Best Expedition Mittens for Under $75?

Hi everyone,

New to the forum here. I've done a good amount of backpacking and have climbed a couple of mountains in the summertime... but for the first time, I'm planning on going on a winter climbing trip (Mount Washington with a guide) to get my feet wet.

Any suggestions for a not-too-expensive mitten option? I'm currently thinking about picking up one of these two (The OR Alti I think is just a bit too much given that I'm just trying to get an initial taste of the winter experience):

1) North Face Montana Mitt (HyVent) for $60: altrec.com/the-north-face/m…
2) LL Bean Gore-Tex Insulated Mittens for $50: llbean.com/llb/shop/70816?f…;attrValue_0=Black

I may be able to find the North Face ones for cheaper as well, from a reliable source. The LL Bean would just be the straight up $50, I think.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Well here's the thing. Is it worth a finger?

The reason winter mountaineering mitts are expensive is because they have to be well insulated, and weather proof. In order for that to happen, you need a lot more material than some cheap mitt.

Also, think about which mountain you're talking about climbing. Mt. Washington is no joke. It has the highest recorded wind speed in the US, and definitely is a contender for some of the coldest temperatures.

Think of your boots and mitts as important safety devices, much like a harness and a rope. Don't skimp.

Look for a sale. Did you pay for a guide? If so, you can afford $20-40 more on gloves. If not, ask your guide if he/she has an extra pair you can borrow.

I carry a number of different gloves for east coast peak bagging. A big factor is how much your hands perspire when exercising hard and how warm you are when constantly moving. Depending on the day, the conditions, etc I normally start with a lightweight pair of gloves, especially for the below tree line approach section. More often than not I just pull a pair of shells on over thin liners above tree line on the uphill leg. I'll switch over to a insulating liner when we top out on the summit and for the trip back down (working less so I cool off). Below tree line I often switch back to a thin windproof glove for the balance of the trip. The important thing to keep your hands warm is to keep them dry. Heavy mittens often fail at the dry part if you are working hard. Also, those .99cent chemical hand warmers are a great thing to carry. Just remember they take an hour or more to get up to temp so use them before your hands really get cold. If you have time before you go, try experimenting with different glove systems locally (like walking around the park).

I just got a pair of these: outdoorresearch.com/en/mens….

I really like them so far. Waiting to give them a good workout at the Ouray ice festival next week.

SVC, check out BD Mercury Mitts. They retail for $100, but you can always find them cheaper. Here's a pair for $50 (google a coupon and you could probably save another $10-15)

sierratradingpost.com/black…;utm_medium=PaidShopping&utm_term=Black_Diamond_Equipment_Mercury_Mittens_-_Insulated_Fleece_Lined_For_Men&utm_campaign=PCGOOGLEBASE11&gclid=CN214pjEoq0CFWg0QgodkzzalQ&codes-processed=true

These mitts are great, I've worn mine on winter trips on Mt. Washington many times (and Rainier in winter, Katahdin in winter, dacks ice climbing, Hood in winter, etc.) I've always been very happy with them. I'm taking them to Denali this year. Have fun and be safe!

Thanks for the advice, folks!

Definitely don't plan on losing a finger... Just don't want to go way overboard in terms of what's necessary, as well.

Since nobody commented on the North Face or LL Bean options, am I to assume that these would *not* be enough insulation to keep my hands warm?

Also, for wargowsky -- Do you wear yours with glove liners? I've always worn size Large without liners when I ski, but my hand measurement of 9.5 - 9 inches places me as a "M." I'm concerned that with a thin liner, the size M at STP might be too small. I'd appreciate any thoughts!

I wear liners if i'm going to be in and out of them a lot. I have a small hand volume (8.5-9in), but i have a size large. If you're in the 9-9.5" range, a large would probably be fine with a light liner. I went with the large so i'd have lots of room to wear heavy liners, and so i could get in and out of them faster/more easily.

STP was just an example. here's 2 links to $60 mitts in any size.

gearx.com/black-diamond-mer…;utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping

wildernessexchangeunlimited…;PID=5160&SKU=15391&LinkID=1

Thanks, wargowsky!

I'm also in the 8.5 to 9 inch range, so I assume a light liner should be fine? Also, from the product descriptions, it seems like there's also a built-in removable liner as well? How does that work with your glove system?

I know you are looking for a $60 mitt but I have a brand new pair of Large Red Outdoor Research Alti mitts that have never been out that I need to get rid of. I will let them go for $100 you cover the shipping if you are interested. Send me a email.
Dallen

The removable liner is great. It's a waterproof lobster claw design. Great for cooking meals, etc. It's my favorite part of the mitt system. Works fine with a glove liner.