Swany X-Cell Ski Mitt Review
Swany is one of the pioneers in the ski mitten and glove space, and the X-Cell Mitten ($185) exemplifies the brand’s typically high craftsmanship. This mitt delivers a high degree (if not top-of-the-line) of warmth and waterproofing in addition to long-lasting durability thanks to its all-leather build. Dexterity and ease of entry are the X-Cell’s weak points, especially when your hands are wet or sweaty, and we wish the fit were a bit roomier. But for storm-day skiers who want reliable insulation and aren’t fussed about removing their mitts to complete tasks, the X-Cell is a dependable, well-built option.
Warmth
Waterproofing
Dexterity
Comfort
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
Dryfinger II W/B
Shell
Leather
Cuff style
Gauntlet
Liner
Fixed
Pros
Cons
Swany X-Cell Mitt
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Mittens.
The Swany X-Cell is one of the warmest ski mittens that Better Trail has tested, with its Tri-Plex Alpha insulation deserving credit. Swany designed the X-Cell with a zonal approach to warmth, which features thick fill on the back of the hand—where most heat escapes—thinner material on the palm for increased feel, and form-fitting fill around the fingers for a touch more dexterity (take that last one with a grain of salt, as this is still a mitten). I tested this mitten on a chilly April powder day, and my hands stayed warm, which isn’t a given for me. Even my thumb, which has gotten cold in other mitts I’ve worn, was comfortable for the entire day. Swany’s design evenly distributes heat across the whole mitten.
This mitten doesn’t quite match the furnace-level warmth of top-tier options like the Black Diamond Mercury or the Outdoor Research Mt. Baker II, both of which feature heavy, 340-gram PrimaLoft insulation. But it’s about as warm as crowd-favorite Hestra models, and I’d trust the X-Cell to keep my hands comfortable on most resort skiing days. (If you run very cold or call ultra-frigid climates like the northern Rockies home, perhaps opt for the Mercury or the Baker II, though.) This is not a cheap mitten, but the Swany X-Cell mostly lives up to its price tag in terms of warmth without feeling like a brick, thanks to the Tri-Plex Alpha fill.
This ski mitten features Swany’s proprietary Dryfinger II membrane. While it’s understandable to be a bit leery of waterproofing that’s not Gore-Tex, this one holds its own. I wore the Swany X-Cell in wet, heavy snowfall, and my hands stayed dry throughout. The all-leather exterior might need some periodic treatment to prevent it from wetting out if you use this mitten a lot, but that’s the case with all leather models. Additionally, the X-Cell’s gauntlet cuff is long and protective, with a drawcord closure to keep out snow. In a nice touch, the gauntlet features a double-stacked design that allows you to easily slide the mitten either over or under your jacket cuff, depending on your preference.
It would be nice if the gauntlet were a little stretchier (I found entry and exit to be a bit tough), but the construction is effective at sealing out weather. I didn’t see any signs of saturation during my testing, and the X-Cell should keep you protected all day in anything short of an extended bout of warm, wet weather, typical of the Pacific Northwest. For that, we’d recommend going with a Gore-Tex model such as the Outdoor Research Mt. Baker II or perhaps even the Black Diamond Mercury, which has a proven BD.Dry membrane.
This is a mitten, so your expectations should be low from the start. To its credit, the X-Cell features separate finger channels on the interior that add a touch more feel than models with an undivided liner. Plus, the full leather build is more supple than all-synthetic models such as the Dakine Sequoia Gore-Tex (men's Titan). Even so, I found myself removing the X-Cell constantly to perform basic tasks.
Operating zippers? Manageable, but barely. Adjusting my new, slightly fiddly helmet buckle? No chance. I also jettisoned the mittens to reach into my pockets for snacks. The X-Cell’s super-snug fit actually detracted from my rating in this category, as the mitten felt somewhat restrictive. If you want to be able to do your boot buckles without exposing your hands to the cold, this isn’t the solution, and I’d suggest looking at a ski glove. (Speaking of which, you’re in luck: The X-Cell also comes in a five-finger version.)
Once it’s on, the Swany X-Cell is undeniably cozy. Its fleece lining is plush, and the internal finger channels create a snug, secure feel that adds to the glove’s warmth. I didn’t experience any rubbing or seam pressure, and the leather broke in quickly, offering good flexibility right out of the box (if not functional dexterity, as I discussed in the previous section).
The major problem I encountered was getting this ski mitten on in the first place. If there’s any moisture on your hands, the interior lining grips and grabs, making it frustratingly hard to slide your hand in. With no removable liner, there’s no easy way to turn the mitten inside out or dry it thoroughly after a sweaty session. For short sessions or cold, dry days, these quirks won’t matter. However, if you sweat even a little or ski on a warm day, the X-Cell’s functionality and comfort begin to suffer.
Full-leather construction is always a plus in this category, and the X-Cell’s combo of smooth leather and textured Nubuck panels feels premium and hardwearing. Besides a few bite marks (yes, from using my teeth to pull it on and off), this mitten has shown no signs of wear, tear, or seam failure. The stitching is tight, the palm is reinforced, and the leather doesn’t feel prone to premature cracking, unlike some cheaper models.
Compared to budget synthetic ski mittens such as The North Face Montana, the X-Cell clearly sits a tier higher. It’s about on the same long-lasting level as the Mercury and the Give’r Frontier, two of the standouts in the category. At $185, this mitten isn’t cheap, but I think you’ll get your money’s worth out of it.
Select icon to view details:
Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Responsible Leather
Responsible leather is typically sourced from suppliers certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), a third-party nonprofit that evaluates tanneries on factors such as water and energy use, chemical and waste management, emissions, traceability, and worker safety, and assigns ratings ranging from Bronze to Gold. A green check mark indicates a product uses responsibly sourced leather, a yellow check mark indicates the brand sources responsible leather for the majority of its products but does not specify it at the product level, and a red X indicates the product does not use responsibly sourced leather.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Zippered Pocket
The X-Cell’s most notable feature is a small zippered pocket on the back of the hand. You can use the pocket to hold a hand warmer, chapstick, or perhaps even a sneaky little snack. It’s easy to access and doesn’t interfere with movement or insulation.
Finger Dividers
Rather than an unstructured interior, the Swany X-Cell has dividers to keep your fingers in position. Not everyone likes them, but I appreciated how they kept the mitt snug and prevented that floaty feeling some mittens have.
Wrist Leash
Thank goodness this mitten comes with retention leashes. I had to take the X-Cell off a lot, and the leashes were a lifesaver on a daily basis.
Swany offers the X-Cell mitten in sizes ranging from small to large for women and from small to XXL for men. I normally wear a women’s small, and I tested the mitten in that size. Somewhat surprisingly, it was actually on the snug side for me—a first. The finger channels fit well once I was inside the mitt, but overall, it was a tight fit that made taking the Swany X-Cell on and off trickier than I expected. If you're between sizes or like a roomier fit, I’d definitely recommend sizing up.
Black Diamond Mercury ($140): An Awesome, Affordable Mitten
Usually, opting for more affordable gear means making concessions. The Black Diamond Mercury bucks that trend, providing top-tier performance at a price that’s $50 less than the X-Cell. It’s extremely warm thanks to 340-gram PrimaLoft Gold insulation, and unlike the X-Cell, the Mercury’s liner is removable, which is great for drying the mitts out or wearing just the shell for spring skiing. Black Diamond’s BD.Dry membrane is one of our favorite proprietary waterproof builds on the market, and both of these mitts offer high-end waterproofing. While the Mercury isn’t full leather, it does offer great durability, although it might not feel as supple as the X-Cell. Unless you’re dead-set on full leather, though, we recommend the Mercury’s impressive bang-for-your-buck build. For more, read our review of the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt.
Hestra Army Leather Heli ($185): More Comfort, Less Waterproofing
The Hestra Army Leather Heli is another leather mitten that offers a high level of warmth and borderline outrageous comfort. The interior of the liner is almost sinfully luxurious, and the liner is removable, which gives the Heli a leg up on the X-Cell. Both mittens exhibit high levels of warmth, just below the leaders in the category, but plenty for the majority of normal ski day weather. Where the Heli can’t match up to the X-Cell, though, is its waterproofing. It lacks a full waterproof membrane—only the synthetic portion on the back of the hand is waterproof—and should therefore only be used in cold, dry conditions or during fair weather. For this price, we’d want more protection, but if you don’t ski in warm, wet snow, the Heli’s unsurpassed comfort might catch your eye (and cradle your hands). For more, check out our review of the Army Leather Heli.
Boasting a premium leather build and a healthy dose of warmth, Swany’s top-end X-Cell is an ideal ski mitten for frigid days on the hill. It’s a cozy oasis for your hands, although the fit runs a bit snug and dexterity is below average.
Warmth
Waterproofing
Dexterity
Comfort
Durability
Sustainability
The Mercury is an ideal mitten for cold-handed skiers, with a cozy interior, powerful insulation, and reliable waterproofing. However, it's on the bulky side for holding onto a ski pole and does not include leashes.
Warmth
Waterproofing
Dexterity
Comfort
Durability
Sustainability
One of Hestra’s most popular ski mittens, the Army Leather Heli is warm and cozy and features a removable liner for easy laundering and drying. It’s not fully waterproof, though, so we don’t recommend it for skiers who routinely get out in wet conditions.
Warmth
Waterproofing
Dexterity
Comfort
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Swany X-Cell Mitt for You?
The Swany X-Cell is a feature-rich mitten that doesn’t have a true weak point besides the slight rigamarole of putting it on and taking it off. When your hands are in it, though, you’ll experience plenty of warmth and coziness, as well as consistent protection from the moisture you’ll run into on a typical ski day. The top zippered pocket is a sweet design touch that’s uncommon in the mitten world, and the X-Cell’s leather build is both good-looking and long-lasting. While the high price is perhaps a bit rich for our blood, there’s no denying that this is a well-rounded ski mitten. Just be sure the fit matches your hand, as it runs small.
pray for snow
Explore More Ski Gear
Gear Guide
Best Ski Gloves of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Helmets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Goggles of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Pants of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Boots of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Backpacks of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Bibs of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Jackets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Base Layers of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Midlayers of 2026
curated for you