Name: John (Jack) Corrigan

Age: 40 years old

Gender: Male

Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 meters)

Weight: 175 pounds (79 kilograms)

Torso: 20 inches (51 centimeters)

Shoe Size: 9.5 Mens

Email: jack@jackquest.com

Region: Fredericksburg, Virginia (Spotsylvania County)

Report Date: 26NOV2003

Background:

I have always been one to do the outdoor thing as compared to the organized sport thing. It started as a youngster in the Boy Scouts and continues today as an adult. The majority of my experience has been in Pennsylvania but I have hiked, camped or paddled in New York, California and even Alaska. I am also currently a volunteer search and rescue canine handler. Although search and rescue doesn't always result in an overnight or multi-day trip, I am required to be prepared, equipped and trained for it. Training a search dog results in many hours of trekking through the outdoors.

My "style" is best described as recreational camping, mid-weight backpacking (2-3 day treks), day hiking, flat water paddling, hunting and canine search and rescue activities. My last extended (more than 1 week) outing was the summer of 2001, as a volunteer for the Armed Forces Eco-Challenge in interior Alaska. I also include two of my four dogs in most of my outdoor activities.

Product Information:

Manufactured By: Integral Designs

Manufactured Date: 2003

Manufacturer URL: http://www.integraldesigns.com

Listed Weight:
Product Catalog- 3.2 ounces (90 grams)
Product Web Page- 3.2 ounces (90 grams)

Delivered Weight: 4 ounces (113 grams)

Note: Weighed on a digital 0-25 pound postal scale.

Additional Product Information:

Color: Red

Size: Medium

Listed Packed Size:
Product Catalog- 3 by 5 inch (no metric size listed)
Product Web Page- 3 by 5 inch (no metric size listed)

Delivered Packed Size: 3.5 by 6.5 inch (9 by 17 centimeter) Silcoat Stuff Sack

MSRP: $50.00 US Dollars

Location:

For the most part, the proposed testing locations will be in the Mid-Atlantic region primarily northern Virginia and northeastern Pennsylvania. Base Camp VA (home) is conveniently located near many local, state and federal recreation areas. In addition the Appalachian Trail and Shenandoah National Park are only a few hours away. Base Camp PA (cabin), which is located in the Endless Mountain Region of Pennsylvania is also located near state parks and state forest areas, as well as lesser known trail systems such as the Loyalsock Trail.

Now that I am living in Virginia, trips to our cabin are less frequent, maybe once or twice every three or four months. But Shenandoah National Park, Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest are soon to be regular trekking spots.

Description of Location:

The terrain of the proposed testing locations is varied, and ranges from flat low grass and lightly forested regions to mountain "elevations" of 200 to 3500 feet (60 to 1100 meters). Trail systems range from established foot paths to undeveloped logging roads and even the occasional bushwhack.

Weather Conditions:

This test series (initial report through long term report) will be conducted from approximately November through May.

I am not as familiar with the weather in Northern Virginia as I was with the weather in Pennsylvania. I am anticipating hot and humid conditions continuing into early fall, extended mild temperatures into early winter with brief cold periods during mid to late winter. Then again, I'm not a meteorologist! However, I am an all season, all weather tester and will record actual weather conditions in the specific test reports.

After some weather research I will offer the following sample temperature data points for the Upper Piedmont/Northern Neck region of Virginia:
November (47°F/8°C)
December (37°F/3°C)
January (35°F/2°C)
February (37°F/3°C)
March (45°F/7°C)
April (56°F/13°C)
May (61°F/16°C)

Product Experience:

The Integral Designs Down Mitts arrived rolled in their own stuff sack. A catalog of all Integral Designs' products was also included, and what a tease that is! Initial visual inspection showed everything to be in excellent condition with no defects.

I'll have to admit that I spent 5-10 minutes just with the stuff sack. This Silicone impregnated nylon material still amazes me. I only have a few small items made from it. This stuff sack is actually somewhat see-through. The website, catalog and hang tags describe the construction materials quite well. It should be noted that only the product catalog contains a note to the user that it is important that hands and liner gloves be dry before inserting them into the Down Mitts. If it is that important, I think it should be included with the product itself.

The Down Mitts are what I expected with one exception, the elasticized wrist closure. I assumed it was just going to be an elasticized cuff, when in fact, it is an elasticized draw string and plastic/nylon cord lock closure. The cord lock is a little cumbersome to operate one handed. I find it easier to adjust prior to putting the mitten on. The fit of the medium is comfortable. My hand measures about 5 inches (13 centimeters) across from the base of the thumb to the base of the little finger.

As far as my test plan, because of the small size and the next to nothing weight, the Integral Designs Down Mitts will accompany me on all outside activities to check the "at rest/around camp" warming ability. Now if only the Virginia weather would start providing some cold temperatures.

TEAM JackQuest
http://www.jackquest.com

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Reviews > Clothing > Gloves > Integral Designs Down Mitts > Jack Corrigan > Initial Report