Initial Report:
Outdoor Research Talon Gloves

Product Information Manufacturer: Outdoor Research Manufacturer Website: http://www.orgear.com/ Product Tested: Talon Gloves Year of Manufacture: 2005 Color: Black (only color available) Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL Size Tested: Men’s XL Weight Listed: Average weight 2.9 oz (82 g) size L, per pair Measured Weight: 3.2 oz (91 g) MSRP: $49 US

Product Description
From the Outdoor Research (OR) website: “Suited to any alpine challenge, this glove uses Gore WindStopper® Soft Shell fabric to provide warmth and weather resistance. A ripstop face resists abrasion from rocks and ice, while a lightweight fleece interior retains warmth. The Suregrip palm handles wet and icy equipment with ease while the anatomical curve allows natural hand movement. A tapered wrist offers a secure fit while boxed construction promotes movement and comfort.”

Initial Impressions
I requested the gloves in size Extra Large. The first thing I noticed when they arrived is they fit snug. They look and fit like a size Large rather than an Extra Large. I am currently checking with OR to determine if perhaps they were mislabeled. If they are not mislabeled, then these gloves run small.

The gloves are made of high quality materials and are well constructed.

I have concerns about how warm these gloves will be. I can barely get them on over the thinnest liner gloves I have, so wearing liner gloves may not help much because they will be too tight.

Test Plan
Test Period—Mid-December 2005 to mid-April 2006.

Test Locations—Southwestern US (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona).

Testing Conditions—The testing terrains will consist of: badlands desert, canyon country, forests, and high elevation alpine country. Expected extreme conditions include: snow storms, strong winds, dust/rain storms, heavy rain, intense sun, low temperatures, and high elevations with strong UV radiation. I expect temperatures both above and below freezing, and wet and dry conditions.

Activities—The OR Talon Gloves will be my primary gloves used during the test period (provided they are warm enough). I will use them up to several times a week in the following activities: backpacking, day hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter car camping, ice fishing, and casual wear.

How the Gloves Will Be Tested—I will test the gloves with different clothing systems and outdoor activities by themselves and as a base layer and mid-layer. I will wear them by themselves as long as they are warm enough. I will try wearing liner gloves inside the Talon Gloves. I will also try wearing other gloves, mittens, or shells over them.

Measurements and Data—After each trip I will record the following data in relation to my comfort in the OR Talon Gloves: 1) temperature, 2) estimated wind speed, 3) estimated humidity, 4) altitude, 5) precipitation (including what form), 6) clothing system, 7) gloves worn in or over the Talon Gloves, and 8) how well they performed in terms of warmth, utility, and comfort.

Factors Evaluated
Following are the specific factors on which I will be evaluating the OR Talon Gloves. In this Initial Report, I have supplied the information for some of the factors. I will complete the information on the other factors based on my field testing in the next two months.

Fabrics—The gloves are made of Gore WindStopper® Soft Shell fabric, which has a ripstop nylon face and short fleece inside surface. The fabric has moderate lateral stretch and little or no linear stretch. The palms and three fingers (from the thumb end) are coated with Suregrip to increase their gripping ability and wear resistance. The two smaller fingers do not have the Suregrip coating on the inside.

Construction and Quality—Superb. The simple edge seams are sewn on the inside with “right” sides together and trimmed to a 1/8-inch (3 mm) seam allowance. Most seams are single stitched, but stress areas where seams come together are double stitched.

Sizing and Fit—These gloves appear to run small. The gloves I received in size Extra Large look and fit like a size Large. I am checking into the possibility that the gloves were mislabeled, and will provide an update on sizing in my Field Report.

The fit is snug, even in size Extra Large. They are not tight, but there is little room to wear liner gloves inside of them. They barely fit over the thinnest liner gloves I have, and their fleece lining make them hard to slip on over the liners.

Articulation—When worn without liners, the gloves have a trim fit that allows me to wear the gloves to reach into a pocket to grab something, pick up fairly small objects, and grasp a small zipper pull. I will comment later on how well the gloves work for other operations, like changing clothes, putting on/taking off snowshoes, getting something out of a backpack, and unhooking a fish.

Features—Stretch woven Windstopper fabric, thin fleece inside surface, Suregrip palms (and three fingers), plastic clip to connect the gloves (and hang them over a line), hang loop on each glove, 3.5 in (9 cm) gauntlet with elasticized opening.

Measurements—Longest length is 10.75 in (27 cm), width exclusive of thumb is about 4.25 in (11 cm), girth exclusive of thumb is 10 in (25 cm), wrist opening unstretched is 4 in (10 cm), wrist opening stretched is 5 in (13 cm), and gauntlet is 3.5 in (9 cm).

Usability— How well does it perform with other performance clothing? Can I find liner gloves that fit inside the Talon Gloves without making them too tight? Can I find other gloves, mittens, or shells that fit over them when I need more warmth? Are the gauntlets long enough to cover my wrists and keep water and snow out?  What normal operations can I do with the gloves on, and when do I need to take them off to do something?

Warmth and Comfort—How warm are they at different exertion levels? How is their temperature regulation, i.e., do the gloves hold body heat well and do they have a broad comfort range? Are they sufficiently warm for cool/cold weather hiking? How warm and comfortable are they to wear as a single layer for high exertion activities in cool and cold weather? How do they feel against my skin?

Breathability and Moisture Management —Do they readily expel heat and moisture at moderate to high exertion levels, or do they build up moisture in the garment and create discomfort? Do they dry quickly to avoid chilling when I stop for a rest?

Weather Resistance—How wind resistant are they? How rain and snow resistant are they? Do they eventually soak up moisture and become cold to wear?

Weight—At 3.2 ounces (91 g) per pair, the Talon Gloves are quite light. What is their utility for lightweight backpacking, considering the warmth and weather resistance they provide for their weight?  

Durability— How durable are the Talon Gloves? Are they adequately reinforced in wear zones? Do they snag easily? I wear out gloves rather quickly while bushwhacking; how well do the Talon Gloves stand up to handling rock and brush? What is their life span likely to be under these conditions?

Versatility—What activities and clothing systems are they most suited for?

Cleaning—Washing instructions are: “Machine wash cold water, wash separately, powdered detergent, do not bleach, do not use fabric softener, hang dry, do not machine dry, do not iron, do not dry clean”. I will evaluate how well they clean up and whether washing results any loss of performance (like waterproofness).

Acknowledgement
I would like to thank Outdoor Research and the BackpackGearTest Group for selecting me to participate in this test.

Will Rietveld