Outdoor Research (OR) Gripper Gloves Long Term Report

 

Personal Biographical Information:
Bob Farrell
38
male
6'2" (1.88 m)
175 pounds (79k g)
farmerbob48@hotmail.com
Berwick, Maine
06/26/04

 

Background:

I am an avid hiker and I hike up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire whenever I can.  I have hiked for over 13 years. I have hiked sections of the A.T. in New York, New Jersey, and New Hampshire.  I am currently working on becoming a member of the AMC's Four Thousand Footers Club of the White Mountains.  To become a member, I must climb 48 mountains in the White Mountains that are over 4000 feet (1219 m).  I have climbed 33 of them so far.  I am also working on that same list in the winter.  I have climbed five mountains so far.  I have a web site for hikers working on the lists in New England.  It is called the "4000'ers Journals of the White Mountains" and it can be seen at http://4kjournals.20m.com/index.html

 

Style:

I am becoming an ultra light hiker.  I have been upgrading my old gear for ultra light gear.  I plan on taking less gear on day hikes and I'll try to get rid of some weight for backpacking.  I still prefer a tent over a tarp but that may change over time.
 
Product Information:

Manufactured by Outdoor Research.
Manufactured in Fall of 2003.
http://www.orgear.com
Weight: Not mentioned on package.
Actual weight: 2.5 oz (71 g)
 
Features:

"Gore Windstopper Fleece"

"Curved Fingers and Boxed Construction"

"Suregrip Reinforcements"

"Lyrca-Bound Cuff"

"Large"

Black

Field Information:

Weather in the White Mountains is unpredictable. It can snow any time of the year and it rains a lot. Temperatures in the summer can dip down to the 20's and 30's degrees F (-7 C - -1 C). Winters can be very brutal with temperatures in the –20’s to –40’s degrees F (-29 C - -40 C) with so much snow that blazes on trails are covered with snow.  Many of the mountains rise over 4000 feet (1219 m) with moderate to steep trails. Several trails are very steep with a lot of rock climbing and boulder hopping. There are many streams and creeks with several lakes.

 

2/12/04:

 

This was the last day that I used the OR Gripper Gloves.  During work they got ripped to the point that I threw them out.

 

The fingertips of the index finger and middle finger on the gloves wore out.  The stitching of the Suregrip Reinforcements came apart in many areas of the gloves. 

 

The Curved Fingers stayed curved and comfortable.  I was surprised that the Lycra-Bound Cuff kept its shape and never loosened up.

 

I know it wasn’t in the best interest of testing the OR Gripper Gloves at work, but I did need them since I was working on a foundation to a dining hall in February. 

 

Go to my Field Test Report on the OR Gripper Gloves for a full explanation.  http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Clothing/Gloves/OR%20WindStopper%20Gripper%20Gloves/Bob%20Farrell/Field%20Report/

 

Conclusion:

 

I liked all the features of the OR Gripper Gloves.  I didn’t like the fact that they never kept my hands warm.  They were good to wear when the temps were in the upper 30’s.  I am disappointed that they didn’t work.