Expert Review: Dakine Men's Scout Mittens
Scoping lines in the Cascades. All photos courtesy of Will Koons
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the mittens, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2022.
My take
The Dakine Scout Mittens are ideal for any skiers or snowboarders looking for a mid-level mitt that will stand up to most anything the average rider can throw at them. They have a waterproof and breathable material that helps to keep one’s hands dry and an insulation layer to keep them warm. They also have a soft tricot lining for added comfort and durable construction to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.
Top of the knob
About the mitts I own
- Model: 2020 Dakine Scout Mitts
- Size: Large
About me
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 175lbs
- Experience: 20+ years of snowboarding/skiing
Test conditions
- When I bought them: November 2020
- Days used: 50+
- Weather conditions used in: Everything from bluebird spring days to whiteout blizzards.
- Where I’ve used them: Resorts in Oregon, Washington, and Montana. Backcountry in Oregon.
- Terrain: Resort and backcountry.
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was hunting for new mitts because my old ones were starting to get pretty worn out and didn’t keep my hands as warm as they used to. So I was seeking mitts that could keep my hands dry and warm while I was out on the slopes or hiking in cold and wet conditions but also light enough for touring and wouldn’t break the bank.
Why I chose this gear
I decided to buy the Dakine Scout Mitts because they had all the features I was looking for in a pair of mitts—waterproof and breathable material and insulation to keep my hands dry and warm, a soft tricot lining for added comfort, and durable construction to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor adventures. Plus, I’m familiar with the Dakine brand and have had good experiences with their products before.
I considered a few other options before deciding on the Dakine Scout Mitts. I looked at some of Dakine's cheaper mitts, but they seemed like they might not be as durable or effective. I also looked at more expensive options like The North Face Summit Series, but they seemed like they might not offer much more in terms of performance and were just charging extra for the brand name. In the end, I went with the Dakine Scout Mitts because they were the best balance of quality, performance, and price.
Slashing some powder
What I love about them
- Fit: Great fit. The mitts feel true to size with plenty of cuff length.
- Comfort: Very comfortable mitts. Their lining is very comfortable.
- Waterproofing: I have used these multiple times in heavy snow with no moisture issues. The DK Dry insert provides good waterproofing. For the price level, I rate these stellar for waterproofing.
- Breathability: I am very impressed with the breathability of the mid-level nature of these gloves. I’ve toured with these mitts, and they allow moisture transfer pretty well.
- Touchscreen compatibility: Not touchscreen compatible, but if I wear a liner underneath, I can pop these off and access my screen while staying dry and warm.
- Quality: The Dakines offer really solid quality for this range of mitts. They are moderately priced yet made with high-quality materials. I put these through many days and am very happy with how they have held up.
- Durability: The Scouts have a rubbertec palm that stands up really well to harsh conditions.
- Ease of movement: These gloves fit well and provide excellent ease of movement for a mitten.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Warmth: This is not really an issue for me, but these are only moderately warm. There are more expensive gloves that have more insulation, but these provide the amount of warmth I expect for mid-price range gloves.
Favorite moment with this gear
One day in particular really stands out when I think of my experiences using these mitts. It was a pretty warm sunny spring day. I was punching my way up a steep snow section. By the time I got to the top of the slope, I had expected my hands to be absolutely saturated, but the Dakine mitts held up really well. I could descend with dry and fairly warm hands. They definitely performed better than I expected.
Value for the money vs. other options
Hands down, I think the Scout mitts are worth the money. They aren’t super high-end gloves but what one gets for their money is well worth it. If someone needs a mid-range glove that will handle most anything, the value Dakine provides is really stellar. I also tested the Fly Low Super Mitts, which I found comparable but retailed at around $90.
Final verdict
Overall, the Dakine Scout Mitts are a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable pair of mitts to keep their hands warm and dry while participating in outdoor activities. They have a waterproof and breathable material to protect against the elements, insulation to keep my hands warm, a soft tricot lining for added comfort, and a durable construction to withstand the wear and tear of the outdoors. Plus, they're a great value for the price due to all the abovementioned aspects. I would expect to pay $80+ for all the features included in the Scout Mitts.
