HeatMax HotHands-2
David Coursey, N5FDL
Tue, December 2, 2008 at 12:16PM
HeatMax HotHands-2HeatMax HotHands or their equivalent will not be a new item to most of you, but this is a reminder and the price I paid for these—at Wal-Mart, of all places—is quite good.
What is it? Each HotHands consists of a foil pouch that contains a white, ventilated pouch containing a mix of iron powder, salt, charcoal, and vermiculite that creates heat for several hours when exposed to oxygen in the air.
I am just back from the store and found a six-pack of these 2.25-by-4-inch hand warmers (three two-packs) for less than $1.75. I Googled around and that was easily the best price I could find.
The pouches take 15-30 minutes to heat up and remain warm until the chemical reaction ends. There are models that work for 6-15 hours, based on size of the pouch.
The pouches are often used in a pocket, though you can also put them in gloves. There are special versions of the product for use in shoes, ski apparel, and survival applications.
The SurvivalHeat model is a 9-by-13-inch warmer that sells for $5-$7 depending on source and quantity. This larger model is supposed to provide heat for up to 15 hours and comes with a resealable bag, allowing it sealed and reused until exhausted. Applications include sleeping bags, inside jackets, etc.
During the winter, I carry packages of these in all my coat pocket so they are handy if I need them.
(Since writing the “top” of this piece, I’ve noticed that different Wal-Marts carry different brands of hand warmers, all for more or less the same price. Some carry different sizes, including those meant to be stuck inside shoes.)
hand warmer,
winter gear in
Go-Kit Items,
Survival 