Expert Review: Hestra Fall Line 3-finger Glove


Photo by Bella McWhorter/Luke Dempsey. All photos courtesy of Jake Renner
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the gloves, which I purchased with my own money in December of 2021.
My take
The Hestra Fall Line 3-Finger Gloves are a warm, dry, and highly mobile option for keeping my hands happy throughout the coldest of days. Easy to get my hands in and out of, while also holding up to the rigors of aggressive downhill skiing.
Truck Driver 3. Photo by Charlie Lasser
About this gear
- Model: 2022 Hestra Fall Line 3-Finger Glove/Mitt
- Size: 10
About me
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 165 lbs
- Experience: 26 years of skiing
Test conditions
- When I bought them: December 2021
- Days used: 90 days
- Weather conditions used in: Deep powder, slushy spring snow, and cold bitter days full of ice and wind
- Where I’ve used them: Colorado: Copper, A-Basin, Aspen Mountain/Snowmass/Buttermilk/Aspen Highlands, Steamboat; Utah: Alta, Snowbird, Brighton
- Terrain: Terrain park, backcountry, groomers, powder, trees
How it performs
What I was looking for
I was looking for a new pair of mitts to keep my hands warm and dry while remaining very mobile. I also wanted to ensure that I’d have a quality pair of gloves/mitts for seasons to come, so leather was a must. Not to mention, the white leather trigger mitts are stylish and match well with a variety of outer apparel.
Switch Cork 5 Lead Kang. Photo by Charlie Lasser
Why I chose this gear
I chose the Hestra Fall Line 3-Finger Mitts because I can hold poles and still grab my skis when in the air, proving their finger mobility when they are on my hands. I also wanted something durable, and Hestra’s lifetime warranty gave me peace of mind.
I also considered buying the Wakayama Mitts from Hestra, but soon veered away since they were no longer available in my size or color. I also was weary of the Wakayama’s ability to keep my hands dry in powder — the Fall Line had a better wrist cuff.
Mitts after one full season of use
What I love about it
- Fit: Size 10 mitts fit me perfectly. There is enough room to get in and out with ease, while staying snug enough to keep my hands warm.
- Comfort: The super-comfy fleece liners keep my hands soft and warm.
- Ease of movement: Super pliable leather and a free index finger has provided ease of movement with my finger, thumb, and hand in general, allowing me to grasp my poles with ease.
- Warmth: The fleece lined inside and the three-finger design has been ideal for keeping most of my fingers together and holding in my body heat. Leather also keeps the wind and snow out, allowing my hands to remain cozy and warm even in a blizzard!
- Waterproofing: The leather has a special coating that helps with waterproofing, not quite to the level of Gore-Tex, but these gloves make for an ideal winter glove. A different option might be better in the case of being in the slush or rain more often than not. Since these gloves are leather, they do a decent job of wicking water, but once they get damp, they stay damp until I dry them out.
- Weight: The Fall Line Gloves/Mitts have an average weight — not too light, not too heavy. It is a perfect option for skiing.
- Conditions: These mitts are best designed for cold, wintry days full of snow and ice.
- Quality: High-quality materials and stitchwork that are backed by a lifetime warranty helps keep these gloves a high-quality option with comfort and durability in mind.
- Durability: These gloves/mitts are ultra durable thanks to the materials used in their build, specifically the goat skin leather, which is extra durable and tear resistant. I have one small hole on the finger from my skis’ edge due to grabbing while in the air —a whole season of grabs and just one small hole! There have been no other issues so far; I’ve moisturized the leather with their leather balm mid-season once.
- Other: Oftentimes a person’s shoe size is directly correlated with their glove/mitt size from Hestra. For example, I’m a size 10 in US men’s shoes, and I’m a size 10 in Hestra Gloves/Mitts.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Touchscreen compatibility: They are not touchscreen compatible.
- Features: There are no leashes or wrist cords. This is a downside because if you like to take your gloves off on the lift without having to stash them in your jacket, wrist leashes are nice and add peace of mind.
- Other: Sometimes if these gloves are wet and I dry them with heat, the leather can get a little bit less pliable until they get moving around in the snow again.
Mitts after one full season of use
Favorite moment with this gear
My favorite moment with the Hestra Fall Line 3-Finger Mitts was our 10th Mountain Hut Trip out in the backcountry of Colorado! We skinned along the backside ridge of Aspen Mountain out to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, where we camped, hiked, and skied for about five days. These gloves were awesome — they kept my hands warm enough that I’d take them off on the uphill at times when hiking. Each night, if they had gotten damp from a day of hiking and skiing, I’d hang them up near the wood stove, and they’d be nice and dry in the A.M.
Value for the money vs. other options
These mitts are really worth it! This is a solid, long-lasting, and pliable glove that’s built of high-quality materials and backed by a lifetime warranty. Not many gloves on the market can speak to their quality of craftsmanship by offering a warranty like Hestra does.
Final verdict
The Hestra Fall Line 3-Finger Mitts unlock the mobility of a glove while retaining the warmth of a mitten. Ultimate durability backed by a lifetime warranty allows for peace of mind no matter how hard I ski!