Drying Give'r gloves effectively primarily relies on maximizing airflow to remove moisture, as their durable, often sealed construction can make them slower to dry. While they will eventually dry on their own, promoting good air circulation significantly speeds up the process and helps maintain their longevity.
Understanding Give'r Glove Drying Dynamics
Give'r gloves are built for resilience and often feature sealed designs that protect hands from the elements. This same sealed quality, however, can trap moisture inside, making them take longer to dry completely compared to less robust gloves. The key to efficient drying is to ensure consistent air movement through and around the gloves, which helps evaporate and carry away the trapped moisture.
Effective Methods for Drying Give'r Gloves
To dry your Give'r gloves thoroughly and safely, focus on methods that provide ample ventilation without exposing them to damaging high heat.
1. Air Drying (The Preferred Method)
The simplest and most recommended approach is air drying. This method is gentle and preserves the integrity of the glove materials, especially the leather and wax coating.
- Optimal Location: Choose a well-ventilated area that is dry and warm, but not hot. A mudroom, garage, or even near an open window are good options. Avoid damp basements or unventilated closets.
- Maximizing Airflow:
- Hang Upside Down: If possible, hang the gloves by their fingertips or a hang-loop (if present) to allow air to circulate freely into the cuff and throughout the glove.
- Open Cuffs: Ensure the cuffs are wide open to allow air in and out. You can sometimes prop them open slightly with a small object or even a clothes hanger.
- Use a Fan: Placing a small fan nearby, aimed at the gloves, can dramatically increase airflow and speed up drying. This is particularly effective for very wet gloves.
- Glove Hangers/Dryers: Specialized glove hangers that keep the glove open and elevated are ideal for promoting circulation.
2. Using a Dedicated Glove Dryer
For faster and more consistent drying, especially if your gloves frequently get wet, an electric glove or boot dryer is an excellent investment.
- Gentle Heat & Airflow: Most glove dryers use a combination of gentle, circulated warm air. This is ideal because it provides the necessary airflow to remove moisture without the damaging high heat that can crack or shrink leather.
- Even Drying: They ensure that all parts of the glove, including the fingers and palm, receive consistent airflow.
3. Absorbing Internal Moisture
For very saturated gloves, you can jumpstart the drying process by absorbing internal moisture before relying solely on airflow.
- Newspaper: Crumple up dry newspaper and stuff it firmly into each finger and the main body of the glove. Newspaper is highly absorbent. Change the newspaper every few hours as it becomes damp. This draws out a significant amount of moisture.
- Desiccant Packs: If you have large desiccant packs (like those found in shoe boxes or electronics packaging), you can place them inside the gloves to absorb moisture.
What to Avoid When Drying Give'r Gloves
Improper drying can damage your gloves, shortening their lifespan and compromising their performance.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Do ensure good airflow. | Don't use direct high heat sources. |
| Do air dry at room temperature. | Don't place on radiators, campfires, or heaters. |
| Do use a dedicated glove dryer. | Don't put in a clothes dryer. |
| Do stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture. | Don't leave them wadded up or in a damp place. |
| Do be patient; drying can take time. | Don't try to rush the process with extreme measures. |
Why avoid high heat? Excessive heat can dry out the leather too quickly, causing it to stiffen, crack, shrink, and lose its protective wax coating. This compromises the glove's durability, comfort, and waterproof qualities. Always prioritize gentle, consistent drying with ample air circulation.
By following these methods, you can ensure your Give'r gloves dry effectively, ready for your next adventure while maintaining their quality for years to come.
