BackpackGearTest.org - OR WindStopper Gripper Gloves Robert Wilborn

Height: 6'3" (190.5 cm)
Weight: 260 lbs (118 kg)
Location: North Texas
Date: March 16, 2004

Backpacking Background:
I have been backpacking and hiking for the past 20 years. I try and get out at least twice a month, with the exception of the hot months here in Texas, when it’s just too uncomfortable to get out and do much of anything. I hike and backpack with my two teenage sons, and I have been trying to introduce my wife into some small backpacking trips. I am very active with my son's Scout troop and I am currently one of the advisors for the high adventure patrol, made up of high school aged boys. Currently I do not consider my pack as lightweight, but I have been attempting to cut the pack to a more manageable weight. I use a hammock as my main shelter and I am replacing some of my gear with lighter weight items, as my budget will allow.

Product Information:
Manufacturer: Outdoor Research
Product: WS Gripper Gloves
Year of manufacture: 2003
URL: www.orgear.com
Company phone number: 888-266-1193
Listed Weight: not listed
Weight delivered: 3.4 oz. (96 gm)
Color: Black (also available in Blue)
Size: Unisex Large (also available in small and medium)
MSRP: $45.00 (US)

Initial Impressions:
When the gloves arrived, they looked like the were made of neoprene. I ordered a size large, which is usually the size of glove I wear. The OR WS Gripper Gloves (hereafter referred to as gloves) are generously sized. I have plenty of room in the gloves with a little space to spare. The fingers have a slight curve to them witch makes the gloves very comfortable. The stitching on the fingers are boxed, meaning that there are four stitches to each finger. This allows for plenty of room for your fingers in the gloves. The gloves have "suregrip" on the thumb index and middle finger along with the palm. The gloves are made of a fleece material that is supposedly windproof while allowing the gloves to be vapor permeable. On the back of the gloves the letters OP are embroidered into the fleece. When I first put the gloves on, the wrist seemed a little tight, and I heard a stitch pop, but it did not affect the fit of the gloves. Initially, I am very impressed with the appearance and quality of the material and workmanship of this product.

Test Plans:
I have several weekend and overnight trips planned while testing the gloves. I plan to backpack at the LBJ Grasslands National Park, the Cross Timber Trail and day hike at the Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt Trail. The temperatures during these outings will normally range from 15 to 60 degrees F (8-33 degrees C) with the terrain being slightly hilly with sandy and clay soil. I will also wear the gloves during my nightly walks two to three times per week and also while cross training on my bike. I have been riding my bicycle to and from work a few times a week, and I would think that the gloves ability to stop the wind will be tested very well during these rides. I am fairly new to cycling, but have already learned that it gets very cold while on the bike, even under mild conditions, due to the winds chill effect. I will be testing this product for fit, durability, warmth, comfort and ability to block the wind.

I would like to that BTG for the opportunity to test and use this fine product.

Reviews > Clothing > Gloves > OR WindStopper Gripper Gloves > Robert Wilborn > Initial Report

Reviews > Clothing > Gloves > OR WindStopper Gripper Gloves > Robert Wilborn > Initial Report