I’m not stranger to cold. When I was in college in Syracuse, New York it felt like crossing the street to get to class. AntarcticaI have built my career by chasing stories where winter is often the main agenda. Swedish Lapland, the high Canadian Arctic, Hokkaido, JapanBuffalo, New York is where I visit my in-laws most often. The last seven years have been by far the most coldest part of my life. Minnesota—a place I adore precisely because locals don’t hide from Old Man Winter. They snowshoe and ski, go ice fishing, and have art festivals in frozen lakes. The right gear is essential: breathable baselayers, balaclavas which make us look like bank thieves, and most importantly, hand warmers.
I’ve relied on for a long time HotHandsThis classic has its place. I also decided to try some of the other hand warmers available on the market and compare them with my favorite. This winter, I tested a mix of disposable and rechargeable warmers during a snowy week that swung from 27°F to a teeth-clattering –5°F. I used the warmers during neighborhood walks and at outdoor markets. hiking in the woods. chasing my toddler The powdery playground is a great place to test your skills. While many rechargeable models were similar (and even made by the exact same manufacturer in China), some stood out. Here are my picks for the best handwarmers to keep you warm all winter.
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FAQ:
What are the best hand warmers brands?
HotHands is a leader in the industry for over 35 years. DeeKom is my top choice, even though the brand received two “best of show” awards in my testing. This warmer was the most user-friendly of all the warmers that I tried. The size and shape are more comfortable and the heat output is impressive. They also have five heat settings and thoughtful extras such as emergency lights.
Do reusable hand warmers really work?
If you live and work in a cold climate or travel to them often—ski trips, winter city vacations—rechargeable warmers are usually the better value. The warmers have multiple heat settings and can be turned on and off to control intensity. The disposable warmers will activate the moment they come into contact with air, and burn out their heat all at once. Disposable warmers can be more cost-effective for larger groups or trips in cold weather. These warmers are also light and easy to carry.
It’s important to note that Lithium-ion battery performance is not as good in extreme cold. You can expect to see a noticeably shorter heat duration, and a slower activation rate when standing in the cold. TSA requires that battery-powered heaters be packed in carry on bags and not checked baggage.
How were these handwarmers tested?
I tested a dozen rechargeable and disposable warmers to find out which one kept my fingers warmest for the longest time. I charged each device before using it, and then followed the manufacturer’s activation instructions. During my testing, I took note of how quickly each warmer heated and how hot they got. Also, when the warmers began to cool. I also evaluated the comfort, usability and battery life.
