The Darth Mitten from Level Gloves (€99.95 on levelgloves.com) is a warm leather mitten built to keep you comfortable in the coldest temperatures. I’ve been wearing these mitts for two years now, and they’ve saved my hands from freezing even in the most extreme conditions in Canada. The thick leather works great as a windbreaker as well, and I love the smiley face design and overall look.
Gear
happy face, sad face
Reviewed: Level Gloves Darth Mitten
According to Level’s website, the mitten has a 3,000 Thermal Certification Index, placing it in the middle of Level’s range. The thinnest gloves in their collection have a rating of 1,000, while the warmest reach 5,000.
The Darth Mitten is suitable for temperatures between 0 and -17°C, but in my experience you can push that even lower. I skied in them on some of the coldest days I’ve ever experienced, with temps dropping below -30°C, and they still held up, keeping my hands cozy.
The Darth Mitten is made from thick goat leather, but it’s far from stiff—you can easily grip your poles or grab your grabs, which is crucial for my feeling on skis. I personally like wearing them in the park, and I’d bet freeride skiers will love this glove for its warmth on long, cold days in the backcountry.
When you need to reach into your pocket or use your phone on the chairlift, you can just let go and trust the attached Storm Leash to keep them from disappearing into the snow. The insulation system does a great job of keeping your hands warm by separating the inner lining from the outer layers. There’s also a breathable, waterproof membrane made from recycled materials, which helps regulate temperature and keeps moisture out. My hands have rarely felt sweaty in these.
This mitten is unisex and comes in four colorways—Beige, Bordeaux, Pink, and Red. The red version is actually the pro model of North American pipe ripper Alex Ferreira.
The Darth mitten includes Level's Membra Therm plus insert to optimize warmth and comfort.
My personal favorite colorway is Bordeaux, I really love the design. One palm features a smiley emoji, while the other has a sad emoji, adding a funky touch that always gets people hyped when you wave at your friends. Plus, leather has one big advantage over other materials—it ages beautifully. Even after years of use, the mittens still perform just as well, and the worn-in look gives them even more character.
The Darth Mittens don't just keep your fingers warm. They also help you emote!
The Darth Mitten is available on levelgloves.com for €99.95.