Black Diamond Super Light Mitt Review
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Black Diamond Super Light Mitt
The Black Diamond Super Light Mitt is named so for a reason, and I bet you can guess why that is? Sure, they are very light. I, on the other hand, would have called them the ‘en fuego’, Fire Bomb, or something in that realm because these puppies will keep your digits nice and toasty.
Initial Thoughts
When I got the Black Diamond Super Light Mitt, they looked the part! Meaning, that they were a little larger, puffy comes to mind, and with the extended cuffs they are much longer than your average glove. Very soft, and of course, super light. I ignored the technical features, because I was busy packing to hit the slopes of Keystone Resort the following day, so I figured I would put them to the test right away.
With the long sleeve cuff and cinch strap, these mitts easily fit over top of your ski jacket
Black Diamond Super Light Mitt Features
The 15-denier ripstop Pertex shell at first glance seemed a bit vulnerable. How wrong I was! the tiny diamond shaped pattern has stood up to the abuse I’ve put them through so far.
The GoreTex liner is 100% waterproof and breathable. The brains behind it all is the XCR Product technology insert.
284g Kodenshi insulation is a blend of Primaloft and ceramic fibers. A lot of insulation with minimal weight.
Sheepskin leather palm with Kevlar stitching for maximum dexterity and compressibility. The leather appears to be double layered on the interior of the thumb where you’d be holding your ski pole, and the stitching provides additional strength.
Secure wrist strap is a ‘glove-saver’ especially on the lifts when digging for an energy bar
The secure wrist strap is like pure cold to me. Aside from that maximum warmth feature, this is the next best super cool feature. There is always a glove or mitten graveyard underneath the chair lifts because shoving your gloves underneath your legs works, but not always. The slightly longer connected loop goes around your wrist, and you never have to worry about your gloves falling off while going up on the lift or carrying your gear back to your car. They just dangle there nice and innocent.
Secure wrist strap is a ‘glove-saver’ especially on the lifts when digging for an energy bar
Draw-cord gauntlet to close AND open. Usually closing or cinching the cuff draw-cord is not a problem. Opening them however is always a hassle, and usually requires that you take your mitt off squeezing your hand out. Not on the Black Diamond Super Light Mitt! They have a second pull cord that can be worked with the mitten on to loosen to take them off quite easily. In the above picture, the strap I’m holding just needs a simple tug, and the mitt will pull right off.
The long cuffs are a nice feature. I usually have this battle between my jacket sleeve cuff, and the glove cuff. They both feel the need to close nice and snug at the exact same place. Usually, this presents a problem, and wind or snow finds it way in. With the Black Diamond Super Light Mitt’s long cuff, I can easily tighten my sleeve jacket, and slide the mitt over top without any wind, snow, or function issues.
Performance of the Black Diamond Super Light Mitt
The temperature range as proclaimed by Black Diamond is to -25 Fahrenheit or -31 Celsius. I have not had the pleasure or great fortune to have experienced that kind of cold while wearing these, but can attest to the fact that they kept my hands super warm with temperatures in the teens. Add in some fumbling around for my phone and mid lift snacks without the mittens, and my hands got cold pretty quick. When I put my hands back in they were immediately greeted by the retained heat of the Black Diamond Super Light Mitt. Take a run down some superfast groomers at 35 mph, and yet again, the technical features of this Mitt performed immaculately.
I did work for some of my turns by climbing up to a few ridges, and the gloves had to come off. With my effort and exertion, these puppies are just too warm. Not a big deal in this case, because it was a beautiful day. If adverse conditions do exist, maybe think about stashing a lighter pair in your pockets or pack. A pair of Nordic or running gloves come to mind. Once I started the downhill again though, they were perfect for keeping the wind at bay, and the heat inside.
Technical Specifications
- 100% waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX with XCR Product Technology insert
- Pertex 15D ripstop shell
- 284 g PrimaLoft Kodenshi insulation
- Sheepskin leather palm with Kevlar stitching for maximum dexterity and compressibility
- Secure wrist strap and draw-cord gauntlet
Who this Black Diamond Super Light Mitt is for:
These Mittens are great for anyone who wants a super warm mitt to tackle their winter expeditions or adventures. May it be backcountry exploration, mountain climbing, skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, snow shoveling, ice fishing. Pretty much anything else you can think when the temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. I suppose a better question to ask is who they are NOT for? If you intend on doing anything where you aerobic juices get flowing, you may want to have a back-up plan. These will cause your hands to sweat if you are doing some serious climbing, backcountry skiing Nordic skiing, or snowshoeing. That said, the minute you stop or take your run down the mountain they may come in handy once again.
Final thoughts of the Black Diamond Super Light Mitt
If you want oven mitts, the Black Diamond Super Light Mitt is the one piece of very important equipment that you’ll be happy you picked up. Super light, warm, breathable, and great features will make this winter’s ski season a whole lot more enjoyable. For more information on the Super Light Mitt and all the other options please visit: www.blackdiamond.com or www.amazon.com/blackdiamond.
