair of Rons Rain Mitts.
So if you have a pair of the older OR Rain Mitts , Congrads, hang on to them, they are like gold. If not look into the Mitts by MLD and be glad you waited. Ron will even send you a free tube of Seam Seal to further coat the inside seams if you want ( I havent yet ). A bit pricey, but a great product that has no competitor.
Cya on the Trail
Weight: 1 oz
Color: Yellow ( Black available )
Material: Event Fabric
Size: Large
Cost: $40
A Little History First
As most hikers know, previously the only other rain mitts to be had were the Outdoor Research Rain Mitts and Rain Claws. These are no longer produced and almost impossible to find except every now and then on EBay. I had a set of the OR Rain Mitts for my 2002 AT hike and they were the perfect combo for cold and wet days like going through the Smokies. Most gloves like the GoreTex stuff was way too bulky and weighed alot. One pair I bought ( Goretex ) was too big to go into my hiking pole straps. As I was looking for a good set of rain mitts for my wife gear selection, I found nothing out there until now. Read On.
Now Ron at Mountain Laurel Designs
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/
Has come up with the perfect solution. Light weight, Breathable Waterproof Event Fabric sewn in to a rain mitt configuration. Thats a mitten and a thumb design. The Mitt has a drawstring closure on the end and is plenty long enough in length to go over your rain Jacket sleeves ( or under ) The OR mitts had a stretchy cuff that would get soaked with water in no thime. Not the case with the MLD Rain Mitts.
Here is what Ron has to say ( QUOTE )
Two layer eEVENT fabric is the lightest fully waterproof, highly breathable fabric available
Comfort down to 35+ degrees worn alone or mid 20s with a liner glove while on the move
High wear palm and thumb front area is double layer eVENT fabric facing membrane to membrane to prevent body oil/sweat/dirt from contaminating the membrane and for easy cleaning.
Minimum of seams to maximize strength
Anchored wrist cordlock / bungee closure is easy to use with mitts on.
Ergo wrist and thumb shape reduces seam stress while holding trekking poles.
Long gantlet wrist covers jacket cuffs.
Sized to fit over a light to medium glove liners. 2/22/2007: Med and Large sizes have both been tweaked a tiny bit larger. If you would take a Patagonia thin glove liner in Med, order medium. If you would take a Lg or XL liner, order large.
NOTES: Designed for ultra lightweight protection for 3+ season hikers needing short term early morning warmth or anytime rain protection. Not intended as an all day everyday cold weather mitt or shell. At less than an ounce for the pair, they wont last as long as a 5oz mitt. Not warranted against fabric wear out but should last most thru-hikers one full trip, your mileage may vary. Size corresponds to most light glove liners. If in doubt, size up. Minimal seam design balances the need for strength in a light fabric while maintaining a functional fit and thumb articulation. ( END )
Today My wife and I returned from a hike up the the AT at Spence Field in a very heavy rain storm with lots of rain and wind. I wore the MLD Rain Mitts from the start and they worked perfectly all by themselves. Plenty of room inside to move my hands and worked great with my hiking poles straps. My wife complained about the stretchy material on the OR mits getting soaked. She now wants a pair of Rons Rain Mitts.
So if you have a pair of the older OR Rain Mitts , Congrads, hang on to them, they are like gold. If not look into the Mitts by MLD and be glad you waited. Ron will even send you a free tube of Seam Seal to further coat the inside seams if you want ( I havent yet ). A bit pricey, but a great product that has no competitor.
Cya on the Trail