Black Diamond Mercury Mitts £110

+ Very warm, eco-friendly - Fairly bulky and heavy, expensive

Mitts are almost always warmer than gloves, since they minimise skin contact with the outer shell, and enable each finger to share the warmth of all the others. These mitts are particularly cosy, thanks to their removable liners, which combine a fast-wicking thick pile inner with PrimaLoft Gold insulation. All these materials incorporate recycled content. Similarly, the unlined outer shell is made from recycled polyester, with a hard-wearing and grippy goat leather palm and thumb.

The shell fabrics have a BD.dry waterproof membrane backer, finished on the outer face with a GTT Empel durable water-repellent treatment. Heralded as one of the most eco-friendly DWRs yet developed, this tech is PFC-free and uses no water in production. As well as boosting the product’s sustainability credentials (the use of goatskin excepted), it all makes for a warm and weatherproof mitt that is ideally suited to winter hillwalking.

A long gauntlet cuff provides good coverage, while an elastic drawcord ensures a secure weatherproof seal. A soft suede patch on the back of the thumb takes care of runny noses on those bitterly cold, dry mountain days.

■ Men’s sizes XS-XL ■ Women’s sizes XXS-L ■ Weight 270g (women’s M) ■ Construction Recycled polyester shell, goat leather palm and reinforcements, BD.dry waterproof insert, removable liner with PrimaLoft

Verdict

Premium mitts made from recycled materials, with super-toasty insulated fleece liners. A great pick if you have cold hands.