February is Raynaud’s Awareness Month and is an issue renowned outdoor gear specialist Extremities knows can have a major impact on people’s lives. According to the NHS, Raynaud’s affects as many as 10 million people in the UK.

Triggered by cold temperatures, anxiety or stress, the blood vessels go into a temporary spasm and block the flow of blood to the hands or feet. The affected area turns white, then blue and sufferers experience numbness, pain, and pins and needles – with episodes that can last just a few minutes or up to several hours.

Explained Carolyn Budding, Director of Extremities: “We know that Raynaud’s can be debilitating and as it is more common than many people realise, it is something we bear in mind when developing many of our glove and mitt ranges. So when Heather Davies, a sales adviser at an outdoor gear store in Cardiff got in touch, we saw it as a great opportunity to work with one of our valued stockists. She has Raynaud’s and realised that many of her customers also suffered with it.

“They stock many Extremities products, but she wanted to trial styles so she could advise her customers to the best of her ability. Of course, from our perspective too, it’s always good to have feedback from people who have used our products in the real world. So we sent her a pair of our warmest waterproof mitts, the Pinnacle Mitts, to be put through their paces.”

Following the trial, Heather, who works for Up & Under Outdoor Gear in Cardiff, gave Extremities great feedback and explained: “I tried the mitts out in -8 in hail and torrential rain with gale force winds... they warmed up my hands from absolute stone cold and within 10 minutes they had thawed, which is amazing. I’ve never had mitts that were that good. Hats off for an impressive pair of mitts. I take them everywhere with me!”

When choosing gloves or mitts to minimise the impact of Raynaud’s insulation is key. The Extremities Pinnacle range uses Primaloft insulation to keep out the worst of cold weather – it is lightweight while providing ultimate warmth. With the added benefit of Extremities X Dry technology to provide waterproof, breathable and windproof protection in all weathers, it makes them ideal for minimising Raynaud’s symptoms.

Added design features of the Pinnacle Mitt include a one handed pull cord at the cuff to keep cold draughts at bay and a wrist strap which is also easily tightened with one hand.

Available as gloves and mitts, the Pinnacle Mitts come in sizes S to XL while the Pinnacle Gloves are available in sizes XS to XL, in Black with attractive red trim. Both retail at £50 per pair.