Hestra Fält Guide Glove⁚ A Review
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove is a highly regarded winter glove designed for demanding outdoor use. It is a classic glove made with durable leather and a removable wool liner, making it suitable for a wide range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and snowshoeing. This review will delve into the glove’s history, design, features, materials, performance, sizing, weather resistance, pros and cons, user feedback, comparison to other gloves, and alternatives.
Introduction
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Swedish craftsmanship and expertise in cold weather gear. This glove, named after Lars Fält, a renowned survival expert and founder of the Swedish Armed Forces Survival School, embodies a commitment to durability, warmth, and functionality. It has become a favorite among mountain guides, ski patrols, and other outdoor professionals who rely on their hands for demanding tasks in harsh environments. The Fält Guide Glove is a prime example of Hestra’s dedication to creating high-quality, dependable gloves that meet the rigorous needs of those who venture into the great outdoors. Its reputation for exceptional performance, longevity, and comfort has solidified its place as a cornerstone in the world of winter gloves.
History and Design
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove is a product of a collaboration between Hestra, a renowned Swedish glove manufacturer, and Lars Fält, a prominent figure in the world of wilderness survival. Fält, known for his expertise in survival training and his role as founder of the Survival School for the Swedish Armed Forces, sought a durable, warm work glove that could withstand the rigors of his demanding profession. His collaboration with Hestra resulted in the Fält Guide Glove, a glove that reflects both Fält’s practical needs and Hestra’s commitment to quality and functionality. The glove’s design emphasizes durability and warmth, incorporating hardwearing goatskin leather on the grip surfaces for enhanced grip and protection, and flexible cowhide on the backhand for comfort and flexibility. This combination of materials ensures that the glove can handle the demands of outdoor activities while maintaining a comfortable fit.
Features and Benefits
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove boasts a range of features that contribute to its functionality and comfort. A key feature is the inclusion of a removable wool liner, a natural insulator that provides exceptional warmth. This liner is designed for versatility, allowing you to adapt the glove’s warmth level based on the weather conditions. The glove’s construction prioritizes durability, incorporating a full leather exterior with a reinforced palm area for extended wear. The leather is treated to resist water and dirt, enhancing its resilience in harsh outdoor environments. The glove’s design also prioritizes dexterity, with a snug fit that allows for precise hand movements, making it suitable for tasks requiring fine motor control. The Fält Guide Glove is designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit, thanks to its adjustable wrist closure and the inclusion of a pull-on tab. The glove’s combination of features makes it a versatile choice for a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and snowshoeing.
Materials and Construction
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring both durability and comfort. The glove’s exterior is constructed from a combination of tough goatskin leather on the palm and flexible cowhide on the backhand. This combination provides a robust grip for handling tools and equipment while allowing for flexibility and dexterity in movement. The glove’s lining features a removable, natural wool liner that provides exceptional warmth and breathability. The wool liner is designed to wick away moisture, keeping your hands dry and comfortable even in damp conditions. The glove’s seams are reinforced with durable stitching, enhancing its longevity and resistance to wear and tear. The Hestra Fält Guide Glove’s construction reflects a commitment to quality craftsmanship, ensuring a glove that can withstand the demands of rigorous outdoor activities.
Durability and Performance
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove is renowned for its exceptional durability and performance, making it a trusted choice for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts alike. The glove’s construction, featuring robust goatskin leather and reinforced seams, ensures it can withstand the rigors of demanding activities. The leather exterior exhibits excellent resistance to abrasion and tearing, while the reinforced stitching provides added strength to critical areas. The glove’s ability to handle heavy use and maintain its integrity over time is a testament to its high-quality materials and construction. The removable wool liner offers a comfortable and warm experience, effectively insulating against cold temperatures. The liner’s moisture-wicking properties ensure that your hands remain dry and comfortable, even during prolonged activity. The Hestra Fält Guide Glove’s combination of durability and performance makes it a reliable companion for outdoor pursuits in challenging conditions.
Sizing and Fit
Achieving the right fit is crucial for optimal comfort and performance with the Hestra Fält Guide Glove. Hestra recommends sizing up for their women’s gloves, as they tend to be narrower than their unisex counterparts. The glove is designed to provide a snug fit, allowing for a small gap between the hand and the glove to trap air and enhance warmth. This gap is particularly important for maintaining warmth during cold weather conditions. The glove’s construction incorporates a flexible cowhide leather on the backhand, which adapts to the shape of your hand for a comfortable and secure fit. The glove’s overall fit is designed to allow for dexterity and ease of movement while providing adequate protection and warmth. It’s essential to choose the right size to ensure a comfortable and functional fit for your hand.
Weather Resistance
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove is designed to withstand the elements, but its weather resistance is not without limitations. While it excels in dry, cold conditions, its performance in wet environments is less impressive. User reviews indicate that the glove absorbs water relatively quickly, becoming less effective in wet snow conditions. This limitation is due to the glove’s leather construction, which is not inherently waterproof. However, the glove’s removable wool liner helps to provide some insulation against moisture. For optimal weather resistance, it is recommended to treat the glove with a water-repellent sealant. While the Fält Guide Glove is a solid choice for cold, dry conditions, its performance in wet weather may be compromised, making it less suitable for activities involving prolonged exposure to moisture.
Pros and Cons
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove boasts a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, it offers exceptional durability, thanks to its robust leather construction. The glove’s removable wool liner provides excellent warmth, making it ideal for cold weather activities. The Fält Guide Glove also features a comfortable fit, with its goatskin leather offering a supple feel. Additionally, the glove’s classic design and craftsmanship are appreciated by many users. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. As mentioned earlier, the glove’s leather construction makes it susceptible to water absorption, limiting its performance in wet conditions. The glove’s price point can also be a deterrent, especially when compared to other options on the market. Overall, the Hestra Fält Guide Glove offers a compelling blend of durability, warmth, and comfort, but its performance in wet weather and cost may be factors to consider before making a purchase.
User Reviews and Testimonials
User reviews consistently highlight the Hestra Fält Guide Glove’s durability and warmth. Many users praise its ability to withstand harsh conditions and provide reliable protection from the cold. They appreciate the glove’s comfortable fit and the flexibility of the leather, allowing for good dexterity. However, some users express concern about the glove’s water resistance, noting that it can become saturated in wet snow conditions. Several users recommend treating the gloves with a waterproofing product to enhance their performance in wet environments. Overall, user reviews paint a positive picture of the Hestra Fält Guide Glove, highlighting its durability, warmth, and comfortable fit. However, the lack of significant water resistance remains a recurring point of discussion among users.
Comparison to Other Gloves
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove stands out among other winter gloves due to its combination of durability, warmth, and dexterity. While it may not be the most water-resistant glove on the market, it excels in cold and dry conditions. Compared to other leather gloves, the Fält Guide Glove offers a superior level of warmth thanks to its removable wool liner. Its goatskin leather construction provides excellent grip and durability, making it a reliable choice for demanding outdoor activities. In comparison to synthetic gloves, the Fält Guide Glove offers a more natural feel and breathability. However, synthetic gloves often outperform leather gloves in terms of water resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the Hestra Fält Guide Glove and other gloves depends on individual needs and preferences. For those seeking a durable, warm, and comfortable glove for cold and dry conditions, the Fält Guide Glove is an excellent option. However, if water resistance is a primary concern, other gloves may be better suited.
Alternatives
While the Hestra Fält Guide Glove is a popular choice for many outdoor enthusiasts, there are several alternative gloves available that may be better suited to specific needs and preferences. For those seeking a more water-resistant option, the Hestra Army Leather Glove or the Hestra Heli Glove are excellent choices; Both gloves feature a waterproof and breathable membrane, making them ideal for wet conditions. If warmth is the primary concern, the Hestra Fall Line Glove or the Hestra Heli Mitten offer exceptional insulation for extremely cold temperatures. For a more budget-friendly option, the Altai Elk Skin Glove with fleece insert provides a balance of warmth and durability at a lower price point. Ultimately, the best alternative to the Hestra Fält Guide Glove depends on individual requirements, such as desired level of warmth, water resistance, dexterity, and budget. It is recommended to carefully consider these factors before making a decision.
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove stands as a testament to Swedish craftsmanship and dedication to quality. Its robust construction, warm wool liner, and classic leather design make it a reliable companion for a wide range of outdoor activities. While its price point may be considered high, the durability and performance of the glove justify the investment for those seeking a long-lasting and dependable companion for winter adventures. The glove’s simplicity and functionality, combined with its proven track record among professionals and enthusiasts alike, solidify its position as a top contender in the world of winter gloves. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain guide or a weekend warrior, the Hestra Fält Guide Glove is a worthy consideration for anyone seeking a glove that can withstand the demands of the outdoors.
Where to Buy
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove is widely available from a variety of retailers both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Popular online retailers such as Backcountry.com, REI, and Amazon offer a wide selection of sizes and colors. If you prefer a more hands-on shopping experience, you can find Hestra gloves at specialty outdoor stores like Moosejaw, Eastern Mountain Sports, and local ski shops. When purchasing, it’s always advisable to check for current promotions and discounts, as well as shipping costs and return policies. It’s also essential to verify the retailer’s reputation and customer reviews to ensure a smooth and reliable buying experience.
Final Thoughts
The Hestra Fält Guide Glove is a high-quality, durable, and warm glove that has earned its reputation among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. It is a reliable choice for those who demand a glove that can withstand the rigors of cold weather and demanding activities. While the price point might be a deterrent for some, the quality, durability, and performance of the Fält Guide Glove make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize comfort and protection in their outdoor pursuits. The glove’s combination of hardwearing leather, removable wool liner, and classic design ensures a comfortable and reliable experience in a variety of weather conditions. Overall, the Hestra Fält Guide Glove is a strong recommendation for anyone seeking a high-quality, durable, and warm winter glove.
