Oakley Heritage Pipe Glove

A good balance of fit, dexterity and warmth in the Shoulder Seasons.

I have several pairs of gloves from thin liners to gore-type super mittens. In between those extremes, I use the Oakley Heritage Pipe Gloves.

Most of the time I don't need my mittens and liners are too thin, so I like having gloves I can be active in and still use my hands for tying knots and reaching into my pockets. I absolutely despise taking my gloves off for every little thing, so the Pipe Gloves fit a rather large niche with me. 

Pipe Gloves, for the uninitiated, are intended for late or early season snowboarding when heavy mitts aren't needed. 

I am usually moving outside and doing things with my hands, so big clunky gloves are not only too warm but useless for most tasks. 

Cuff straps removed

Fit: I always wear a size large glove and these fit very well. I don't think these gloves really need a wrist strap because they have neoprene cuffs and are actually pretty tough to remove. There is zero possibility of them flying off and the Velcro on the strap snags the nylon parts of the glove. 

The combination of leather-ish palms, stretchy neoprene and nylon hug my hands and there are no tight or saggy places.

Waterproof: These gloves make no waterproof claims but since they have a decent amount of neoprene they stay somewhat warm when wet. 

Snags showing

Dexterity: This is the best part. I can manipulate tools, buckles, zippers, knots, camera, knives and candy wrappers with ease in these gloves. Basically, all those tasks you take your giant gloves off for. I wish they worked with touchscreens, then I wouldn't have to use my nose on the touchscreen (don't pretend like you haven't done this too) or take the gloves off. 

Durability: The nylon gets snagged easily on the stiff Velcro of the cuffs so I just cut off the unnecessary cuff straps and Velcro patches. Problem solved, but not after some damage had already been done. The cuff Velcro patches were coming off anyway. The reinforced palms are great for scrambling where you are on your hands a lot.

Hook and loop patches starting to come off. I finished the job with my pocket knife.

Warmth: If I am walking or doing something I do not need thick gloves and these are great while hiking in the 20-40 F degree range (most of my time outside).  I wore them in temps in the teens while climbing hard and had no issues, but I'd have had really cold hands if I were to stop. 

Best for: Outdoor activity where you are on the move in temps in the 20-40 F degree range. Climbing, hiking, light skiing. 

Best for days like this