Black Diamond Dirt Bag Glove Review

 At the beginning of this winter I found myself in need of a new pair of waterproof winter gloves, but I didn’t really want to spend $100+ on a new set. Then I discovered Black Diamond’s Dirt Bag series of gloves and mitts. Designed for lift attendants, ski patrollers and others who ski daily, but don’t have a lot of cash to blow on a new pair of expensive gloves multiple times a season, these are tough, robust gloves that cost only $50 (if you’re in the USA, it’s fifty USD and if you’re in Canada, it’s fifty CAD!).

 Made from goatskin leather topped off with a DWR treatment this is a glove that will take anything the elements can throw at it. With the leather exterior and a 200g fleece lining, Black Diamond recommends that it’s best for temperatures around -7 to -10C (20-14F), but in my experience they’ve kept my hands perfectly warm until temperatures dip below -35C. The stretch-knit cuff, a similar material to what’s used on their Momentum climbing shoe, makes for an easy on-off, while also keeping a tight seal against the weather.

 These gloves are tough, they faced almost daily use during a cold snap we had in December where temperatures were below -30 almost everyday for 2-3 weeks and they held up resiliently. They started off being pretty stiff, of course, when I first got them and over time they’ve softened up and are now quite comfortable. The fleece used for the inner lining is soft and I’ve had no issues with how they fit as well. They are almost true to size, with just a little bit of room at the tips of the fingers for myself. That being said, a good fitting glove is a warm glove, as a glove or mitt with too much dead-space will allow more cold air to accumulate inside.

 All in all, I give these gloves high marks for durability, comfort and warmth. They are an amazing value at $50 (USD or CAD), and I don’t see myself using a different glove for a few years to come.