Eco Mitts
Make damage less harmful
Snowboarders and skiers located have long experienced the issue of glove damage caused by rope tows, especially riders in the Midwestern United States, where rope tows are often the most cost effective and efficient option for uphill transportation.
The problem at hand
When skiers and snowboarders use rope tows for uphill transportation, their gloves can become worn and damaged by friction between the moving rope and the riders hands. This can cause a brand new pair of gloves to wear through in as little as one week.
Microfibers found in snow
To test a hypothesis that textiles fibers worn away from friction could be ending up in the snow, snow samples were taken from beneath rope tows at a few different ski areas. Analysis of the samples showed the presence of potentially synthetic microfibers in the snow.
Contributes to microplastic pollution
Most ski and snowboard gloves are made with a polyester or nylon, which can end up in the snow as a result of glove damage. With many ski resorts being located near bodies of water, this poses a potential risk to the surrounding environment.
This image shows the proximity of a ski hill to the St. Croix River, a major waterway that flows into the Mississippi River only miles from this location.
Ideation
Rough Prototype
Pattern Making
Materials
It’s difficult to create widespread change of ski hill infrastructure, but addressing the material choice for gloves and mittens is a much more feasible and cost effective option.
Eco Mitts use high performance natural materials in lieu of synthetic materials, taking into consideration the full life cycle of the product and materials.
Construction
Bison leather palm patch increases durability and extends the life of the mitten.
Double layered cross stitching added for increased strength and grip.
Double layered wool batting traps warmth inside the mitten, even when wet.
Cross stitching ensures the wool remains in place to provide full coverage of insulation.
Outer Shell
Fully biodegradable textiles
Reinforced bison leather palm
Pig leather outer shell
Natural elastic wrist cuff
Internal Structure
Cotton fleece lining
Cotton wrist strap
Recyclable aluminum buckle
Wool Insulation