Recommendations for hand warmers

[James C.]

It's now winter (in the Northern Hemisphere, at least), and I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for hand warmers.

I'm considering getting one of the rechargeable models, but I'm worried about reliability and safety. (Some of the one's I've seen online go up to 131ºF, which seems like they could be rather risky to have in your pocket.)

What experiences have you had? What would you recommend and what would you avoid?

Thanks.

 

[BillW]

I’ve used both chemical handwarmers and electric ones. The chemical ones are easier to put in a mitten/glove or boot.

I got a pair of electric ones last year for a trip to Seal River on Hudson Bay. The trip leader recommended electric ones, but not a specific model. I got a pair of Celesteon Elements warmers. They also can function as a power bank (I’ve used that) and a white or red flashlight. Seemed to work fine.

 

[Woody Meristem]

I normally use chemical handwarmers inside my mittens but also have a light glove on my hand and sometimes use two handwarmers per hand if it's really cold. One caveat with chemical handwarmers is that there's an occasional and very rare dud that never gets warm (probably the result of an air leak in the package) and I've had a few that get too hot for comfort, so take more than you expect to use. I've also used the kind that take lighter fluid, they're rather bulky and you'd need to take a volatile and very flammable fluid or buy it at your destination. The chemical handwarmers probably won't warm your hands if they get really cold (they never have for me) but would usually keep your hands from getting really cold, they do take some minutes to begin generating heat and usually last 4-8 hours, although some are larger and good for 12 hours, and gradually stop generating heat. We bought a rechargable handwarmer for our son who works outdoors and back-country skis all winter but he prefers the chemical version.

 

[ajrmd]

FWIW, I suffer bitterly from the cold with my hands and have tried all sorts of approaches. The chemical warmers are easiest and most reliable though as others have observed you’ll come across the occasional dud or one that doesn’t work well. They are thin and can be placed in between gloves and liners. There are heated gloves but you’ll have to wade through the junk and they are usually a bit bulky for my liking. Instead, I bought a pair of these electric liners and they worked well for me. My usual routine is to wear a pair of gloves over the top and then pull off the right glove while actively shooting and the electric liner seems to keep my hand warm. I can’t speak to the durability of these as my last pair were stolen at a lodge along with my gloves and I’ve only recently ordered another pair. It will be interesting to hear other folks solutions.

 

[Fishboy1952]

I have never had the need to use hand warmers during photography, but I made several flyfishing trips on the Green River in Utah. It got pretty cold trying to cast from a drift boat in the middle of winter. The chemical warmers worked great and helped me maintain the dexterity I needed. I have never tried the electric ones, but the chemical warmers met my needs. And the fishing was good, even during a blizzard!

 

[NorthernFocus]

The chemical version are simple and can be used for both hands and feet. Not sure about where you live but here our Costco sells them in a box of 100 for $20 or so. You can keep hands and feet warm all day for under a dollar. One thing to be aware of is that they do have a shelf life. If you buy them check the "use by" date.