Recommendations on inexpensive winter gloves and balaclavas?
01-08-15, 08:18 AM
#26
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good to know about the sizing greg, was planning to order a pair of each
I have medium hands with short fingers so may be a small instead?
gotta love the instructions, I guess if large enough could make for boot liners as well
I have medium hands with short fingers so may be a small instead?
gotta love the instructions, I guess if large enough could make for boot liners as well
I've got a pair of those. Down to about 40 the shell is fine. I used the liners today at the mid-twenties and they were fine. When I turned into the wind my "trigger" finger got cool, not too cold.
As far as sizing--they run huge.
Official Gov't instructions, from tag, is to put thumb and finger into mitten with hand until needed.
As far as sizing--they run huge.
Official Gov't instructions, from tag, is to put thumb and finger into mitten with hand until needed.
01-08-15, 08:52 AM
#27
aka Phil Jungels
I don't remember what size Govt mittens I wore back in '65.... Do the mediums fit a large to xlarge hand?
01-08-15, 09:10 AM
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I'm going to be unhelpful and say, "Grow a beard."
I ditched my balaclava 2 years ago and haven't looked back.
I ditched my balaclava 2 years ago and haven't looked back.
01-08-15, 12:26 PM
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Kobalt work gloves from Lowes with the safety green back with reflective stripes. Good down to around 12*F, lower then that I go to a second hand pair of surplus air force arctic mittens bought dirt cheap at the neighborhood Value Village Thrift Store. They are the green gauntlet style with the leather palm, fake fur back, and 100% itchy wool liners. 
Last edited by Lug; 01-08-15 at 12:29 PM. Reason: Clarify what I said.
01-08-15, 06:20 PM
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If you looking for inexpensive clothing, then avoid shopping for cycling specific brands at LBS.
01-09-15, 11:59 AM
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I'm using this Seirus balaclava: Seirus Thermax Headliner Balaclava
$16 at REI. I've used it into the low 20's and with windchills to high single digits. It works well for me and fits well beneath my helmet.
$16 at REI. I've used it into the low 20's and with windchills to high single digits. It works well for me and fits well beneath my helmet.
01-10-15, 02:07 PM
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I use a SmartWool balaclava. After five years of use the 100% wool light weight (150?) still going strong. Fits great under my helmet and good protective covering in temps to 0 F Average speed 12 MPH and winds to 30 MPH gusts on my daily commute of 7 miles 1 way in ME into NH. Highly recommend for warmth and comfort.
01-10-15, 05:03 PM
#34
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Just remembered. Sites like Sportsmansguide.com carry military surplus stuff. Lots of good gear for cheap.
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01-15-15, 12:41 PM
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01-15-15, 12:52 PM
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Not for everyone, but if you are competent at sewing or willing to splurge a bit, I am a bit of a zealot about bar mitts. When we routinely hit 10*F, I just have a hard time keeping my hands warm, even with good gloves and mitts. I sewed myself a pair for about 3 hour's worth of time and $10 worth of fabric. Fleece liner, with a separate cordura shell. Recently, I have been biking at 0*F with medium weight fleece gloves inside, and sometimes I need to even vent the bar mitts.
01-15-15, 12:55 PM
#37
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Joe Rocket Sub Zero winter gloves
01-15-15, 01:45 PM
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haha maybe, what I really wanted was something like this
Marvel Red Spider Web Mens Ski Mask Beanie - Full Face Costume Mask
Marvel Red Spider Web Mens Ski Mask Beanie - Full Face Costume Mask
01-15-15, 03:37 PM
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For mid-40s weather I have been jumping through hoops since I lost my Pearle Isumi glove and liner. Picked up Wells Lamont "Hydra Hyde"s the other day at Costco for $18. Too warm! But very nice riding! They claim to be breathable and waterproof and to have Thinsulate lining.
You better get in on these fast. Word's going to get out that they are using hydra skins. The animal activists are going to get all over this. (They were believed to be extinct, not having been seen since the ancient Greeks.)
Ben
You better get in on these fast. Word's going to get out that they are using hydra skins. The animal activists are going to get all over this. (They were believed to be extinct, not having been seen since the ancient Greeks.)
Ben
01-15-15, 03:47 PM
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I don't wear a balaclava. My wife took fleece material. She made me a hat, ski tube and triangular shaped throat protector. It was very cheap, keeps my head, face and throat warm and it is easy to pull out of the way to blow my nose and then replace without removing my mittens. For my hands I wear cheap "leather" mittens from the dollars store with another pair of cheap wool mittens underneath. That's usually good enough.
