Hand warmers are the best way to maintain your fingers and hands clean and hygienic. During winter season, backpacking or hiking will turn out to be a challenging one owing to cold weather.
This is especially required if you are using a hand-operated equipment like ski-poles and trekking poles or with your special thermal gloves on.
In these situations, using a perfect hand warmer is a wise choice. However, choosing the right hand warmers is somewhat a hard core job since there are a wide range of models and varieties available in the market.
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Quick Comparison: Top Hand Warmers
- HotHands Hand Warmers
- Vshow Baby Dolphin Pocket Warmer
- Rechargeable/Reusable Hand Warmers, 5200mAh USB Electric Hand Warmer
- Hunter Safety System Muff Pak Hand Warmer
- Pisen Hand Warmers & Power Bank
**Below, you'll find our expert's reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
How to Choose the Right Hiking Hand Warmers?
Types of Hiking Hand Warmers
Hand warmers are those disposable packets which offer on-demand warmth for the hiker and are available in five main ranges which include those which run on lighter fuel or on charcoal. The three most common and major types may include air-activated, catalytic (lighter fuel-based) as well as electric (battery-powered).
Air-activated hand warmers
It holds a concoction of iron, water, cellulose, salt and also generates heat from the exothermic oxidation of iron. These models last for around 4 to 12 hours. They are inexpensive, light in weight and are efficient as well. On the other hand, they are meant for single-use and won’t be able to turn off.
Catalytic hand warmers
These are based on traditional lighter-fuel. They need a flame to initiate the warming process. They work for long hours, say 12 to 15 hours. They offer light control over the heat levels and at times, they are hard to turn off.
Battery-powered hand warmers
They are electrically resistive heating devices which make use of a battery charge for converting electric energy to heat and last for around 6 to 8 hours. They are meant for multi-use and offer better control over the heat. They are expensive when compared to other models.
Neither portable nor pocket size - using campfire to warm your hands!
Length of the Hike
Deciding the duration in which you hike around in cold weather will help you to plan on how to maintain your hands at optimal temperature for the entire time while being outdoors.
Check out for those models which last for the entire duration of your hiking. Try to get several pairs of disposable hiking hand warmers or buy one which can be reused by charging.
Disposable or Reusable Hiking Hand Warmers
The activated hand warmers are meant for single use while the lighter fuel ones and the rechargeable ones are battery-powered and can be used for multiple times.
There are certain battery-powered hand warmers which are having varied thermal levels (low levels up to 110 F and high levels ranging up to 120 F).
Apart from this, the battery-powered hiking hand warmers are available with some extra features like LED Flashlight and Emergency SOS Strobe Light. And due to the same, they are expensive than the air-activated warmers. So, based on your requirements, pick the best model which suits your outdoor adventure.
Ease of Use
While being in the middle of a long chilly hike, you should not get stuck up in trying to switch on your hand warming device.
Ensure that you buy that piece of device which is comfortable to use even with your tired as well as stiff fingers.
Keep in mind that, sometimes you need to operate it under freezing temperatures. Check its functionality and operations before you head out for hiking.
How to Maintain Your Hiking Hand Warmer?
One of the best ways to clean or maintain your hiking hand warmer is to wipe the surface of the device with a damp cloth or a wet cloth.
It is always advisable to clean the device after each hike to maintain the performance and the life which the manufacturer claims.
Make sure that you do not wash the device or immerse in water even if hard stains persist. You can remove the stains with a wet cloth.
Keep a note on the instructions written by the maker for cleaning the device on it packet cover as it may help you a lot.
Review of some of the Best Hand Warmers for Hiking
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Our Recommendation
HotHands Hand Warmers
The HotHands Hiking Hand warmers are those single air-activated heat packs which offers everyday warmth.
They are the best choices for keeping your hands warm while the temperature gets cold. They are available in several styles as well as designs. It provides hours of safe with natural heat for your hands while hiking.
It can be easily slipped into your gloves for providing instant comforting heat. It provides warmth which is quick and long-lasting.
Pros
Cons
Hand Warmer & Power Bank, Vshow Baby Dolphin Pocket Warmer Double-Side Heat /5200mAh
This hand warmer has got two heating warms settings with double-sided heating warms that offers warmth for both your hands.
It offers heat supply which lasts longer period of time. It heats up within 3 minutes of time and will turn off automatically after functioning for one hour. This in turn will help to save your battery life.
The charger along with it has the capacity to charge your mobile phones or any other electronic devices. There are three indicator lights in the device and this will let you know the remaining battery percentage and your heating status.
The design structure will give you better holding experience.
Features
- Best rated hiking hand warmer
- Has got large capacity
- Eco-friendly polymer battery is used
Foot Note!!!
While hiking in cold temperatures, you will need to warm up your frigid fingers in order to avoid all the serious and long-term injuries.
Hence, choosing the best hiking hand warmers is a major concern and highly depends on your personal preference and various factors like cost of the product and its purpose.
Once you have a clear-cut idea on these two factors, pick the one based on your style and enjoy hiking in chilly climates.
image Credit: amazon.com, amazon.in