Whenever the cold season strikes, the main thing on everyone's mind is how to keep warm. Winter conditions can be extremely uncomfortable, and if one is not well prepared, it can be unbearable. It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention, and for sure, the cold season has necessitated the invention of various ways to stay warm, both outdoors and indoors.
The human body is designed to regulate its internal temperatures based on its external surroundings. When it is cold outside, the body works hard to generate heat for the vital organs as a self-preservation mechanism. This may mean that the hands and feet get less blood flow and consequently get very cold and numb. Physical warmth devices come in handy to solve this problem and help out the body in cases of emergencies.
There are many products on the market to ensure we all stay warm, and one of these is hand warmers. Hikers, campers, and people who generally love the outdoors need hand warmers as temperatures can change drastically in a way that even their hand gloves cannot effectively handle. There are hand warmers that can be used for both hands and feet, and in this article, we get a deeper look at what hand warmers are all about, how they work, and what to look for when considering them.
Types of Hand Warmers
Hand warmers are small devices that are portable and used to keep the hands warm during the cold season. The hand warmers can be reusable or disposable, depending on one's preference. Hand warmers are classified as either supersaturated, electric, or air-activated. Air-activated hand warmers are disposable, while supersaturated hand warmers are reusable. Electric hand warmers are classified as hand-held or pre-installed.
Air-Activated Hand Warmers
Disposable hand warmers are designed to generate heat when exposed to the air. They typically contain vermiculite, salt, cellulose, water, iron, and activated carbon in microporous pockets. These pockets allow in oxygen, which sets the entire heating process in motion. When the iron comes into contact with the oxygen, it oxidizes and releases heat. This process continues until all the iron is used up and the hand warmer job is done. Vermiculite helps absorb the water in a controlled manner so that the oxidation process continues smoothly. The activated carbon, on the other hand, ensures the heat produced is dispersed evenly so that some spots aren’t hotter than others and also regulates the speed of the reaction. Adding more or less iron to the mixture determines how long the hand warmer can keep the user warm.
Disposable hand warmers are a great way to instantly heat your hands, especially when one is outdoors. The beauty of these hand warmers is that they can also be attached to other parts of the body such as the thighs, to heat up the body as needed.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Instant warm-up solution
Cons:
- Not Eco-friendly
- Only used once
- Not suitable in wet situations
Supersaturated Hand Warmers
These reusable hand warmers contain a sodium acetate solution that is supersaturated to release heat as it crystallizes. There is a metal strip inside the hand warmer that bends to release small amounts of metal, which act as nucleation ports for the crystals to form. In order to reuse them, one only needs to boil them in water so that the crystals can liquify again. This whole process is repeated anytime one wants to use these types of hand warmers.
Pros:
- Reusable
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Diminishing dexterity
- Only reusable with hot water
Electric Hand Warmers
Electric hand warmers can be hand-held or pre-installed in gloves and mittens. They rely on rechargeable battery-powered heaters. They use lithium-ion batteries that can be charged from a USB power supply. This category of hand warmers is especially preferred by campers or people who are into outdoor spaces a lot and can reach temperatures up to 150°F. The hand warmers are easily chargeable using portable power stations while on the go and can be charged over 500 times.
Pros:
- Rechargeable
- Long-lasting
- Eco friendly
Cons:
- Bulky compared to disposable options
- Overheating potential
Below is a summary of the three types of hand warmers
|
Feature |
Air-Activated Hand Warmers |
Supersaturated Hand Warmers |
Electric Hand Warmers |
|
Core Mechanism |
Oxidation of iron with oxygen |
Supersaturated sodium acetate solution |
Battery-powered heaters |
|
Reusability |
Single-use |
Reusable (requires boiling) |
Rechargeable (500+ charges) |
|
Duration of Heat |
Varies depending on the amount of iron |
Shorter duration |
Long-lasting (dependent on battery) |
|
Weight |
Lightweight |
Lightweight |
Bulkier compared to other options |
|
Temperature |
Moderate heat |
Moderate heat |
Can reach up to 150°F |
|
Best For |
Quick, disposable heating |
Reusable option with some prep needed |
Outdoor adventurers and frequent users |
|
Cost |
Affordable |
Affordable |
Higher initial cost |
How to Choose the Ideal Hand Warmer
Several factors should be considered when choosing the type of hand warmers to work with.
Heat Level Capacity
Different activities require different heat levels. A mountain climber will have higher heat needs than someone camping out in the woods. Most hand warmers come with several heat settings that can be adjusted accordingly.
Portability and Fit
The hand warmer chosen should comfortably fit inside the gloves or mittens for comfort and also to ensure heat is evenly distributed for maximum efficiency. The hand warmer and the accompanying power bank/station should be easily portable.
Reusability
Air-activated hand warmers are disposable, while supersaturated hand warmers are reusable but need boiling to reset. In contrast, electric hand warmers are highly convenient for tech-savvy users, requiring only recharging to be reused. To keep electric hand warmers functional during extended outdoor activities like camping or hiking, having a reliable charging solution is crucial. It takes 3–4 hours to charge a hand warmer on the go using a portable power station.
A high-quality portable power station ensures your hand warmer is always ready when you need it. When choosing one, prioritize models that support multiple devices, have a long-lasting battery, and offer fast charging capabilities.
The BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station stands out for its versatility, durability, and efficiency. It can charge multiple devices simultaneously, allowing you to power your hand warmers, phones, and other essentials with ease. Using a portable power station with fast charging capabilities, such as the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2, can significantly reduce the charging time, making it more convenient for on-the-go use. Whether you're embarking on a rugged adventure or enjoying a cozy evening outdoors, this power station is a dependable companion to keep your devices charged and ready.
Environmental Impact
Go for reusable hand warmers where sustainability is a major concern. Electric hand warmers are the best option to address this concern.
Precautions
Several precautions should be noted when using hand warmers to ensure the safety of the user at all times. Some of these considerations include;
- The hand warmer should meet all the regulatory requirements of the regulatory bodies to ensure maximum safety.
- Hand warmers should not be in contact with your skin for prolonged periods, as this can cause rashes or even burns. It is advisable to always have a cloth material between the skin and the hand warmer.
- Hand warmers are highly flammable, and one should be careful not to puncture them or let them come into contact with open flames. The inside components are also toxic and should be kept away from children.
- Hand warmers should not be charged while placed on soft surfaces such as the couch or mattresses. This could lead to fire incidents. It is advisable to use hard surfaces, such as tables, that cannot retain heat.
- Always follow the user instructions set by the manufacturer since there may be some product-specific instructions for particular hand warmers.
- Avoid putting the hand warmers in a microwave for whatever reason.
- If the hand warmer will be used in wet environments, ensure it meets all the safety standards to avoid the risk of electrocution.
- Damaged hand warmers should be properly disposed of as they contain toxic materials.
- Always choose the right gloves for use with hand warmers. Some glove fabrics transfer heat poorly or even cause the glove to overheat. The right fabric should be lightweight and should allow even distribution of heat.
Conclusion
Hand warmers are a quick way to keep warm when gloves may not be up to the job. Disposable and reusable hand warmers can quickly generate heat for use for around 7 hours and are best for emergencies to raise hand and foot temperatures. When it comes to electric hand warmers, it is advisable to have a portable power station that can easily charge the warmer on the go. While hand warmers may look easy to use, it is important to follow safety precautions to avoid accidents such as burns on the hands. Overall, the choice of a hand warmer is largely dependent on the needs of the user.
