Most Versatile Mitt

We were very impressed with the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt. The combination of its durable shell and a warm and waterproof removable liner makes for quite a combo. The mitten itself can be a bit bulky, but that is due to the 340g of PrimaLoft Gold insulation that helps keep the mitten feeling comfortable down to -20°F (-29°C). Due to its ability to separate the shell and liner and have a liner with a trigger-finger design, the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is our Most Versatile Mitten of 2021.

Compare to Similar Products

See Our Best Winter Ski Mitten Review 2021 Article HERE!

Think of the Black Diamond Mercury as the Black Diamond Spark’s more capable but slightly bulkier older sibling. Packed with unique features, the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are a no-brainer if you find your hands are cold all winter. Coupled with a removable split-finger waterproof liner, the Mercury Mitten could be used all year round in just about any situation. That is the main reason we have named it the Most Versatile Mitten of 2021.

Material

The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt comes with two distinct layers. The shell is a Pertex Shield fabric with four-way stretch. These Pertex Shield fabrics provide lightweight waterproof protection while still remaining highly breathable. The palm on the shell is goat leather that uses Kevlar stitching to increase durability for long-term use. There is reinforced goat leather between the thumb and forefinger on the shell for added protection when wielding ski poles or ice tools.

The BD.dry insert is located in the liner, which, combined with the shell, means there are two waterproofing layers between your hand and the elements. While the shell uses waterproof materials, the non-treated goat leather has wet out on days with variable temperatures and wet snow. The palm will have to be treated for long-term waterproofing to prevent this. The liner has a high-lift fleece lining that is very soft against the hand. Altogether, this is a well-built mitten that is incredibly adaptable and durable.

Insulation

Throughout the shell, there is no insulation; all of the insulation is found in the liner. Like in the Spark Mitts, Black Diamond has used PrimaLoft Gold but instead of 60g in the Sparks, use 340g of insulation. This is quite a step up and excellent for those who suffer from cold hands.

Dexterity and Fit

Accessories

Besides the very obvious accessory (the removable liner), the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts have a few handy features. There is a carabiner loop at the top of the shell that lets you clip the shell or entire mitten to a backpack or harness. The loop is along the fingers, so it can be attached with the opening facing down, keeping snow from entering the mitten.

The Bottom Line

The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is a highly versatile piece of gear that will be enjoyed by anyone who suffers from cold hands or works in a cold environment. The ability to use the waterproof liner without the shell adds to the versatility without compromising warmth and waterproofing. While the mitten can be a bit bulky, the 340g of insulation that causes that bulk is also keeping your hands nice and toasty. At only $109.95, these mittens seem like a steal compared to similarly insulated mitts. If you are looking for a mitten that can do it all, look no further than our choice for the Most Versatile Mitten of 2021, the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt.

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