Can you recommend a mitt-and-glove combination that provides warmth and dexterity?
You've mentioned Outdoor Research's Mutant Modular Mitt in the past as a nice compromise between mittens and gloves, but unfortunately OR stopped making them. Do you know of any other similar mitt/glove compromise? I've got a pair of OR shell mitts, but I'd really like the added dexterity. Daniel Halifax, Vermont
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Yeah, there are some other choices now that the Mutant Modular is no longer with us. Outdoor Research makes what it calls the Index Mitt ($45; outdoorresearch.com), which is a mitten that can be peeled back to reveal partially gloved fingers. Worn with glove liners, youÂ’d have quite a bit of hand protection under all conditions.
Outdoor Research Index Mitt
Index MittPearl Izumi also makes a true lobster glove, called the AmFib Lobster Glove ($65; pearlizumi.com). It’s a very good glove—synthetic insulation, Pearl IzumiÂ’s proprietary AmFib waterproof/breathable shell, and Pittards leather palm for grip. The cuff has AmFib material, but could be a little longer for really hard winter use. Still, I like these gloves a lot.
Another choice is the Manzella MicroMesh Windstopper Glove ($30; manzella.com). ItÂ’s a lobster-style glove thatÂ’s really just a windproof shell with a very light fleece liner. You can wear whatever you want for an under-glove, depending on conditions. I havenÂ’t used this particular glove, but I have ManzellaÂ’s fantastic regular Windstopper gloves; theyÂ’re light and surprisingly warm even without glove liners.
The Gear Guy reports from 2007 Winter Outdoor Retailer, the bi-annual gearapalooza in Salt Lake City. Check out his top picks for gear to watch in 2007.