Freestyle Mitts

I was excited when my black Freestyle Mittens from Turtle Fur arrived for my 8-day Kilimanjaro trek in Tanzania, Africa, in August 2025.

I saved them for the most critical moment—summit night, when we began our midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, facing a grueling 9-hour hike in temperatures plunging to -18°C.

Warmth & Comfort: Layered over glove liners, the mittens delivered exceptional warmth and softness. Despite the biting cold and high winds, my hands stayed cozy and protected. For someone coming from Namibia—where hiking usually means dry heat and sunshine—this was my first real test in sub-zero conditions, and the mittens passed with flying colors.

Learning Curve: It was also my first time trekking with mittens while using hiking poles. They felt surprisingly comfortable and didn’t interfere with my grip. However, I quickly learned that mittens aren’t ideal for quick access to gear. Every time I needed something from my backpack, I had to remove them, which slowed me down. That said, this was more about my lack of experience than any flaw in the mittens themselves.

Sustainability & Quality: Knowing they’re made from 100% recycled materials made me appreciate them even more. They’re clearly built for rugged, cold-weather adventures and held up beautifully under extreme conditions.

Final Thoughts: These mittens were a game-changer for summit night. I’ve grown fond of them and plan to use them again—this time with a bit more practice in cold-weather hiking. If you're…