About VO Gloves and Mittens:
VO is the original inventors of this open zipper glove design. Taking pride in being the orignial innovators and pioneers who brought this design to market first back in 2005. Taking gloves on and off is a regular part of a day on the mountain.
Mitten Reviewed:
- VO Black and Brown Trigger Mitts
- Size: XL (see sizing chart)
- Color: Black and Brown
- MSRP: $99
Intended Use: Snowboarding, snowmobiling, any snow sport where you need a warm trigger mitt
Recommended for: Anyone looking for a bombproof, warm, and stylish trigger mitten, with easy hand/finger access, with great waterproofing that will keep your hands warm and toasty in the coldest conditions of winter on your riding missions.
Review Date and Location: December 2024 – February 2025 in Colorado and Canada
Sizing
Measuring from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger will give you the general size of what you will want.
Please contact us with any specific questions, as we want you to have the best fitting gloves for your hands.
Base of palm to tip of middle finger length in inches:
8″ to 8.25″+ (Wide hands) – XXXLarge
8″ to 8.25″+ – XXLarge
7.75″ to 8″ – XLarge
7.5″ to 7.75″ – Large
7.25″ to 7.50″ – Medium
7″ to 7.25″ – Small
6.75″ to 7″ – XSmall
5.50″ to 5.75″ – 3XSmall
Key Features:
- Machine-washable, durable goat leather on palm, thumb, finger side walls, finger tips
- Waterproof / Breathable insert (secured inside so fingers do not pull out)
- Thinsulate insulation
- YKK water-resistant zippers, placed in the best location possible to maximize quick access to your hands
- Wrist strap, holds open portion out of the way
- Back of thumb is same goat leather, suede side out for nose wipe or goggle chamois
- Regular cuff with cinch cord, can go over OR under coat sleeves
- Note: The durable goat leather and gloves will break in after a day or two of use, flexing and extending your hands during riding will help the break in process.
BENEFITS of a simple zipper on the back of the glove:
- Quick Access – convenience
- Hand-Temperature Regulation – keep hands from overheating
- No More Dropped Gloves – you don’t take them off, they can’t fall
- Quick Dry – left in the open position, dry time is reduced substantially
- Zipper location works for gloves AND mittens
Review:
I needed a versatile mitten for riding during cold days, and I’ve always been a fan of trigger mitts, and the added zipper on the back of other mittens I’ve tried was a bonus. I was pleasantly surprised to find the VO trigger mitts had this option, and I had to put them to the test in Canada and Colorado.
The sizing of VO gloves and mittens is slightly different than what you’re accustomed to, which is appreciated, it will cover a large range of hand sizes/types. In this case, it’s important to follow their sizing guide so you can get the best fit. I usually go with a medium, but went up to an XL. I was on the edge of the large scale, and I could have had a more snug fit, but I went with the XL as I wanted to also use a glove liner during some of the coldest days. I’m happy to say it worked out perfectly, it’s personal preference and if you want a snug fit go with the smaller size but make sure to check out the size guide before making your purchase.
I found these mittens easy to break in, I had no issues with dexterity and after a few runs they felt comfy and cozy in the -10 degree temps with blower pow in Canada. My hands stayed toasty warm and dry. I would suggest using nix-wax(or a similar product) for longevity of the trigger mitts so that they last for many seasons.
The zipper on the back is substantial, out of all the mittens I’ve tried with a zipper on the back, the VO was not only the easiest to use, it also kept the cold out. The best part is I never really felt like I was wearing a modified mitten.
The VO Black and Brown trigger mittens are a game-changer for riders seeking the perfect balance between warmth and dexterity. Combining the best aspects of gloves and mittens. The standout feature is the innovative zipper on the back of the mitts, allowing for quick and easy hand access without removing the entire mitten.
Features and Benefits
The VO trigger mittens boast a durable leather outer shell that effectively keeps wind and cold out, while the insulation keeps hands toasty in frigid conditions. The trigger finger design allows for increased dexterity, enabling wearers to easily manipulate zippers, adjust bindings, or even send a quick text without exposing their entire hand to the cold.
The zipper on the back of the mitten is a awesome, offering full-hand access when needed. This feature is particularly useful for getting into pockets, sending texts, or when you need to dump heat quickly without completely removing your mitts.
These trigger mitts can be worn over or under your cuff, and the velcro-elastic cinch band works great to keep them secure and keep snow from getting into your environment. A really nice addition that functions very well.
Overall Impressions:
After several months of testing these mittens, they have proven to be an excellent choice for riders who prioritize both warmth and functionality. They’re ideal for riders who struggle with cold hands but don’t want to sacrifice dexterity entirely, or for those riders who need extra warmth in bitter cold conditions. Additionally if your hands run hot, the zipper provides a great way to dump heat on the lift or waiting to drop into the next line. The VO Black and Brown trigger mitts would be particularly beneficial for:
- All-mountain riders who need versatility in varying conditions
- Riders who frequently adjust their gear or use their phones while riding
- Mittens can be worn under or over the jacket cuff, great versatility
- Anyone who need extra warmth but still want good finger mobility
What sets these trigger mitts apart is their thoughtful design that addresses common pain points for snowboarders and most winter sports enthusiasts. The combination of the trigger finger layout and the rear zipper offers unique versatility, making them a standout choice. Whether you’re in the depths of winter at your local resort or exploring the backcountry, these mitts provide the perfect blend of warmth and functionality that you’ll greatly appreciate on your next riding mission.
| Style: |  (4.7 / 5) |
| Comfort: |  (4.8 / 5) |
| Performance: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Overall: | (4.7 / 5) |