By: Diana Wall
The biggest dilemma of winter training for me is what to put on my hands. It’s always been a tradeoff between the dexterity of gloves (especially when trail running with two excited dogs) and the warmth of mittens. For my hands, gloves have never been adequate below about 40 degrees, and 40 degrees just doesn’t happen during winter in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. I’ve been disappointed many times trying to find a glove that works. The best I’ve managed so far is to suffer through 15-20 minutes of real discomfort until my blood gets flowing to my frozen fingers. Or wear bulky mittens and be frustrated every time I need to get my water bottle out of my waist pack, adjust my neck gaitor, or foolishly try to pull a zipper.
To be honest, while I was eager to try again, I wasn’t optimistic.
It’s clear from the packaging that Auclair is proud of their Canadian heritage and their products designed to meet whatever challenges the notorious Canadian winters bring. And the Auclair Stellar Ladies glove makes a great first impression – beautiful styling, high quality materials and construction, but would this glove keep me warm even during those initial 15 minutes? YES! Excuse the enthusiasm, but I really had given up on gloves in the winter.
The Stellar is described as a Nordic ski glove, but I took them for a run in 35 degrees/ real feel 25 degrees, with a little wind. What I noticed first was how easily they went on and off, and the low profile cuff that didn’t get in the way of my jacket or watch- and no doubt will slip in and out of pole harnesses easily. Next I noticed that my hands were cool but not cold – and they stayed that way until I warmed up. The gloves felt lightweight and supple for the warmth they provided, yet as I warmed up they didn’t get uncomfortably warm and wet. The combination of materials made it easy to grip and pull very small zippers on my jacket, clip and unclip leashes, and adjust my head and neckwear. The only less than “stellar” feature of the glove was the touch screen compatibility, which was spotty. I am anxious to try the gloves on a ski – and this time I am optimistic.
Diana Wall has raced at the front of the amateur pack in cycling and triathlon for multiple decades, and has become a passionate cross-country skier. Throughout her stressful professional business career, exercise, especially in the woods, has been her true love — well that and her dogs. She knows great gear and settles for nothing short of the best.
