Accessory specialist scores with 'first ever Nanotechnology glove' at OutDoor 2012.
British outdoor accessory specialist, Trekmates has landed one of the coveted OutDoor INDUSTRY AWARD 2012 gongs for a new glove, which uses the ion-mask liquid repellent nano-coating technology, which we've previously encountered on footwear from Hi-Tec and Teva.
The new Mountain Lite Mitt - due out in early 2013 - is treated as a single unit with the water-resistant nano-coating, which is only nano-meters thin (approximately one thousand times thinner than human hair), has better water-repellent qualities than chemical treatments and is more durable too.
It's also, says Trekmates, more environmentally friendly and sustainable, and because the coating is so microscopically thin, doesn't impact on the glove's softness. In addition, it means that they've been able to omit a waterproof liner, which reduces the overall weight of the glove and, presumably, also improves flexibility and dexterity.
Our overally experience of ion-mask is that rather then providing full-on waterproofing, it's more of a super-effective water-repellent treatment, that also means that footwear and accessories treated with it, dry far faster than untreated items. In other words, we wouldn't expect complete waterproofing from the Mountain Lite Mitt, but it should cope well with cold, snowy conditions and dry out fast between outings.
In addition, the glove uses PrimaLoft synthetic fill, which is itself hydropobic, so despite the mitt not being fully waterproof in a technical sense, it should still perform very well.
Due out early in 2013. More Trekmates info at www.trekmates.co.uk.
