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Polartec® Windbloc Soft Shell for Alpine Climbs — Wind and exposure are constant challenges on alpine climbs, where breathable protection and grip matter most. The Mixalot Glove is built for climbers who need a glove that blocks wind, manages moisture, and maintains dexterity while handling ropes, tools, or rock in shifting mountain weather. The outer layer features bluesign® approved Polartec® Windbloc Soft Shell for windproof coverage, while a Velour Grid fleece backer adds warmth and moisture management without overheating your hands. A supple sheep leather palm ensures a secure grip on gear and anchors, even in cold conditions. The glove's construction balances protection and breathability, making it ideal for long pitches, ridge traverses, and technical alpine approaches where you need both coverage and control.
Polartec® Windbloc Soft Shell for Windproof Coverage
"The outer layer features bluesign® approved Polartec® Windbloc Soft Shell for windproof coverage" — the Mixalot uses Polartec® Windbloc, a soft shell material that blocks wind while remaining breathable. The bluesign® approval confirms the fabric meets strict environmental and safety standards. Windbloc is the ideal material for alpine climbing gloves because it provides windproof protection without the bulk and moisture-trapping properties of a fully waterproof membrane.
Velour Grid Fleece Backer for Warmth and Moisture Management
"A Velour Grid fleece backer adds warmth and moisture management without overheating your hands" — the interior of the Mixalot is lined with a velour grid fleece that provides warmth and wicks moisture away from the skin. The grid construction (raised grid pattern) creates air pockets for insulation while the open channels allow moisture vapor to escape. The velour finish is soft against the skin for comfort during long days of climbing.
Sheep Leather Palm for Secure Grip
"A supple sheep leather palm ensures a secure grip on gear and anchors, even in cold conditions" — the sheep leather palm provides reliable grip on ropes, ice tools, carabiners, and rock in both dry and wet conditions. Sheep leather is soft and supple, breaking in quickly to conform to the user's grip pattern. The leather is durable enough to handle the abrasion of rope handling and tool gripping while maintaining its grip properties in cold weather.
Windproof, Breathable, and Moisture-Managing
"Wind and exposure are constant challenges on alpine climbs, where breathable protection and grip matter most" — the Mixalot's three-layer construction (windproof outer, warm mid, grip palm) addresses the specific needs of alpine climbing where wind, cold, and grip are all concerns simultaneously. The Polartec® Windbloc outer blocks wind, the Velour Grid fleece adds warmth and moisture management, and the sheep leather palm provides grip — all without sacrificing the dexterity needed for technical climbing.
Maintains Dexterity for Handling Ropes, Tools, and Rock
"Maintains dexterity while handling ropes, tools, or rock in shifting mountain weather" — the Mixalot is designed to preserve the fine motor skills needed for technical climbing. Unlike bulky insulated gloves that make it hard to tie knots or use carabiners, the Mixalot has a flexible construction that allows the fingers to move naturally. The combination of stretch soft shell and supple leather allows for precise grip adjustments, knot tying, and tool manipulation without removing the gloves.
Built for Long Pitches, Ridge Traverses, and Technical Alpine Approaches
"Ideal for long pitches, ridge traverses, and technical alpine approaches where you need both coverage and control" — the Mixalot is designed for the specific demands of multi-pitch climbing, ridge traverses, and technical alpine approaches. These activities require sustained grip (for hours of rope handling), wind protection (at high altitude where wind chill is significant), and dexterity (for placing protection, clipping carabiners, and managing gear). The Mixalot's design covers all three use cases without compromising any.
Balances Protection and Breathability for Shifting Mountain Weather
"The glove's construction balances protection and breathability" — the Mixalot is designed for the reality of shifting mountain weather, where conditions can change from sun to wind to precipitation within hours. The breathable Polartec® Windbloc outer prevents wind chill, the Velour Grid fleece manages sweat during high-output moments, and the overall construction allows the gloves to adapt to changing conditions without overheating or getting too cold.
Designed for Climbers Who Need Protection, Breathability, and Dexterity
"The Mixalot Glove is built for climbers who need a glove that blocks wind, manages moisture, and maintains dexterity" — the Mixalot is designed for the specific needs of climbers, who require all three of these properties in a single glove. Most gloves excel at one or two but compromise on the third (a windproof glove is often too bulky, a breathable glove isn't warm enough, a dexterous glove isn't windproof). The Mixalot's design balances all three.
Outdoor Research Quality and Infinite Guarantee®
Built by Outdoor Research — a Seattle-based outdoor gear company with decades of experience in technical apparel — the Mixalot Glove is backed by OR's Infinite Guarantee® (lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship). The combination of Polartec® Windbloc construction, sheep leather palm, and alpine-specific design makes the Mixalot a long-term investment for technical climbing.
General
Category
Men's/Unisex Alpine Climbing Glove (Windproof Soft Shell)
Type
Polartec® Windbloc soft shell glove with sheep leather palm for alpine climbing
Use
Alpine climbing, long pitches, ridge traverses, technical alpine approaches
Construction
Outer Layer
Bluesign® approved Polartec® Windbloc Soft Shell (windproof, breathable)
Inner Liner
Velour Grid fleece (warmth, moisture management, soft against skin)
Palm
Supple sheep leather (secure grip on gear, tools, and anchors)
Features
Wind Protection
Polartec® Windbloc (blocks wind, allows breathability)
Breathability
High (prevents overheating during high-output activities)
Dexterity
Maintained for handling ropes, tools, and rock (no bulk that compromises grip)
Grip
Sheep leather palm (secure in both dry and wet conditions, durable for rope handling)
Sizing
Fit
Men's/unisex fit (designed for climbing hand shape and dexterity)
Size Range
Men's/unisex sizes (specific range available on the OR product page — typically XS to XL)
Washing
Hand wash the Mixalot Gloves in cool water with a mild technical fabric wash (like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash). Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners, which can damage the Polartec® Windbloc outer, the Velour Grid fleece backer, and the sheep leather palm. Close any zippers and remove any debris before washing. For the sheep leather palm, use a leather-safe cleaner (like Nikwax Leather Cleaner) to preserve the leather's natural oils.
Drying
Squeeze excess water gently from the gloves and allow to air dry at room temperature. Avoid wringing or twisting the gloves, which can damage the soft shell fabric and the leather palm. For the sheep leather palm, let it air dry naturally away from direct heat. Don't put the gloves in the dryer, as the heat can damage the membrane, the fleece backer, and the leather.
Leather Care
The sheep leather palm requires periodic treatment to maintain its grip properties and prevent drying/cracking. Apply a leather conditioner (like Nikwax Leather Conditioner or Bick 4 Leather Conditioner) every few months, or as needed, to keep the leather supple and water-resistant. Avoid over-conditioning, which can make the leather too soft and reduce grip. Store the gloves in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew on the leather.
DWR Refresh
The Polartec® Windbloc soft shell has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment that helps water bead up and roll off. When water stops beading (the fabric "wets out" and water soaks in), refresh the DWR with a spray-on product (like Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On). Apply per the product instructions and air dry. This is especially important for the Mixalot since it's used in alpine conditions where wind-driven rain and snow are common.
Storage
Store the Mixalot Gloves in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid leaving the gloves in direct sunlight for extended periods — UV exposure can degrade the Polartec® Windbloc and fade the colors over time. Don't store in a hot car — extreme heat can damage the membrane, the fleece backer, and dry out the leather. The gloves can be stored flat or loosely folded.
Repair
Small tears or holes in the soft shell can be repaired with Tenacious Tape (works on most technical fabrics) or by an outdoor gear repair service. For sheep leather palm wear or fleece backer issues, contact Outdoor Research for warranty service — the Infinite Guarantee® covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product.
Shipping Policy
Components:
All component items (wheels, drivetrains, suspension, brakes, etc.) ship within 4-7 business days of purchase.
Bicycles:
Complete bikes typically ship within 2–3 weeks due to build, tuning, and inspection times. You will receive tracking information as soon as your order is ready to ship.
Gear & Apparel:
Outdoor Gear and apparel orders (helmets, jerseys, gloves, etc.) ship within 5-21 business days. Please reach out to us with the most up to date deliveries times as they vary per Manufacturer.
Returns & Exchanges:
If you received the wrong size or wish to exchange an item, it must be returned in original condition—unused, uninstalled, and with all packaging intact.
For full details, please see our Refund Policy before initiating a return.
