*Note on sizing: OR’s glove sizing chart is based on hand measurements only, making no distinction between Men’s and Women’s sizing. The test pair of AirFoil gloves I received, however, is clearly labeled “MEN’S XL”.

My Actual Hand Circumference: 10 in (25 cm)
My Actual Hand Length: 9 in (23 cm)
Weight of Men’s Size XL Gloves: 1.9 oz (55 gm)

*Manufacturer claim of 1.9 oz (53 gm) per size L

MSRP: $39 USD

2) Outdoor Research AirFoil Gloves Long Term Report

Background

For background information on my experience and history with gloves, please see my Initial or Field Reports.

Description and Features

For a description of the AirFoil gloves, including key points from the Outdoor Research website, please refer to my Initial Report. As of this Long Term Report, the OR website remains the same, offering no new or changed information on the AirFoil gloves.

Long Term Impressions

The AirFoil have seen less use as Spring has turned into Summer, but a definite change in weather patterns has allowed me to use them in a variety of conditions - most notably wet weather. After a record-setting dry winter, we have had an incredibly wet Spring. Temperatures have not always been cool enough for gloves, but I've used the AirFoils nonetheless to test their water resistance and drying ability. Conditions during the testing period varied quite a bit. Temperatures when I wore the gloves ranged from about 15°F (-9°C) to about 60°F (16°C). Elevations ranged from sea level to a little over 5000 ft (1500 m). Most use was close to the Cascade passes of Stevens and Snoqualmie.

The following is a discussion on the major performance areas to date:

Warmth - The AirFoils are a great "in between seasons" glove. As I mentioned in my Field Report, the AirFoil gloves are not cold-weather gloves, and the mid 20s F (-7 to 0 C) limit still seems about right to me. In temperatures above that, however, they are perfectly serviceable. Especially when moving, they are a great above-freezing glove that can take the bite out of the wind and make cold morning camp chores much more pleasant.

Waterproofing - The AirFoil gloves are not waterproof. As far as I can tell, however, the water that comes into the gloves only enters through the seams. They stay completely dry during drizzle and mist and only get to the point that I notice water inside when they're really soaked from pouring rain or submersion. They do hold a bit of water, too. After a soaking my test pair doubled their weight to 4.2 oz. (121 gms). Interestingly, though, they didn't really feel that wet. They're certainly not spongy or cloth-like in their wetness. I guess the closest comparison that makes sense is like when a single-layer rain jacket "wets out". It's not something you can wring out or is sopping at all. Drying times are very brief. In fact, most of the times they got wet when hiking in rain they would dry just from the heat generated by my hands once the rain stopped.

Windproofness - The AirFoil gloves are certainly windproof. I did not experience noticeable heat loss or windchill throughout the testing period.

Dexterity - This continued to be one of the AirFoil's greatest strengths. Working a stove, making small repairs in gear, using a PDA, and tying shoes are all relatively simple tasks with the AirFoil gloves on.

Fit - Fit remained nearly perfect. They did not stretch out to any significant degree. While not as factory-stiff as when I first received them, they have held their shape well and still look as if they were new.

Durability - There is still no visible wear or damage on the AirFoil gloves. I never had the opportunity to go bushwhacking through thorns, but regular use with trekking poles and doing whatever I normally would do while hiking or backpacking has created no wear problems for the gloves. The grippy pattern on the gloves still have no peeling. Honestly, the gloves look about as new as they did after one wear. I only washed the gloves once - not because they were overly dirty or stinky - but to see how they handled laundering. They came through just fine, looking as new as the day they arrived.

Conclusions:

Overall, I remain impressed with AirFoil gloves. They are so light and take up so little pack space that it's easy to bring them on every trip. I used to normally have no gloves and just tough it out on cold mornings. That now seems silly with a lightweight solution that is as functional, comfortable, and durable as the OR AirFoil gloves.

Thanks to BackpackGearTest.org and Outdoor Research for the opportunity to test the AirFoil gloves!

3) Tester Background & Biography

Name: Curt Peterson
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Height: 6'3" (1.91 m)
Weight: 270 (122 kg)
Email address: curt<at>boopants<dot>com
Location: North Bend, Washington, USA

I live in the Cascade foothills, just 20 miles (32 km) from the PCT via footpaths leading right from my backyard. Most of my outdoor time here in Washington is spent on dayhikes, backpacking journeys, climbs, and ski trips everywhere from the Wilderness coast to the rainforest to the massive volcanoes to steppe.

I played football in college and often evaluate products from a big guy perspective. I tested gear for Seattle's biggest gear retailer in the mid-90s, then guided backpacking tours in Olympic National Park for a few summers. My typical pack load ranges from 12 to 19 lbs (5.4 to 8.6 kgs) and usually includes wet-weather gear to keep dry in the Pacific Northwest’s incessant dampness.

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Long Term Report

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