25 October 2014

Cold Hands, Warm Heart?

After having come close to frostbite of the hands on several occasions (yeah, sometimes I'm a slow learner, or more likely just plain stubborn), I've been struggling to find really warm gloves. You'd think that, in Alaska, it would be easy to find warm gloves.

Not so much.

I can find all sorts of gloves, in different finishes, rated warm, warmer, or warmest, but none that have actually kept my fingers from getting cold. Until now.

One of our shopping stops this morning was at Lowe's, and there were several large bins of gloves next to the Christmas tree display. Because of the difficulty I mentioned, I always try every glove as it appears.

I finally found a pair that is not only the right size (extra large is often too snug), but was uncomfortably warm within seconds - and the heat was increasing until I pulled them off again. They're the waterproof Cold Weather gloves from Westchester Protective Gear, which I never heard of before today, with something called "Positherm"insulation ... whatever that is.

All I know is, they're really warm.

I look forward to finding out how well they work this winter, especially if/when we get our typical -20° or colder in January.

9 comments:

Well Seasoned Fool said...

I'll look for them in Colorado. I usually wear cheap nylon knits inside leather. Having trouble finding gloves big enough, I save a few bucks and attend the National Western Stock show in January. Several good glove vendors there every year.

Old NFO said...

Sounds like I need to find a pair... I can't keep my hands warm either...

Ed Bonderenka said...

My wife has Raynauds syndrome.
Blood vessel contractions in the fingers and working in the fridge causes her fingers to turn white and purple while getting chilly.
She tried to get a doctor's prescription to move to Florida.

Rev. Paul said...

WSF, I hope you find what you need.

NFO, same remark. The rest of me stays plenty warm, but my fingers ... not so much, anymore.

Ed, I can't say I blame her, under the circumstances.

Sandy Livesay said...

Rev. Paul,

Have you seen those gloves which heat up with batteries? They'll keep your fingers nice and warm.

Chickenmom said...

I finally broke down and bought Carhartt insulated gloves for this coming Winter. And they fit!

joated said...

I too have "odd" shaped hands (broad palms but short fingers)that mean properly fitting gloves off the shelf are few and far between. Had a local gal knit and felt a pair of woolen mittens and a matching hat for me. The mittens are large enough that I should be able to wear a thin pair of regular glove beneath them.

After suffering frostbite last January, I vowed I didn't want to do that again! (It was just 13 below which may not sound like too cold to you, but factor in MY stubborn streak--had to get the snow cleared, didn't I?--and it was more than cold enough.)

Thought I would lose the tip of my finger. Luckily, the doctor I saw didn't rush to surgery but told me to monitor things and if need be we'd do something about it come March.

threecollie said...

That is good to know!

Rev. Paul said...

Sandy, the battery-powered gloves don't work well, for whatever reason.

Chickenmom, Carhartt is a VERY popular brand up here, for the same reason farmers wear their gear in the Midwest: warm & durable.

joated, I remember your posts about the fingers. Take extra care this year, 'kay?

threecollie, I figured it wouldn't be just me that has trouble with that. Glad it came in useful.