Hi Folks,
I'm looking at the Steger Mitts. Thinking about getting the large with a liner glove.

Any of you use the Stegers?

What can you tell me about them?

Thanks!

Never tried their mitts but if they're constructed anything like their mukluks, you can bet they're quality gear and will last a long time. Sorry I can't offer more than that.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

PS - I would call them if you have any specific questions. I've found them very helpful the couple of times I needed information.

Appreciate that. Thank you.

I did email them regarding sizing questions and the person I corresponded with was very helpful.
Thanks for chiming in.

paddler1953: "Never tried their mitts but if they're constructed anything like their mukluks, you can bet they're quality gear and will last a long time. Sorry I can't offer more than that."

I agree completely. I’ve got two pair of their mukluks and love them.

Since it's my thread, I suppose I can wander a bit...

What model of Muks do you have and have used?

I'm looking at the Arctic...but also intrigued by the CamuksXtreme...but I'm concerned about the breathability of the rubberized forefoot on the Xtremes.

Their mitts are great and last years,
The rubber soles on mukluks are sensitive to petroleum products such as gas stations... otherwise great boots, I’ve had 4 pair plus the moccasins over the past 30 years. Sometimes they have a close out area in their store where you can get deals. But you have to go to store.

Thanks for your feedback.

Yep...there is a difference between the Arctic model and the CamuksXtreme:

On the Camuks, the top of the foot is also rubberized...the idea being that these would be for more wet conditions.

I have the Artic model. They have kept me warm at -20F with one pair of thick Heavyweight Smartwool socks.. I’m very happy with their performance so far.

Make sure you size up as I found I needed to go to 2 sizes up when I had their largest weight sock for me to try on in the store. If you can at all drive up and try them on in Ely then you should. I bought mine in the Spring.

I suppose like most gear, how well it works depends on how you use it. I have two pairs or Arctic’s; one wide and one double wide. I use mine snowshoeing and on week long winter camping trips. I also wear them daily in the city to take my dogs out multiple times daily all winter long. I have a pair of LaCrosse Ice Kings that I have not bothered to wear once since I got my Muks. Like Mocha mentioned, I am very careful about wearing them driving if I stop for gas - making sure to find the pump with the least gas/oil spill, but this seems to have been enough.

I don’t know much about the Camuk model, but can say I think the one of the great benefit of them is the breathability. My feat sweat fairly easily so I would not want a covered top for my purposes, but if I was walking through such more I might think differently.

And while I don’t have a pair of their mittens, I do have a pair of moose hide mittens with a canvas gauntlet (they are home made) and love them. Moose hide is wonderfully durable stuff, and the gauntlets really help keep snow and wind out.

Jaywalker: "I suppose like most gear, how well it works depends on how you use it. I have two pairs or Arctic’s; one wide and one double wide. I use mine snowshoeing and on week long winter camping trips. I also wear them daily in the city to take my dogs out multiple times daily all winter long. I have a pair of LaCrosse Ice Kings that I have not bothered to wear once since I got my Muks. Like Mocha mentioned, I am very careful about wearing them driving if I stop for gas - making sure to find the pump with the least gas/oil spill, but this seems to have been enough.


I don’t know much about the Camuk model, but can say I think the one of the great benefit of them is the breathability. My feat sweat fairly easily so I would not want a covered top for my purposes, but if I was walking through such more I might think differently.


And while I don’t have a pair of their mittens, I do have a pair of moose hide mittens with a canvas gauntlet (they are home made) and love them. Moose hide is wonderfully durable stuff, and the gauntlets really help keep snow and wind out. "

Thanks. I'm really excited about the Mitts.

I think I'm going to try the Arctic because I want the breathability. I have other boots for wet, slushy conditions. Great tip about the gas stations. I'll take them off before ruining them putting gas in by stepping in petroleum.

I would love to drive up to Ely to try them on...and while that is superb advice, I think I'm going to try my luck with the mail order.

I'm a 10.5 in running shoes...I think a 12 wide or double wide will do the job.

What do you think about wearing a lighter sock in the wider Muk? Or is that why you have two pair? A light sock and heavy sock pair?

Several years ago, I stopped at Steger before my canoe trip. They had 2 washtubs full of mitts for $50. That was half off. I decided to buy them after the trip. I didn't want to leave them in my vehicle while tripping. When I returned to Steger they were almost all gone. I got about the last pair in my size. With climate change, they are not needed most winters here in northern Mi. They do look good hanging on the wall in a log house though. I added the decorative bands, which were also purchased in Steger's bargain room, up the stairs.

I think I'm going to go with the Large.

The person who was helping me via email stated that she wore a S/M in the mitts...while my hands are not monster hands, they're bigger than most female hands.

Great find on the 50% off! $50 for a pair of those is a steal!

Whoops! Here's the photo. ( I hope)

That looks sweet! And there they are for function if needed!

johnnyg08: "....I'm a 10.5 in running shoes...I think a 12 wide or double wide will do the job.

What do you think about wearing a lighter sock in the wider Muk? Or is that why you have two pair? A light sock and heavy sock pair? "

I'll tell you what works for me, but I strongly suggest you ask them for advice as they do fit people for them every day. I wear a size 11 running shoe, hiking shoe, and hunting boot, and both my pairs of muks are size 11 also. I started with the double wide thinking I would want to wear a medium and heavy weight sock, but I ended up rarely doing that. Usually one pair medium wool sock is enough, and sometimes I go to a heavy one - rarely two. But then again, usually when I wear them I am being very active. If I am going to spend a few hours ice fishing, extra socks are more welcome. I've found it is much more important for warmth to have a second wool felt sole than more socks.

Strangely, I found that with the double wide I had a bit of trouble when driving my (then) car as the wider boot was harder to move from the gas to the brake. The single wides are about 1/4 inch narrower and that seemed to make a difference. I dont drive in them a lot, but if I do that is nice.

I originally got mine for winter camping as I said before. During the day of snowshoeing, hauling my toboggan, finding and processing firewood, etc, the outsides can get caked up with ice, snow, and frozen sweat, but they do dry out well overnight when hung near my wood stove (I hot tent). A lot of winter campers will bring a second pair of liners, and I just figured why not bring a second pair of mukluks? They don't weigh much or take up much more space than a second pair of liners. This way at the end of every day when my muks are caked up with snow and ice, I take them off to dry and put on my second, nice dry warm pair to wear in the tent for the evening and then the next day.

If you do get a pair, do pay attention to how to lace them up - there is a proper way to get tension at the beginning. On the other hand, I only fully lace mine when I am snowshoeing or trekking. Most of the time I just leave them wrapped loosely around my ankle - makes getting them on and off easy and fast. Also do get the water resistant spray and use at least once a year.

Steger has been fantastic over email.

Like you, I don't anticipate ever going over a medium wool sock.

Steger was quick to recommend a 2nd set of liners which supports your advice.

With a thicker sock, they did recommend a 12 for me...and you're absolutely right...if I order them through the mail and they don't fit, it is 100% my fault.

Ideally, I should hop in the car and drive up there for a weekend, you're absolutely right.

I could order two different sizes and mail one back...that would save on shipping if I do that. (following their return rules of course)

They arrived! A three days early!
Bravo to the United States Postal Service and Steger!

Do any of you use strings to wear your mitts around your neck until you need them?

If so, are there recommendations that are on the market? Or are all of yours homemade?

home made

Voyager: "home made"

Yeah, a mitten harness is super easy to make. I used three strands of braided paracord for mine, but they can be made out of just about anything. Just need to practice the little flip behind your back to get them out of the way.

Jaywalker: "

Voyager: "home made"

Yeah, a mitten harness is super easy to make. I used three strands of braided paracord for mine, but they can be made out of just about anything. Just need to practice the little flip behind your back to get them out of the way. "

Paracord makes the most sense...thanks for the tip...then a bowline around the "wrist" area of the mitt?

What knot do you recommend?

Wore my Steger Mitts outside tonight on a short walk w/ the family.

WAY too much mitt.

That's exactly what I wanted considering how mild it was outside tonight.

johnnyg08: "Paracord makes the most sense...thanks for the tip...then a bowline around the "wrist" area of the mitt?

What knot do you recommend? "

Knots are slow and annoying. A traditional way to make the connectors is with a 1-2 inch toggle, like a piece of wood (or walrus bone if you have some), that slips through the loop on the mitts. I've seen some people use some sort of little clip like this mini carabiners, but I thought they would be too likely to accidentally hook things. I went with a strip of velcro that closes on itself, and I really like how it works. Fast on and off, no snags, and secure. Required a little sewing, but it could be done by hand. Harnesses are great if you are having to take your mitts on and off regularly and dont want to set them down, but they also can get tangled on stuff and be hassle. I only use in certain situations. Word of warning - some people like to have a break-away section so if your harness gets caught on something it does cinch around your neck. I did not add one, its not a bad idea.

Jaywalker: "

johnnyg08: "Paracord makes the most sense...thanks for the tip...then a bowline around the "wrist" area of the mitt?


What knot do you recommend? "

Knots are slow and annoying. A traditional way to make the connectors is with a 1-2 inch toggle, like a piece of wood (or walrus bone if you have some), that slips through the loop on the mitts. I've seen some people use some sort of little clip like this mini carabiners, but I thought they would be too likely to accidentally hook things. I went with a strip of velcro that closes on itself, and I really like how it works. Fast on and off, no snags, and secure. Required a little sewing, but it could be done by hand. Harnesses are great if you are having to take your mitts on and off regularly and dont want to set them down, but they also can get tangled on stuff and be hassle. I only use in certain situations. Word of warning - some people like to have a break-away section so if your harness gets caught on something it does cinch around your neck. I did not add one, its not a bad idea.
"

Very, very helpful. Thank you! I hadn't thought about the "breakaway" option...yeah, in the worst luck scenario possible...it's something to think about.