Black Diamond Mercury Mitts

Very good mittens that fit well. They are pretty warm but YMMV.

Having a light case of Raynaud's Syndrome (some fingers get cold and won't warm up), I have often struggled to find ski/snowboard gloves and mittens that will work in colder temperatures (below 32F/0C). Now in the Pacific Northwest, temperatures at ski areas typically range from the high teens to the low 30s. After some research, I settled on the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts (Men's). I had very high hopes for them being warm at the colder temperatures. Black Diamond shows their comfort range from -25F to 10F (-31C to -12C).

Fit and Comfort: Almost excellent! These are my first pair of true mittens, the previous pair had glove-inside-mitten shell construction. The inside is a nice polyester fleece which I just discovered is actually removable so the mittens could be comfortable on dry, warmer days, too. The "almost" is that I find that the thumbs are a little on the snug side. There is elastic around the wrist area.

Adjustability: There is an elastic drawcord at the top of the gauntlet. However, they are difficult to loosen while wearing the mittens.

Water Resistance: Excellent! I have worn them in snowstorms and some light rain and never had the slightest bit of moisture reach the inside.

Breathability: This is also very good.

Moisture: Once into the 30s, the Mercury Mitts quickly become too warm and cause perspiration. They are not designed for higher temperatures, you'll need a lighter glove for this.

Warmth: Ah, here is the crux of the review: As mentioned, I do have a slight issue with keeping my fingers warm. Despite the range of temperatures indicated, I found that anything below about 28-30°F (-2°C), I needed to add a pair of Seirus Heatwave glove liners. With the addition of those, the Mercury Mittens were pretty good down to about 20F (-6C) but really no colder than that. And above about 34F (1C), they are too warm and time to change to lighter weight gloves. So, a little disappointing in their overall warmth range.

Layering: The gloves easily go over my sleeves. I usually wear a shell jacket over a thick fleece jacket.

Abrasion: After season of skiing, the goat leather palms show no sign of wear, just a little "polishing."

Function: While the gauntlets do clear even bulky jackets and they do have drawcords, those drawcords need to snugged down to seal out cold air. As mentioned, they do not have wristcords which is an oversight in a pair of mittens that clock in at $119.95 retail.

Features: All covered above. In addition, there is a small, diagonally placed "loop" on the back of the mittens on the back of the index finger area. I have no idea what they are for. On the gauntlets, there are plastic loops and plastic keeper to keep the mittens from being separated while in your pack or closet. There are also patches of suede to wipe goggles and glasses on the back of both thumbs.

Construction & Durability: So far, the mittens show no signs of wear or any loose threads.

So with all of that in mind, I rated the Black Diamond Mercury Mittens (men's) 4 stars out of 5. Greater warmth at lower temperatures and wrist straps would earn these a solid 5 star rating. Overall? They're a good value.

Background

I skied with these for over a season. I have been a glove wearer for nearly 50 years, and a mitten wearer for 6 years.

They are the best I have ever had, and I have bought a Lot of mittens and gloves on my quest to find the warmest. You do indeed get what you pay for. Sure they are not inexpensive, but then you want your hands warm, yes?

Hands Down (pardon the expression and also they are not Down!) the warmest mitten I have ever had! 

For many years I have spent hundreds of dollars on numerous mittens and gloves, trying to find the warmest gloves and mittens. Gordini, L.L. Bean mittens, down, Thinsulate, you name it.

The Venture heated gloves were my favorite up until the Black Diamond, but the drawback to them is you have to always charge them, the batteries will wear out and require replacing and if you are out there for a longer period of time, once the battery runs down you are screwed!

I damaged my hands over the years, kayaking all during the winter time here in Southern Maine. As a result, my hands get cold very easily and do not give off much heat if it is below 55 degrees.

Finally a product does what is says it will do — keep your hands warm.

In the 12 degrees below zero temps. here recently I felt no cold penetrating through these mittens. First time ever my fingers do not become numb.

With all other brands I have felt the cold permeate through when it is around 20 degrees or colder. Some other mittens in the 4 finger area were OK, definitely not quite as warm as Mercury Mitts, but ok. But the thumbs on all of the others are overlooked and neglected and not warm at all. The Mercury Mitts have a very well insulated thumb area for sure.

They have a waterproof membrane liner and a combination of PrimaLoft One and Polartec Thermal Pro high loft insulation. I did research, and the PrimaLoft One is the superior version of Primaloft and comprises the outer layer of insulation. They Polartec Thermal Pro is a higher lofting insulation than other Polartecs and comprises the inner layer that is against your skin.

You do indeed get what you pay for.

Sure they are not inexpensive, but then you want your hands warm, yes?

Super awesome and comfy. I have worn them only a few times so far but I plan to use them on Mt. Washington this winter w/ a pair of OR PL400 gloves.