Hestra Heli Ski Gloves: Mitt vs. 3-Finger – Which Should You Choose?
This review reflects my own honest opinion, and I purchased both of these gloves with my own money.
I spend between 60 and 75 days a year skiing in various conditions, from groomed trails to powder bowls, often in freezing temperatures. My ski days are usually long, so keeping my hands warm and fully functional is essential.
If you’ve ever suffered from cold, stiff fingers, you know how quickly that can ruin an otherwise amazing day. After many trials and glove failures, I finally settled on Hestra’s Army Leather Heli Ski gloves — specifically the Mitt, which I’ve owned since 2017 (that’s 7 years). This year, I bought the three-finger version of the same model and have been using it for over two weeks. Based on this experience, I’m ready to share my insights in the review below.
People often ask me: “Which one is better?” The truth is, it depends. These gloves are like siblings—offering the same high quality and design but with their own distinct strengths and characteristics.
Let’s break it down.
First Impressions: Built for Durability
Before getting into warmth and dexterity, let’s discuss durability. These gloves are built tough. Both the Mitt and the 3-Finger versions feature Hestra’s signature Army goat leather and Triton polyamide fabric. The leather is both supple and strong, while the fabric is windproof, water-resistant, and durable. They feel like gloves you’d trust on an Arctic expedition.
Both models come with removable Bemberg liners that are soft, breathable, and quick-drying after a full day on the slopes. Plus, they have those handy wrist leashes that prevent you from accidentally dropping your gloves off a chairlift (we’ve all been there).
In the photo, you can spot my 7-year-old Army Leather Heli Ski Mitt. They’re no longer perfectly white and show some wear and tear, but they’re still completely functional and ready to hit the slopes. Even after years of use, they’ve held up impressively well, showing no significant damage or decline in performance.
Now, let’s dive into warmth versus dexterity.
Round 1: Warmth
When it comes to warmth, the Mitt is the clear winner.
I can remember many frigid days with biting winds and -15°C temperatures, yet my hands always remained warm in the mitts. Why? Because all your fingers are together, sharing and retaining heat. It’s like a snug finger huddle.
The 3-Finger gloves, though warm, fall short in extreme cold. The separated index finger tends to feel colder in sub-zero temperatures. However, I’ve found a workaround: if your index finger gets cold, tuck it in with the other fingers. The space is tight, and gripping your ski pole might feel a bit awkward, but it does the trick and helps warm up your index finger.
Winner: The Mitt
If you’re braving extremely cold conditions, the Mitt is the best option. But what if you need more dexterity?
Round 2: Dexterity.
This is where the 3-Finger Glove shines. The “lobster claw” design divides the thumb and index finger, providing remarkable dexterity while keeping the remaining three fingers together for warmth.
This design is great for chores such as adjusting ski poles, zipping up your jacket, and manipulating bindings without constantly removing your gloves.
With the Mitt, forget about tasks that require precision. If you need to handle zippers, buckles, or gear, you’ll either struggle with the clumsy mitten-on-mitten technique or end up removing them completely—which is far from enjoyable in freezing conditions.
Winner: The Three Finger
If you want to blend warmth and usefulness, the 3-Finger glove is the way to go.
Round 3: Comfort and Fit.
Both gloves are quite comfortable once broken in. While they may feel stiff at first, after a few days on the slopes, they will conform to your hands like custom-made gloves.
The liners are made from warm fleece, and there’s enough area to add a thin liner for extra warmth if you need it. The long, adjustable wrist cuffs keep snow out, even on thick powder days.
In terms of comfort, both are superb.
Durability and Maintenance
Hestra gloves are not inexpensive, but they are designed to last.
If you read Hestra maintenance advice, they suggest to grease the leather regularly and it will resist moisture and wear and tear better. They also suggest to use only their own produced balm.
Take another look at the photo of my first mitts. I never treated them in all 7 years, but I’ve noticed that, over time, they began to absorb more water, making my fingers get wet faster than when they were new. So, with my new 3-Finger gloves, I’m following Hestra’s care instructions to treat the leather and will see if this maintenance makes a difference.
Water Resistance
Honestly, the only drawback of these gloves that comes to mind is the lack of a fully waterproof membrane throughout the mitten.
I’m not sure why Hestra chose not to include one, but I suspect it’s because a membrane can cause hands to get sweaty more quickly. No matter how advanced the membrane, it still traps some moisture inside the gloves. I’ve noticed this with other membrane-equipped gloves I’ve used.
From my experience, the absence of a membrane, especially on warmer days, can cause the leather to become slightly soaked, allowing cold to seep in. That said, I never treated the leather as Hestra recommends. With my new gloves, I plan to follow their care instructions, and I’ll update this review if I notice a difference.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Mitt if warmth is your greatest requirement. It’s the ideal option for really cold temperatures or if your fingertips feel chilly quickly.
If you require both warmth and dexterity, go for the 3-Finger. It’s ideal for days when you’re constantly tweaking gear or require additional finger movement.
Final Thoughts: Was it Worth the Price?
Yes, Hestra gloves are expensive, but compared to cheaper options that fall apart or fail to keep you warm, they’re a worthwhile investment. Both the Mitt and the 3-Finger are durable, high-quality choices that will keep your hands warm and functional for years to come. Plus, it’s comforting to know they’re crafted by a family-owned company with decades of expertise.
Whether you go with the Mitt or the 3-Finger, you’re choosing a glove ready for any mountain adventure.
Have you used Hestra gloves? Share your thoughts—and stay warm out there!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me continue to create content!
Amazon Links: (You can find Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Mitt and Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-finger on Amazon using the following links:
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Mitt
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-finger
