Sierra Rec Magazine Gear Reviews- Put to the Test: February 2024 – Dakine’s New Baron GORE-TEX Index Mitt Conquers the Sierra Backcountry in our most recent backcountry adventure. I love exploring the Sierra backcountry and finding fresh powder to explore. And I’m always on the hunt for gear that delivers both comfort and performance. So, when Dakine’s new Baron GORE-TEX Index Mitt landed on my desk, promising warmth, dexterity, and eco-conscious construction, I knew I had to put them through the paces in the backcountry near Ebbett’s Pass.
I do not typically wear mittens. the lack of dexterity with my fingers has always driven me towards the five fingered glove fit. However I know plenty of outdoor individuals that love the warmth and comfort of the mitten in the Sierra Wind and colder winter temperatures, so giving the mittens by Dakine a try was an easy decision for my snowshoe adventrues.
Who is Dakine:
I personally had now history with Dakine. So the first this i did was look up the brands history and what they were known for. Dakine is a well-known outdoor brand that specializes in gear and accessories for sports like surfing, snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, skateboarding, and windsurfing. The company was founded in Hawaii in 1979 by Rob Kaplan and initially focused on surf accessories like surfboard leashes and traction pads. The name “Dakine” comes from the Hawaiian Pidgin phrase “da kine,” which roughly translates to “the best” or “the kind.”
Over the years, Dakine has expanded its product line to include a wide range of outdoor gear, including backpacks, luggage, gloves, hats, apparel, and more. Their products are known for their durability, functionality, and stylish designs. Dakine has built a strong reputation among outdoor enthusiasts for producing high-quality gear that can withstand the rigors of various outdoor activities.
Dakine Paired up with GoreTex and their new GORE-TEX ePE technology. (Available now in stores for spring ski season.)
The new membrane is light, thin yet strong, and enables durable performance. It is also PFC-free* and has a reduced carbon footprint (per Higg MSI) achieved by its lower material mass. Here’s more info about the ePE technology. Here’s what GearJunkie had to say about the membrane technology: “The new ePE membrane from GORE-TEX, long developed but rolled out across the market in 2023, meets the demand from manufacturers for a totally PFC-free membrane and represents an industry sea change that we’re here for. By working closely with partners such as Patagonia and Arc’teryx, GORE has debuted its largest technology update in decades — and it just plain works.”
But can they do winter gloves that can handle the Sierra? Our test review!
Warmth: A Toasty Haven for Frozen Fingers
The Sierra can throw some serious cold our way, but the Dakine GORE-TEX Index Mitt never left my fingers cold. The PrimaLoft insulation, packed at a generous 230g, lived up to its name, providing exceptional warmth even during a blustery afternoon snowstorm crept in late in the day. The internal finger slots were a game-changer, allowing me to wiggle my fingers for increased dexterity when needed without sacrificing precious heat. I was particularly impressed by how well the wool blend liner retained warmth even when damp from sweat and the frequent plunge into the snow. AS we climbed up out of the Silver creek basin in knee deep powder, my body heat with these new mitten style gloves kept the hand toasty for the three hours we were out exploring.
On my second outing with the gloves i was at the Palisades Stifel world Cup event standing outside in the Winter evening for four hours. Although the gloves did not work for taking pictures, they were a certain relief in between photo sessions standing in the cold full moon evening at Bib draw.
Dexterity
One of the biggest gripes with mittens is often the clunkiness. But the Baron GORE-TEX Index Mitt struck a beautiful balance. The GORE-TEX ePE membrane, a welcome addition to the GORE-TEX family, proved to be both thin and flexible, allowing me to manipulate ski poles, buckles with easy. The durable water repellent goat leather palm offered excellent grip on my poles and is surprisingly flexible and soft. Note: They did not work well for taking photos while snowshoeing, i did have to remove a glove to take the photo.
Durability: Built to Withstand the Sierra’s Rugged Embrace
Let’s face it, the backcountry isn’t always gentle. These mitts endured their fair share of scrapes against rocks, brushes with low-hanging branches, and even an unfortunate encounter with a slip into Silver Creek. The 4-way stretch soft shell and leather construction held up admirably, showing no signs of wear or tear. The PFC-free DWR treatment effectively repelled moisture, keeping my hands dry even after the slip in the creek.
Eco-Consciousness: A Step in the Right Direction
As an outdoor enthusiast & in looking into the Dakine brand a bit for this article, I appreciate Dakine’s commitment to sustainability. The PFC-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane and recycled polyester in the PrimaLoft Gold insulation are steps in the right direction for more environmentally friendly gear. While I can’t independently verify the reduced carbon footprint claims, it’s encouraging to see brands making conscious choices.
The Verdict: A Gnarly Warm Grip on Winter Adventures
Dakine’s GORE-TEX Index Mitt impressed me with its exceptional warmth, surprising dexterity, and durable construction. While the price tag might raise an eyebrow, the performance and eco-conscious features make it a worthy investment for serious backcountry adventurers who demand the best from their gear. If you’re looking for mitts that can handle the Sierra’s wintery wrath while keeping your fingers toasty and your conscience clear, the GORE-TEX Index Mitt is definitely worth checking out.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget the removable elastic wrist leash! It saved me from a mitten-gone-rogue incident more than once during my weekend adventures.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars