A few winter OR’s ago I met a few of the folks over at Loki. Based out of Grand Junction, CO, Loki makes outdoor apparel that is “shape changing.” Their hats turn into balaclavas, jackets have built in mitts, plus scarves and a face warmer, and their pants have a hook that allows them to double as gaiters.
Though they make a jacket thicker and warmer than their mid-weight Ring, this has been my primary go-to layer for the past year, that is, approximately the time I spent living on the road out of my car/tent. Since I hardly ever carry gloves with me, it sure has been convenient to have built in mitts-on-the go always tucked up my sleeves. Frigid belay duty in the Fisher Towers, J-Tree, Yosemite, or Red Rocks? I pull the hood over my head, tuck the scarf around my neck and deploy the mitts.
Last week during a day of mixed climbing at Loch Vale in RMNP, I got to put the Ring to some heavy testing. Since we were tucked away in a crisp canyon, I brought an over jacket for additional warmth but climbed in the Ring most of the day, which kept me warm but not hot. Since we were mixed climbing, I only brought ultra-thin, sticky gloves with me that day. Between burns, I’d deploy the Loki mitts and re-heat my hands, that, and vigorously pinwheel my arms to force hot blood back into my fingers. On easy ice and low-angle terrain I climbed with the mitts on over the gloves. Since the mitts are attached to the sleeves, I had slightly limited range of motion, but it wasn’t too bad. I wouldn’t want to wear just the Loki mitts when ice climbing, but they work well when extra insulation is desired.
Loki also makes kid’s outerwear. So for all you parents who are sick of your little ones losing their gloves, the kids Puff Jacket might be of interest to you.
Whether you’re shopping for outerwear for a significant other or your children this holiday season, take a peek at Loki.
