Maybe you want to wear mittens because all the cool kids are doing it these days, or maybe you just like the way they feel. Either way, if you swear by mittens, but don’t want your hands dripping in sweat when the temperatures soar into the balmy 20s and above, companies these days are putting a twist on the classic “pipe glove,” or “spring glove,” and making a version where your digits can cuddle without sweating on each other. Sweat-free cuddling is almost always better.

The thing about these types of mitts, is that you can actually wear them when it gets fairly cold, as long as it’s not wet, because of the simple fact that they are mittens.

trippin pipe

Celtek Trippin’ Pipe Mitt – $40

This season Celtek has made a lighter, Spring version of their classic Trippin’ Mitt, with its independent index finger. The mitt is made of a water-resistant stretch corded nylon, with a microsuede palm, and neoprene cuff- pretty much all the standards of a pipe glove, put into mitt form. One of the colorways features artwork from the SFK’s Dave Doman, whose recognizable art has appeared on lots of Celtek goods, and all over snowboarding in general.


howl jeepster

Howl Jeepster- $42

If you’re not familiar with Howl, it’s sort of like Ashbury’s glove brand, but not really, it’s a separate company. Anyway, the Jeepster mitts feature a woven shell fabric, laminated with a waterproof and breathable membrane. Great for keeping the snow out and your hands warm but not so warm they sweat, because that just makes things so much worse.


pow high 5

POW High 5 Mitt- $40

I wore one pair of these for two entire summers on the glacier at Mt. Hood, and on the sunny days throughout the winter season in between. They smell terrible, but they’re still wearable. These things hold up. They feature pretty much all of the same materials as the other mitts featured here, but they say “High 5” on the palm, and it’s hard to get too down on that.


burton spectre

Burton Spectre Mitt – $45

Burton made this mitt at the request of the team, then named it after a superhero. But anyone looking for a lighter mitten can wear it. It features Burton’s DRYRIDE Ultrashell™, synthetic suede palms, and a microfiber lining. Burton says it will help you “save snowboarding one trick at a time,” so I guess the more people wearing this, the better.


candygrind spring

CandyGrind Spring Mitten- $50

Apparently, to claim “loc’ dawg” status in Summit County, you need some CandyGrind on your hands. Whether you really are a loc’, or want to blend in at the Keystone park, you can now wear CandyGrind mitts even when the mercury starts to rise. The Spring Mitten features a poly twill and neoprene outer.


defcon-scropz

DEFCON Scorpz Pipe Mitt

Freshly back on the scene, DEFCON Gloves has a glove for all occasions. Its Scorpz Pipe Mitt is prime for Spring shredding with its Stretch Cordura and Technical Neoprene that will keep water out and let your hands breathe when you’re overheating. Stacked on top is the Scorpz’ Sticky Fingers, a neoprene coating that will keep your grabs poked. Besides all the technical mumbo jumbo, the Scorpz Pipe Mitt utilizes a trigger finger design that looks good and frees up a finger.