For those who love exercising outdoors year-round, hand warmers can help keep you focused and comfortable on walks or runs when your fingers feel like icicles. Your hands and fingers are more susceptible to the cold since they have little fat and lots of blood vessels at the skin’s surface, so investing in one of the best hand warmers is essential, says Kevin Huffman, DO, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and licensed fitness and wellness specialist.
Hand warmers come in many forms, from disposable to battery-powered handheld units and heated gloves and mittens. When shopping, heat time, battery life, maximum temperature, and size and weight are key criteria to look for. To find the best hand warmers for your cold-weather adventures, we first spoke with three experts—an osteopathic doctor, a wilderness first responder, and a paramedic—to learn more about cold-weather safety and what features to look for when shopping. Then, we tested ten expert-approved hand warmers while running, hiking, and skiing outside in cold conditions.
How Do Hand Warmers Work?
There are two main types of hand warmers—air-activated and battery-powered (or electric). Air-activated hand warmers are made from iron powder, water, salt, and activated charcoal, among other ingredients, that when mixed and exposed to air, oxidize to produce heat. Electric hand warmers—whether handheld or pre-installed in gloves and mittens—rely on a rechargeable, battery-powered heater.
Credit: Amazon
Key Specs
Heat Source: Electric | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Heat Duration: 6-14 hours | Temperature Range: Up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for walking, commuting, skiing, and more in very cold weather conditions.
Why We Love It
Survival Frog’s Rechargeable Hand Warmers are quick to heat and maintain their temperature for a full day of outdoor adventures. When testing this hand warmer, we were shocked by how quickly they reached their maximum temperature of 130 degrees (in just 10 seconds!). The battery life was impressive, too—lasting us for five full uses on a single charge.
Along with the ergonomic design, which we found comfortable and easy to hold, we love that the warmers heat on both sides, keeping your hands extra toasty. And with three easy-to-adjust heat settings, these warmers are useful in different climates. Plus, the warmers also double as a portable charger for your devices through a USB port—a helpful safety feature if you’re on the go.
Potential Flaws
- The warmers have a long charge time: We started charging them in the afternoon, and it wasn’t until the next morning that they reached a full charge.
Most Valuable Insight
“The heating capacity and consistency of this hand warmer is really great and useful indoors (cold offices), walking around outside, and when attending outdoor events during cold winter nights.” —Elise Wojczyk Wang, Verywell Fit product tester
Credit: Amazon
Pros
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Heats quickly
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Convenient belt design
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Has a pocket for storage
Key Specs
Heat Source: Electric | Weight: 17.9 ounces | Heat Duration: 5-14 hours | Temperature Range: Up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for lounging, walks, hikes, and backpacking—especially if you prefer a heated pouch design.
Why We Love It
Unlike other hand warmers that you have to hold or fit into your pocket or glove, Ororo’s Heated Hand Muff is a cozy heated pouch that you can slip your hands right into. It comes with a removable belt (with pockets), allowing you to store your phone, workout headphones, or a satisfying snack on the go.
During testing, we found that this heated muff warms quickly and holds a charge for several hours. We love that it’s easy to adjust between the three heat settings. Plus, it’s machine-washable (without the battery), and we didn’t find any change in quality after several wears and washes.
Potential Flaws
- All together, the muff, belt, and battery feel heavier than other warmers on our list. But it’s a fair sacrifice for this warmer’s cozy comfort and helpful storage.
Most Valuable Insight
“It’s fuzzy and furry inside, which is really cozy, and the ribbed cuffs where your arms go in are snug. In addition to a battery pocket, there are two more pockets, which were able to fit my phone and AirPods.” —Phoebe Sklansky, Verywell Fit product tester
Credit: Weston
Pros
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Heat quickly
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Durable
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Comfortable
Cons
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Long charge time
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Short battery life
Key Specs
Heat Source: Electric | Weight: Not specified | Heat Duration: Up to 8 hours | Temperature Range: Up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Who They’re For
Best for shoveling snow, sledding, skiing, ice skating, and more.
Why We Love Them
Heated gloves are a solid choice if you want to stay warm while participating in activities that require your hands, like shoveling snow, sledding, skiing, and other snow sports. We love Weston’s Heated Gloves because they heat up to 130 degrees in a matter of minutes and stay consistent for several hours. We also appreciate that the three heat settings are easy to adjust.
The durable, waterproof outer layer keeps our hands dry and protected in the snow. The adjustable wrist straps are particularly helpful for blocking out the cold wind in extreme conditions. Plus, the gloves are comfortable and machine-washable.
Potential Flaws
- These gloves take up to six hours to fully charge, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
- We found that the battery only lasts up to four hours on the highest heat setting.
Most Valuable Insight
“Where these gloves excel is in effectiveness! They heated rather quickly and kept my chronically cold hands warm on the highest setting. I like that the wrist has an adjustable strap, which you can use to customize the fit.” —Michelle Parente, CYT, certified yoga sculpt teacher, and Verywell Fit product tester
Bonus Favorites
While we didn’t test the rest of the hand warmers on our list, we think they’re worth considering after thorough research. They have features and prices comparable to the hand warmers we tested and loved.
Credit: Amazon
Pros
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Lightweight
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Heats quickly
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Long heat time
Key Specs
Heat Source: Chemical reaction (iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal, wood fiber) | Weight: Less than 1 ounce | Heat Duration: Up to 10 hours | Temperature Range: Up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit
Who They’re For
Best for skiers, snowboarders, or anyone who spends many hours outside in the cold weather.
Why We Love Them
HotHands’ Hand Warmers offer a long heat time, a convenient small size, and a low price point. If you’re heading out for a long day on the ski slopes, we like that you can easily stash a pair or two in your gloves, mittens, or pockets. They average around 135 degrees F for up to 10 hours, so you can be confident they’ll last all day.
They’re also the best option when you can’t recharge a battery, like during a camping trip. Plus, we love that they’re air-activated and TSA-approved, making them an easy, no-fuss option for travel.
Potential Flaws
- You can’t control the temperature on these hand warmers, so they might heat up too much for some.
Credit: Amazon
Pros
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Heats quickly
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No charge required
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Reusable
Key Specs
Heat Source: Chemical reaction (water, sodium acetate, and metal) | Weight: 4 ounces | Heat Duration: 30-40 minutes | Temperature Range: Up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit
Who They’re For
Best for quick activities outside in cold weather, like walking your dog or practicing sprints.
Why We Love Them
Hotsnapz’s reusable Hand Warmers use a chemical reaction to heat instantly instead of a rechargeable battery. But unlike HotHands’ Hand Warmers, which have a similar heating source, these are reusable, making them a super cost-effective pick.
With a quick snap of the gel pad, these warmers heat in seconds and provide 30 to 40 minutes of warmth. To reuse, simply boil them in water for 10 to 15 minutes and let them dry. We love that they’re lightweight and can easily fit inside a glove or small pocket. Plus, they meet TSA guidelines, so you can take them with you when you travel.
Potential Flaws
- While they aren’t ideal for spending long periods in the cold, you can bring all eight with you for more than five hours of heat.
Credit: Amazon
Pros
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Heats quickly
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No charge required
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Small and lightweight
Key Specs
Heat Source: Lighter fluid | Weight: 2.6 ounces | Heat Duration: Up to 12 hours | Temperature Range: Not listed
Who It’s For
Best for a short dog walk, a quick run, or to warm up your hands after you’ve been outside.
Why We Love It
For a reusable option that doesn’t require electricity, we recommend Zippo’s Refillable Hand Warmer. Because it runs on lighter fluid, once you fill it up and light it, it stays warm until the fluid runs out, about 12 hours later. This warmer is a great option for cold-weather walking or camping when you might not have access to electricity since it’s easy to refill on the go.
It does require a flame to turn on, but once it’s activated, this warmer offers flameless heat. The outer case is metal, and we like that it comes with a pouch, so it’s easy to adjust the temperature and store the warmer for later. Plus, the slim, lightweight design fits well in small hands, gloves, and pockets.
Potential Flaws
- You can’t turn this warmer on and off, and the heat lasts for hours, so you may end up with a hot warmer when you don’t need it.
Hand Warmers We Also Tested
In total, we tested ten hand warmers, but not all of them scored well enough to earn a place on our list of top picks. While these three hand warmers had noteworthy features, they ultimately scored lower in key categories than our top picks.
- Snow Deer’s Electric Heated Gloves are very warm and kept us cozy while shoveling snow, sledding, and commuting. However, we found that they only hold a charge for two hours on the highest setting, which is not long enough for a full day of outdoor activities in the cold.
- Durable and quick to heat, Celestron Elements’ FireCel+ Hand Warmer might have been a solid choice, but we found it to be a bit bulky and too hot to hold with bare hands.
- Karecel’s Rechargeable Hand Warmers heat quickly and hold a charge for up to eight hours, but the temperature is inconsistent, sometimes getting too hot or too cold without us changing any settings.
What to Look for When Shopping for Hand Warmers
- Heat Source: There are two main types of hand warmers: disposable and reusable. Disposable options typically heat up when exposed to air. These are great for when you won’t have access to a charger, or as a backup in a pinch. Reusable hand warmers come in the form of handled devices or gloves and mittens and usually require a rechargeable battery.
- Heat Duration: Hand warmers can hold heat for anywhere from 30 minutes to 15 hours. For shorter activities like walking, a warmer with a shorter battery life may be enough. However, if you’re headed out for a full day of downhill or cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking, you will want to choose a hand warmer that stays warm for several hours.
- Size and Weight: The size and weight of hand warmers can vary, and choosing the right one for you depends on your preferred activities. Larger, heavier warmers may provide more insulation, heat, and duration—making them a good choice for sports like skiing. Smaller, lighter-weight options, including disposable warmers, may be more practical for activities like running.
- Maximum Temperature: Hand warmers can get as hot as 95 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the brand and type. Some also have settings that allow you to adjust the level of heat, so you can find one that feels comfortable and not too hot. Most electric hand warmers and gloves have three levels of heat, but some have up to six. Be mindful of how hot your hand warmer is getting over time to avoid burns.
- Additional Features: Many handheld electric hand warmers can also act as a device charger in a pinch. Some also come with a flashlight, which may be helpful in certain low-light situations. Choose a warmer that meets your needs, depending on the outdoor winter activities you enjoy doing the most.
- Charge Time: Most battery-operated hand warmers take several hours to charge. The warmers that we tested took anywhere from four to six hours in total.
When to use hand warmers.
Verywell Fit
How We Tested and Selected the Hand Warmers
To find the best hand warmers, we researched and tested dozens of options from top, trusted brands. For the pairs we select through research, we begin by speaking with experts on what features to look for and any particular products they recommend. Then, we compare dozens of best-selling, highly-rated products to find the best options on the market. When we test hand warmers, we use them indoors and outdoors in cold temperatures and winter conditions to see how they perform in the real world. As we continue to test and review more hand warmers, we keep these five key criteria in mind:
- Ease of Use: Upon unboxing, we take note of how easy it is to understand the manufacturer’s instructions and set up the hand warmers for the initial use. We also pay attention to how intuitive it is to turn the warmers on, adjust any heat settings, and use any additional features. Hand warmers receive high scores if there’s no confusion upon each use.
- Effectiveness: Effectiveness is essential when it comes to hand warmers, so this is the most important category we test for. We evaluate several components of each warmer: How quickly does it heat up? Does the temperature range seem accurate? How long does the heat last? We prioritize warmers that reflect manufacturer claims and keep us warm in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors.
- Battery Life: To test for battery life, we use each warmer for at least three hours at a time, evaluating if it lasted and how much battery was left. Hand warmers earn high scores if the battery life is accurate and consistent throughout the testing period.
- Design: Each hand warmer has a unique design, so we assess each one independently. We look at the warmer’s functions related to design, including the number of heat settings, how the unit felt and fit in our hands, and any additional features like display screens, flashlights, carrying cases, and more.
- Durability: Durability is essential when investing in any cold-weather accessory. To assess each warmer, we note whether or not it worked and maintained effectiveness through the testing period. In cases where the warmer is machine washable, we also evaluate how the unit worked after being washed. We prioritize warmers that we think will hold up well for many uses (unless they’re disposable).
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting for this story. They helped us identify the different types of hand warmers and what key features to consider when shopping. They also helped inform our testing process. While we choose products independently, expert guidance helps us make the best recommendations.
- Kevin Huffman, DO, doctor of osteopathic medicine and licensed fitness and wellness specialist
- Alexandra Roberts, wilderness first responder and member of Androscoggin Valley Search & Rescue
- Sarah Jeffries, paramedic and emergency care specialist and managing director of First Aid Course Leicester
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hand warmers safe to use?
Hand warmers are not only safe to use, but they can even help you avoid risks in emergency conditions. But you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, Jeffries says. She also recommends putting a cloth or glove in between your skin and the warmer to avoid getting burned.
How long does a hand warmer last?
It depends on the hand warmer. Disposable hand warmers may stay warm for up to 10 hours, whereas battery-powered options can last up to 18 hours on a full charge and low heat.
What hand warmers last the longest?
How long a hand warmer lasts depends on the heat setting you use (if it’s a battery-powered option). Disposable options typically last quite long, says Roberts.
Do hand warmers work in extreme cold?
Hand warmers are designed to work in very low temperatures, but their effectiveness may decrease in extreme cold, says Jeffries. Other factors such as wind and moisture can affect their performance. Jeffries recommends using hand warmers in combination with appropriate layers and insulated clothing to ensure you retain warmth throughout your whole body.
Can you take hand warmers on an airplane?
In many cases, yes, but it depends on the heating source. Disposable hand warmers that use carbon, charcoal, and iron compounds—including HotHands Hand Warmers—are TSA-approved and can be carried in either a carry-on or a checked bag. The reusable Hotsnapz Reusable Hand and Pocket Warmers, which have a similar heart source to HotHands, are also TSA-approved. Rechargeable hand warmers that use lithium-ion batteries may go in a carry-on, but may be restricted from a checked bag.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN is a writer for Verywell Fit and a registered dietitian. As an avid downhill skier living just outside of Boston, she often uses hand warmers in the colder months. When she’s on the slopes, she prefers HotHands’ Hand Warmers for their convenience, size, and heat duration.
