Let’s Dive into Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts
The Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts promise winter concealment and added warmth when the temperatures plummet. Manufactured by Kryptek, these overmitts are designed to slip over your existing gloves, offering an extra layer of protection against the elements while blending seamlessly into snowy environments. Their ease of removal is another key feature, allowing for quick access to your hands when fine motor skills are required.
I’ve spent countless hours in the field, from frigid deer stands to frozen lakes, and dexterity is always a trade-off with warmth. I needed a solution that would keep my hands warm without completely sacrificing my ability to manipulate gear, reload a rifle, or tie a knot. Seeing the Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts, I hoped they would bridge that gap.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the lightweight feel of the material. The “Wraith” color pattern looks effective, and the build quality seems decent for an overmitt. They’re designed to fit over existing gloves, and the size Large – Extra Large felt roomy enough to accommodate even my bulkier insulated gloves.
I’ve previously used basic fleece overmitts, as well as heavier insulated mittens. The fleece options offered minimal warmth and the mittens, while warm, were far too bulky for any precise tasks. I chose the Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts because I was intrigued by the promise of easy removal combined with the concealment properties of the Kryptek pattern, hoping for a better balance of warmth and dexterity.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to test their performance in real-world conditions and see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts was on a late-season pheasant hunt in South Dakota. The temperature was hovering around 15°F with a biting wind, creating ideal conditions to assess their insulating capabilities. I wore them over a pair of lightweight shooting gloves.
The overmitts performed admirably in the cold, windy conditions. My hands stayed noticeably warmer than they would have with just the gloves alone, and the Kryptek Wraith pattern blended effectively with the snow-dusted landscape. I found it easy enough to slip the overmitts off quickly when I needed to handle my shotgun, reload, or adjust my gear.
After the first use, I was surprised by how much of a difference such a lightweight layer could make. However, I did notice that the material seemed a bit thin, and I was concerned about its long-term durability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a couple of ice fishing trips and some winter hiking, the Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts have held up fairly well. There are no major signs of wear and tear, but I can see some minor fraying at the seams in high-stress areas. The overmitts have continued to provide adequate warmth in cold conditions.
Maintaining the overmitts is simple. A quick hand wash with mild soap and air drying is all that’s needed to keep them clean and ready for the next outing. They dry fairly quickly, which is a definite plus.
Compared to my previous experiences with other handwear systems, the Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts offer a decent compromise between warmth, dexterity, and concealment. They’re not as warm as dedicated mittens, but the ability to quickly remove them and regain fine motor control is a significant advantage. However, the thin material does raise some concerns about long-term durability compared to more robust options.
Breaking Down the Features of Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kryptek
- Size: Large – Extra Large
- Age Group: Adults
- Application: Outdoor
- Gender: Male
- Color: Wraith
- Seasonal/Temperature Use: Winter
- Apparel Fit: Regular
- Men’s Clothing Size: Large – Extra Large
The large to extra-large sizing provides ample room for layering over various glove sizes. The Wraith camo pattern is specifically designed for winter environments, aiding in concealment while hunting or performing tactical operations.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts is to provide an extra layer of warmth and concealment in winter conditions. They perform adequately in this role, offering a noticeable boost in warmth when worn over gloves. However, their thin material means they are not suitable for extremely cold temperatures or prolonged exposure to the elements.
The strength of these overmitts lies in their ease of use and quick removability. The oversized design allows them to be easily slipped on and off, enabling rapid transitions between warmth and dexterity. One weakness is the lack of a retention system.
Overall, the Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts meet expectations for a lightweight, concealable handwear option. They are not a heavy-duty solution, but they are effective for moderate cold and situations where quick access to your hands is crucial.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts feature a simple, functional design. The lightweight material and oversized fit contribute to their ease of use. The Kryptek Wraith camo pattern is well-executed and blends effectively into snowy environments.
The build quality is decent, but the thin material does feel somewhat fragile. The overmitts are comfortable to wear over gloves, and there is no significant learning curve involved in their use.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts is a potential concern. While they have held up reasonably well after several weeks of use, the thin material and basic stitching suggest that they may not withstand heavy use or rough handling. I suspect they will be more prone to tearing or abrasion than heavier-duty options.
Maintenance is straightforward. They can be easily hand-washed and air-dried, and the quick-drying material is a definite advantage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts do not come with any accessories, nor do they offer any customization options. They are designed as a standalone overmitt and are intended to be used with existing gloves or handwear systems. While there are no direct customization options, you can pair them with various types of gloves to tailor the warmth and dexterity to your specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Kryptek Over-Whites OvermittsPros
- Effective concealment in snowy environments due to the Kryptek Wraith camo pattern.
- Easy to slip on and off, allowing for quick transitions between warmth and dexterity.
- Lightweight and packable, making them easy to carry in a pack or pocket.
- Provides a noticeable boost in warmth when worn over gloves.
- Affordable price point makes them accessible to a wide range of users.
Cons
- Thin material raises concerns about long-term durability.
- Lack of a retention system could result in lost overmitts.
Who Should Buy Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts?
Pros
- Effective concealment in snowy environments due to the Kryptek Wraith camo pattern.
- Easy to slip on and off, allowing for quick transitions between warmth and dexterity.
- Lightweight and packable, making them easy to carry in a pack or pocket.
- Provides a noticeable boost in warmth when worn over gloves.
- Affordable price point makes them accessible to a wide range of users.
Cons
- Thin material raises concerns about long-term durability.
- Lack of a retention system could result in lost overmitts.
The Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts are perfect for hunters, wildlife photographers, and tactical operators who need to maintain concealment in winter environments. They are also suitable for anyone who requires a lightweight, easily removable handwear option for activities like ice fishing, winter hiking, or snowshoeing. These overmitts particularly benefit those who frequently transition between needing warm hands and requiring fine motor skills.
Those seeking maximum warmth in extreme cold should skip this product and opt for heavier-duty mittens or gloves. Individuals who require exceptionally durable handwear for rough or demanding tasks may also find the Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts lacking.
A must-have accessory for these overmitts is a good pair of liner gloves. Pairing the overmitts with liner gloves will allow the user to remove the overmitts while still retaining some protection.
Conclusion on Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts
The Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts offer a valuable combination of concealment, warmth, and dexterity at an affordable price. While their thin material raises some concerns about long-term durability, their ease of use and quick removability make them a worthwhile addition to any winter gear collection. The Kryptek Wraith camo pattern is effective for blending into snowy environments, and the added layer of warmth is noticeable when worn over gloves.
At $49.99, the price is justified for what these overmitts offer. They are not a replacement for heavy-duty mittens in extreme cold, but they are a useful tool for those who need to balance warmth with the ability to quickly access their hands.
I would personally recommend the Kryptek Over-Whites Overmitts to anyone looking for a lightweight, concealable, and easily removable handwear option for winter activities. Just be mindful of their limitations and don’t expect them to withstand excessive abuse. Add them to your kit, stay warm, stay hidden, and stay ready.