The 10 Best Hand Warmers of 2023, According to Experts

We researched dozens of hand warmers and evaluated them for type, size, and weight. We also considered heat duration, time to charge, heat source, price, and more.

“Hand warmers can actually be used to heat up more than just your hands. Use them to heat up a sleeping bag, water bottle, camera batteries, or even your phone if it turns off because of the cold temperatures. You can also place these on your femoral or carotid arteries to help warm up your whole body in an emergency. If you’re using them on a sensitive area, put them in a sock so you don’t get burnt,” Alexandra Roberts, Wilderness First Responder and member of Androscoggin Valley Search & Rescue in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, says.

For those that love exercising outdoors year-round, hand warmers can be the difference between feeling uncomfortably cold and being ready for anything in the winter months. Hand warmers come in a variety of forms, including disposable, battery-powered handheld units, and heated gloves and mittens. The type of unit you choose will depend on your preferences and activity level.

These will keep you warm for five to six hours on the lowest heat setting and two to three on the highest setting, which is shorter than other warmers on our list. But they’re odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and machine-washable, which makes them a convenient option for spending time outdoors in the cold or snow.

For runners or bikers who may not be able to easily carry a warmer, we recommend Day Wolf’s Heated Gloves. They can be worn alone or as a liner inside a heavier glove for skiing or snowshoeing. Carbon-fiber heating elements heat the back of the hand and fingers, keeping your entire hand warm. And we love that the gloves have a touchscreen friendly finger, so you can use your phone while you’re on the run or walk.

While the heat time is significantly less than some of the larger options on our list, it’s still long enough for many jogs or trail runs. And at a budget-friendly price point, this lightweight warmer is the cold weather running essential you didn’t know you needed.

At only two inches long, Survival Frog’s Rechargeable Hand Warmer fits in the palm of your hand or in almost any pocket. But don’t let its small size fool you—it still packs plenty of power. The double sided warmer can provide heat for two to four hours, and can also charge your devices, which can be especially helpful for avid runners.

The Firecel+ also includes an LED flashlight with five different modes and a battery that can fully charge two devices, like a phone or an MP3 player. While it is more expensive than other warmers on our list, the additional features make it a great option for those who want to stay safe while hiking, especially in low light conditions.

Celestron Elements’ Firecel+ is a 3-in-1 device that functions as a hand warmer, a flashlight, and a phone charger. Choose from single-sided or dual-sided heat that lasts up to 12 hours. It’s also much smaller than many of the rechargeable hand warmers on the market—perfect for slipping into a pocket or a backpack on a long hike.

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.

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.

This warmer can also act as a power bank for charging your cell phone—but note that it can’t be used as a warmer while it’s charging a device. As with most battery-powered rechargeable hand warmers, Zippo’s HeatBank is relatively large and won’t fit inside most gloves. But they will fit in most jacket pockets, and it even comes with a lanyard for wearing around your neck.

We recommend Zippo’s HeatBank Rechargeable Hand Warmer if you’re looking for a sleek, rechargeable warmer that comes in multiple colors. We like that it offers six temperature settings, for flexibility even when you’re hiking on snowy trails. The battery lasts up to nine hours on the lower settings, and with dual sided heating, you can warm up both hands at once or keep them in a pocket close to your body for additional heat.

This dual-sided hand warmer provides up to 18 hours of heat on the lowest setting, which is by far the most on our list. It can also charge a phone or other device. But this warmer may not be as durable, so you may want to keep it safe and protected in a pocket.

If you’re looking for an electric option, we recommend FSVA’s Rechargeable Hand Warmer. It comes in black, green, or rose gold, and each unit has a border that can light up in seven different colors, for added safety when walking or running in low light conditions. We like that the front display tells you the heat setting as well as the battery life, so you know when you’ll need to charge it again.

While these are more expensive than other options on our list, they can be used for years during a variety of different activities. Plus, we love that the thumbs will work with a touchscreen, so you can check your phone without taking the mitts off. They’re waterproof and well-insulated, with foam and a fleece liner to keep heat in for hours.

Battery-powered hand warmers are a convenient way to stay warm during any outdoor activity , from snow shoveling to cross country skiing. Outdoor Research’s Lucent Heated Sensor Mitts stand out for their comprehensive heating system that warms your whole hand, including your fingers.

They’re also the best option when you can’t recharge a battery, like during a camping trip. Hot Hands are air activated and TSA-approved. But they do take 15 to 30 minutes to heat up, which is longer than other warmers on our list.

What the Experts Say: “I’ve tried all brands of disposable hand warmers, and these stay the hottest for the longest amount of time. I am an avid backcountry skier, climber, and hiker, and I never leave home without at least one pair in my pack during the cold months.”

Hot Hands’ Hand Warmers offer a long heat time, convenient small size, and 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 in your mittens or pockets. While you can’t control the temperature, they average around 135 degrees for up to 10 hours, so you can be confident they’ll last all day.

These warmers are lightweight and can easily fit inside a glove or a small pocket. We also like that they meet TSA guidelines, so you can take them with you when you travel. While they aren’t ideal for spending long periods of time in the cold, you can bring all six with you for up to four hours of heat.

For shorter runs or a quick dog walk, Hotsnapz’ warmers are a great reusable, budget-friendly option. They heat instantly with a quick snap of the gel pad and provide 30 to 40 minutes of warmth. To recharge them, simply boil them in water for 10 to 15 minutes.

The warmer charges to full battery in under four hours, and we love that it can also charge your phone. Weighing in at 7 ounces, it’s light enough to carry while exercising. However, it’s too large to fit in a standard running glove or mitten, so you may need to keep it in a jacket or pants pocket instead.

Ocoopa’s user-friendly, rechargeable hand warmer can keep your hands warm all day—between eight and 15 hours, depending on the heat setting you use and the outdoor temperature. With a double-sided heat source, you can hold one in both hands or switch between hands for more continuous warmth.

Final Verdict

Ocoopa’s Rechargeable Hand Warmer is our top pick if you’re searching for a lightweight hand warmer with a long battery life. It has a phone charger and can fully charge in just a few hours, making it a reliable choice for walking or running outdoors. 

For a budget-friendly option, we also recommend Hotsnapz’ Reusable Hand Warmers. User-friendly and easy to reset, these tiny warmers are thin, portable, and provide heat for over 30 minutes.

How We Selected the Best Hand Warmers

To select the best hand warmers, we first interviewed Alexandra Roberts, an outdoor enthusiast and wilderness first responder. Roberts also has Raynaud’s syndrome, which can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in someone’s fingers or toes when they are exposed to cold. As a result, she has tested out many hand warmers on the market and offered her expert advice on which features every quality hand warmer needs. 

Then, we researched dozens of hand warmers from the most trusted and popular brands. We considered the type of warmer, the quality, and the price. We also evaluated them based on size and weight, heat duration, heat source, maximum temperature, and how much time they take to charge.

What To Look For in a Hand Warmer

Heat Source

There are two main types of hand warmers: disposable and reusable. Disposable options usually heat up when they are exposed to air, and many can last a full day, depending on the outside temperature. Once they are cold, they can’t be reheated. Disposable options are great for when you won’t have access to a charger, or as a backup in a pinch. 

Reusable hand warmers typically feature a rechargeable battery. There are hand held warmers, like Zippo’s HeatBank Rechargeable Hand Warmer, and heated gloves or mittens, like Outdoor Research’s Lucent Heated Sensor Mitts. Handheld warmers are helpful for outdoor activities where you aren’t using your hands or can stop to take breaks. Heated gloves or mittens are a good choice for cycling or skiing, when you need warmth while exercising.

“If the duration of time isn’t of any concern to you, electric hand warmers are the way to go. These help save the planet as well—for example, if you’re going out on a dog walk and don’t need 10 hours of warmth, heated gloves are perfect for this use,” Roberts says.

Heat Duration

“The best hand warmer is the one that stays hottest for the longest amount of time,” Roberts says. Hand warmers may 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, snow shoeing, or hiking, you will want to choose a hand warmer that stays warm for several hours, like Celestron Elements’ Firecel+.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of hand warmers can vary. Larger, heavier warmers may provide longer heat times, but can be difficult to carry while staying active. Smaller, lighter weight options (like Survival Frog’s Rechargeable Hand Warmer) may be more practical for activities like running or skiing. Hand warmers are a must-have for outdoor activities in the winter.

Maximum Temperature

Hand warmers can grow as hot as 95 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the brand and type. Some, like Ocoopa’s Rechargeable Hand Warmer, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a hand warmer?

  Hand warmers are small packets or devices that provide heat and can be used to warm your hands. Most hand warmers are designed to be held in your hand, though some can fit in a glove or a pocket. Others, like come built into gloves and mittens.

• How do hand warmers work?

  “There are a handful of types of hand warmers on the market today, but the most common ones you will see are air-activated, supersaturated solution (snap and heat), and battery-powered. Air-activated hand warmers work when they are exposed to air,” Roberts says. Air activated hand warmers may include iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal, and vermiculite, among other ingredients. When mixed together and exposed to air, these ingredients oxidize and produce heat.

  “Electric hand warmers work by using a little heater inside of the casing that you slip into your glove or hold,” Roberts says. These rely on a battery that must be recharged regularly. “The supersaturated solution type has a little metal disc inside. When bent, small pieces of metal are released into the solution, which causes the solution to crystallize and produce heat,” she adds.

• How long does a hand warmer last?

  It depends on the warmer. Disposable hand warmers may stay warm for up to ten hours. Battery-powered options can last up to 18 hours on a full charge. And reusable hand warmers usually last for under an hour.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

An avid runner and downhill skier living just outside of Boston, Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, has tested and used many different hand warmers over the years. When she’s on the slopes, she prefers Hot Hands’ Hand Warmers for their convenience, size, and heat duration. For colder runs or dog walks, she likes a heated glove, like Day Wolf’s Heated Glove Liners.