Skip to product information
1 of 8

Alpha Direct SwitchBack Trail Mitts™ | UL Edition

Alpha Direct SwitchBack Trail Mitts™ | UL Edition

Color
Mitt Size
$44.00
Quantity
  • FREE U.S. SHIPPING

Designed for those who count every ounce, the SwitchBack Trail Mitts - Ultralight Edition offer just the right balance of protection and breathability for your three-season adventures. Weighing in at only ~1.4 oz, these mitts provide lightweight warmth without the bulk, making them the perfect companion for spring, summer, and fall hikes. The Polartec® Alpha™ Direct 90 delivers exceptional moisture-wicking and insulation, while a lightweight Polartec® PowerWool™ shell strategically blocks the breeze without compromising breathability. And with their unique convertible design, you get full access to all five fingers whenever you need them—no fumbling required. Stuff them in your pocket and forget they’re there until you need them.

Features:

  •   Ultralight & Packable: Weighing just 1.4oz/pair, they’re designed to disappear in your pack or pocket until needed.
  •   Convertible Design: Flip back the finger and thumb sections for quick, unrestricted use of your hands.
  •   Polartec® Alpha™ Direct 90 Lining: Lightweight insulation with excellent moisture-wicking to keep hands dry and comfortable.
  •   Strategic Polartec® PowerWool™ Shell: Blocks the breeze in key areas while remaining breathable for high-output activities.
  •   Ideal for Three-Season Adventures: Perfect for chilly mornings, windy ridgelines, and cool-weather hikes—without the bulk of winter mitts

Stay agile, stay comfortable, and keep moving with the SwitchBack Trail Mitts.

Want to Learn More about Polartec® Alpha™ Direct?

Beyond and Back Guarantee

Beyond and Back Guarantee

At Beyond the Trailhead Gear Co., we stand by the craftsmanship of every product we make. Our Beyond and Back Guarantee ensures your gear is free from defects in materials or workmanship for the lifetime of the product. While ultralight gear is designed for performance and weight savings, it requires mindful care during use. Please note that normal wear and tear, misuse, or damage caused by conditions outside of intended use may not qualify for coverage.

See Here for more info on what’s covered!

View full details

Want more info? Continue below

Got Questions? — Get Answers.

How long will it take to ship my order?

Most items are made to order but not all. Please refer to the item page between the quantity selector and buy buttons for updated Lead Times. Please allow 1-2 business days for tracking updates once shipping label is generated.

Free U.S. Shipping Always, Because Every Ounce Counts

Domestic Shipping (U.S.)

All U.S. orders ship free.

Most domestic orders arrive within approximately 2–7 business days after shipment, depending on destination and carrier service.

Please remember that delivery estimates begin after any product lead times shown on the product page.

Lead Times

Please note that estimated delivery times begin after any lead times shown on the product page.

Most Beyond the Trailhead Gear Co. products are handcrafted to order. Current production lead times are displayed on each product page and will also appear in your order confirmation.

Tracking Information

Once your order ships, you'll receive tracking information by email.

Please allow 1–2 business days for tracking activity to appear after a shipping label has been created.

International Shipping

We currently ship to Canada and may expand to additional countries in the future.

International orders follow the same production lead times shown on the product page. Transit times begin once your order has been completed and shipped.  

Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on destination, package weight, and available carrier services.

Duties, Taxes & Customs

For Canadian orders, applicable duties and import taxes are calculated and collected at checkout whenever possible.

This helps prevent unexpected customs fees or import charges upon delivery.

International Shipping Rates

International shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on destination, package weight, and available carrier services.

Delivery Times

International delivery times vary by destination and carrier. Most Canadian orders arrive within approximately 1–2 weeks after shipment.

Questions?

If you need special shipping arrangements or have questions about an international order, please contact us before placing your order.

Do you ship Internationally?

We are now shipping to Canada and may expand to additional countries in the future. For more Information on international shipping options, please review the Shipping & Handling page.


There are options to use freight forwarding companies that will have your package forwarded internationally by assigning you a US Address to place your order with.

Reach out if you have any questions!

How about these apples—

  • 5 stars: 20 (77%)
  • 4 stars: 5 (19%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (4%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
W
Wesley L.
Excellent product

Awesome customer service and excellent product

A
Andrea W.
Perfect for hiking

These mitts are perfect for those chilly mornings backpacking. It was great to be able to stick my fingers out for tasks as needed and then tuck them away when done. I’m not sure how warm these would be in winter but great for shoulder season or cold summer mornings/nights. They weigh a little more than my possum down gloves but are so much more functional.

S
Scott M.
UL Trail Mitts

I usually have trouble finding mitts and gloves, but these fit perfectly. I love not having to take off my entire mitten to use my phone.

N
Nick B.
Buy these if you are on the fence

I have to say these mitt's surpassed by expectations. I thought they would work well down to freezing temps and they have been great down to the teens. But today I decided to test the limits. I went on a hike wearing these with glove liners, and the conditions involved a -11 windchill. My hands were perfectly warm the entire time, nice and toasty not a little cold. I was blown away by how well they performed. Just buy them and thank me later.

A
Aaron L.
Great gloves, great customer service

I've had two pair. The first was an early batch, and they started to fall apart very quickly. I reached out and was instantly sent a new pair from the updated batch. The second pair are a night and day difference. Much more durable. I love how warm these are, especially for the weight. I've been using them during the recent winter storms, including an overnight campout in sub-freezing temps, and they've been great. The price is also very reasonable. I'd recommend them!

H
Hunter E.
Great Gear, Great Company

These gloves were everything I was looking for and more for a pair of ultralight backpacking gloves! I have used them on several trips now, and being able to keep my hands warm while also being able to quickly remove my fingers so that I have full dexterity is an absolute game changer. I've always hated trying to do tasks like working my stove, eating, or using my phone with gloves, and this eliminates the need to remove the glove completely. They are also incredibly light and surprisingly warm for how light they are. Within minutes, my hands are nice and toasty due to the premium fabric used. Surprisingly, they also feel durable, and I have not had any issues with using them while holding trekking poles. I had a question about the glove, and the owner, Justin, was super quick and was very helpful in his response. This is an amazing company and an amazing product that I would definitely buy again! 10/10

M
Michelle C.
Versatile layer

Great for layering. Well made

p
pontiac y.
Amazing mitts!

Love these guys!

K
Kyle L.
Good quality and workmanship

My only complaint is on sizing. I wish there were at least a Large and Small selection. I don’t have huge hands, but the size is quite snug. It fits my wife perfectly.

Thanks for leaving the feedback! Glad the design hit the mark. I actually just launched them in a larger size yesterday so they can accomadate a larger range now. Reach out if you have any questions! – Justin

A
Andrea P.
Love these!

I have perpetually cold hands but struggle with every little task when my dexterity is limited by thick gloves or mittens. I love that I can flip the mits back and have full use of my fingers while the rest of my hand stays covered. They are well made and cute. Couldn’t be happier. Thanks!

Awesome to hear they're working out perfect for you - there's nothing worse than having to constantly pull off mittens/gloves! - Justin

J
Jess P.
Amazing mitts!

I was finally able to use my new mitts on trail. They performed amazing. I paired them with some zpack gloves at first but eventually just used them by themselves and they still performed amazing. They are definitely lightweight but that doesn't stop them from being incredibly warm and comfortable. They were a little big for my hands but it wasn't really an issue and once I layered them they fit just fine. They definitely have become a part of my cold weather gear set up. Thanks so much for a great product. 🤙

Love this! Honered to hear they worked well enough to earned a spot in your cold weather gear set up!! Thanks - Justin

C
Cary M.
Nice and warm for the shoulder seasons.

I’ve used these mittens both running early in the morning and hiking in the mountains. They are comfortable and warm enough for 35-45 degree weather.

Glad to hear the Mitts are working out nicely in the mountains! Perfect for early morning runs too! Thanks -Justin

c
cosmo
Nice gloves. Fit just right.

Great product. Great customer service. Unfortunately they took quite a while to receive. It has already started snowing here, so I have only been able to wear them once while walking the dog around the block. I won't be able to give a real review until next hiking season. If lead times and shipping where faster I would have given 5 starts.

Thanks for the review! I’m glad the gloves fit well and that you’re happy with the quality. Totally understand the frustration with the wait — I’m working on ways to get orders out faster, and I hope they get plenty of trail time next season! – Justin

j
jordan m.
Switchback trail mitts

Love the design and functionality of these mitts and they are crazy light. They are universal size so if the length of your hand is 8.5 of longer they can fit snug.

Glad to hear the design and functionality hit the mark. And that the size is still working out. Tho after much feed back, I have sized them out and added a larger size to help accommodate larger hands too! Thanks for leaving the feedback!! - Justin

J
Jeremy B.
Good designed

I like the design of the mittens but the fit a little small

Thanks for leaving the feedback! Glad the design hit the mark. I actually just launched them in a larger size yesterday so they can accomadate a larger range now. Reach out if you have any questions! – Justin

J
Joel S.
Perfect Convertible UL Mitten

So, this review is bitter-sweet, My wife loves them! Which is great, but now I need a pair to replace the ones she took from me. The gloves are soft and warm but really breathable. Plus, the flip top means you get the best of both a finger glove and a mitten. Definitely going to hide my next pair in with my winter gear rather than storing them in the communal glove drawer!

Sounds like a mitt-stealing situation 😆 Glad they’re a hit! – Justin

R
Richard J.B.
Quality review

Received the Mitts the last day of summer so as far as cold protection I can't judge....as for fit and quality I have absolutely been quite impressed. The fit is perfect and I am Very Impressed with the quality of both the material used and as to how the mitts are made.I have every confidence that these "Mitts" will give me the weather protection that I ordered them for. Thank- You for your MITTS!!!

Thanks so much! I’m glad the fit and construction are hitting the mark and I appreciate your confidence in them! Hope they since have been getting some use as it gets colder! – Justin

A
Andrew G.
GREAT but not for large hands.

Well made, great fabrics and design! I have men's medium size hands and they are difficult to slide on, and a bit tight and short. Feel almost like Chinese sizing. Giving them to my wife for Christmas.

Thanks for leaving the feedback! Glad the fabric choices and design hit the mark. I actually just launched them in a larger size yesterday so they can accomadate a larger range now. Reach out if you have any questions! – Justin

D
David
Very happy

The cost, the craftsmanship and the utility make for a 5 star purchase. Very happy.

Glad to hear this! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!! – Justin

R
Ryan H.
Wonderful light weight mittens

It’s not quite cold enough in MN to put these to the real test on the trail but they work great at the kids hockey practice! The arena is freezing and these mittens along with my puffy are the perfect combo. I’ll be getting another pair for my wife.

Hockey practice is the perfect proving ground, those rinks can be cold! Thanks for the awesome review and for spreading the warmth to your wife too. – Justin

T
Tom M.
Newly Arrived

Have not had a lot of time to field test these mitts in cold-weather conditions, but initial impressions leave no complaints. No loose threads or material damage. Good fit, and the mitten-to-fingerless transition seems to work well without a lot of the flapping that other convertible mitts have. There was also an almost immediately noticeable warmth once I put the mitts on, which bodes well for cold mornings coming soon. Not germane to the product itself, but customer service was prompt and effective when I reached out. Great job, Justin!

Thanks so much for the detailed feedback! Appreciate you taking the time to share your first impressions!! – Justin

J
James A.
I like them!

I haven’t used them yet because the weather is still quite warm, but I think they’ll be great under some rain mitts. I like the weight as well very light!

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you like the feel and weight — I think you’ll be surprised how well they pair under rain mitts once the temps drop. – Justin

B
Bob K.
The fit

I carefully measured my hands, following your instructions, and allowed for some extra space when ordering a size Large. Upon receiving the mitts, I found the fit to be smaller than anticipated. While they may be suitable for carrying items without poles, the current size is unfortunately too restrictive for practical use with trekking or ski poles.

Thanks so much for the honest feedback — that really helps me improve things. I actually just released a larger size version yesterday to give a bit more room for folks. Reach out with any questions!
– Justin

P
Phillip G.
Polar tec gloves

Justin was accommodating getting my order to me in a timely manner. I appreciate him being able to help navigate me through the Shopify process. I have yet to test out the gloves but they look and feel great. They fit my medium size hands and my wife’s small size well.

Thanks so much! I’m really glad the gloves fit you both well and that I could help get everything sorted smoothly. Hope they get plenty of trail time! - Justin

p
pontiac

Great mittens that are warm and match my hoodie!!

S
Shelley S.
Mittens

Great Quality & functional! Highly recommend!!

Glad to hear it—thanks for the kind words and the recommendation! Hope the mitts serve you well out there. – Justin

Questions?