BLACK DIAMOND STANCE MITTS REVIEW

If you would like your own WINTER ADVENTURE, we provide an array of winter courses.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

• Ultralight Pertex Endurance® shell
• 133 g PrimaLoft® Gold insulation on back of hand and palm
• Goat leather palm patch
• Included stuff pouch with draw-cord closure
• Reflective logo
• 69g per pair

 

The mitts in this review have been supplied by Craigdon Mountain Sports. When going winter climbing, you can’t help but end up with cold hands at some point.  Especially on a belay stance, where you may be hanging around for a partner to complete a pitch.  Or you have just climbed a pitch, but your thin gloves are wet, and you have lost all sensation in your fingers.  And your hands have been held above your shoulders, and all blood has drained out of them.  Winter climbing, to most of us, means some element of suffering, physically and/or mentally.

 

The Black Diamond Stance Mitts are an incredibly warm and lightweight glove.  These can be a relief, in an otherwise harsh environment.  So, you have either climbed a pitch and are bringing up your climbing partner.  Or you are on the belay stance, belaying a lead climber.  You want to make sure you are warm and comfortable.  Those moments when you are cowering over your ropes on a stance.  Trying to stay warm whilst holding your partners life on the end of the line. Hoping for some glorious sunshine that never seems to make it through the thick Scottish clouds.  Any warmth and comfort helps you stay in the present, and preserve your partners life.

The Black Diamond Stance Mitts are like a puffer jacket for your hands.  Insulated with PrimaLoft® Gold insulation.  These stay warm even when wet.  The gloves have a DWR treatment, but they are not waterproof.

 

The palm is reinforced with goat leather, making sure these last when doing ropework.  The benefit of the Black Diamond Stance Mitts over the Stance Gloves, is that you have four fingers together, creating more warmth.  Although, less efficient at dealing with finer motor skill movements.

The Black Diamond Stance Mitts come with a small storage pouch, which is handy, but realistically, when out in winter, just put them in your pocket.  Otherwise, this is more stuff to lose.

I do like these mitts.  Once you have climbed a pitch, and set up an anchor.  Put the Black Diamond Stance Mitts on, and belay with comfortable warm hands.  No more wind milling your arms, just to keep the blood flow going.

 

PROS

• Warm
• Lightweight
• Compact when stowed away
• Cheap
• Water and snow resistant

CONS

• Fragile

CONCLUSION

All in all, the Black Diamond Stance Mitts are warm, super lightweight and stow away easily.  These are also available in glove form.

These Mitts retail at £50 from Black Diamond