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By: Andrew Forrest - December 2024
Searching for the best hand warmer to keep you warm this winter? This article lists the top hand warmers of 2025, including rechargeable, disposable, reusable, and catalytic options. Discover which hand warmer best suits your needs.
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Hand warmers are a must-have item on any of my cold-weather winter walks. I often pack at least two types in my backpack to get me through the varied circumstances I can encounter while walking in the UK. Besides using them for walking, for me, they probably get more use for generally using them when outdoors in winter, whether watching a sporting event, just out walking the dog, or even on overnight camps when the temperature drops. If your hands feel the cold, there will be a hand warmer for you wherever you are.
Much like walking boots and socks, no one hand warmer covers all types of outdoor excursions, hikes, walking seasons and weather in the UK, so why not add a range of hand warmers to your hiking gear? They also make ideal gifts.
With so many types and choices of hand warmers available, many people find it challenging to buy the perfect one for their needs. To help you choose the best hand warmers in the UK, we have compiled a list of our best hand warmers for 2025.
Rechargeable hand warmers have been a game changer for me in terms of staying warm in cold weather, but due to their size, I don't always use them while hiking. These devices are not only reusable, reducing waste compared to disposable options, but they also offer the convenience of recharging them via USB, which is great for overnight camps.
With various heat settings and long-lasting battery life, these rechargeable electric hand warmers are perfect for anyone needing reliable warmth. The top rechargeable hand warmers 2025 offer unique features and benefits, and there are many to choose from, with some doubling as power banks.
The main downside of these rechargeable hand warmers is that because of their bulk, you need plenty of space in your gloves to fit them in. They are, though, an eco-friendly alternative to disposables. Always remember to fully charge them before you set out.
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These were the best rechargeable hand warmers for me, as they more easily fit inside my gloves. The Ocoopa UT3 Lite Magnetic Hand Warmers feature a magnetic design, allowing the two units to attach together for easy storage or to be used separately for both hands. Powered by a rechargeable battery, this device provides consistent warmth with three adjustable heat settings ranging from 95°F to 131°F.
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Each unit is lightweight at 65g, compact, and ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip, making them ideal for outdoor activities like hiking or commuting. With a long-lasting battery life they claim can last up to 14 hours on lower settings, I found them dependable for extended use. It was about -4°C when I tested these and found they lasted 12 hours at that temperature.
These battery-powered hand warmers also double as power banks, capable of charging devices via USB-C ports, adding an extra layer of utility. Due to their size, they easily fit in your pockets and, for me, could fit in the palm of my hand in most, but not all, of my gloves. Durable construction and overheating protection ensure safety and reliability, making the Ocoopa UT3 Lite a practical choice for those seeking a stylish, eco-friendly hand-warming solution.
The Fandliss Rechargeable Hand Warmers offer a reliable and eco-friendly solution for keeping hands warm in cold conditions. Each unit is powered by a 5200mAh rechargeable battery, which they claim can provide up to six hours of heat on a single charge. With adjustable heat settings ranging from 113°F to 126°F, you can customise their warmth level to suit various outdoor environments, ensuring maximum comfort and usability. I found that I got 8 hours of heat on the lowest setting, compared to the 9 hours claimed. The quick USB-C charging feature adds to the convenience, allowing the hand warmers to be ready for use without long wait times - the USB-C lead is supplied.
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Designed with portability and ease of use in mind, the Fandliss hand warmers feature a sleek and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in hand. The dual-pack design is particularly practical, offering the option to warm both hands simultaneously or put them together - they attach using a magnet. The device includes overheating protection and a durable casing to prevent damage or discomfort.
Again, for my liking, they were a little large to fit inside gloves, but individually, they did fit in my largest gloves. They are great for putting in your pockets to keep your hands warm.
The Ocoopa Quick Charge Hand Warmer has an ergonomic pebble shape and soft silicone material, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. I found it great to have it in my jacket pocket, but due to its size, you do need very roomy gloves to fit this one in. They are good for putting in your pockets whilst dog walking, shopping or watching outdoor events.
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This rechargeable device claims to provide an impressive heat duration of up to 15 hours, ensuring your hands stay warm throughout the day. It also has three heat settings, varying from 95°F to 131°F. I left it on the lowest heat setting and got just over 13 hours of heat from it, so whilst not the 15 hours it claimed, it was still a decent amount of time. Level 3 was very warm!
Additionally, it doubles as a power bank, allowing you to charge your devices on the go, which is a great feature for those who are always on the move or for overnight camps. You charge via USB-C, and a full charge is achieved in about 3.5 hours with an 18W charger. Using it as a power bank, I charged my iPhone from 4% to 50% in about 35 minutes.
It came with a USB-C to USB-A cable and a travel pouch. It is a single unit, so you either need to buy two if you want one for each hand, or hold it in both hands to warm up (this was my main use, sat watching outdoor events), or keep moving it from pocket to pocket.
Disposable hand warmers offer the ultimate convenience for those who need a quick and easy solution to cold hands. These single-use warmers are perfect for short hikes, outdoor events, or any situation where temporary warmth is needed without the hassle of recharging or refuelling.
The big plus points for me are their size and weight. They are very thin and light, slipping easily into any of my gloves. From autumn through Spring, I always keep a few in my first aid kit.
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HotHands Hand Warmers are a popular choice for those seeking a simple and effective way to keep their hands warm. These hand warmers provide heat for up to ten hours, making them perfect for various outdoor activities. They are air-activated hand warmers. To activate them, you shake the packet, and within minutes, you'll feel the warmth spreading through your cold hands.
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Lightweight and easy to use, HotHands Hand Warmers are ideal for short hikes and other outdoor adventures where carrying extra gear might be cumbersome. I find these fit in any of my hiking or winter gloves. Their long-lasting heat and ease of use make them a reliable choice for anyone looking to keep their hands warm in cold weather, and at around 70p/pack when you buy them in the 40 packs, they are good value for money.
Little Hotties Hand Warmers are another convenient and effective solution for keeping hands warm during outdoor activities. Again, they are air-activated hand warmers and provide consistent heat for up to 8 hours, making them ideal for hiking, skiing, dog walking or general cold-weather use. They are lightweight and portable, designed to fit easily into gloves, pockets, or hand warmer muffs, ensuring effortless integration into any winter gear setup. These fit into all my winter/hiking gloves.
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While single-use and disposable, they are designed with safety and convenience in mind, offering reliable warmth in various outdoor conditions. I had one in each glove when I tested these and the HotHands hand warmers. The warmth each gave was very similar, with the Hothands one staying warmer for about 30 minutes longer. Again, with their size and weight, I would always recommend having a few in your first aid kit in winter.
Reusable hand warmers are an environmentally friendly choice that offers instant heat and can be used multiple times. They are perfect for those who want a sustainable option without sacrificing warmth and convenience.
While they are reusable, unless you are boiling water out on your hike, you must wait until you return home to boil them so they can be used again. Be careful about removing them from the boiling water - mine were very hot! While they have their uses and are reusable, I know they are not as environmentally friendly, but I prefer the disposable ones due to how long they last. As with the disposable ones, these were very small and lightweight and fit in all my gloves.
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HotSnapZ Reusable Round & Pocket Warmers are a practical, eco-friendly solution for instant warmth in cold conditions. These warmers use a simple activation mechanism: flexing a small metal disk inside triggers a chemical reaction that produces heat within seconds.
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Capable of reaching temperatures up to 130°F, they provide effective warmth for 30 to 60 minutes for the hand warmers and 50-60 minutes for the pocket warmers, making them ideal for short-term use during outdoor activities or for quick relief from the cold when you stop on summits.
Designed for reusability, HotSnapZ warmers can be reset by boiling them in water, ensuring they return to their original liquid state for repeated use. Their compact and durable construction makes them easy to carry in pockets, gloves, or bags, while their non-toxic and safe materials ensure worry-free handling. Available in various sizes, including round and pocket styles, these warmers are versatile and adaptable for various situations, from outdoor adventures to everyday comfort.
They are quite small, so they fit inside most of my gloves, but if you feel you'll need them for more than 30 minutes, you need to take a few with you unless you have access to boiling water while you are out to reactivate them. I used the hand warmers inside my gloves, which lasted for about half an hour on each occasion.
Lifesystems Reusable Hand Warmers offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution for combating cold weather. These durable hand warmers are designed for reusability and provide heat through a simple activation process. If you click a metal disc inside the gel pouch, it triggers a chemical reaction that generates instant warmth, reaching up to 130°F.
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Each warmer delivers heat for approximately 45 minutes, making them ideal for quick bursts of warmth during outdoor activities or commuting in cold conditions. In testing, they did stay hot for 45 minutes.
They are compact, easy to carry, and fit comfortably in pockets or gloves. They are lightweight for hassle-free portability. After use, they can be reset back to their original gel form by boiling in water, allowing for repeated use and reducing environmental waste compared to disposable alternatives.
GelHeat Instant Hand Warmers again provide an eco-friendly and reusable option for staying warm in cold conditions. As with the others, these hand warmers activate quickly with a simple press of a metal disc inside the pouch, triggering a chemical reaction that produces immediate heat. With a temperature range of up to 130°F, they deliver comforting warmth for between 30 and 90 minutes, making them well-suited for short-term use during outdoor activities, sports events, or commuting in chilly weather.
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Inside my gloves, they lasted for about 80 minutes, but if you expose them to colder air, the heat time will be less than that. These had a slightly longer run time than the other two above, mainly because they are larger.
Designed for convenience and sustainability, GelHeat warmers can be reset for reuse by simmering them in boiling water for about 10 minutes until the gel returns to its liquid state. Their compact size makes them easy to carry in pockets, gloves, or bags, while their non-toxic gel composition ensures safe handling. These fit in all except one pair of my winter gloves.
Catalytic hand warmers are an efficient and long-lasting option for providing warmth in cold conditions. These devices generate heat through a flameless catalytic reaction, typically using lighter fluid as a fuel source. The fuel is absorbed into a catalytic burner, which reacts with oxygen to produce steady heat without an open flame. This highly efficient process enables catalytic hand warmers to provide warmth for up to 12-24 hours on a single refill, depending on the model.
Key features of catalytic hand warmers include their durable construction, often made of metal, and their ability to produce consistent, long-lasting heat. They are reusable, requiring only a fuel refill and occasional maintenance of the catalytic burner. Due to their flameless design, catalytic hand warmers are safe for use in outdoor environments where traditional heaters might be unsuitable.
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The Zippo 12-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer is a reliable and durable option for those seeking consistent warmth during cold-weather activities. Using a flameless catalytic reaction fuelled by lighter fluid provides steady heat for up to 12 hours on a single fill. The sleek metal design ensures durability and portability, making it suitable for outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and skiing. Its compact shape allows it to fit easily into pockets, gloves, or hand-warmer pouches.
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This hand warmer is reusable, requiring only periodic refilling with lighter fluid and minimal maintenance of the catalytic burner. The refill process is reasonably straightforward, aided by the included filling cup for precise measurement. If you have not used these before, I recommend watching one of the many YouTube videos showing you how to refuel and start the hand warmer.
Its flameless design helps ensure safety and makes it a practical choice for outdoor use in environments where open flames are not permitted. For me, it was not practical to try to fit it inside any of my gloves, and the one pair I did manage to fit it in felt very uncomfortable. It is quite large, and because it is metal, there is no give at all, and you cannot shape it to your hand.
It comes with a pouch. When you hold it with the pouch on, it gives out a lot of heat. If you remove the pouch, it becomes uncomfortably hot if you hold it in your bare hands. Because of the heat given out and how long it lasts, it certainly has a place - I would use it on overnight camps just to hold it in my hands, watch outdoor sporting events, or have it in my pocket while outside anywhere. You need lighter fluid, which is sold separately.
The Whitby Hand Warmer is a compact, lightweight, and reusable solution for staying warm during cold weather. It is powered by lighter fluid, which produces steady heat for up to twelve hours when ignited within its flameless catalytic burner. Its slim metal construction ensures durability while maintaining portability, making it an excellent companion for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or camping.
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The device has a secure lid to contain the fuel and prevent leaks safely. It's easy to refill and reusable, making it cost-effective and eco-friendly compared to disposable alternatives. It claims that its design allows it to fit comfortably in pockets or gloves, providing convenient warmth on the go. Whilst I could fit it inside two pairs of my winter gloves, being metal, it did not feel that comfortable. As with the Zippo, it worked well for me in my pockets or to hold in my hands.
It comes with a pouch, and if you hold it with the pouch on it, it still releases a lot of heat. If you remove the pouch, it becomes uncomfortably hot, especially if you hold it in your bare hands. Like the Zippo, because of the heat given out and how long it lasts, it certainly has a place - I would use it on overnight camps just to hold it in my hands, watch outdoor sporting events, or have it in my pocket while outside anywhere. You need lighter fluid, which is sold separately.
While we have been looking at hand warmers, as an alternative there are heated gloves, where the heating elements are built into the gloves. Some people prefer these rather than having to take some form of heating element and gloves, but for me, I prefer my dedicated gloves, which are more waterproof and durable, and I take along additional hand warmers in case I need them.
The Aroma Season Heated Gloves for Men and Women offer a practical and comfortable solution for keeping hands warm in extremely cold conditions. Although there are other, much more expensive heated gloves available that I have not reviewed, I found these to be the best value if you want to try heated gloves.
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These gloves feature built-in heating elements that provide even warmth across the fingers and back of the hands, addressing areas most prone to cold. Powered by rechargeable batteries, they offer three adjustable heat settings, allowing you to select your preferred temperature level depending on your activity and environment.
Depending on which heat level you choose, they claim they last between 2.5 and 8 hours. On the highest setting, I did get just over 2 hours. On the lowest setting, albeit on a much colder day, I only got about 6 hours of heat from them.
Designed with functionality in mind, the gloves are made from waterproof and windproof materials, ensuring durability and protection from the elements. They are touchscreen-compatible, allowing you to operate your devices without removing the gloves. While the gloves were quite lightweight for me, they were not as durable and comfortable as the other gloves I use on walks in the winter months.
They are pretty long, almost gauntlet-like gloves, so they may not suit everyone, and they were a little bulky. There are just two sizes available. I tested the Large/Xtra Large ones, and whilst I have quite large hands, they were just a fit. So, if you have very large hands, they may feel too tight for you.
If you are not at home, you will need a power bank for the rechargeable electric models. There are literally hundreds of different power banks available, but if you want a small one that you can take on the go, I'd recommend the Anker PowerCore 10000.
The Anker PowerCore 10000 is a compact and powerful portable charger designed to keep your devices charged on the go. With a 10,000mAh battery capacity, it provides ample power to charge most smartphones up to three times or multiple smaller devices, making it an excellent choice for travel, outdoor adventures, or daily use. Despite its high capacity, the PowerCore 10000 is incredibly lightweight and compact, easily fitting into a pocket or bag for maximum portability.
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Equipped with Anker's advanced PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies, the PowerCore 10000 ensures fast and efficient charging for your devices. Its multi-protect safety system offers surge protection, short circuit prevention, and temperature control, providing peace of mind during use. The charger includes a Micro USB cable for recharging and is compatible with a wide range of USB-powered devices. With its reliability, portability, and safety blend, the Anker PowerCore 10000 is a dependable power bank for everyday and emergency use.
Whilst I use my larger (and heavier) Anker power bank on most of my walks where I need to recharge my video camera batteries, if I am not filming, I take this Anker PowerCore as it is much smaller and lighter and can easily recharge the hand warmers tested and my iPhone. I don't believe it is waterproof, so I always take a very small dry bag to keep it in.
As you can see from the hand warmers above, there are various types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
These single-use warmers are air-activated and provide heat for several hours. They're convenient for occasional use but generate waste.
These warmers use a supersaturated solution and are activated by bending a metal disc inside. This causes the solution to crystallise and emit heat. They can be reset by boiling them in water.
Rechargeable hand warmers are powered by batteries, offer adjustable heat settings, and can often double as power banks for electronic devices.
These use lighter fluid to produce flameless heat through a catalytic reaction, providing warmth for extended periods.
If you are out on your winter walk and the temperature drops, you need to keep your hands warm. As we've said above, that is where hand warmers come in. We've run through the types of warmers available, but what should you look out for to see whether they are the right ones for you and your intended use?
Warmth is a crucial factor when choosing a hand warmer. Different types of hand warmers vary in their heat output and consistency:
Hand warmers come in a range of weights, from lightweight disposables to bulkier catalytic and electric models:
The duration of heat depends mainly on the type of hand warmer and its intended use:
Shape impacts how comfortably and effectively the hand warmer can be used:
Durability varies significantly between hand warmer types:
Sustainability is a growing concern, especially for eco-conscious hikers:
Each type of hand warmer uses a unique heating mechanism, which impacts performance and suitability:
Hand warmers are generally safe to use, but following the manufacturer's instructions and taking some precautions is essential. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:
By following these safety tips,
you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of hand warmers without any worries.
Knowing where to buy hand warmers can help you find the best deals and ensure you get a product that meets your needs.
I found that all the hand warmers that I tested here were for sale online on Amazon. Some can also be found in Outdoor shops like GoOutdoors, Snow and Rock, Ordnance Survey, Winfields Outdoors, Ellis Brigham and Cotswold Outdoor, but Amazon does have a wider choice.
Hand warmers are a must-have for staying comfortable in cold weather. They offer a range of options to suit different needs. Whether you prefer disposable, rechargeable, reusable, or catalytic models, each type provides unique benefits like long-lasting heat, portability, and eco-friendly features.
Considering factors such as heat duration, size, and sustainability, you can find the perfect hand warmer to keep you cosy during outdoor adventures or everyday activities. With so many effective options, staying warm this winter has never been easier.
December 2024
