I bought these for a 4 week trip through Siberia in winter.  My hands weren't cold once, even when the temperature reached -40.  I purchased glove liners but never needed to use them.  The mitten flap flips over easily (I didn't use the velcro on the back of the hand) and I kept my emergency tissue in the flap!  It made it quick and easy to use my camera or phone.  They did "pill up" a little towards the end of the trip, however, for the price, I was SUPER happy with them.