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RBH Designs UltraLight Vapor Mitts

"Serious cold-weather hand protection for the "off-seasons.".."

Note: Scroll down for more photos.

Availability

UltraLight Vapor Mitts will begin shipping on November 10, 2003. We strongly recommend that you pre-order to guarantee a Christmas '03 delivery.

Overview

UltraLight Vapor Mitts are the result of a two-year collaboration between RBH Designs and BackpackingLight.com's Ryan Jordan. The goal of this project was to provide an integrated cold weather handwear system (shell and insulation) for sub-freezing conditions that was as light as possible.

UltraLight Vapor Mitts consist of a waterproof outer shell protecting a sewn-in vapor barrier fleece liner based on RBH Designs' Vapr-Thrm(TM) technology.

Note on color availability: The prototypes shown in the photographs on this page are in color to illustrate the key features of the mitts. Final production mitts will be solid black.

Application Notes

UltraLight Vapor Mitts were designed to address the lack of lightweight mitts available on the market that are suitable for subfreezing conditions for those that partake in off-season backpacking and hiking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor activities.

The design is based on the premise that vapor barrier technology is ideally suited for handwear. Here's why:

The typical winter scenario for handwear is this: the insulation in your knit, fleece, or otherwise insulated gloves or mitts get damp from moisture (perspiration, rain, sleet, snow, etc.). Then, in order to evaporate that moisture, heat is required. The typical source of that heat is that emitted by your hands. Massive and rapid evaporative cooling ensues, made even more dramatic by even slight winds, and your hands become rapidly chilled. Since these mitts contain a vapor barrier lining, the insulation is protected from inside moisture (perspiration); further, since the mitts are made with a waterproof outer shell, the insulation is protected from outside moisture (melting snow or other precipitation). Consequently, the integrity of the insulation is maintained and the evaporative cooling that saps heat from your hands minimized. The meaningful result: A lighter mitt can be used.

UltraLight Vapor Mitts can be worn with or without a thin wool, polyester, or polypropylene glove liner for additional warmth and comfort if desired.

The temperature rating of these gloves depends in part on user skill, metabolism, level of activity, outside temperature, wind chill, etc. These gloves are probably most applicable for most people at temperatures between zero degrees F (-18 degrees C) and 32 degrees F (0 degrees C), with much colder temperatures comfortably attainable under optimum conditions - during periods of activity in midday sunshine, strong metabolism, etc.

Features

• UltraLight Vapr-Thrm(TM) fleece mitt liner (sewn-in) with soft tricot lining
• Liner and shell manufactured with box construction and anatomic curve to minimize pinching, reduce fatigue when holding tools or pole grips, and to increase warmth
• 1.76 oz/sq.yd. silicone-impregnated (waterproof) nylon mitt shell with over-the-wrist gauntlet construction for a good balance between light weight and durability
• Premium grade, lightweight, full-grain siliconized leather palm; provides better durability , flexibility, warmth/insulation, and grip for ice axes, ice tools, and trekking poles than synthetic palm materials/li>
• Gauntlet hem elastic drawcord closure with one-hand operation
li>Grosgrain ribbon wrist closure for volume adjustment and security; handsfree operation possible with tooth tab
• Soft microfleece "snot wipe" on back of thumb
• Hot/laser cut patternmaking to prevent raveling
• Sewn with high-tenacity nylon thread for maximum strength and durability

For more information about VaprThrm(TM) vapor barrier fleece construction, please visit this link:

VaprThrm(TM) Described

Specifications

• Sizes: Small, Medium, and Large (see sizing chart below)
• b>Weight: SMALL: 6.0 oz (170 g); MEDIUM: 6.7 oz (190 g); LARGE: 7.5 oz (210 g)

Additional Photos

Drawcord gauntlet hem (above).

Grosgrain wrist closure (above).

Full grain leather palm (above).

Anatomic box cut for comfortable fit without binding (above).

Microfleece snot wipe (above).

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View More Gear » Clothing Systems » Handwear | Other Products By RBH Designs

Backpacking Light FeatherLite Vapor Mitts A truly ultralight winter mitt - insulated vapor barrier technology combined with ultralight materials. On Sale: $95.99 CLICK ITEM TO VIEW PREMIUM MEMBER PRICING