|
|
 |
Guest - Not logged in | |||||||||||||||||||
Reviews > Clothing > Gloves and Mittens > TNF Power Stretch Gloves > Owner Review by Ray Estrella
The North Face Power Stretch Gloves
TESTER INFORMATION
I have been backpacking for over 30 years, all over California, and in many of the western states and Minnesota. I hike year-round, and average 500+ miles (800+ km) per year. I have made a move to lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring. I usually take a freestanding tent and enjoy hot meals at night. If not hiking solo I am usually with my wife Jenn or brother-in-law Dave. The Product
Manufacturer: The North Face Inc (TNF) Product Description
The North Face Power Stretch gloves (hereafter referred to as Power Stretch or gloves) get their name from the Polartec Power Stretch fleece they are made from. This highly breathable, 4-way stretch material is made for next-to-skin use. It has a durable nylon outer layer that is wind and abrasion resistant, and a soft inner layer that pulls moisture away from the skin. Field Locations
These gloves have been used on many winter trips over the past three years. Most of them have been in our two local ranges, home to either Mt San Gorgonio (which I am on my way to above) or Mt San Jacinto on the other side of the valley (seen behind me). They have also been used in the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. The most concurrent use was on the John Muir Trail in fall of 2006 and 2007 in Kings Canyon Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks. The temperatures have been from a low of 15 F to highs around 50 F (-9 to 10 C). I have worn them to as high as 14496 ft (4418 m) in elevation. Observations
I bought the North Face Power Stretch gloves for pretty much one reason. I wanted the smallest packing, lightest gloves I could find while still providing some warmth. I was going on a 100 mile (160 km) hike of the northern half of the John Muir Trail in October. As it is often above tree line I knew that I could expect some cold mornings. But I did not want to waste space or weight taking bigger gloves (which I already own) that I may not need as it could be an Indian Summer and be warm.
Because of my experiences on those trips I found myself taking them on my true winter trips also, like the one above crossing a creek in the San Bernardino Forest. I carried big warm gloves or mittens too but found the Power Stretch gloves were fine for hiking in. Plus I can slip on my big gloves without taking the Power Stretch off first. I just use them as a liner glove. Even in my winter camps I break them out when setting up my tent or cooking as it is much easier to wear them than my bulkier big gloves. Quite often by the end of the evening they would be wet from melted snow. Once I am done for the night (and wearing my heavy warm gloves) I put the Power Stretch gloves inside of my parka. They would usually dry in just a couple hours from my body heat. If they did not dry completely I brought them in my sleeping bag with me. For as much use as the gloves received over the course of two and a half years of use they held up pretty well. But after many many washings and lots and lots of use they finally developed holes in both gloves. First the cuffs started pulling apart from so many donnings. Then they developed holes at the seams where the thumbs meet the palms. I threw them away in fall of 2008. I do think that I got my money's worth and then some. Right now I am using a similar glove from another manufacturer but I would not doubt that I will get another pair of the North Face Power Stretch gloves in the future. I leave with a shot in The San Jacinto Wilderness being clobbered by the first storm of the winter. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…
Read more gear reviews by Ray Estrella Reviews > Clothing > Gloves and Mittens > TNF Power Stretch Gloves > Owner Review by Ray Estrella | ||||||||||||||||||||
