We Tested the 7 Best Hand Warmers for Cold Weather
Updated: Apr. 10, 2024
Gloves alone aren't always going to cut it, so grab one of the best hand warmers to stay cozy during the winter. See which ones our experts recommend.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Fuzzy mittens are a cute winter accessory, especially for those who live in tundra-like climates, but sometimes you need something with a little more oomph to keep your hands and fingers warm. That’s where the best hand warmers come into play.
“Hand warmers are a supplemental tool for comfort and can prevent frostbite in extremely cold conditions,” says Gracjan Poniatowski, an outdoors enthusiast. “However, they should be part of a broader strategy to stay warm, including proper clothing and staying active to maintain body heat.”
We’re not just talking about HotHands, though they’re still a great option for anyone who needs extra warmth while out in the cold. We’ve tested seven hand warmers over a month in chilly temperatures on hikes, everyday walks with the dogs and in the house on chilly days. We tested disposable and rechargeable hand warmers to see which ones heated up the quickest and provided the most hours of warmth. Here are the ones you should add to your cold-weather workwear.
Anthony O'reilly For Family Handyman
Best Overall Hand Warmer
Ocoopa Quick-Charge Hand Warmers
The Ocoopa quick-charge hand warmer is a fan-favorite on TikTok with thousands of positive reviews—and it was hands down the best-performing hand warmer out of the ones we tested. I loved that it was slimmer than other rechargeable hand warmers, so it could easily fit in my pocket or camping bag and not take up much space. Plus, the heat is very warm without being so hot that it starts to feel uncomfortable. It can be used for keeping warm while the car de-ices to nighttime walks.
This rechargeable hand warmer has three heat levels, with the highest reaching up to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. The USB-C port can also be used to charge your phone or laptop. It was the fastest-charging electronic hand warmer I tested and has an eight-hour battery life, depending on usage.
Pros
- Reaches up to 131 degrees Fahrenheit
- Three heat levels
- Quick-charging
- Can be used to charge phones
- Easily fits in pockets and bags
Cons
-
Not the best battery life
Anthony O'reilly For Family Handyman
Best Budget Hand Warmer
HotHands Hand Warmers
Even with all the advances in hand warmer technology, there’s still a place and time for the original HotHands hand warmers. I lived with a pair of them in my hands at all times when my old house had insulation issues that made it feel like an Arctic ice box, and I’m convinced they saved me. Thank you, HotHands.
Are they hotter than rechargeable hand warmers? No, but they can last for 10 hours and are still warm. The toe warmers were new to me, but even after using them once to walk the dog at night, I’m a big fan.
Pros
- Affordable
- Last 10 hours
- No electricity needed
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved
Cons
-
Single-use
via merchant
Best Reusable Hand Warmer
HotSnapZ Reusable Hand Warmers
The HotSnapZ reusable hand warmers were made for people who want to reuse chemical hand warmers instead of throwing them away after each use, or for anyone who needs instant heat. You simply snap the internal activation disc and an instant chemical reaction produces heat that can reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than enough to keep your digits warm, though they only last for up to 40 minutes.
I’ve reached for these every morning to alleviate the cold hands I have due to iron-deficiency anemia. The quick reaction means I only have to wait a second before I get to keep the cold away, and I only need to boil them for a few minutes to make them reusable. My one callout is the disc gets more sensitive each time you use it, so keep that in mind if you plan on throwing these best hand warmers in a bag.
Pros
- Can be used more than once
- Instant heat
- Affordable
- No electricity
Cons
- Only lasts 40 minutes
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Best Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Survival Frog QuickHeat Pro Rechargeable Hand Warmer
A 14-hour battery life and a 9,000 milliampere-hour (mAh) lithium battery are the two things that make the Survival Frog hand warmer the best rechargeable hand warmer on the market. I have large hands, so I like the bulkier feel of this hand warmer compared to others, but that might not be best for you.
The powerful battery allows the two lower heat levels to feel just as hot as the maximum setting on other options, which could extend the battery life. The only reason I didn’t name this my top hand warmer is the eight-hour charging time, but I love that it can be used to charge your other devices and comes with a lanyard. It’s worth putting on your cold-weather wish list.
Pros
- 14-hour battery life
- Three heat levels
- Includes a lanyard
- Can be used as a power bank
Cons
- Bulkier design not for everyone
Anthony O'reilly For Family Handyman
Best Catalytic Hand Warmer
Zippo 12-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer
The Zippo hand warmer is a smart pick for hunters, winter campers or anyone else who spends a lot of time outside in frigid temperatures. This giant Zippo is filled with lighter fluid and lit—a catalytic process then creates heat for up to 12 hours, depending on how much fuel you’ve used.
Most people place the Zippo with its carrying case in their jacket to feel warm while outside. It hasn’t gotten that cold in North Carolina as of this writing, but as a hand warmer it works well. Be warned: There’s no way to stop the heat, so it’s best to leave it in its pouch on a fireproof surface until all the fuel is burned.
Pros
- Doesn’t use electricity
- Reusable
- Lightweight
- Lighter fluid included
Cons
-
Can’t turn off heat
Anthony O'reilly For Family Handyman
Best Hand Warmer for Walks
Orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer
The Orastone rechargeable hand warmer lives by my girlfriend’s dog’s leash and collar, because it is the perfect hand warmer for walks. It’s small, has an included lanyard and gives off 107 degrees Fahrenheit of heat—all of which make me more willing to extend Brodie’s walks, which in turn makes him happy. Everyone wins.
Another reason I recommend this for walks is the light-emitting diode (LED) light, which can be great for cold-weather emergencies or finding your dog’s “business” during night walks. The battery life is only four hours, but on the bright side, it only takes three hours to fully charge.
Pros
- Small and only weighs 2.4 ounces
- Reaches up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit
- Only take three hours to fully charge
- LED light
- Included lanyard
Cons
-
Four-hour battery life
Anthony O'reilly For Family Handyman
Best Hand Warmer for Hunting
Savior Heat Electric Heating Hand Warmer Pouch
Your hands are instantly warm the second you place them in the Savior Heat electric hand warmer pouch, and toasty as soon as the heating element kicks in. Yup, it’s essentially a heated fanny pack with three levels of heat that reaches up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Like a fanny pack, it also comes with internal storage.
While I haven’t had a chance to properly test this electric hand warmer, I can attest that the heat is impressive and would certainly hold up during a winter hike or a tailgating party. Yes, it’s a little expensive, but it’s made with high-quality materials that are water- and tear-resistant.
Pros
- Waistband design
- Three heat levels
- Internal storage
- Lasts up to 12.5 hours on low
Cons
-
Pricey
What to Look for When Buying a Hand Warmer
The first thing to look for when buying a hand warmer is the type that’s best for your needs. If you’re someone who only gets a handful of cold days, you’re better off going with a disposable hand warmer because a large pack of them is affordable. “Get a large multi-pack for convenience and cost savings over time,” says Jason Ingamells, an outdoors specialist. Disposable hand warmers can also be placed in gloves and hiking boots to provide heat for up to 10 hours to our limbs, which can help promote blood flow and prevent frostbite.
Go for an electric rechargeable hand warmer if you need a reliable source of heat—and a lot of it. Most electric hand warmers go above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the best can reach up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s not enough to burn skin, though you should always limit direct skin contact with high temperatures.
“Our hands are useful for so much when traveling, and not having access to those skills can be a massive problem if you are doing any dangerous tasks,” says Will Hatton, founder and CEO of The Broke Backpacker.
Look for an electric hand warmer with adjustable heat settings, a battery indicator and a battery life of at least six hours.
Types of Hand Warmers
There are three main types of hand warmers: disposable, electric and catalytic. There’s no “best” type, it just depends on what your climate and activities look like.
- Disposable hand warmers: This type, such as HotHands, are good for those who need long-term heat. The air-activated packets take about 15 to 20 minutes to fully activate, but they’ll last for up to 10 hours. They’re also small enough to fit in gloves or boots to help further promote blood flow to your fingers and toes.
- Electric/rechargeable hand warmers: These can reach temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with the industry standard being around 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Electric hand warmers are powered by a lithium-ion battery, which may malfunction if exposed to freezing temperatures. “Rechargeable electric hand warmers are perfect for those expecting prolonged periods out in the cold, like camping trips or hunting expeditions,” says Mike Millerson, founder of SurviveNature. “It’s essential to select a device with dependable battery life, preferably one offering dual-sided heat and adjustable temperature controls for versatility.” This type is also good for those with iron-deficiency anemia, peripheral cyanosis or anyone else with a condition that causes cold hands.
- Catalytic hand warmers: These work through a chemical reaction that burns chemicals at a lower temperature to produce heat without a flame. The good news is you can get up to 12 hours of heat with a catalytic hand warmer, but the bad news is there’s no way to stop it. The heat will only stop once all the fuel is burned.
Why You Should Trust Us
I have cold hands due to a condition called iron-deficiency anemia, so I’m always looking for ways to keep my hands warm. That’s why I’m able to provide hands-on (pun intended) experience with the best rechargeable hand warmers, disposable hand warmers and more. These aren’t first-glance impressions, they’re results based on a month of continuous use and experimentation.
I also heard from more than 10 hunters, hikers and other outdoors people who have used these hand warmers while on the trail. They gave us their opinions on the different types and provided some insights on what to look for when shopping for a hand warmer.
How We Got a Hand(le) on the Best Hand Warmers
After researching customer reviews and specs of more than 10 hand warmers, we put our prints all over seven of them. That’s right, we tested every hand warmer we recommended above to ensure they actually deliver. When it came to rechargeable hand warmers, we looked for models that provided at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit of heat, dual-side heating and adjustable heat levels. We wanted electric hand warmers with a four-hour charging time and eight-hour battery life, and ideally have a second feature, such as an external charging port or an LED light.
We also made sure the hand warmers were safe and did not present any risk to the user, such as getting too hot or an unreliable battery. Lastly, we spoke with outdoors experts to hear what people with years of experience with hand warmers had to say so we could develop an informed opinion on our top picks.
FAQ
What are the types of hand warmers?
There are three main types of hand warmers: disposable air-activated hand warmers that produce heat for 10 hours, electric/rechargeable hand warmers that can provide heat for four to eight hours and catalytic hand warmers that produce heat by burning lighter fluid without a flame.
Why do people use hand warmers?
People use hand warmers for many reasons, such as while hunting in the winter or walking the dog while it’s cold outside, but the underlying theme is keeping blood flowing to your fingers. The heat can help prevent extreme cold from restricting blood flow to your fingers, which can result in loss of feeling or frostbite. People may also use it if they have a condition that causes cold hands, such as iron-deficiency anemia.
Sources:
- Gracjan Poniatowski, an outdoors enthusiast
- Jason Ingamells, an outdoors specialist
- Will Hatton, founder and CEO of The Broke Backpacker
- Mike Millerson, founder of SurviveNature
Originally Published: January 10, 2024
