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Gloves & Mitts

Howl x Vans Collab 2017-2018 Snowboard Mitts Review

As well as being on the Vans pro team, Darrell Mathes is one of the brains behind snowboard glove company Howl. A favourite of world-class jibbers (the pro team includes Brandon Cocard, Joe Sexton, Chris Bradshaw, Keegan Valaika, Jed Anderson and many more), the brand may only be five years old but it’s going from strength to strength.

“If you’re looking for something suitable for the vast majority of winter days, this is it”

The Howl x Vans snowboard mitt is part of a larger collaboration between the two companies, which also includes a fresh take on the Hi-Standard boot. This model sits nicely amongst the rest of the Howl line, which tends to focus on more versatile fare as opposed to uber-warm mitts that are only suitable for extreme cold. If you’re looking for something suitable for the vast majority of winter days, this is it.

Superloft insulation keeps you nice and toasty when there’s a nip in the air, and the tricot lining is as comfy as it gets. It’s breathable too; being too warm in the hands isn’t nearly as bad as being too cold, but it’s still best avoided. The moisture from your skin is able to escape via the Hipora membrane, with perforations in the outer layer helping the cause too.

Hipora also offers great waterproofing, which is why so many glove manufacturers put their trust in it. Its ability to keep out the elements and allow your skin to breathe is comparable to the majority of decent snowboard outerwear, so you really can’t go wrong.

“you don’t have to be a gnarly rail fiend to enjoy these… the Howl x Vans mitt is sure to be a hit with riders from all walks of life”

The outer shell is made from hard-wearing Cordura, so will be able to handle any nasty spills encountered at a street spot. A textured rubber palm provides improved grip too, which is useful when you’re being pulled in on a bungee cord or holding your grab on your a gap-to-rail.

Of course, you don’t have to be a gnarly rail fiend to enjoy these. With its solid specs, low profile and winning camo design, the Howl x Vans snowboard mitt is sure to be a hit with riders from all walks of life.

Trade Secrets

Darrel Mathes – Owner, Howl (and Team Rider, Vans)

Working with Vans was such a privilege and we wanted to design a unique mitt that highlighted both brands.

When it came to designs, it was a smooth and easy process. For us, we wanted to use high-quality materials that reflected our brand, with Vans’ iconic staples. Yes, we could have made a checkered black & white mitt and called it complete, but we all saw this as an opportunity to create something a bit different.
We always liked the woven Vans label and the classic sidestripe that has been such a big part of the Vans history. Combining those elements and our staple camo & distressed look, we both delivered a pretty sick looking mitt.

On the technical aspects of the mitt, we used Cordura outer 10K/10K waterproof breathable inserts with a rubber tech PU palm. Another feature we added is removable strings, since some people have a love/hate relationship with them.

To have such an amazing group of athletes from both brands, it turned it into something that everyone wanted to see. For example: Jake Kuzyk, Dillon Ojo, Cole Navin, Darrell Mathes, Benny Urban, Will Smith, Danimals and our newest member, Sam Taxwood. This is why it was a no brainer to make this happen.

With all these guys riding for Vans and Howl, it was a great way to bring both brands closer and build products that stand behind our teams and our snowboard community. Being a smaller brand, we’ve always looked up to Vans and what they stand for, this is what it’s all about!
If you get a chance check out the rest of the Hi Standard boot, MTE Jacket as well the glove collaboration too!

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