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Hestra Heli Mitt - Women's Review

Perfectly plush for cold, dry days in the hills and mountains
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hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review
Credit: Hestra
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   Hestra
By Amber King ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 6, 2022
64
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 14
  • Warmth - 25% 8.0
  • Water Resistance - 25% 8.0
  • Dexterity - 25% 3.0
  • Durability - 15% 7.0
  • Features - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

The novel Hestra Heli Mitt stole our hearts with its cozy liners and amazing thermoregulation. It has a great fit with an incredibly high level of versatility. It performs well across all metrics, keeping hands warm into the double negative digits. Its full mitt liner is thinner than most, offering decent dexterity for a mitt, with ample warmth. We went to the resort, took them into the backcountry, and even cross-country skiing. In all cold weather conditions, our hands stayed happy. This mitt is well constructed, durable, but the leather eventually saturates in wet weather. If you want full mitt construction, with a removable liner and leashes, this is the one to buy.
REASONS TO BUY
Warm
Comfortable
Durable
Water resistant
Replaceable liners
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited features
Limited dexterity
Not best for wet climates
Editor's note: We updated the Hestra Hili Mit review on December 6, 2022, with additional product comparison ad purchase recommendations.

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Star Rating
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Bottom Line One of our favorite mitts boasting a female-specific fit and ample warmthThe best all-around unisex ski glove that you'll find on the marketWith a waterproof and breathable exterior and a fluffy insulated removable liner this mitt maintains warm and dry fingers better than any othersA high quality and fairly priced double-construction mitt that'll perform at any of your favorite winter localesA versatile and high value glove for use on and off the ski hill
Rating Categories Hestra Heli Mitt -... Arc'teryx Fission S... Black Diamond Mercu... Burton Gore-Tex Mitten Dakine Camino
Warmth (25%)
8.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
5.0
Water Resistance (25%)
8.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
4.0
Dexterity (25%)
3.0
9.0
3.0
4.0
7.0
Durability (15%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
Features (10%)
6.0
6.0
6.0
7.0
9.0
Specs Hestra Heli Mitt -... Arc'teryx Fission S... Black Diamond Mercu... Burton Gore-Tex Mitten Dakine Camino
Waterproof Material Triton three-layer polyamide fabric 84% nylon/16% elastane, Gore-Tex BD.dry Dry-Ride Two Layer & Gore-Tex Insert Nylon Shell (black part), Hoxton (75% nylon, 25% polyester) DWR treatment, Leather palm (water-resistant)
Insulation Type Polyester Fiberfill insulation 200g PrimaLoft Silver and 133g Gold synthetic fibers 170g PrimaLoft Gold
Back of hand: 133g PrimaLoft Gold
ThermaCore Synthetic Insulation 110/350g high loft synthetic
Palm Material Cowhide leather Goat leather Goat leather Leather, Sticky Icy Grip Palm Goat Leather
Inner Glove Material (if applicable) Removable Bemberg/Polyester Lining Octa Loft Polyester Fleece 150g tricot, 100% polyester
Double or Single Construction? Double Single Double Double Double
Gauntlet or Cuff? Cuff Cuff Gauntlet Gauntlet Gauntlet
Special features Velcro wrist closure, adjustable wrist cuff, removable wrist leash, carabiner loop Unisex fit, kevlar stitching, removable wrist leash, carabiner loop Nose wipe, carabiner loop, removable liner Nose wipe, leashes, warmer pockets, wrist cinch Google wipe on thumb, touch screen compatible liners, removable wrist leash
Fit Fits small Fits large (unisex sizing) True to size True to size A little smaller, size up if you're unsure

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Heli-Mitt by Hestra is complete with a goatskin palm, three-layer polyamide shell, and a removable liner. In addition to exceptional warmth and comfort, this glove is incredibly versatile and a perfect option for the resort skier or backcountry explorer.

Performance Comparison


hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - on this warm day, we took off the shells to increase breathability...
On this warm day, we took off the shells to increase breathability and wore just the liner. This is a huge plus with this glove. Alternatively, if its a little wet outside, you can simply take the liners out from the shells, and just wear the shells.
Credit: Jared Vilhauer

Warmth


We assumed going into our tests that mittens would score higher in warmth than most gloves, but this contender really surpassed our expectations. The Fiberfill insulation feels really nice on your fingers and does an amazing job with thermoregulation. The one-pull tightening and release system at the hem of the mitten retains warmth when it gets really cold outside (like -40F cold).

hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - the removable liners of the hestra heli mitt are soft and warm. our...
The removable liners of the Hestra Heli Mitt are soft and warm. Our tester has notoriously cold hands, and this is one of the only mittens able to keep her hands cozy and warm all day long while skiing multiple laps at the resort.
Credit: Amber King

Furthermore, the cinch strap around the wrist provides another point to regulate heat again. When performing tests where we had to put our frozen hands into a glove or mitt to see which one warmed up the quickest, the Hestras came out on top. If you find the liners aren't enough for you, add another thin-wicking liner, or switch it out for a different liner that keeps your hands nice and warm. One of the best upsides of this glove!

hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - warm fingers on a ski lift? priceless.
Warm fingers on a ski lift? Priceless.
Credit: Amber King

Water Resistance


Make sure to treat Hestra products with a leather treatment to retain water resistance. Hestra makes it easy as they send a small sample to you with any purchase.

If you're living in a dry climate, the Heli Mitt is a must-have piece of gear. Featuring Hestra's Triton 3-layer polyamide fabric, we experienced little to no water permeation while skiing in the mountains. It comes with reinforced soft cowhide leather palm, which doesn't allow water to pass through the material, nor does it get "swampy" after continual use. Even after multiple exposures to water, the leather has not cracked or sliced away (with proper treatment). In addition, the polyester liner wicks away moisture well. If you accidentally get your hands wet and need to slide your hand back inside, it does not stick to the liner but easily goes back in.

hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - the fabric provides decent water resistance, but during our dunk...
The fabric provides decent water resistance, but during our dunk tests we learned that this mitten does leak at the seams.
Credit: Amber King

Even though this glove is great for dry climates, we wouldn't recommend it for places that are wet all the time. During our dunk tests, we were a little surprised to learn that after just 15 squeezes underwater, this mitt began to leak at the seams by the tips of the fingers. By the one-hundredth squeeze, the mitts were completely soaked inside and took a while to dry out. In addition, on wet days in the mountains, we noticed the mitts becoming a little bit saturated, but not so bad that we lost warmth. On dry days, it was just fine.

hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - the mitt on the right was worn throughout the day while the mitt on...
The mitt on the right was worn throughout the day while the mitt on the left was not. It absorbed a little water, but we never felt anything get down to the liner over a seven-hour ski session. What does this mean? Waterproof!
Credit: Amber King

Dexterity


During our testing, we found that when a glove excels in one area, it tends to lack in another. For the Heli Mitt, dexterity is not its strong suit. As with all mittens, when the liner and shell are together, you don't have any individual digits available to zip zippers or tie shoes.

hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - when removing the liners from the shell, we were able to grab the...
When removing the liners from the shell, we were able to grab the skins and pull them off without a problem. No liners = more dexterity = more versatility. Win!
Credit: Jared Vilhauer

In comparison to other mittens, we really like how the thinner leather provided better dexterity than mittens that are thicker. When we took out the liner and used just the shell of this mitt, we found that it performed well. We were able to zip up our jacket, pull off climbing skins, and even tie a shoelace.

Hestra has an outstanding fit system that utilizes a different sizing technique than other companies. Simply measure your hand and get the size that fits you perfectly.

Features


This product has the features that you really need, whether you're sitting on lift chairs, battling deep powder, or heading out on a long adventure tour. The long cuff design features a one-pull hem cinch and release, which keeps snow out on deep, deep powder days.

hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - the hestras come with features like a one-pull tightening system...
The Hestras come with features like a one-pull tightening system, removable wrist straps, and wrist adjustment. Not only that, but is has a long gauntlet that fits over your jacket comfortably to keep snow out.
Credit: Amber King

The removable wrist straps are helpful for those worried about losing gloves on the chairlift.

hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - here the hestra heli mitt is pictured with a detached leash.
Here the Hestra Heli Mitt is pictured with a detached leash.
Credit: Amber King

One of our very favorite features of the Heli Mitt is the versatility of the liners. Add them in, switch them out, or take them out completely. The mitt allows enough room for you to choose a warmer or cooler liner, giving you autonomy in how you regulate your body heat on the slopes. If you're looking to hike uphill, take out the inserts, and just wear the shell. If you want a liner that allows you to stay warmer, switch it out altogether. You can even wear a thin glove liner underneath both the mitten liner and shell to accommodate a more dexterous experience in the hills.

hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - one of the standout features of the heli mitts is that you can take...
One of the standout features of the Heli Mitts is that you can take out its liner, add your own, just use it as a shell, or just use the liner independently. Being able to manually regulate your body temperature makes this perfect for backcountry skiing and resort riding.
Credit: Amber King

Durability


Like any product made with leather, the Hestra model needs special treatment to maintain its waterproofing. The author is a long-time Hestra owner and knows that these mittens and gloves need to be sealed one to two times a season to maintain top performance. Since she first purchased a pair of Hestra mitts five years ago, she has noticed only simple abrasion, but no cracking of the leather or unraveling of the seams. The liner has now packed out (after six years of use and forgetting some treatment for one season), but it is easily replaceable by simply going to the website. The construction is simply bomber, which adds to its overall value.

hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - this is the way the hestras looked after intensive use. there is no...
This is the way the Hestras looked after intensive use. There is no sign of wear and tear and the liner looks like new! The goatskin leather is highly durable and will last for years with proper treatment.
Credit: Amber King

Should You Buy the Hestra Heli Mitt - Women's?


This highly durable and warm mitten is more than worth it! While the initial price might seem high, its durability is stand-out. The liners will eventually pack out after many years (or one hard year) of use, but luckily, Hestra offers removable replacement liners at a lower price. This amps up its value. If you're a lady in search of a warm pair of mitts, with a removable mitt liner, we think this is a great option.

What Other Women's Ski Gloves Should You Consider?


We love the Hestra Mitts, but the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts is a great option that is just as warm, stands up a little better to wet weather, and costs a little less. If you want to save some serious cash, the Burton Gore-Tex Mittens are a great value option that still performs admirably without breaking the bank.

hestra heli mitt for women ski gloves review - our author tearing it up at the base of sheep chute in the san juan...
Our author tearing it up at the base of Sheep Chute in the San Juan mountains of Colorado. The Hestra Mitt keeps her hands healthy and happy.
Credit: Amber King

Amber King