First Impressions of DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s
As an avid outdoorswoman, spending countless hours in the field, I’ve perpetually sought the holy grail of handwear: warmth, dexterity, and quiet operation. The DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s promised to be just that, a solution to cold, clumsy hands during those crucial moments when stealth and precision are paramount. DSG Outerwear, a brand known for its focus on women’s hunting apparel, piqued my interest with this unique mitten design.
My search stemmed from years of bulky gloves hindering my ability to handle hunting equipment efficiently. I needed something warm enough for late-season sits, yet versatile enough to allow for immediate firearm manipulation or delicate tasks like setting up trail cameras. Could these mittens bridge that gap between warmth and usability?
Upon receiving the DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s, I was immediately drawn to the soft, plush feel of the shearling interior. The construction felt solid, and the faux leather palm instilled confidence in its durability. Compared to other flip-top mittens I’ve used – often flimsy and poorly insulated – these felt substantial, a clear step up in quality. While a similar pair from Cabela’s felt thin and lacked a secure closure for the flip top, and a set of generic fleece mittens provided warmth but zero dexterity, the DSG Outerwear offering seemed to combine the best of both worlds.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The promise of warmth and dexterity held significant appeal, and the overall design suggested a thoughtful approach to women’s hunting apparel. However, the true test would be in the field, facing the harsh realities of cold weather and demanding tasks.
Real-World Testing: Putting DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test of the DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s came during a late-season whitetail hunt in the mountains of Pennsylvania. The temperature hovered around 25 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight wind, conditions ripe for testing the mittens’ warmth. Perched in my treestand, I immediately appreciated the shearling lining.
Even after several hours of sitting still, my hands remained comfortably warm. The faux leather palm provided a solid grip on my rifle, and the flip-top design proved invaluable when I needed to use my rangefinder. My initial concern about the magnets not being strong enough was quickly alleviated, the magnets held the flap securely open allowing use of the rangefinder quickly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during both hunting trips and general outdoor activities, the DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. There are no signs of excessive wear and tear beyond some minor scuffing on the faux leather palm. The fleece remains soft and plush even after multiple uses.
Maintenance is simple; a quick spot clean with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or debris. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper fleece mittens that quickly lost their shape and warmth, these DSG Outerwear mittens have held up remarkably well. They definitely outperform my previous thin fleece mittens in cold conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s
Specifications
The DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s boasts several key specifications:
- The fabric is a comfortable Polyester/Spandex stretch blend, bonded with a cozy shearling interior. This provides both warmth and a degree of flexibility.
- The palm is constructed from faux leather, adding durability and grip. This is essential for handling hunting equipment.
- Magnets securely hold back the flip-top mitt portion and thumb, offering convenient access to fingers when needed. This allows for quick transitions between warmth and dexterity.
- Glove clips keep the mittens together for easy storage, preventing them from getting separated in your pack. It’s a small but appreciated detail.
- The face of the fabric has a DWR treatment to shed water. This helps to keep your hands dry in light rain or snow.
These specifications combine to create a mitten that balances warmth, durability, and functionality. The choice of materials and design elements clearly caters to the needs of female hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Performance & Functionality
The DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The mittens provide ample warmth for extended periods in cold weather.
The flip-top design works flawlessly, allowing for easy access to fingers when needed for tasks requiring dexterity. The magnetic closures are surprisingly strong, preventing the flaps from flapping around and getting in the way. However, the effectiveness of the water-resistant DWR treatment is limited; heavy rain will eventually soak through the fabric.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s is impressive. The materials used feel high-quality, and the stitching is clean and durable. The weight is just right – substantial enough to feel protective, yet not so bulky as to be cumbersome.
The mittens are generally user-friendly, although some users may need a short adjustment period to become accustomed to the flip-top mechanism. Once familiar, however, the design becomes intuitive and seamless.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, I expect the DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s to last for several seasons of moderate use. The faux leather palm shows minimal wear.
Maintenance is relatively simple, and the mittens can be spot-cleaned or hand-washed as needed. Avoiding harsh detergents will prolong the life of the fleece and maintain its warmth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s comes with minimal accessories. The glove clips being the only one.
There are no readily apparent customization options. The mittens are designed as a complete package, and modifications would likely compromise their performance and durability. However, users could potentially add a paracord wrist loop for extra security.
Pros and Cons of DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’sPros
- Exceptional Warmth: The shearling lining provides excellent insulation in cold conditions.
- Functional Flip-Top Design: Allows for easy access to fingers without sacrificing warmth.
- Durable Construction: The polyester/spandex blend and faux leather palm ensure long-lasting performance.
- Secure Magnetic Closures: Keep the flip-top flaps out of the way when open.
- Women-Specific Fit: Designed to fit smaller hands comfortably.
Cons
- Limited Water Resistance: The DWR treatment is not sufficient for heavy rain.
- Faux Leather Palm: While durable, real leather would offer superior grip and longevity (but would increase the price).
Who Should Buy DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s?
Pros
- Exceptional Warmth: The shearling lining provides excellent insulation in cold conditions.
- Functional Flip-Top Design: Allows for easy access to fingers without sacrificing warmth.
- Durable Construction: The polyester/spandex blend and faux leather palm ensure long-lasting performance.
- Secure Magnetic Closures: Keep the flip-top flaps out of the way when open.
- Women-Specific Fit: Designed to fit smaller hands comfortably.
Cons
- Limited Water Resistance: The DWR treatment is not sufficient for heavy rain.
- Faux Leather Palm: While durable, real leather would offer superior grip and longevity (but would increase the price).
The DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s is perfect for female hunters, wildlife photographers, or anyone who spends extended periods outdoors in cold weather. The flip-top design makes them ideal for activities that require occasional dexterity, such as operating cameras, using rangefinders, or handling firearms. They are also well-suited for ice fishing.
Those who require completely waterproof handwear should skip this product. Individuals working in extremely rugged environments might also find the faux leather palm insufficient for their needs. For must-have accessories, consider adding a paracord wrist loop to prevent accidental drops and potentially a thin liner glove for added warmth in extreme conditions.
Conclusion on DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s
The DSG Outerwear Sherpa Fleece Flip Top Mitten – Women’s delivers on its promises of warmth, dexterity, and durability. The price of $40 is justified considering the quality of materials and thoughtful design. For women seeking a versatile and reliable handwear solution for cold-weather outdoor activities, I would wholeheartedly recommend these mittens.
These mittens are a valuable addition to any outdoorswoman’s gear collection. Get yours today and experience the difference warmth and dexterity can make in the field!