Over the last three decades Outdoor Research have developed a selection of core adventure products, moulding the brand’s ethic to meet conditions experienced top-end adventures. Motivated by the ambition to promote human-powered adventure, Outdoor Research have grown and strengthened their collection of gear. Outdoor Research now has numerous products at the forefront of technical gear, one being the Alti Mitts which I took out for a spin in Chamonix earlier this year.

First of all, the key features. Each Alti Mitt comprise of a two part system: a waterproof outer mitt and an insulating inner mitt. The outer mitt is a GORE-TEX shell which makes the mitt fully waterproof when all the seams are taped, whilst still enabling a breathable mitt. On the palm of the mitt Pittards Armortan leather is found, which provides durable, water-repellent leather with superior grip and dexterity in all weather conditions. The inside of the mitt uses a layer of PrimaLoft synthetic insulation to offer compressible warmth, combined with of fleece lining which provides crush resistant warmth and a secure grip. The inner mitt is removable and is made up of the same fleece and loft system.

When Outdoor Research were originally manufacturing the Alti Mitts, their work based around one criteria; making a mitt that would keep your hands warm in any elements whilst retaining dexterity in the fingers. Whilst trying these mitts out in Chamonix this winter I found that their sole use was to keep my hands warm when I was stationery at around 3000/4000m, however this is just the beginning of their potential scope of use. My trip to 4km in Chamonix wasn’t enough to push the limits of the product.

I have often found getting a pair of such warm and dexterous mitts to be troublesome, in advance of a trip to Northern Norway. If I had been introduced to these mitts before my expedition to Svalbard & Spitsbergen they certainly would have been my first choice. Furthermore, the two part system can prove incredibly vital in such environments where even more dexterity is needed, for example setting up a stove in super-cold temperatures. If you expect to below -20 degrees Celsius then have a test with the Alti-Mitts.

Useful Information

UK RRP £170
Available in Men’s and Women’s from needlesports.com
Colours: Red & Black or Black
Outdoor Research Dealer Locator

Outdoor Research’s Non-Profit Alliances.