Gear Review: Kinco 1939KWP Gloves

Hold on to your skirts, yes…another Kinco glove review. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a huge fan of Kinco gloves for the backcountry. These alongside ski goggles from Humps Optics I recently bought hit the spot. I love their price, their durable construction and their reliable warmth.  Just when I think it couldn’t possibly get any better, out comes a lighter weight Kinco along the lines of the lighter The force created by gravity acting on a mass." class="glossaryLink " target="_blank">weight fabric-backed Kinco 927, the 1939KWP.

Intro

Kinco gloves are a practical solution in the backcountry, and the new Kinco 1939KWP has made it’s way in to my arsenal of gloves. In the scale of temperatures, I use the Kinco 901T Mitts in the coldest, frigid conditions (which honestly, I try to avoid); on most cold occasions, my “work-horse” is the 901 Kinco Ski Glove.  Now, for the more moderate conditions, I have added the 1939KWP’s.  These are perfect for moderate temps dipping as low as the mid 20’s.

I realize this may sound a bit excessive, but let me explain. I have cold weather injuries in both hands from many years ago. I suppose the irony is that this injury isn’t exactly the best bed parter to snow science, and mountaineering.  This realization was devastating.  I had to find a way to have my cake and eat it to.

You see, nothing will keep me off the mountain. So, to cater to my injury, I use three levels of Kinco gloves, and also the heated Hestra gloves, which by the way, come at a price. I keep the heated Hestras as an emergency backup in the pack, but for the most part I use the the three Kincos for the majority of my backcountry excursions.

Background of that dreaded frostbite

So yes, once upon a time, half-way around the world in Korea, I had an unfortunate accident which left me with frostbite in seven digits. What I didn’t know at the time is that frostbite is like that obnoxious uncle whom you have to invite to every single event.  Impossible to get rid of and capable of ruining a really good time.   Additionally, re-injuring a cold weather injury is many times easier the next time around, and it’s cumulative and total. Those with Raynaud’s, chilblains, frostbite and even frost-nip surely know the ‘unfun’ displeasure of these types of injuries on the snow. My advice, of course, is to never get that type of injury in the first place.

Luckily, in Colorado we have top notch medical people that are used to seeing these types of injuries. After many EMG’s, various doctors, and nerve tests over the past year, something miraculous happened.. I found an amazing doctor. Not only someone completely brilliant, but an avid backcountry skier herself. Her the Rx was to adjust gear to this injury. So, I stepped up the game and invested in Hestra heated gloves. The Hestra’s are unique because a single filament travels down each finger to warm just the fingers (not the palm which can be detrimental). They come at a price, $450 to be exact. But for those of us in the backcountry there is a constant theme; when things unravel, they can, and usually do, they unravel quickly. To err on the side caution, should a rescue or prolonged exposure happen, be prepared — the Hestra’s are an excellent backup for such an emergency. That’s the careful balance of of keeping that obnoxious uncle at bay.

Here is the lineup of assorted gloves I use, based on conditions and temperature. I typically wear the 901 Ski Gloves, rarely the 901T Mitts except when we are talking too cold to be fun. But the 1939KWP’s have been a great addition to fill in the gap between marginal cold temps. With all that said, this is the solution that works for me, and that you have the backstory — perhaps some sort of combination will come from this that applies to you.

“When things go wrong, don’t go with them.”
― Elvis Presley

• Kicno 1939KWP
• Very flexible, agile.
• Uptracking, snowpits, strenuous, riding
• Temps above 25°F

• Kinco 901
• Moderately flexible
• Uptracking, snowpits, riding
• Temps 15-25°F

• Kinco 901T Mitt
• Moderately flexible
• snowpits, riding, stationary
• Temps below 15°F

• Hestra heated gloves
• Very flexible
• Emergency use, rescue
• Prolonged exposure
• Expensive ($450US)

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So here’s where the 1939KWP’s fit perfectly in to the mix. Uptracking, digging pits, and situations where the 901’s are just too warm. After all, the last thing anyone wants in the backcountry is for their hands to sweat. Like the original 927’s these are designed for lighter all around use in the snow and moderate cold temps.

Many of the same features that are built in to the Kinco 901’s have been incorporated into the 1939KWP’s such as the Draylon® thread and bullet-proof construction of the palm and fingers. I would highly recommend checking out my review of the 901’s to get an idea of the overall construction. The 1939’s have a nylon back with a 3M Scotchlite™ retroreflective band. A full waterproof lining, and HeatKeep® thermal lining. The durable pigskin leather out wears regular cowhide ski gloves. The reinforcing leather patches sewn with Draylon® thread cover the palm area and fingers for extra abrasion protection. All the advantages of the heavier 910’s, with a more pliable fit.

Kinco 1939KWP Glove Specs

Details at Glance

Conclusion

In summary, the Kinco 1939KWP have filled in a much needed gap.

I should also mention, off the shelf the 1939KWP’s do wick moisture — even though they are treated with ReviveX®. The leather can be softened and water sealed in the same manner as the 901 Ski Gloves. Extra precaution on the temperature when heating since the backing is nylon — in fact, I used a hair dryer to apply it rather than the oven method for this very reason. Once this is done, the 1939KWP’s are the bomb!

Retail price: $24.99

Sizing

Size Chart

You will find Kinco gloves at many mountain hardware stores, online, or you can search for a reseller directly from the company website. www.kinco.com

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