When dealing with cold weather or freezing locations like a warehouse, one of the first areas that we often feel the dropping temperature is in our hands. Frostbite often begins in our extremities, including hands, noses, ears and toes. While mild cases of frostbite can heal on their own, more extreme cases can result in blood clots and amputation. An easy way to keep hands and fingers warm is with hand warmers, which come in a variety of styles and options.
While staying outdoors in freezing temperatures with adequate outerwear can make cold weather bearable, even the best gloves and mittens can use a little help. Hand warmers are a great way to warm your hands if you’re prone to having cold fingers or you suffer from poor circulation.
Avoiding cold weather can be difficult if you live in a climate with four seasons. Even those in warm areas may deal with cold on a daily basis depending on health issues like poor circulation or their job, with many people working in cold warehouses or factories. From tailgate parties to camping, spending the day on the ski hill or commuting to work or school, cold hands are never comfortable. Keep your digits toasty with one of these long-lasting hand warmers below.
1. KARECEL Rechargeable Hand Warmers
The KARECEL Rechargeable Hand Warmer is more than just a hand warmer, it’s a recharging device as well. This hand warmer can charge your electronics while it keeps your hands warm. With the ability to adjust the heat level and a strong battery life, this hand warmer checks every box on our list.
Pros: Comes in 3 colors, is multi-functional, has a built-in intelligent protection system that helps with safety when in use.
Cons: It’s the most expensive on our list.
2. HotSnapZ Hand Warmers
For a hand warmer that is reusable and doesn’t require a lighter or electricity to ignite, we recommend the HotSnapZ Hand Warmer. Simply snap the warmers to activate the heating properties, with each warmer reaching a max temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The pack comes with four pocket warmers, which can stay warm for up to 60 minutes, and four hand warmers, which can stay warm for up to 40 minutes.
Pros: After using the HotSnapZ, recharge them by placing the warmers in boiling water for 15 minutes and then removing and allowing them to cool. This reactivates the warming function and the HotSnapZ are once again ready to be used, thus cutting down on landfill waste.
Cons: HotSnapz don’t have the same extended heating time as the Zippo or HotHands. Because the HotSnapz must be boiled to be reactivated, they aren’t ideal for traveling or camping when access to a stove is difficult.
3. HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack
If you want to keep your hands hot while traveling, the TSA-approved HotHands Hand Warmer is the best option. Lightweight and long-lasting, the individually packed hand warmers come in a ten-pack and are portable and perfect for taking up limited room in a jacket, suitcase, camping gear and more. The compact 2” x 3.5” warmers can fit into any glove or mitten and provide quick and natural heat once exposed to air.
Pros: HotHands can provide up to 18 hours of heat and are small enough that they can fit into pockets, shoes, and more. They also have an impressive four-year shelf life.
Cons: HotHands are single-use hand warmers.