Power Kite Forum - Snowkiting glove recommendations?

Snowkiting glove recommendations?

rofer - 15-2-2015 at 12:30 PM

Today I got desperate enough to head out with my ktie in the ~3" of snow we got yesterday. While it was fun to actually get moving after untangling everything and actually setting up I found I had to stop after around 15m to get feeling back in my fingertips. I had a similar problem last time despite having winter gloves and wearing a silk liner underneath them.

So, my question is, what gloves do you guys recommend?

Looking around it looks like there's generally a compromise between dexterity and warmth. I'm looking for something that will work down to a bit below 0F while still allowing me to comfortably hold my FB handles. Mittens with the index finger free might be worth a shot. I might also just want to combine a warmer liner with a warmer glove.
So, what are you using and what do you suggest?

indigo_wolf - 15-2-2015 at 12:37 PM

ATB,
Sam

ssayre - 15-2-2015 at 12:39 PM

I found the combination of having hands elevated and the pressure of the handles in your hands forces the blood out and it's difficult for gloves to work well in that circumstance. It wasn't until i started hooking in that I could finally kite in cold temperatures for any length of time. It makes a world of difference

Cheddarhead - 15-2-2015 at 02:26 PM

Totally agree with ssayre. I fly only depowers and never have an issue with my hands getting cold. If anything I have issues with my hands sweating in my gloves due to body heat while skiing.

Feyd - 15-2-2015 at 03:00 PM

Gloved dexterity is secondary to warmth. All the dexterity in the world doesnt do any good if you can't feel or move your fingers. There isn't too much need for precise dexterity unless dealing with larks heading or stuff like that. I generally go up a glove size from what I would wear normally as it given me more loft, allows room for a thin liner in really cold temps. Gauntlet style works best for me.

Today was -16F and my hands were toasty.:D

volock - 15-2-2015 at 03:05 PM

I generally go one set for dexterity setting up and one for riding. I haven't had issues when flying my FB on handles with my current gloves. Just nice thick Burton ones, though I did get pickier about which handles for comfort reasons, and make sure to take a break every 30-60 minutes, unless using a strop for my hands to have a chance to regain some blood.

skimtwashington - 15-2-2015 at 04:39 PM

Hopefully things are all set that you don't have any intricate work the you need to take gloves off or just be in liners. Once your hands get cold things can escalate.

Breathable is more important than waterproof in bitter cold but you should have both..especially if handling any wet slush.

Make sure it is a quality waterproof/breathable like Goretex. Manufactures have sometimes lied about their non-breathable material being breathable. If your hand sweat builds,the
insulation loses some of it's warmth holding ability.

Gloves should never be snug, or restricting. Have a good fit.

Try a vapor barrier under your liners and gloves. I've used some purple nitrite medical gloves. Can stop heat loss from evaporation, convection, expiration. If your hands are getting cold or to prevent the onset, take a quick break and do 'windmills' with you arm swinging in a big circle for a set of 50 times each arm. Do a second set if needed, until you feel some warmth from the blood you've centrifugally forced down.

This physical effort gives a good return.

Have you tried heat packets in your gloves? I don't... but many use these.

Make sure you are dressed warm enough. Under-dressed means circulation to hands and feet will be limited as a mechanism of the body's adaptation to keep body core heated first.

rofer - 15-2-2015 at 04:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

I found the combination of having hands elevated and the pressure of the handles in your hands forces the blood out and it's difficult for gloves to work well in that circumstance. It wasn't until i started hooking in that I could finally kite in cold temperatures for any length of time. It makes a world of difference

I think this is definitely the problem. At the moment in my most convenient space the only thing that I trust to fly is my NPW on 10' lines though. I have my Apex II with me though and I'll try getting that out at my slightly larger spot at some point.

Is there any hope of keeping circulation in my fingertips while gripping the handles? Maybe riding with a strop is the right compromise.

About dexterity:
I'm only really looking at dexterity for stuff like getting into my bindings (which isn't too hard since they're Flows) and actually holding the handles. Setup is usually quick and I'm fine taking my gloves off for a moment to get things setup.

Chrisz - 16-2-2015 at 11:32 AM

I am using a pair of Castle snowmobile gloves with a depower kite, I frequently go out in-10 weather with out a problem. I can't say I have ever been cold while Kite skiing.