Pair of overmitts used on the 1933 Everest expedition

Pair of overmitts, made by Morland and Co., Glastonbury from equipment used on the 1933 Everest expedition by Sir Jack Longland

Gloves are a critical piece of equipment on Everest. They need to be warm enough to protect the hands against frostbite but still allow enough movement and dexterity to perform tasks like cutting steps in the snow and using an ice axe. The expedition team knew that several thinner layers are more effective than one thicker layer. Therefore, they used silk inner gloves in combination with thicker overmitts. Mittens also keep hands warmer than gloves as the fingers can share body heat with each other.