chemical handwarmers

johnwilliamson062 · November 30, 2012, 05:09 AM

Do you use them?

Anyone ever done comparison of brands?

Alternatives like zippo warmer, buddy heater, reusable, etc?

Do they have scent that scares wildlife?

Ben Towe · November 30, 2012, 08:42 AM

Hot Hands seem to work well. No scent that I'm aware of.

**Mike Irwin** · November 30, 2012, 09:06 AM

I've used a number of different handwarmer solutions over the years -- liquid fuel, solid fuel, and chemical.

The thing I like about the chemical packs is that they are very small and thin, weigh virtually nothing, and you can tuck them places where you can't put another kind of hand warmer.

The solid fuel ones are convenient, but they have a tendency to go out when you really need them.

The liquid fuel ones probably deliver the most heat, but they are also the largest. And fuel is geting to be quite expensive.

Double Naught Spy · November 30, 2012, 09:09 AM

I use the larger size Hot Hands, 4x5, and they do last a long time. The really small, glove-sized did not.
http://www.amazon.com/HeatMax-Hand-B...l+hand+warmers

RobertInIowa · November 30, 2012, 09:15 AM

I also use the Hot Hands. The hand ones come in 2 sizes and there are ones made for your toes also. They work very well and I don't believe they leave any scent. I put them in my shoes, gloves and pants pockets. Keeps me very comfortable.

Backwoodsboy · November 30, 2012, 09:56 AM

Hot hands brand are the ticket for me as well, can turn an unbearable day around quickly

**Brian Pfleuger** · November 30, 2012, 11:27 AM

I use various HotHands models. I especially like the toe warmers. I put one on the bottom and one on top of my toes. Works great.
Also, the kind you'll find in drug stores that actually wrap around your body and are intended for muscle pain work really well for super-cold days. They're a bit pricey though.

On cold days, it's not unusual for me to have 8 or 10 HotHands products all at once. 4 on my feet, one for each hand a couple in front pockets, a couple in back pockets and a couple sticky types on my back.

Double Naught Spy · November 30, 2012, 12:41 PM

Brian, I tried the foot ones. I thought my toes were on fire! Then they got all sweaty and so my feet were on fire on the bottom of the toes, but sweating all over.

I sometimes do duct tape one inside the cuff of each pant leg of my coveralls. Sitting in the stand with my knees bent, I often get chilled below the knees, not just in the feet either. This helps quite a bit without feeling like my legs are on fire. It also helps stave off my feet feeling as cold.

**Brian Pfleuger** · November 30, 2012, 01:25 PM

They do get awfully hot if you're walking around. I'm pretty sure that the foot ones are made for low-oxygen environments and walking around keeps the air circulating and they get really hot. Obviously, your feet are also less cold when you're walking so it's a double whammy.

I have rather poor circulation in my feet and hands so they don't get too hot for me. My dad can't stand to use them on his feet either, says they get too hot.

I wish hunting season was late spring and early fall.

rickyrick · November 30, 2012, 01:31 PM

Poor fellas, it's been in the 70's and 80' s.

I'm sure in New York, you might need a few more than here.

I've used them because it can get really cold in Texas too.

evilleprichaun · November 30, 2012, 03:03 PM

i have the zippo reusible one i really like it it stays really warm for virtually all day. the only down side is if ur holding it out it does kinda make the place smell like lighter fluid but when its in the pouch in ur pocket u cant really smell it , i would definitely recomend it

Smokey Joe · November 30, 2012, 03:14 PM

John Williamson--I've used the liquid-fueled ones for many years, and been concerned for the whole time about the odor. Never had proof one way or the other about the odor affecting deer or other game.

I've hunted with a bud who swears by the little chemical paks you can put into your boot, or into a glove. They have no odor, at least one I can detect, and he has been very successful over the years, both gun and archery hunting. My objection to the chemical paks is that they are a one-use item; you constantly have to buy new ones and dispose of the dead ones.

A different consideration altogether: In recent years I've been using a muff, rather than any handwarmer, with great success. It keeps the hands toasty warm; you leave it on your left hand (for a right-handed shooter) and hold the rifle up, and your right hand is bare, warm, and free to operate safety, bolt and trigger squeeze with no impediments. A pair of light gloves augments the muff, for use when hiking out to one's stand, etc. So that is the way I've gone. Haven't used a handwarmer of any type in the last 5 years at least.

plateshooter · November 30, 2012, 05:06 PM

I use the Jon E and now the Zippo liquid fuel type. I run Coleman fuel in mine. A gallon of fuel lasts a couple of winters for me even under heavy use.

I bought some of those snap types that you recycle by boiling them. They put out nice heat but it only lasts for a few minutes.

SPEMack618 · November 30, 2012, 09:32 PM

I like the 4x4 Handwarmers and throw them in the bottom of my waders.

I will activate two and throw them in my waders as I'm getting dressed and put two fresh ones in right before I put my waders on.

johnwilliamson062 · December 1, 2012, 09:34 PM

I have taken to hunting out of my chair blind. It is the easiest/safest to fall asleep in

Since it is relatively small and enclosed I have generally just closed it up as much as possible with half length foam sleeping pad on the ground to insulate then open 3-4 chem warmers and drop them. The foam pad also eliminates leaf rustling. I bought a big box a while back and just ran out so I was thinking of trying something new. Bought a zippo and I am going to give it a try.

I also don't like the fact that the chem warmers are one use and throw away. If I hunt 20 days in the winter that is at 80 of them I am tossing in a landfill.

chewie146 · December 1, 2012, 10:47 PM

It's activated charcoal for the hot hands, I believe. Wouldn't that absorb scent?

Double Naught Spy · December 1, 2012, 11:18 PM

Quote:

If I hunt 20 days in the winter that is at 80 of them I am tossing in a landfill.

They are charcoal, iron, cellulose with a bit of water and salt. You can dump them on the ground and enrich the soil with them - no need for the landfill except for the pouch and packaging.
http://cen.acs.org/articles/88/i4/Hand-Warmers.html

johnwilliamson062 · December 2, 2012, 08:34 PM

NOt sure, but I think vermiculite has an MSDS sheet. Doesn't necessarily mean it is bad for the environment, but it probably isn't good.

**JohnKSa** · December 2, 2012, 08:51 PM

MSDS sheets are about the safety of the people using the product, they don't generally provide commentary on environmental impact. The MSDS for vermiculite, by the way, says you shouldn't breathe it or get it in your eyes because if you do either of those things it will cause irritation. Basically the same kinds of cautions one would be well advised to follow with any sort of dirt/clay/mineral/sand/etc.

The fact that a particular substance has an MSDS doesn't automatically mean it's dangerous. The MSDS might say that there are no hazardous ingredients and no special precautions for handling or use. And even if it is hazardous to breathe, for example, that doesn't automatically mean it has to go in a landfill.

Vermiculite is a special type of clay that is (among other uses) commonly recommended for soil conditioning--it is mixed with soil that is unsuitable or inhospitable to cultivation to improve its characteristics. So there's absolutely no problem with disposing of it outside of a landfill. In fact, in many areas, you're actually improving the soil by doing so.

**Brian Pfleuger** · December 2, 2012, 09:18 PM

Yeah, well... lots of things can have an MSDS

http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927321

Legionnaire · December 2, 2012, 10:25 PM

I always carry several unopened pairs of Hot Hands in my backpack. Typically, the hike in keeps me warm for the first hour or so, but when extremities begin go get cold, I'll fire up a pair of the Hot Hands and stick 'em in my gloves. I also carry a couple of sets of toe warmers, which I will use in the same way. However, I've not hunted in conditions cold enough in the past couple of years to need the toe warmers inside my pac boots.

Gbro · December 3, 2012, 12:01 PM

I never used any hand warmers because i felt the oders might lessen my chances but there is very little evidence to suport this. I do however know that using unsented (perfume) soaps and keeping at least the outer garments out of the hunting shack and all the cooking smells have been helpful.
When it comes to an alerted deer, anything can ignite their afterburners!
I use Kirk's soap only for hunting and its getting hard to find locally. And its all-in-one bath and shampoo! nothing lathers like it in cold Rocky Mountain stream water.

klyph3 · December 3, 2012, 12:56 PM

If you use, the chemical packs, look for the ones packaged in Mylar rather than plastic. They keep longer and are less likely to be duds.

**Mike Irwin** · December 3, 2012, 02:17 PM

Word of warning on the chemical handwarmers!

A friend just found this out the hard way and had to make a quick trip to the vet.

If you have dogs that like to chew, make sure you do NOT let them get hold of these devices!

If they ingest the contents, they can develop iron toxcicity.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/iron-to...ogs/page1.aspx

sc928porsche · December 3, 2012, 03:04 PM

Hand warmers???? What will they think of next. Maybe electric socks. Must be the new generation. Back in my day we walked to school 2 miles in waist high snow, uphill, both ways.

Actually, I've seen them but never used any of them.

November 30, 2012, 05:09 AM	#1
johnwilliamson062 Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 6,108	chemical handwarmers Do you use them? Anyone ever done comparison of brands? Alternatives like zippo warmer, buddy heater, reusable, etc? Do they have scent that scares wildlife? __________________ $0 of an NRA membership goes to legislative action or court battles. Not a dime. Only money contributed to the NRA-ILA or NRA-PVF. Of course, you could just donate to the Second Amendment Foundation I was feeling pretty good, then I looked around and realized I am not swimming or on fire.

November 30, 2012, 08:42 AM	#2
Ben Towe Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2009 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 974	Hot Hands seem to work well. No scent that I'm aware of. __________________ I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.-Thomas Jefferson I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees.-Euripides

November 30, 2012, 09:06 AM	#3
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 33,141	I've used a number of different handwarmer solutions over the years -- liquid fuel, solid fuel, and chemical. The thing I like about the chemical packs is that they are very small and thin, weigh virtually nothing, and you can tuck them places where you can't put another kind of hand warmer. The solid fuel ones are convenient, but they have a tendency to go out when you really need them. The liquid fuel ones probably deliver the most heat, but they are also the largest. And fuel is geting to be quite expensive. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

November 30, 2012, 09:09 AM	#4
Double Naught Spy Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2001 Location: Forestburg, Montague County, Texas Posts: 9,737	I use the larger size Hot Hands, 4x5, and they do last a long time. The really small, glove-sized did not. http://www.amazon.com/HeatMax-Hand-B...l+hand+warmers __________________ "If you look through your scope and see your shoe, aim higher." -- said to me by my 11 year old daughter before going out for hogs 8/13/2011

November 30, 2012, 09:15 AM	#5
RobertInIowa Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2012 Location: Iowa Posts: 148	I also use the Hot Hands. The hand ones come in 2 sizes and there are ones made for your toes also. They work very well and I don't believe they leave any scent. I put them in my shoes, gloves and pants pockets. Keeps me very comfortable. __________________ Guns don't kill people, fathers with pretty daughters do. Two wrongs don't make a right, but three comes pretty close. Proud NRA member

November 30, 2012, 09:56 AM	#6
Backwoodsboy Member Join Date: May 19, 2012 Location: Western, Ny Posts: 89	Hot hands brand are the ticket for me as well, can turn an unbearable day around quickly __________________ Remington 597 .22lr, Remington 597 .22wmr, H&R handi rifle .243, H&R huntsman .50 cal muzzle loader, Cva buckhorn .50 cal muzzle loader, Mossberg 930 12 GA, Mossberg 500 20 ga, H&r topper 12 ga, nef pardner 20 ga.

November 30, 2012, 11:27 AM	#7
Brian Pfleuger Staff Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Central, Southern NY, USA Posts: 14,515	I use various HotHands models. I especially like the toe warmers. I put one on the bottom and one on top of my toes. Works great. Also, the kind you'll find in drug stores that actually wrap around your body and are intended for muscle pain work really well for super-cold days. They're a bit pricey though. On cold days, it's not unusual for me to have 8 or 10 HotHands products all at once. 4 on my feet, one for each hand a couple in front pockets, a couple in back pockets and a couple sticky types on my back.

November 30, 2012, 12:41 PM	#8
Double Naught Spy Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2001 Location: Forestburg, Montague County, Texas Posts: 9,737	Brian, I tried the foot ones. I thought my toes were on fire! Then they got all sweaty and so my feet were on fire on the bottom of the toes, but sweating all over. I sometimes do duct tape one inside the cuff of each pant leg of my coveralls. Sitting in the stand with my knees bent, I often get chilled below the knees, not just in the feet either. This helps quite a bit without feeling like my legs are on fire. It also helps stave off my feet feeling as cold. __________________ "If you look through your scope and see your shoe, aim higher." -- said to me by my 11 year old daughter before going out for hogs 8/13/2011

November 30, 2012, 01:25 PM	#9
Brian Pfleuger Staff Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Central, Southern NY, USA Posts: 14,515	They do get awfully hot if you're walking around. I'm pretty sure that the foot ones are made for low-oxygen environments and walking around keeps the air circulating and they get really hot. Obviously, your feet are also less cold when you're walking so it's a double whammy. I have rather poor circulation in my feet and hands so they don't get too hot for me. My dad can't stand to use them on his feet either, says they get too hot. I wish hunting season was late spring and early fall. __________________ Still happily answering to the call-sign Peetza. --- You do not HAVE a soul. You ARE a soul. You HAVE a body. -C.S. Lewis He is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not lose. -Jim Eliott, paraphrasing Philip Henry.

November 30, 2012, 01:31 PM	#10
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Location: Mesquite Jungle Desert, West Texas, USA Posts: 2,278	Poor fellas, it's been in the 70's and 80' s. I'm sure in New York, you might need a few more than here. I've used them because it can get really cold in Texas too. __________________ *Navin R. Johnson*: "He hates these cans!!!! Stay away from the cans!!!!"

November 30, 2012, 03:03 PM	#11
evilleprichaun Member Join Date: July 30, 2012 Posts: 35	i have the zippo reusible one i really like it it stays really warm for virtually all day. the only down side is if ur holding it out it does kinda make the place smell like lighter fluid but when its in the pouch in ur pocket u cant really smell it , i would definitely recomend it

November 30, 2012, 03:14 PM	#12
Smokey Joe Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 2,010	Handwarmers... John Williamson--I've used the liquid-fueled ones for many years, and been concerned for the whole time about the odor. Never had proof one way or the other about the odor affecting deer or other game. I've hunted with a bud who swears by the little chemical paks you can put into your boot, or into a glove. They have no odor, at least one I can detect, and he has been very successful over the years, both gun and archery hunting. My objection to the chemical paks is that they are a one-use item; you constantly have to buy new ones and dispose of the dead ones. A different consideration altogether: In recent years I've been using a muff, rather than any handwarmer, with great success. It keeps the hands toasty warm; you leave it on your left hand (for a right-handed shooter) and hold the rifle up, and your right hand is bare, warm, and free to operate safety, bolt and trigger squeeze with no impediments. A pair of light gloves augments the muff, for use when hiking out to one's stand, etc. So that is the way I've gone. Haven't used a handwarmer of any type in the last 5 years at least. __________________ God Bless America --Smokey Joe Last edited by Smokey Joe; November 30, 2012 at 03:17 PM. Reason: The usual--had another thought.

November 30, 2012, 05:06 PM	#13
plateshooter Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 1999 Location: N.E. Ohio Posts: 516	I use the Jon E and now the Zippo liquid fuel type. I run Coleman fuel in mine. A gallon of fuel lasts a couple of winters for me even under heavy use. I bought some of those snap types that you recycle by boiling them. They put out nice heat but it only lasts for a few minutes. __________________ Make a hole

November 30, 2012, 09:32 PM	#14
SPEMack618 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Location: Boy Scout Camp Posts: 1,260	I like the 4x4 Handwarmers and throw them in the bottom of my waders. I will activate two and throw them in my waders as I'm getting dressed and put two fresh ones in right before I put my waders on. __________________ "Growing up as both a Southern and the son of a child of the '50s, I was imprinted with several things that have long stuck with me. The F-86 Saber Jet was the finest fighter ever flown, the National League is always superior, and Leslie Coffelt was the finest revovler shooter since Mr. Ed."

December 1, 2012, 09:34 PM	#15
johnwilliamson062 Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 6,108	I have taken to hunting out of my chair blind. It is the easiest/safest to fall asleep in Since it is relatively small and enclosed I have generally just closed it up as much as possible with half length foam sleeping pad on the ground to insulate then open 3-4 chem warmers and drop them. The foam pad also eliminates leaf rustling. I bought a big box a while back and just ran out so I was thinking of trying something new. Bought a zippo and I am going to give it a try. I also don't like the fact that the chem warmers are one use and throw away. If I hunt 20 days in the winter that is at 80 of them I am tossing in a landfill. __________________ $0 of an NRA membership goes to legislative action or court battles. Not a dime. Only money contributed to the NRA-ILA or NRA-PVF. Of course, you could just donate to the Second Amendment Foundation I was feeling pretty good, then I looked around and realized I am not swimming or on fire. Last edited by johnwilliamson062; December 1, 2012 at 09:42 PM.

December 1, 2012, 10:47 PM	#16
chewie146 Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2010 Location: New Mexico Posts: 748	It's activated charcoal for the hot hands, I believe. Wouldn't that absorb scent?

December 2, 2012, 08:34 PM	#18
johnwilliamson062 Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 6,108	NOt sure, but I think vermiculite has an MSDS sheet. Doesn't necessarily mean it is bad for the environment, but it probably isn't good. __________________ $0 of an NRA membership goes to legislative action or court battles. Not a dime. Only money contributed to the NRA-ILA or NRA-PVF. Of course, you could just donate to the Second Amendment Foundation I was feeling pretty good, then I looked around and realized I am not swimming or on fire.

December 2, 2012, 08:51 PM	#19
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 16,766	MSDS sheets are about the safety of the people using the product, they don't generally provide commentary on environmental impact. The MSDS for vermiculite, by the way, says you shouldn't breathe it or get it in your eyes because if you do either of those things it will cause irritation. Basically the same kinds of cautions one would be well advised to follow with any sort of dirt/clay/mineral/sand/etc. The fact that a particular substance has an MSDS doesn't automatically mean it's dangerous. The MSDS might say that there are no hazardous ingredients and no special precautions for handling or use. And even if it is hazardous to breathe, for example, that doesn't automatically mean it has to go in a landfill. Vermiculite is a special type of clay that is (among other uses) commonly recommended for soil conditioning--it is mixed with soil that is unsuitable or inhospitable to cultivation to improve its characteristics. So there's absolutely no problem with disposing of it outside of a landfill. In fact, in many areas, you're actually improving the soil by doing so. __________________ Did you know that there is a TEXAS State Rifle Association? Check out Black Bear Flashlights.

December 2, 2012, 09:18 PM	#20
Brian Pfleuger Staff Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Central, Southern NY, USA Posts: 14,515	Yeah, well... lots of things can have an MSDS http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927321 __________________ Still happily answering to the call-sign Peetza. --- You do not HAVE a soul. You ARE a soul. You HAVE a body. -C.S. Lewis He is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not lose. -Jim Eliott, paraphrasing Philip Henry.

December 2, 2012, 10:25 PM	#21
Legionnaire Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2000 Location: Western PA Posts: 1,454	I always carry several unopened pairs of Hot Hands in my backpack. Typically, the hike in keeps me warm for the first hour or so, but when extremities begin go get cold, I'll fire up a pair of the Hot Hands and stick 'em in my gloves. I also carry a couple of sets of toe warmers, which I will use in the same way. However, I've not hunted in conditions cold enough in the past couple of years to need the toe warmers inside my pac boots. __________________ Cogito, ergo armatus sum.

December 3, 2012, 12:01 PM	#22
Gbro Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,011	I never used any hand warmers because i felt the oders might lessen my chances but there is very little evidence to suport this. I do however know that using unsented (perfume) soaps and keeping at least the outer garments out of the hunting shack and all the cooking smells have been helpful. When it comes to an alerted deer, anything can ignite their afterburners! I use Kirk's soap only for hunting and its getting hard to find locally. And its all-in-one bath and shampoo! nothing lathers like it in cold Rocky Mountain stream water. __________________ Gbro CGVS For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, But to us who are being saved, It Is The Power Of God. 1Corinthians 1-18

December 3, 2012, 12:56 PM	#23
klyph3 Member Join Date: July 11, 2012 Posts: 59	If you use, the chemical packs, look for the ones packaged in Mylar rather than plastic. They keep longer and are less likely to be duds.

December 3, 2012, 02:17 PM	#24
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 33,141	Word of warning on the chemical handwarmers! A friend just found this out the hard way and had to make a quick trip to the vet. If you have dogs that like to chew, make sure you do NOT let them get hold of these devices! If they ingest the contents, they can develop iron toxcicity. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/iron-to...ogs/page1.aspx __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 3, 2012, 03:04 PM	#25
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,325	Hand warmers???? What will they think of next. Maybe electric socks. Must be the new generation. Back in my day we walked to school 2 miles in waist high snow, uphill, both ways. Actually, I've seen them but never used any of them. __________________ No such thing as a stupid question. What is stupid is not asking it.