French Trigger Finger Mittens, Nylon and Leather, Surplus

Here's a pair of vintage army mittens from the 1980s in very good condition! The specialty of these mittens is that they allow you to pull a trigger or use the brakes and shifters of a bike while providing the warmth you don't get with separated fingers.

Combining a windproof and water-resistant shell with a synthetic thermal liner, these mittens are really a safe space for your hands in adverse and freezing weather. We can't tell if the seams are taped so submersing your hands in a puddle will probably let water seep in thru the seams. The palm is leather for a good grip, breathability, and wear resistance.

The construction of the trigger finger is rather clever; you can pull out your index finger and group it with the rest of your fingers in case it gets cold. Along with your index finger, you can pull out the finger lining and leave just the thin shell fabric hanging out of the palm. Even the finger shell can be tucked into the mitten if you really want it out of the way.

Size info

We were able to separate three sizes. While the width is generous enough for the indicated size, the finger length is on the short side. Great for woodworkers who weren't careful with the planer!

Materials and care

The palm side is black leather, and the shell fabric seems like silnylon. Whatever it is, it repels water (and red wine) rather effectively. The fuzzy liner is "chlorofibre," basically a form of vinyl. Machine wash cold, hang to dry. We suggest fingers up to allow moisture to sink out.

French Army Surplus

These are 30–40 years old but it doesn't show. The wonders of synthetic materials, see. Expect slight color variation from pair to pair, that's all.