Outdoor Research Talon Glove Field Report

Andrew Henrichs

February 20, 2006

Biographical Information

Name:  Andrew Henrichs
Age:  25
Gender:  Male
Height:  6’ 2” (1.88 m)
Weight:  190 lb (86.2 kg)

Email address:  a_henrichs@yahoo.com           
City, State, Country:  Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA

Backpacking Background

   Most of my backpacking has been in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, as well as the desert in the southwestern US.  I’ve gone winter camping several times, but I still prefer backpacking in the warmer months.  Most of my trips are 2-3 days, but I have taken several trips of 5-6 days.  This past summer, I was fortunate enough to have thru-hiked the 476 mile Colorado Trail over 35 days.  Recently, I have been leaning towards the lightweight side of the spectrum. 

Product Information

Manufacturer:  Outdoor Research (www.orgear.com)

Year of Manufacturer:  2005

Listed Weight (size L): 2.9 oz (82 g)

Weight as Delivered (size XL):  3.2 oz (91 oz)

MSRP:  $49.00 US

Product Description

   The Outdoor Research (OR) Talon Gloves are a lightweight, fleece lined glove.  The outer material is a Gore Windstopper Soft Shell fabric.  The palm and palmar surface of the thumb, index, and middle fingers are covered with a "Suregrip" material.  Basically, it's a semi-rubbery surface which provides more grip than the Soft Shell fabric.  The OR logo is embroidered on the back of the glove.  Both gloves have small tags next to the wrist which say "Talon" and the right glove has a small tag reading "Windstopper Soft Shell."  There is a small plastic clip on the gloves near the wrist where they can be connected.  Sewn into the inside of each glove is a small grey loop of material where the gloves could be clipped to a carabiner.  Also sewn into the wrist of the gloves are tags with the OR logo and website, as well as care instructions.  The only color these gloves come in is Black.  They are available in sizes Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large.  A sizing chart is found on the OR website. 

Field Testing

    I've had the opportunity to get quite a bit of use out of my OR Talon Gloves.  The bulk of my testing has occurred while skiing.  I have worn the gloves several times while skinning up and skiing down our local ski resort.  I've also used them many times while backcountry skiing.  The elevations of these trips has ranged from 8000 ft (2400 m) to 10200 ft (3100 m).  Temperatures have ranged from -5º F (-20º C) to 40º F (4º C).  The Talon Gloves kept me warm, even at the colder temperatures.  On the trips at the lower end of the temperature spectrum, my hands started out cold, but warmed after approximately 10 minutes of activity.  On the trips at the upper end of the temperature spectrum, my hands got too hot after approximately 30 minutes of skiing.  I took the gloves off, slipped them over the tops of my ski poles, and continued up the mountain. 

    I had a similar experience on a 30 minute approach hike to an ice climb.  While hiking, the gloves kept my hands warm, even though the temperature was approximately 5º F (-15º C).  Once I stopped, I had to immediately switch to my thicker insulated gloves.  While it was too cold to test the durability and reliability of the Suregrip Palm on this ice climb, I was able to test it on a subsequent rock climb.  On our rock climb, the temperature was approximately 35º F (2º C).  It was a perfect day with sunny blue skies.  I found the Talon Gloves to be perfect for keeping my hands warm in between climbs.  I used them while belaying my partner, and was quite impressed.  The Suregrip Palm gripped very well, and I couldn't see any wear, even after belaying my partner on several routes.  I anticipated testing the gloves on another recent climbing trip to Indian Creek, Utah, but I didn't get as much use from the gloves as I would have liked.  The overnight lows on the trip were approximately 15º F (-15º C).  On Friday, the high was approximately 35º F (2º C).  The high on Saturday was approximately 50º F (10º C).  The gloves worked great in the mornings while the tea was brewing and we were slowly waking up.  They also worked great on the approach to the rock on Friday, as it was still chilly and rather windy.  I wasn't able to wear them while at the rock due to the fact that we taped our hands to protect them from the rock.  The Talon Gloves wouldn't fit over the tape gloves I had on.  This proved to be more of an issue on Friday when it was actually cold out. 

Fit/Comfort

    I'm still fairly happy with the fit of these gloves.  They're fairly snug, but still allow full movement.  I haven't found any seams that cause discomfort.  My one complaint would be the tapered wrist.  It seems that it has stretched a little bit, making it easier for me to get my hands in the gloves.  I think that elastic running around the wrist would create a better seal to keep out snow and keep in heat.  I think it would also make it easier to get the gloves on and off.

Temperature Range

    When I'm aerobically active, I have found that the Outdoor Research Talon Gloves have a useable temperature range of approximately -5º F (-20º C) to 35º F (2º C).  When I'm inactive, I've found that they have a useable range of 25º F (-4º C) to 50º F (10º C).  I've tried to wear the Talon Gloves while downhill skiing, but my hands get too cold on the lift rides up.  I'll have to see if they're adequate for spring skiing when it's warmer and the sun is shining. 

Durability

    I'm very impressed with the durability of the ripstop Soft Shell face.  The fabric has resisted any and all wear while being scraped against rock, ice, and gear.  I haven't noticed any stitches pulling or any pilling or snagging of the material.

Suregrip Palm

    I'm still impressed with the Suregrip Palm.  While I haven't been able to test it while actually ice climbing, it has proved worthy for rock climbing.  I was wary of how well it would hold up to belaying, but so far it's been terrific.  I had no problem gripping gear or catching my partner on falls or lowering him.

Water-repellancy

    I haven't been able to soak the fabric yet.  Light snow and rain rolls right off.  I've spent a little time digging snow pits and generally playing in the snow with these gloves.  The fabric began soaking up a little bit of moisture during these activities, but it never soaked all the way through. 

Windproofness

    The windproof quality of the Soft Shell material is great.  I've stood on a summit in a 40 mph (64 kph) wind, and my hands were toasty warm.  I haven't noticed any seams that let the wind sneak in.

Breathability

    The breathability of these gloves is pretty impressive.  Even when the rest of my body is sweating, my hands remain relatively dry.  The fabric begins to lose ground in moisture transfer when the temperature is around 40º F (4º C) and I'm active.  That said, I typically don't feel like I need gloves in that situation.