The world of personal heating products has come a long way from the days of the hot pad and the hot water bottle. Advances in technology have made it possible to access heat virtually anywhere during nearly any activity. One of the most popular advances in personal heating technology is the hand warmer, a small device that can provide on-the-go access to heat for hands, feet, or other sensitive areas.
It can be difficult to choose a hand warmer, but consumers should bear in mind the circumstances in which they will be using one. An individual who is out on a long hike, for example, may benefit most from chemical warmers. They are often disposable, and heat is created from one or more chemical reactions between ingredients contained within them.
Another viable option for those on the go are products that are powered by lighter fluid or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These models are refillable and provide hours of heat to cold body parts. Most folks who opt for this type do so because of environmental concerns; a reusable product creates less waste than its disposable counterpart.
One of the more high-tech options available are hand warmers that connect to a computer via a USB slot. They come in a couple of different forms, the most popular two being mitten-shaped ones and one that is merely a heated cylinder that the user can grasp for instant warmth. Both forms work by converting energy output from the USB slot to give a slight feeling of warmth to chilly fingers.
A readily available, no-frills option is the battery-operated warming device, which uses disposable or rechargeable batteries. Those with disposable batteries are usually less costly, but produce more waste. Rechargeable ones work much like a cell phone: just plug it in and wait for it to charge.
It should be noted that using any type of warmer incorrectly may cause serious burns or other injuries. Hand warmers should not be left unattended at any point. It is important to always consult the manufacturer's safety instructions prior to using any of the products. Consult a medical professional if accidental injury occurs.