Two Cents; Issue 4; Black Diamond Dirt Bag Glove

-A light-weight, durable all leather glove that sheds abuse with ease, and comfortable enough to wear all day.



The Accessory I Thought I Could Live Without

Having a pair of durable winter gloves that keeps you warm is essential, but they tend be unusable in warmer conditions because of their insulation. I picked up these gloves for the warmer days and have not been disappointed. This is my second Black Diamond review and I hope to acquire more of there products, and when I do I shall write more reviews.


The Pro's 

• Durable
• 100% goat skin leather 
• Light but warm for their size
• Leather pull tab to help get them on

The Con

• They aren't water proof 

In Conclusion 

This glove is a great all around glove when comfort and durability are musts. I have already decided to have another pair ordered when my first pair are on their way out. They are great in the cold of the morning before the heater kicks in, and they excel on the fair weather ski days. While retaining their warmth they are very dexterous allowing the wearer control over the small things, like operate a belay device without taking them off. With their under the cuff design they slide under any sleeve, they are the glove that I wear the most often in the winter. The only draw back is that they aren't water proof. I was digging out a snow cave and wasn't paying a attention, when I realized my hands were cold, the gloves were soaked. They took 3 days to dry, and the leather was hard and I feared that they might crack. I applied some leather food and they came out alright. Knowing that they wont do well with prolonged exposure to water, I just keep them dry and all's well. I Love These Gloves!!!!

Go, No Go

Go, go, go go go. If you are looking for a light weight winter glove that is durable and will last for seasons to come, this is that glove. This get a 10 out of 10, they aren't water proof but they never claimed to be. My first review with a 100%.

Well done Black Diamond. 

K

Two Cents; Issue 3; North Face Hedgehog Hiking Shoe

-Designed to be a light and rugged hiking shoe for quick movement.





Dependability

Buying dependable gear is the best way to enjoy your time in the mountains. Nothing gets more abuse than your foot wear. Depending on the make and model they will be used all year around. When I buy my shoes I walk them into the ground, literally. The North Face Hedgehog was mediocre at best.


The Pro's

• It's light and rugged
• The rugged tread grips dirt and rock well

The Con's

• The fabric on the heel disentegrated, leaving the foam exposed
• The loops that keep the laces in place was showing signs of wear

In Defense...

It is my personal belief that gear companies make the best quality gear to do what the costumer says they need. A light weight hiking shoe was exactly what the market demanded. People wanted the protection of a boot without the boot side of that equation. Many shoes have come onto the market that have similar functions. Most companies make a shoe like this, you simply choose the name you want and off you go. I understood that the shoes would not last for ever, but they died way before I thought they would.

In Conclusion

On the trail this shoe preformed wonderfully, my feet were protected from the elements without wearing boots. After using them almost every day for a year they began to fall apart. The heel was down to the foam, the eyelets too looked well used, however, the tread on the bottom did survive. I would caution you when you are looking at any style of footwear where inside of the heel is fabric, I would run away, that will not last. I'm a personal believer that leather is still the best way to go where friction is present and durability is required. But it is up to you. Leather tends to be 'heavier' and certainly doesn't breath as well, but it will last twice as long as there fabric counterparts. Just like anything else having the right tool for the job is what makes or breaks the day. Be careful what you buy, and consider how you plan to use the product. This shoe would be fantastic if I only used it twice a month, I didn't think it would deteriorate within a year.

Go, No Go

The North Face Hedgehog receives a 4 out of 10 form me. The shoe did exactly what it said it would, which was preform well on the trail, but it was not as versatility as advertised. I will not buy any style of shoe that is similar to this, regardless of the maker. It fell apart from the inside out. This product receives a no go. 

K