Hestra Helags Sr Mitt Gloves Review 2018/04/18
For extreme cold, nothing beats a mitt. Having all your fingers
sharing warmth keeps your hands protected in the most testing of
environments. This is a full review and field test on the Hestra
Helags Sr Mitt.
Introduction
In northern Lapland I was glad I packed my Hestra Helags Sr Mitt as the
temperatures were always below freezing and on occasion dipped as low as
-20C. The Helags Sr are a well made mitt consisting of a piled wool
terry loop liner, which is removable and a durable goat leather palm and
fingertip area. The back is covered with a cotton polyester which can
hold a wax finish. I used the Hestra Merino Wool Liner glove alongside
the Hestra Helags Sr Mitt to create a really versatile and comfortable
layered system in the cold conditions. It was a well matched pair as the
liners worked as a baselayer for my hands and allowed the Helags Sr to
provide maximum warmth and protection when I needed it.
Use
I normally used the Helags Sr Mitt when I was stationary or walking with
low exertion levels, saving using the Merino Wool Liners for when I was
more active and didn't need so much warmth. It was however sometimes
cold enough to use the Helags Sr when active, and it was in these
situations where you really appreciate the terry loop liner to the
mitts, as it regulates temperature and moisture very well on the inside
of the Hestra Helags Sr Mitt. These liners are removable and so easily
washed and dried on the trail.
Design
The goat leather is vegetable tanned using tree bark extract and is of a
high quality. This leather is easily maintained with a little Hestra
Leather Balm. Applied now and again to keep it supple and water
repellent. Above all I am a big fan of leather. It’s a long lasting
material and if cared for and allows the user to keep and maintain one
single item. For instance this saves purchasing countless more
disposable ones.
Adjusting the Hestra Helags Sr Mitt is
simply done by the velcro wrist strap and by the elasticated gauntlet.
The components holding these together are plastic and a strong feeling
metal.
My only reservation is the Hestra
Helags Sr Mitt does not have a metal carabiner hole so you can't
conveniently stow them on your belt loop. Above all I found myself
missing this feature on the trail. However you could stitch one on
yourself if you wanted.
Highly Recommended.
