Best Overall Mitts

This one is a favorite of the testers. The stylish and functional Black Diamond Spark Mitts are the definition of low-profile performance. The BD.dry insert has kept our hands dry throughout the day and the cuff is soft against the skin while keeping the mitten securely in place. They also come with the softest nose wipes of the group, an added bonus. Not as warm as large mittens, they are perfect for moderate temperatures or if you’re working hard in the backcountry. The finger slots inside of the mitten improve dexterity and comfort for each finger. The combination of warmth, comfort and features, made the Black Diamond Spark Mitts our Best Overall Mitts.

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See Our Best Winter Ski Mitten Review 2021 Article HERE!

The Spark Mitt is an example of when good execution of a simple design makes for a great product. Black Diamond is well known for their snow-sport prowess and the Sparks do not stray from that title. This surprisingly warm yet low-profile mitt can work in a multitude of situations on or off the hill. Available in five colors, you should be able to find a Spark Mitt that will go with any snow suit or snow pursuit. The Spark Mitts are $80 for the pair and the value is fully there – this is a great mitten.

Material

Like the Outdoor Research Carbide Sensor, the shell of the mitt as well as the palm patch are made of goat leather. Inside the mitt is a really soft and comfortable fleece lining that feels instantly warm. The internal finger slots create warmth for each digit while helping overall dexterity. The liner is non-removable, so if they do get wet it does take some time for them to dry out.

Black Diamond has used their 100% waterproof BD.dry insert to the mitt and it’s working really well. After several wears in wet snow and light rain, the water still beads right off the mitt with no absorption into the leather. This is really beneficial to any riders who like to extend their season into the rainy Spring.

Insulation

Black Diamond has gone with PrimaLoft Gold as the synthetic insulation for the Spark. The synthetic insulation helps to keep your hands dry and protects them from absorbing water on wet days. There is 60g of PrimaLoft Gold as insulation, which is slightly less than the 200g of VerticalX insulation in the Outdoor Research mitts. The individual finger slots help to keep each digit warm and the entire hand comfortable throughout the day. I did find that on some colder days after a few longer runs, there have even been some sweaty hands.

Dexterity and Fit

Accessories

The Black Diamond Spark Mitts, as mentioned earlier, are simplistic in design but do come with some great features. The velcro hook and loop closure on the cuff makes sure that no powder is getting into your warm and cozy mittens. The Spark Mitts also come with EVA padding on the knuckles to protect your hand from any impact, or if you find yourself using trees like Giant Slalom flags.

The Bottom Line

Of the mitts that we have tested, the Sparks are a favorite. They fit really well and kept our testers’ hands warm throughout the day. The waterproofing provided by the BD.dry insert is solid and has been working perfectly while riding or wiping snow off our cars. They aren’t the warmest mitts in the test, but for milder ski areas, we have skied comfortably in them up to 14°F (-10°C). If they had leashes they would be the perfect mitt, but that is easily fixed with a homemade pair of paracord leashes or buying the more expensive Spark Johnny Mitt.

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