Best Hand Warmers: Expert Guide for Cold Weather Activities Discover the best hand warmers for cold weather. Learn about types, safety, and expert tips from Ashleigh McClary and Bernard to keep your hands warm outdoors. When temperatures drop, hand warmers can be essential for outdoor enthusiasts. NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Nothing puts a damper on a fall or winter outing more than cold and frozen fingertips — that’s where hand warmers can come in handy. They’re great for outdoor activities like skiing, running, and walking. Read ahead for everything you need to know about choosing the best hand warmers, including recommendations and shopping advice from Ashleigh McClary, an avid outdoor enthusiast and NBC Selected reporter, and Bernard, an outdoor gear expert. Types of Hand WarmersAccording to Bernard, there are several types of hand warmers, each with distinct features. Air-activated warmers generate heat once exposed to air, and are usually single-use and disposable. They use iron powder, salt, and activated charcoal to create an exothermic reaction inside the hand warmer — which means that they react together to release heat for several hours, according to Bernard. Hot Hands are ideal for single-use. Open the package to expose the warmers to the air, and from there they take 15-30 minutes to heat up fully, although you’ll feel the warming effects much sooner. They’re small enough to fit into pockets, making them portable, and McClary adds that since they’re widely available, they can be found almost anywhere.Rechargeable hand warmers are another popular option. They are powered by a battery, according to Bernard. They provide adjustable heat at the touch of a button, and often have USB ports that allow them to double as power banks. McClary says she likes to hold them in her hands while running, or keeps them in her pockets during her warm-up and cool-down walks. She also says that the warmers are long-lasting and can warm her hands for at least ten hours.Lighter fluid hand warmers have a sleek, compact design and give you flameless warmth for up to 12 hours, according to the brand. Bernard says they’re perfect for serious outdoor adventurers. The hand warmer uses lighter fluid, which is kept inside of an interior fill cup to help reduce spills, according to the brand. However, lighter fluid isn’t included and must be purchased separately. These are fueled by lighter fluid to produce steady, long-lasting heat, says Bernard. After filling the warmer with fluid and sealing the fuel cap, you apply a flame to the burner, which activates heat without any flames from the warmer itself. They’re also refillable, but Bernard warns that they need ventilation (plenty of space and air) to operate safely.Finally, sodium acetate gel warmers are usually filled with a sodium acetate gel solution that crystallizes and releases heat at the push of a button. You can boil them to reset them for future use, says Bernard. They’re easily activated via exposure to air, making them great for everyday outdoor activities like running, walking, and more. They’re also reusable for multiple days — by resealing the warmers in their pouch, you can use the 10 hours of heat over the course of up to three days, says Ignik.Expert Recommendations and Shopping AdviceWhen shopping for hand warmers, experts recommend keeping a few things in mind, including the duration of use, the type of hand warmer, and safety considerations. According to the experts, the type of hand warmer you choose should depend on how long you need warmth and how many times you plan to use them. For example, McClary says that if you’re just going on a ski trip for a few days, you may only need a few packs of disposable hand warmers. However, if you’re someone with a skiing season pass, she says you may want to upgrade to a rechargeable type, like heated gloves. If you’re looking for adjustable, long-lasting heat, Bernard says a USB model would be ideal.McClary also shared her favorite heated gloves, which she says produce the most heat and last the longest of any heated glove or mitten that she’s tried. The gloves have three heat settings, along with a waterproof zipper pocket and a rechargeable battery, according to the brand. She also likes that they have finger slots inside that give you a true glove, rather than fingerless mitten, feel. These gloves are perfect for when she’s on the slopes. They’re disposable, odorless, and begin working as soon as they’re exposed to air, according to the brand. While they can take a little while to heat up, they last me all day long when I’m on the mountain or doing anything else outside, she says.Safety Considerations for Hand WarmersWhen choosing a hand warmer, it’s important to consider the risks of each kind. The most common safety concerns with hand warmers include burns and risk of fire, however both experts say that following each warmer’s included safety instructions will help you to get the best and safest use out of your hand warmers. According to the experts, USB hand warmers are generally safe when used properly. However, you should be monitoring the heat of the hand warmers as you use them, says McClary. Look for ones with overheat protection and quality battery cells, says Bernard.McClary also advises starting your hand warmers on a low setting, and increasing the heat gradually as needed. McClary says the biggest danger of using hand warmers is potential skin burn from higher temperatures. Therefore, always use a layer of fabric between the warmer and your skin, and never use hand warmers while sleeping. Additionally, for lighter fluid models, ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of hand warmers safely throughout the cold season.In summary, whether you prefer disposable air-activated warmers, rechargeable USB models, lighter fluid warmers, or sodium acetate gel warmers, there is a hand warmer to suit your needs. Consider your activities, the duration of warmth required, and safety features to make the best choice. With expert tips from McClary and Bernard, you can keep your hands cozy and enjoy your outdoor adventures even in the coldest conditions.