Finally available this winter, the Bitterblaze/Ouray Ice Gloves (women’s) from Outdoor Research use PrimaLoft’s new Gold Aerogel insulation on the palms and in the finger tips to protect your digits from all that cold metal while remaining thin enough to up the dexterity factor. For next winter, OR will expand its Aerogel collection with more gloves, as well as insulated booties and even a balaclava. Say goodbye to freezing extremities.
I got a first look at this new collection at Outdoor Retailer last week. The Inception Aerogel Gloves ($99) pair PrimaLoft Aerogel in the palms and fingers with a stretchy softshell construction, bonded grid fleece inside, and a longer-cut guantlet.
The Tundra Aerogel Booties ($89) feature Aerogel under the sole to protect your feet from cold floors and even snowy surfaces. The boots are stuffed with OR’s VerticalX insulation which is made from 85 percent recycled content. A grippy outsole ensures you have traction in case you do want to take them outside or wear them around camp. The booties will also come in a lower-cut slip-on version for $69.
Finally, the Tundra Aerogel Balaclava ($58) will protect your face in extreme cold situations such as high-altitude mountaineering or winter in the Midwest. Patches of Aerogel insulation protect your nose and cheek bones — two areas prone to frostbite. The balaclava is made from multiple panels to ensure a close fit without restricting movement., while the neoprene mouth piece uses laser-cut breathing vents and flat-seam construction to ensure all day comfort.
Look for the new Aerogel pieces from Outdoor Research to drop around this time next year. In the meantime, I’m psyched to try ice climbing this winter in the Ouray Ice Gloves.