If you’re heading outdoors this winter, make sure only the top-rated hand warmers are on your gear list. Reusable hand warmers have come a long way. We rounded up the most popular hand warmers and put them through rigorous hands-on testing. Using a stopwatch and thermometer, we evaluated their performance to determine which ones deliver reliable warmth, where they fall short, and which are best for everything from tailgating to hunting or simply staying cozy during your winter adventures. So, let’s explore the best reusable hand warmer options on Amazon with the National Park Shops through the following review!
Contents
- 1 Best Overall for Rechargeable: OCOOPA UT3 PRO Magnetic Rechargeable Hand Warmers ($36.99 on Amazon)
- 2 The Best Hand Warmer: Zippo HeatBank 9s ($28.99 on Amazon)
- 3 Best Reusable Hand Warmers: HotSnapZ Hand Warmers ($21.99 on Amazon)
- 4 Best Budget: Gutimo Rechargeable Hand Warmers ($19.99 on Amazon)
- 5 Hot To Go Reusable Heat Packs ($22.99 on Amazon)
- 6 Zippo 12-Hour Hand Warmer ($19.99 on Amazon)
- 7 Clik Clak Reusable Heat Packs – Set of 8 ($14.99 on Amazon)
- 8 How do reusable hand warmers work?
- 9 How we tested the best reusable hand warmers
- 10 Conclusion
Best Overall for Rechargeable: OCOOPA UT3 PRO Magnetic Rechargeable Hand Warmers ($36.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Aluminum
- Recommended Uses For Product: Camping, Hiking, Skiing, Snowboarding
- Battery Description: Lithium-Ion
Unlike most electric rechargeable hand warmers, the OCOOPA UT3 PRO stands out by offering two separate units that can heat and charge independently or magnetically connect when needed. Each unit features four heat settings, heats up in seconds, and reaches temperatures up to 136°F. As with all rechargeable hand warmers, battery life can be affected by extreme cold or moisture, and proper care is needed to avoid damage.
However, their compact design makes this reusable hand warmer ideal for slipping into jacket pockets, keeping them protected while providing maximum warmth. When used separately, both units heat on all sides, but when connected magnetically, only the outer panels remain warm an energy-saving feature. While the magnetic connection is handy for storage, we preferred using the units independently for optimal warmth in each hand or pocket.
>> Related articles that you may be interested in: 7 Best Portable Heaters For Camping
The Best Hand Warmer: Zippo HeatBank 9s ($28.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery Capacity: 5200 Milliamp Hours
- Charging Time: 9 Hours
If you’re searching for a reusable hand warmer that’s low on plastic waste, heats up quickly, and offers more warmth than typical disposable options, the Zippo HeatBank 9 is an excellent choice.
In our tests, the HeatBank reached its maximum temperature of 120°F in just about a minute – significantly faster than disposable warmers, which rely on a slower oxidation process. The aluminum casing transfers heat directly to your hands, making it feel noticeably hotter than any disposable warmer we tried.
The HeatBank 9 also doubles as a portable power bank, featuring a 5,200 mAh lithium-ion battery that can charge a smartphone up to one and a half times. Keep in mind, though, that its charging capacity decreases if you’re using it for warmth at the same time.
Best Reusable Hand Warmers: HotSnapZ Hand Warmers ($21.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Plastic – PVC
- Upper Temperature Rating: 130 Degrees Fahrenheit
- Warranty Description: Full 30 day warranty
HotSnapZ Hand Warmers generate heat up to 130°F through a simple chemical reaction. To activate, you press and bend a small device inside the pouch until it clicks, instantly triggering the reaction. Our testers found this process fascinating – the clear gel turns cloudy within seconds, followed by a comforting wave of warmth. Definitely fun to watch!
On the downside, HotSnapZ falls short in terms of practicality. The largest warmers only stay hot for about 2 hours, while the smaller, pocket-sized ones last just 30 minutes. This is disappointing compared to most hand warmers we tested, which offer at least 8 hours of heat. However, HotSnapZ still outperformed the similar Reusable Hand Warmers, which barely managed 20 minutes of warmth.
>> Related articles that you may be interested in: 7 Best Snow Chains For Boots: For Men & Women
Best Budget: Gutimo Rechargeable Hand Warmers ($19.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Metal
- Upper Temperature Rating: 3 Degrees Fahrenheit
- Charging Time: 3 Hours
The Gutimo Rechargeable Hand Warmers are designed to provide warmth during outdoor activities like hunting, golf, and camping. These small, portable 2-in-1 hand warmers are made from durable aluminum. They can be used independently or combined to warm both hands simultaneously.
These reusable hand warmers have a long-lasting 12-hour heat supply and an intelligent heating system controlled by premium chipsets, ensuring a quick 3-second warm-up. They also feature three temperature levels for personalized comfort. While they are palm-friendly, their small size may not be suitable for larger hands. A built-in flashlight is included. One test indicated the Gutimo lasted 4.7 hours on high and 7.5 hours on low.
Hot To Go Reusable Heat Packs ($22.99 on Amazon)
- Number of Items: 8
- Special Feature: Portable, Reusable
- Use for: Hand
The Hot To Go Reusable Hand Warmers closely resemble the Hot SnapZ Hand Warmers and offer an affordable, no-frills solution for keeping your hands warm. The main differences between these two products lie in their heat retention time and overall durability. Each Hot To Go set includes four small circular heat packs and four larger rectangular ones. The circular packs work well as pocket or mitten warmers, while the rectangular ones are too big for most pockets but ideal for relieving minor muscle pain.
Our primary use for these reusable hand warmers was keeping our hands toasty on brisk dog walks. During several weeks of testing in an average outdoor temperature of 34°F, we found that Hot To Go warmers stayed warm for up to 24 minutes before hardening and cooling down. They were fully cold by the 34-minute mark, with this duration being the longest achieved on the first activation.
Each reactivation led to slightly shorter heating times since the crystal formation process became less intense with repeated use. When used indoors for muscle relief, both sizes lasted a bit longer, averaging about 30 minutes.
>> Related articles that you may be interested in: 7 Best Winter Ear Muffs for Outdoor Activities
Zippo 12-Hour Hand Warmer ($19.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Canvas
It might feel a bit odd to carry a lit container of lighter fluid in your pocket, but with the Zippo 12-Hour, you won’t regret it. True to its name, this hand warmer lasts up to 12 hours and sometimes even longer. To activate the catalytic heating process, you’ll need to fill the fuel funnel, remove the catalytic burner, add fuel to the tank, replace the burner, and light it with a standard lighter. While setup requires a few extra steps, we found it well worth the effort. Once lit, it provides steady warmth, making it a dependable choice for long days outside.
Slip the Zippo into your jacket pocket during a cold-weather hike or a chilly evening at camp. Just keep in mind that once it’s lit, you can’t turn it off until the fuel runs out. We quickly learned to control how much fuel we added based on how long we planned to be outdoors, making sure to avoid running out too soon. Unlike electric or battery-powered hand warmers that can fail in extreme cold, the Zippo 12-Hour runs continuously, even when temperatures drop. Its longevity makes it one of the most reliable designs available.
Clik Clak Reusable Heat Packs – Set of 8 ($14.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Plastic
- Upper Temperature Rating: 1.3E+2 Degrees Fahrenheit
- Included Components: 8 Hand Warmers
The Clik Clak reusable hand warmers are designed to provide instant pain relief and warmth, with a set of 8 gel pack pads. These pads can heat up to 130°F (53°C) in seconds and can also be used as comfortable hand warmers. They retain heat for up to one hour and are made with a non-slippery, tear-resistant material. The heat pads are soft and bendable for adaptable body application.
Similar reusable heat packs utilize a gel solution composed of water, vinegar, and baking soda. Inside each pack is a small stainless steel disc; clicking this disc starts a crystallization process in the gel, causing the pack to heat up. These packs are non-electric, non-toxic, and reusable, offering a safer alternative to electric heating pads. To reset them for reuse, instructions are provided to return them to their original state.
>> Read More: The 8 Best Durable Winter Hiking Hats on Amazon (Tested)
How do reusable hand warmers work?
On chilly days, reusable hand warmers can be a lifesaver for cold fingers. Surprisingly, the science behind their function is quite simple:
- Each hand warmer contains a solution of sodium acetate dissolved in water. This solution is ‘super-saturated,’ meaning it has been heated to hold more sodium acetate than it would at room temperature, making it highly prone to crystallization.
- When you flex the internal metal disc, tiny fragments of metal are released, creating ‘nucleation sites’ where crystals quickly start to form.
- As the crystals expand, the stored heat from the solution is released in an exothermic reaction, warming the hand warmer to about 54°C.
- To reset the hand warmer for reuse, boil it in a pot of water until the crystals dissolve and the solution returns to its liquid state.
How we tested the best reusable hand warmers
Our editors and gear testers are well-acquainted with long, harsh winters. But like everyone else, we’re not fans of frozen, numb fingers. That’s why we’ve dedicated plenty of time to testing and selecting the best winter gloves, and reusable hand warmers. After all, hand warmers feel right at home in the snug pockets of the warmest winter jackets.
Hand warmers serve a simple purpose. While they can’t replace your body’s natural heat (remember to eat and stay hydrated!), they offer welcome relief when you’re stuck out in the cold without much movement.
To find the top-performing reusable hand warmers, we tested a range of disposable and electronic models, along with a catalytic option. Using a stopwatch and thermometer, we placed each warmer inside the pocket of a well-insulated down jacket and recorded the ambient temperature after 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Reusable hand warmers are a game-changer for anyone who loves staying cozy in cold weather while reducing waste. These handy devices offer reliable warmth on-demand and can be used repeatedly, making them a more sustainable alternative to disposable options. Whether you’re braving winter hikes, enjoying outdoor sports, or just trying to stay warm on chilly commutes, they’re a practical and eco-friendly solution. So, gear up, stay warm, and make the most of your outdoor adventures, without compromising comfort or sustainability!
