If you’re venturing into colder climates, as I am, consider adding rechargeable hand warmers to your packing list. Warm hands are invaluable in cold weather, and when there’s a lightweight, affordable solution within your grasp, it’s worth it to pack rechargeable hand warmers.
What are rechargeable hand warmers?
Rechargeable, reusable hand warmers come in various shapes and sizes. Charging time and battery life between charges varies. Some are single units; some come as a two-piece unit joined by magnets that separate to keep both hands warm. They use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to generate heat. The batteries charge from a USB port on a wall outlet or laptop. Therefore, most rechargeable hand warmers come with a USB charging cable.
Most are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand and have multiple heat settings to suit different comfort levels.
Benefits of rechargeable hand warmers
In cold weather, hands become stiff, and achieving the level of dexterity required for many activities can be challenging. Rechargeable hand warmers are an easy solution. Accessing Google Maps, responding to a WhatsApp message, or taking a photo with your phone is more manageable with warm, fully functioning hands.
- Rechargeable hand warmers are suitable for various activities, including golfing, camping, hunting, bird watching, archery, dog walking, skiing, outdoor sporting events, visiting Christmas markets, and sightseeing in cold weather.
- They’re a lightweight, space-saving alternative to bulky thermal gloves.
- They help prevent frostbite and can serve as heat therapy for people with Raynaud’s Syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Some have a dual or multi-purpose function, such as a built-in flashlight or power bank, to charge a phone or other device.
- They’re a more sustainable alternative to disposable, single-use hand-warming products.
- They’re a cost-saving alternative to chemical hand warmers and other single-use, disposable options.
- They’re easy to use and slip comfortably into pockets or mittens to provide warmth.
Features to look for in rechargeable hand warmers
- Choose hand warmers with features that are compatible with their intended use. If you need them to hold a charge for many hours during an active day outdoors, look for ones that can hold the heat for at least 12 hours.
- Multiple heat settings will give you control over the most comfortable temperature for your needs.
- If you need a hand warmer for each hand or pocket, look for a 2-in-1 model with twin hand warmers.
- How long does it take to charge? How long does it take to generate heat? Look for fast-charging capabilities and models that generate heat within seconds.
- Do you prefer one with dual-sided heat to warm both hands at once?
- How important is a lanyard, given your level of activity? If you’re constantly removing your gloves (and the hand warmers are inside), a wrist lanyard can be indispensable.
- Do you need a slim, sleek design that slips into gloves or mittens? If so, avoid bulky options in favour of something small and compact.
- Look for UL / CE / FCC certification to ensure user safety.
My choice: Ocoopa 2-in-1 UT3 Lite Magnetic Rechargeable Hand Warmers
After much research, I chose Ocoopa 2-in-1 magnetic rechargeable hand warmers (5,000 mAh) UT3 Lite. Ocoopa makes a larger (10,000 mAh) unit, a powerful portable charger and hand-warming hybrid. In the interest of packing light, I chose the UT3.
Influencing my decision was that my separate 10,000 mAh TG90 power bank works for all-season travel. In contrast, the power-bank feature in a hand warmer is seasonal and I doubted it would see any use as an external charger. For my review of the TG90, see Pack light with a travel-friendly portable power bank.
Features of Ocoopa 2-in-1 UT3 Lite Rechargeable Hand Warmers
- The unit splits into two independent warmers that can keep hands toasty for up to eight hours of battery life between charges.
- Strong magnets attach the twin hand warmers, creating a compact and convenient package measuring 8.6 x 4.8 x 3.6 cm (3.8 x 1.9 x 1.4 in).
- Each hand warmer offers one-sided heat to keep both hands warm simultaneously. When joined together, they offer dual-sided warmth.
- With a thickness of 1.8 cm (0.7 in), each ergonomically designed hand warmer offers a comfortable grip and easily fits into a hand, glove, mitten, or pocket.
- Each weighs only 65 g (2.3 oz), making the pair 54% lighter than my iPhone 14 Pro.
- One strategically placed button controls several functions: one long press to activate the battery, double press to check the battery level, and one, two, or three clicks to select the desired temperature setting. One, two, or three red dots indicate the chosen heat setting.
- Charging time is approximately three hours.
- In degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature settings are 107, 116, and 126 to suit a user’s preferences. In degrees Celsius, the settings are 42, 47, and 52. Depending on the chosen heat level, it offers four to eight hours of battery life before running out of power.
- To preserve battery life, one long press deactivates the battery. This is handy when hands need an occasional blast of heat.
- They offer almost instant heat. It takes just five seconds to reach the maximum temperature of 126 °F (52 °C) for heat duration up to 4 hours on the highest setting.
- The lowest setting offers toasty warmth for up to eight hours. The lowest setting is very comfortable if the hand warmers have direct contact with the skin.
- The compact carrying case and built-in silicone corner design protect the hand warmers in case of accidental drops.
- The stretchy, silicone wrist strap is a helpful feature to protect them from damage and loss, especially during more active pursuits in deep snow.
- The USB-A (one) to USB-C (two) cables are 12 in / 30 cm long and pack easily in the compact, drawstring carrying case.
- The USB-C port on each hand warmer is protected by a dust-resistant silicone flap that locks into place.
- UT3 Lite has been certified UL / CE / FCC to ensure user safety.
- The Ocoopa 2-in-1 UT3 Lite comes in five colours and are stylish in shape and appearance.
Pros and Cons of Ocoopa 2-in-1 UT3 Lite Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Pros
- Temperature range with three heat settings
- Rechargeable
- Ease of use
- Battery life is adequate for most activities
- Lightweight and packable
Cons
- Heat radiates from the curved, coloured side only
- The highest setting is very warm and the lowest setting might be too warm for some people
- It could be too small for someone with large hands
- The red temperature-setting light is more difficult to see in black-coloured units. It’s much easier to see in white versions.
Conclusion
In cold weather, warm hands are a luxury, especially when there’s so much to see and do in a destination where northern lights, dog sledding, browsing Christmas markets, or tramping through snow-covered landscapes are highlights. For such a compact, lightweight, and affordable unit, why risk letting cold weather limit your options?
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