Expert Review: Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger
Standing on the Saas Fee Glacier in Switzerland coaching. All photos courtesy of Mamie P.
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the gloves, which I purchased with my own money in 2019.
My take
The Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger checks all the boxes. It’s stylish, warm, and provides mobility for the hands when working with gear. As a race coach, the freedom of the index finger allows me to operate a camera or drill with precision without sacrificing warmth. This has been my go-to glove for temps 30 and below as well as any deep powder day.
About the gloves I own
- Model: Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger
- Size: 8
About me
- Height: 5’4”
- Weight: 165lbs
- Experience: 30 years of skiing
Test conditions:
- When I bought them: 2019
- Days used: 200
- Weather conditions used in: Rainy, wet days, blizzard, powder days, cold-weather skiing
- Where I’ve used them: Burke Mountain, Vermont; Saas Fee, Switzerland; Stubair, Austria; Stelvio, Italy; Sugarbowl Resort, California; Snow King, Wyoming; Sun Valley, Idaho
- Terrain: In-bound resort terrain
How they perform
What I was looking for
As a race coach, I need a glove that provides mobility when dealing with technical tasks such as using a video camera, working on skis and bindings, and utilizing a drill while in the elements. Despite being from the East, I get cold very easily and wanted a glove that would meet all the above demands plus keep my fingers warm when the temperature dips.
Why I chose this gear
The mobility of the index finger plus the insulation in this glove was the selling point for me. It is tough to find a product that meets both these needs. In terms of warmth, in the industry, Swany makes a solid warm glove that can compete with the Hestra. However, I simply love the look and thoughtfulness put into the design of this product. It has stood up to heavy use over several seasons.
200+ Days of use and in excellent condition!
What I love about them
- Fit: The fit isn’t too tight. It's very comfortable and makes gripping onto anything that much easier.
- Comfort: A comfortable glove to say the least. The option to cinch down the wrists makes for an especially comfortable all-weather glove.
- Ease of movement: I can’t say it enough, the mobility of the index finger creates a valuable ease of movement.
- Warmth: These gloves have been my overall go-to glove for the days that range between the 20s and 30s, keeping my hands warm and comfortable. On days that dip into the teens and below, I have worn a thinner glove inside my Hestras for added insulation.
- Waterproofing: These gloves come with a valve that helps to waterproof the exterior fabric. I highly recommend utilizing this, as it helps them withstand the wetter conditions.
- Breathability: Unlike some of the heavily isolated gloves out there, I find these gloves to breathe very well without causing too much perspiration.
- Conditions: On the deepest of powder days, the cuff and wrist straps ensure my hands remain insulated, preventing snow from entering the glove. The waterproofing provides a water-resistant exterior that will help me stay warm and dry in damp conditions.
- Features: The wrist leashes ensure this glove isn’t going far in the case that I must remove my glove for a task on the hill. The cuff of the glove can be cinched, ensuring the elements remain only on the exterior of the glove.
- Quality: The proofed army leather on the palm strengthens the grip.
- Durability: After two years of constant use, there are zero rips or tears in any of the seams.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Touchscreen compatibility: On the colder days it is, without a doubt, handy to have a touch screen compatible glove. But for these, removal of the glove is required in order to use my mobile device, which at times can be inconvenient.
Favorite moment with this gear
I have always been beyond grateful for these lovely gloves, particularly when standing in the cold looking for the dexterity to operate a camera and small buttons. These gloves have added so much comfort and enjoyment to the colder days.
Value for the money vs. other options
When it comes to warmth, and truly finding a product that will keep me warm, I’m willing to spend money for quality. This product checks all the boxes. It is comparable to the the GTX 3-Finger Mitt, which retails for slightly more but includes an interior touch-screen mitt.
Final verdict
For those looking for dexterity on the hill and who face unpredictable weather conditions, this is the glove for them. Stay warm, dry, and mobile with these quality Hestra gloves.
