Glove tips from Swanny’s Todd Givnish
Ever get to the top of Morningside and see a whole crew doing big arm circles or waving their arms, looking like they are attempting to take flight? This is commonly known as the International Sign for Cold Hands. A typical leadup to this point is your thrifty snowslider getting some insulated work gloves at the local hardware store, which work great on temperate days and for the younger set. But eventually, a cold snap hits, there’s a long lift line (standing around = cold), or you age, which slows blood flow. Next thing you know, you too are flapping your wings, getting your blood to flow to your fingertips. Save the arm circles for the gym, or your warmup before rec-league softball, with these tips to keep your digits warm, rather than attempting to take flight.
• Start warm, stay warm: Be sure your gloves are dry and warm before you leave home. Leave your gloves in the truck after shredding pow and you’ll have an uphill battle all day.
• Pretend like it’s 1995: Plan to meet your crew “bottom of Storm, 9:30 a.m.” Leave your phone in your pocket. Taking your gloves off to text your homies, post to Insta, or check your Strava will lead to cold fingers on a brisk day. Enjoy where you are and who you’re with.
• Purchase a pair of liner gloves: A thin synthetic or wool glove liner will add valuable warmth to your current gloves. They’re fast drying and easy to wash. Can’t resist the urge to check your Snapchat? A liner with Touchtec will provide a little weather protection.
• Keep ‘em together. Fact is, mittens are warmer than gloves. Each of your fingers help to keep its buddies warmer. A mitten with finger channels is even warmer, as the lining between your fingers provides extra warmth and wicks away moisture. Additionally, finger channels provide better dexterity than an open mitt.
• Extreme conditions call for extreme measures. On the coldest of days, consider adding a handwarmer to your tool kit. Be sure to activate them before you leave the house. Start warm and stay warm. Bonus: many Swany gloves feature a “heat utility pocket” that holds your hand warmer against the back of the hand, providing warmth without distraction.
• It’s cheaper to do it right once: Invest in quality. Good shit ain’t cheap and cheap shit ain’t good. Consider the tried-and-true Swany X-Cell – the shell consists of 100% goatskin leather for durability and dexterity. Inside, Swany’s Triplex Alpha insulation system is 30-50% warmer than competitors and balances warmth and dexterity. Find them at Ski Haus, Christy Sports, Straightline, and Allen’s. And then next time you pass a group flapping their wings, give them the rocker or the shaka, showing off your warm fingers’ dexterity.
