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Originally Posted by kcyanks1  Thanks for the replies. For those that use gloves and are happy with them even in cold days, have you ever used mittens, and if so, how do they compare? From my preliminary searches on line it just doesn't seem that there are as many mittens available as gloves. So while I've always gone with mittens in the past, I'm thinking about gloves now ... but since the reason I'm looking is that my mittens aren't warm enough, I'm a bit worried about moving to gloves. One way it may help though is that with mittens I have to take my hands out whenever opening a pocket for a tissue or something, whereas maybe with gloves I'll be able to keep them on. |
In general, mittens are significantly warmer than similarly constructed gloves.
I picked up a pair of EMS Summit mittens (Gore-tex, leather palms, primaloft) for myself when they were on clearance. I think they I paid $38 for them. They keep my hands way warmer than any ski glove I've used. I also feel I get a more comfortable grip on my ski poles, as the fingers seem to stay in a more natural position than they do in gloves.
Any gloves that would allow you to unfold a tissue wouldn't keep your hands warm on a frigid day. You can always wear thin glove liners to protect your hands when you pull off your ski mitts or gloves. Because Mitts come off/go on easier and quicker than gloves, your hands are exposed for a shorter period of time.
Also, if your hands (and feet) are cold, make sure that your head, neck, and body core are well insulated; and that you are well hydrated. Your body will restrict the flow of blood to the extremities in order to keep the vital areas warm. A balaclava, face mask, or neck gaitor can do more to keep your hands warm than the most expensive pair of gloves or mitts.