Jeff Campbell

Lets face it, in the wide world of ski gloves, leather gloves reign supreme. Their durability and dexterity outshines any other cloth or gortex glove. However, without the proper treatment, even new leather gloves will eventually become sponges as the manufacturers original coating wears off (especially up here in the PNW).  Proper water proofing is even more critical when touring in the back country as pulling skins off or putting them on, wallowing through deep snow while putting in a booter, or digging a snow pit are sure to soak any untreated glove. Before I dialed my waterproofing, I always had to take 2 pairs of gloves because one would always be soaked by the time I was at the top of whatever super-epic-gnar run I was about to ski.

First off my top pick for a general use leather glove is a pair of 40 or 100gram  heavy duty mechanic gloves depending on the weather (if you're in UT, you can pick up a pair at Wheeler Machinery Co.

They only run about $20, are plenty warm, and I can normally get about 100 days of skiing on them before duct tape is needed. When more dexterity is required such as when skiing lines requiring rappels, belays, or ice climbing, I love the Black Diamond Kingpin.   However, after about 30 days of skiing, even the Kingping's water proofing drops below what I consider acceptable. So, here's what I use.

At your local Cowboy Store, waltz in and ask for some Saddle Oil. This can be an actual oil or come in a paste (shown below). I've used Fiebings Mink Oil for the last 2 years and still haven't gone through the whole thing.

Proper application of the oil requires you "bake" the gloves in an oven. Here are the steps I use:

1. Put the gloves on, and then apply a generous about of oil to the gloves like you would hand soap or lotion. Make sure you rub it in evenly.

2. Pre-heat your oven to 350 F. Place the gloves on the middle rack for 10 min. I keep the door open so I can keep a watchful eye on them as I've melted a few pairs. Also, if your gloves have any parts that are non-leather (i.e. snot wipes on the thumbs, etc.), be sure they aren't in contact with the metal.

3. This isn't a 1x application. I have to re-apply after about 30 ski days. But it'll keep your mitts good and dry.