Backpacker Magazine – Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2010

Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Pistolero Gloves

Tough gloves that still let you use your fingers for delicate tasks.

by: Shannon Davis

Tags:
• Gloves
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• Gear
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• Apparel
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• Winter camping
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• Mountaineering
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[all-purpose]
If Paul Bunyan and an Italian tailor teamed up to design a pair of gloves, it would look like the Pistolero: workhorse tough with surprising dexterity. “I could tie my boot laces and even operate a tiny zipper on my bibs,” says a tester, “yet the combination of fleece interior and waterproof/breathable liner kept them dry and warm enough for freezing temps.” (They’re not as warm as the Alpha SV, left). The Pistolero mixes goat- and pigskin leather on the palm and fingers, which makes it supple and tough in just the right places.

Comfort and fit are enhanced by the OutDry membrane, which is bonded directly to the fabric. That means there are no gaps between liner and exterior material, where water can collect and feel cold, and it also allows a better-than-average fit. The cuff seals tight with Velcro, but the closure caused the cuff gusset to pill prematurely. Still, says our tester, “If I could only have one pair of gloves, I’d take these and never look back.” Try before you buy: They fit a little snug. $100; 5 oz.; (unisex S-XL); mountainhardwear.com


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