If you’re going to be outside for extended periods in the winter your going to need a little extra protection. Our buying guide will provide our top choices for the best hand warmers available. Before we get started lets look at the different types we’ll be covering.
Types Of Hand Winters
Disposable Hand Warmers – This type of hand warmer works from a chemical reaction. You either shake or break a packet within the hand warmer to create the reaction. They will last for 8-10 hours and then you just throw them away. If you want to be a little greener take a look at other options below.
Oil Powered Hand Warmers – This type of hand warmer is normally known as the Zippo hand warmer. Thinks of a Zippo lighter without the flame. Fill the metal container with zippo oil, light and you get about 12 hours of heat. When it runs out just refill and you’re good to go.
Battery Powered Rechargeable Hand Warmers – If you’re looking for no mess and green benefits, then battery power may be the way to go. The hand warmers on our list come with batteries that will last from 5 to 7 hours and can charge your phone.
Reusable Salt Reaction Hand Warmers – The Hotsnapz Gel hand warmers use a reaction sodium acetate crystals to provide heat. The good thing about these is they are reusable, the bad thing about these is that they have to be boiled in hot water for about 10 minutes to use again and they only last about 30 minutes.
Related: 10 Of The Best Men’s Parkas For Winter
First up on our list is probably my favorite hand warmer. If you don’t mind the oil fill up process the Zippo will provide twelve hours of heat plus a whole lot of coolness factor.
Zippo Hand Warmers
If you want a handwarmer you can use over and over again, the Zippo Hand Warmer ($16) is going to be your best bet. The Zippo hand warmer has a slim sleek design that will fit into any pocket. To use all you do is fill with your Zippo lighter fluid, put a flame on the catalytic burner for about 10 seconds and once it starts glowing you’re good to go. Put the cap back on and you have up to 12 hours of warm toasty hands. This warmer is perfect for ball games, hunters, fisherman, or other outdoorsmen.
HotHands Hand Warmers 40 Pair Value Pack
The HotHands Hand Warmers 40 Pair Value Pack ($31) will keep your hand nice an toasty all winter. The Hothands are probably the best disposable hand warmers available. To use just remove the warmer from the out package, and shake to activate. It takes about 15 minutes for the warmer to heat up and if the heat starts to decline just give it a shake to reactivate. If you’re going tailgating, or planning on camping or hiking these make great additions to your arsenal.
FourHeart Portable Power Bank Hand Warmer
The FourHeart Portable Power Bank Hand Warmer ($23) is an electric handwarmer that will provide up to 6.5 hours of hand warming. Both sides warm up and the case is made out of premium aluminum and ABS. To use just charge via USB and press a single button. The Power Bank has three temperature settings: Low (107F): 6.5 hrs, Medium (118F): 5.8 hrs, and High (131F): 5 hrs. It also comes in six color options: rose, gold, silver, blue and black.
EnergyFlux Ellipse Hand Warmer
The EnergyFlux Ellipse Hand Warmer ($35) is a rechargeable battery powered hand warmer. The 5200mAh battery can take over 500 charges and has two temperature settings of 107°F and 118°F. The battery will stay charged from 5 to 6.5 hours depending on your temperature setting and can also charge your phone.
Human Creations EnergyFlux Enduro 7800mAh Hand Warmer
The Human Creations EnergyFlux Enduro 7800mAh Hand Warmer ($40) is a 3-in-1 tool. It can act as a hand warmer, backup battery, and a 55-lumen flashlight. With its 7800mAh battery and two temperature settings (Low (109F) and High (115F)), it can last from 6.5 hours to 7 hours. Additional features include a light indicator for battery power and heat settings and a micro B USB to USB cable. If you’re going to be out in the cold for extended periods and are looking for a USB hand warmer with a little bit more warming time the Enduro may be the one for you.
Hotsnapz Gel Hand Warmers
The Hotsnapz Gel Hand Warmers ($22) are reusable hand warmers that contain water, a small metal disc, and sodium acetate. When you click the disk in the pad it triggers precipitation of the sodium acetate crystals. The precipitation releases the energy that raises the temperature of the pouch to a maximum of 130F. The reaction will last between 30-40 minutes and you recharge them by boiling in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. The cool thing is the process is repeatable indefinitely. You get instant heat with no requirement of electricity or oil refills.
M12 Cordless Realtree XTRA Camo Hand Warmer
If you’re looking for a more conventional hard warmer check out the M12 Cordless Realtree XTRA Camo Hand Warmer ($70). It’s a combination hunting hand muff and a battery powered hand warmer. It features wind and water resistance with a high loft insulation and thermal fleece lining that protects hands and maintains dexterity in extremely cold conditions. The Lithium-Ion battery will run up to 6 hours.
