Waterproof overmitts

[Squarefoot]

Greetings past, present, and future thru-hikers. I am leaving Springer early February and expect frigid conditions. Can anyone recommend a lightweight waterproof overmitt to protect the digits from freezing rain and whatnot? I'll be wearing the Fox River Wool Glommit but feel like i may need some waterproofing if, rather when, the weather deteriorates. Was looking at some OR Rain Mitts (can't find supplier) and some Extremities (only from UK) but was hoping i could find a simple waterproof shell. Any suggestions?? Are these even necessary?

[JAK]

I recommend wool mitts. Not too soft or felted. Good handmade course wool mitts, or gloves, but handmade wool gloves are harder to come by. Of course some of your socks should be course wool, and these can be worn as mitts. You are probably best with whatever you would wear when running in cold rain. Light fleece will do, as you can always wear wool socks over them. If gloves are too thin they are colder than nothing at all. Avoid any gloves or mitts with suede leather patches on them. These are very cold and impossible to dry.

[JAK]

Excellent wool:
http://www.briggsandlittle.com/wool/default.htm

[Footslogger]

There are a couple places that sell them. Here is one link:

http://www.thepacka.com/index_files/Page429.html

Here's another:

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com...088476e1d56478

'Slogger

PS ...if you can get your hands (no play on words intended) on a pair of the original "Rain Mitts" by Outdoor Research (OR) they will work well. I've had a pair of them for years and carried them on my thru in 2003 but since then OR has discontinued them.

[the_iceman]

I do not really care for wool. I use an inner glove of fleece, then a fleece mitt, then an OR Over Mitt (just a shell) for extreme stuff. I find wool gets a little soggy and collects snow.

http://www.altrec.com/outdoors/outdo...rch/overmitts/

just goole "outdoor research overmitts". I got 5,570 hits. This is the third link.

[Footslogger]

I do not really care for wool. I use an inner glove of fleece, then a fleece mitt, then an OR Over Mitt (just a shell) for extreme stuff. I find wool gets a little soggy and collects snow.

http://www.altrec.com/outdoors/outdo...rch/overmitts/

just goole "outdoor research overmitts". I got 5,570 hits. This is the third link.

=================================

The ones shown on that link are heavier - more for mountaineering.

'Slogger

[the_iceman]

http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/18056/

They are in the middle of the page mention in previous post toward the bottom. $22.97 in black.

Outdoor Research: Snowline Mitt - These lightweight Cordura® shell mitts feature waterproof, breathable Ventia™ inserts for reliable backcountry performance. Toughtek LT palms keep pack straps and trekking poles in control, while a wicking lining keeps your hands dry during strenuous activity. Full-length gauntlets and MonoCinch™ closures provide a secure connection between these handtools and your jacket.

• Durable/breathable, untaped Cordura® shell
• Waterproof/breathable Ventia® insert
• Toughtek LT palm
• Anatomical curve; boxed construction
• Wicking lining
• Ladder-lock wrist cinch
• MonoCinch™ gauntlet closure
  
  INTENDED USAGE:
• Excellent shell for hiking, skiing, backpacking
• Avg. weight: 5.5 oz./155 g (size L, per pair)

[Squarefoot]

has anyone had any experience with the Foxriver Wool Glommit? or any products made by Fox River?

[JAK]

I switched from wool to fleece but have gone back to wool more than fleece.
I know use wool as my primary layers and polyester and nylon as my extra layers.

There are different kinds of wool. For mitts, the wool should be course, not soft or felted. Not just warm when wet, but fairly non-absorbing and easy to dry even with just the heat from your hands. Once you have a pair like this you will know. There is cheap polyester fleece and there is good polyester fleece. It is the same with wool except that there are many different types of good wool depending on the situation.

[JAK]

has anyone had any experience with the Foxriver Wool Glommit? or any products made by Fox River?

In general, mass produced wool mitts and gloves, even the expensive ones, are not the best for mitts and gloves. They are generally too soft or too felted. Same with sweaters. It is hard to find good sweaters in North America, except for some local handmade goods in places like Maine, which are excellent. Some soft wool is very good. Don't get me wrong. But course wool also has its place, and good course wool goods can be harder to find and are generally unavailable through outfitters and mainstream suppliers.

[JAK]

This looks like an excellent resource for people serious about wool.
http://www.woolworks.org/stores.html

[bigcranky]

I have a set of w/b overmitts that I use in winter. Not quite full-on mountaineering mitts, they are still kinda heavy.

I would love a pair of the Mountain Laurel Designs eVent mitts. Less than 1 ounce per pair, waterproof, very breathable, and really not that expensive.

[Skidsteer]

Mist overmitts from ULA.

ULA is closed right now but you can also get them from Mountain Crossings.

[Toolshed]

SF,
If you can find the OR's overmitts I heartily recommend them. They used to come in Coated Nylon Versions (Lighter) and then a GTX version - Heavier.
I prefer the lighter ones for just hiking and teh heavier ones for summits. I found they work best when used in comb with a very thin, light nylon liner glove. I can take the mitts off to do finer finger work and then put them back on to keep the fingers together, warm and dry, when dexterity is not at issue.
I have a pair of glomitts and they are OK, but I prefer true liner gloves, overmitts and then true pair of fleece mittens for arctic temps when the going gets really cold.

If you do get breathable overmitts, you might want to turn them I/O and seam seal wear the palm and fingers meet the W/B fabric.

[Toolshed]

Mist overmitts from ULA.

ULA is closed right now but you can also get them from Mountain Crossings.

Nice Link. I'm looking at that mitt right now and thinking about a pattern and bet I could easily sew them with some spare silnylon, but then again for $20, it is just as easy to buy them.