The Outdoor Research USMC Firebrand Mittens are designed for extreme cold-weather conditions, primarily for use by the United States Marine Corps. They are constructed with high-quality EnduraLoft insulation to provide exceptional warmth even in frigid temperatures. The outer shell of these mittens is crafted from durable, water-resistant, and windproof GORE-TEX, ensuring protection against harsh environmental elements.
The Outdoor Research Firebrand Mitten features a leather palm that enhances grip and durability, which is essential for outdoor activities, particularly in cold weather conditions. The leather used is often treated to resist water and maintain flexibility in cold temperatures. This treatment helps to ensure that the mittens remain functional and comfortable, even in wet conditions.
The leather palm is typically reinforced in high-wear areas, providing added protection and longevity. This reinforcement makes the mittens suitable for activities that require handling equipment or tools, as the leather offers a good balance of toughness and dexterity. The natural properties of leather also provide a comfortable feel and a good grip on objects, which is especially useful in icy or snowy conditions.
These mittens usually come with a removable liner system. The liners are made of ripstop material, fleece lined, and can be worn standalone for limited use. The insulation adds an extra layer of warmth. The inserts can be removed for easier drying if they become wet. This feature enhances the versatility and practicality of the mittens in various conditions.
The inserts feature a leather grip on the fingers and thumb section. These textured surfaces help grip the inside of the mittens.
The liners are made of ripstop nylon with a water-repellent PVC coating, have a warm fleece lining that helps regulate hand temperatures, and are made well enough to be a great addition to any oversized mitt system.
The adjustable strap is secured by hook and loop tape and is large enough to fit around my bare wrist. There is enough adjustment to allow for additional base layers.
The inserts are secured inside the mittens by a section of hook and loop tape.
To ensure a secure fit and to prevent cold air and snow from entering, the mittens are equipped with adjustable straps and closures around the wrist and cuff. This adjustability allows users to customize the fit for maximum comfort and protection.
Moonlite Pile fleece is a warm, high-loft pile with a soft interior and abrasion-resistant face.
A dummy cord is sewn into each mitten shell. This cord is designed to be placed around your wrist, comfortably cinched and secured by a barrel lock, and used to prevent you from losing your mitten when you need to remove it. Think of these cords as a leash and use them as such, or you'll look like a dummy when you lose your mitt!
Built to meet military specifications, the Firebrand Mittens are rugged and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of tough environments. They are typically available in colors and patterns that suit military needs, such as shades of green, coyote brown (our favorite), or camouflage, ensuring they blend seamlessly with standard military attire. These mittens provide a blend of warmth, protection, and functionality, making them a reliable choice for military and civilian personnel in cold climates.
Field Use
When it comes to keeping my hands warm, and I mean warm, these are without a doubt my go-to mittens. I've used these mittens during hunting trips, property patrols, and riding my Polaris ATV in temperatures ranging from 8°F (-13°C) to 50°F (10°C). Dexterity is limited due to the nature of the overall design of a mitten. For tasks that required full use of my hand, I would substitute the inner liner and use my Mechanix Fast Fit gloves. Doing so allowed for task completion without having to bare the skin on my hands. I 100% recommend these mittens for cold weather use.
