Outdoor Research Talon Glove Initial Report

Andrew Henrichs

December 14, 2005

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. 

Initial Testing

   I've been fortunate enough to have had several occasions in which to test these gloves.  I have worn them twice while skinning up and skiing down our local ski resort.  Both times, temperatures were below 0º F (-18º C).  The gloves were able to keep me adequately warm during both excursions, although I was very active at the time.  I also used them during the backcountry portion of an avalanche class.  We skinned to a small lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Our elevation was slightly over 10000 ft (3000 m), and the temperature was approximately 15º F (-9º C).  Again, while I was moving, the gloves kept the cold at bay.  As soon as we stopped and began digging snow pits, my hands got cold and eventually went numb.  I had the same 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 (-15 º C).  Once I stopped, I had to immediately switch to my thicker gloves. 

   I've been very impressed with the Gore Windstopper Soft Shell fabric.  Right after I received the gloves, I stuck them under a running faucet.  The water beaded up and rolled right off.  The fabric sheds snow just as well as it does rain.  As for the windproofness, the Gore Windstopper lives up to its name.  The day in Rocky Mountain National Park was fairly windy, and the only time I felt it in my hands was when the cuff of the glove slipped out from under my sleeve and a gust was able to sneak in. 

   Overall, I'm pretty happy with the fit of these gloves.  The tapered wrist is definitely snug.  It takes some effort to squeeze my hand through, but once it's in, it fits, well, like a glove.  My fingers are long and moderately thin, and I feel like I have just the right amount of room in the glove.  The anatomical curve of the fingers helps to reduce bunching when I make a fist.  I feel like I'm able to retain fairly good dexterity with these gloves on.  While it takes some concentration, I can even dial my cell phone while wearing them. 

Test Plan

  I will be using the OR Talon Gloves as my primary gloves for downhill skiing.  I will also be using them while snowshoeing, winter mountaineering, and possibly ice climbing.  Because of my awesome job, I usually ski at either Sunlight Mountain (a local ski hill) or Snowmass Mountain (one of the Aspen ski hills) at least twice a week before I have to head to work in the afternoon.  I also have several backcountry and hut skiing trips in the works for this winter and early spring.  The one trip that is definitely going to happen is a ski descent of Mt. Sopris, a nearly 13000 ft (3962 m) peak in nearby Carbondale, CO.  I will be taking several snowshoe trips into the nearby White River National Forest over the testing period.  These could range from short 6 mile (10 km) day trips to long weekend trips.  If I decide to go rock climbing at one of the local crags, I’ll use these gloves to warm my hands between climbs.  If they prove to be durable enough, I may use them while belaying. 

   I also plan to use these gloves while on most winter mountaineering trips in the Colorado Rockies.  These mountaineering trips will likely expose me to further cold and wind, giving me many more chances to evaluate the so-far superb windproofness of these gloves.  I may also use these gloves while ice climbing.  Based on my experiences so far, I don't expect to use them for ice climbing unless it's a fairly warm day.

The aspects that I will be paying particular attention to include:

1.  Fit/Comfort – So far, the gloves are pretty comfortable.  Will I say the same thing after wearing them for an entire day, rather than a couple hours?

Will the tapered wrist cause me aggravation while trying to put the gloves on with frozen hands? Will I discover any uncomfortable seams? 

2.  Warmth – I'd say that I've already got a fairly good idea of the minimum temperature that these gloves are useable in.  At what temperature do these gloves become too warm? 

3.  Durability – Will the ripstop Soft Shell face resist wear and tear while I’m bashing my knuckles against the ice while climbing?  What about resistance to abrasions from rock?  Will the material pill or snag over time? 

4.  Suregrip Palm – So far the Suregrip Palm works well.  Will it retain its grip over time?  Will it be solid enough to provide confidence when wielding my ice tools?  Will I safely be able to catch a fall while belaying with these gloves?  Will the Suregrip palm hold up to the friction from the rope while belaying, or will it show premature signs of wear? 

5.  Water-repellancy – So far the Gore Windstopper Soft Shell fabric is very impressive.  What do I have to do to soak the fabric through?  Will handling wet ropes and gear soak these gloves? 

6.  Windproofness – Will I find any seams where gusts can sneak in?  Will the fabric stop the strong wind that I haven't experienced yet? 

7.  Breathability – Thanks to the low temperatures I've tested these gloves in so far, I haven't had a problem with sweating.  Once it warms up, will my hands get soaked with perspiration while wearing these gloves, or will sweat quickly pass through the material?