I hunt deer with a .357 and need to keep my hands warm. I'm looking for the best option for hand warmers and wonder if anyone has experience with the fuel-based hand warmers like Zippos? Or are the throw-away kind better?
Fuel-based hand warmers?
- Thread starter staywarmguy
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GBExpat
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I used a Jon-é handwarmer for many hunting seasons, starting in the latter half of the '60s. I still have it 'round here somewhere (along with a half-full can of fuel). I thought that it worked great.
I have never used the disposable type, but I have a few of the reusable "squeeze the little internal button" type that seem like they would do a good job without the smell.
I have never used the disposable type, but I have a few of the reusable "squeeze the little internal button" type that seem like they would do a good job without the smell.
Having once lived with very cold winters and outdoor shootin' matches that went year 'round, I tried just about every kind of foot and hand warmers on the market.
The chemical one time use ones were the easiest to use and plenty good.
The chemical one time use ones were the easiest to use and plenty good.
And they don't stink like lighter fluid to high heaven.
The chem PAC warmers work good when they are fresh & new.
They don't age in storage from year to year very good.
But they give off no smell a deer could smell a mile away either.
Perhaps better yet are the 'Glomett' type glove / mittens that fold open when your need to shoot.
They are 10 times warmer then gloves.
The ones I buy at Walmart have built-in pockets for hand warmer chem packs too!
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-MT-reg-Extreme-II-Glomitts/1222750.uts
https://www.foxsox.com/catalog/prod...rder=stylenumber&code=HAND&selectedstyle=9366
rc
The chem PAC warmers work good when they are fresh & new.
They don't age in storage from year to year very good.
But they give off no smell a deer could smell a mile away either.
Perhaps better yet are the 'Glomett' type glove / mittens that fold open when your need to shoot.
They are 10 times warmer then gloves.
The ones I buy at Walmart have built-in pockets for hand warmer chem packs too!
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-MT-reg-Extreme-II-Glomitts/1222750.uts
https://www.foxsox.com/catalog/prod...rder=stylenumber&code=HAND&selectedstyle=9366
rc
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RC has it covered pretty good. I have lots of old hunting stuff passed down from generations of hunters and fisherman. The fuel type ones I used at one time but are used for ice fishing now because of smell...I still on and off will use the "stick" type ones and put them in my back pocket to keep my lower back warm while I am sleeping against a tree..the chemical stick on ones are awesome, my wife has been using them both for her hands and feet for a long time. We use them for snowmobileing also. Watch off season and we buy them by the case for like 40 cents a piece and that includes the shipping.
Well, since you put this in the Revolver section, the best revolver-based handwarmer I can think of would be a nice warm just-fired cylinder.
HA! You're right - this is the best warmer of all.
My dad has a zippo one that he likes a lot. I've used the chemical ones and it think they work pretty well if they don't get wet, and you can throw them in a boot or something.
Personal preference is probably going to be the biggest factor.
Personal preference is probably going to be the biggest factor.
http://youtu.be/SNF2DO6EXcw
Why not make your own?!
The video above walks you through the process. There's actually tons of videos that can show you. Almost all solutions are re-useable.
BTW, there's also videos that can show you how to make your own Sodium Acetate.
All these options are very cheap and quite easy to do.
Why not make your own?!
The video above walks you through the process. There's actually tons of videos that can show you. Almost all solutions are re-useable.
BTW, there's also videos that can show you how to make your own Sodium Acetate.
All these options are very cheap and quite easy to do.
Also, if you get small ziplock bags, you can keep a couple in your gloves or boots before heading out.
But really because you're doing it at home you can make any size or shape. It also helps to have a vacuum sealer for odd designs.
WayBeau
Member
I've used the fuel type hand warmers for duck hunting, and they're super warm. My grandfather had a bunch of them and passed them down to me. I haven't used any of the newer editions, but I'm sure they probably work just as well. That being said, they do smell and I wouldn't dream of taking them into the deer woods.
I stock up on the disposable ones for deer season. I'll second the Glomitts in conjunction with the warmers. Your hands might get TOO warms with that combo.
I stock up on the disposable ones for deer season. I'll second the Glomitts in conjunction with the warmers. Your hands might get TOO warms with that combo.
ChefJeff1
Member
I use a zippo one when I go steelhead fishing. It works good but sometimes is hard to light. I wouldn't use it for hunting though, too smelly.
CajunBass
Member
I used the Jon-E handwarmers for years and they worked great. They used to be a staple at Christmas. I'd always get at least one from somebody.
If a deer could smell them big deal. They could smell me and my pipe too.
I've never really cared much for the chemical ones. They always seem to tease my hands by ALMOST, but not quite, being warm.
If a deer could smell them big deal. They could smell me and my pipe too.
I've never really cared much for the chemical ones. They always seem to tease my hands by ALMOST, but not quite, being warm.
I keep 2 zippo hand warmers soon as the snow starts falling. They work so well and don't stink. DONT buy one from Amazon, as it will be a China made knock off. Buy 2, you won't regret it
I have a Zippo. It works very well and it doesn't stink if you buy the Zippo fuel. Apparently Zippo has a different formulation.
If you really want warm hands, get a "muff" - straps around your waist like a fanny pack. You can slip your hands inside on either side. I wear thin leather gloves and put a chemical warmer or the Zippo warmer inside the muff. My hands are toasty warm in the coldest weather and I don't have to worry about bulky gloves causing a problem when I have a shot.
If you really want warm hands, get a "muff" - straps around your waist like a fanny pack. You can slip your hands inside on either side. I wear thin leather gloves and put a chemical warmer or the Zippo warmer inside the muff. My hands are toasty warm in the coldest weather and I don't have to worry about bulky gloves causing a problem when I have a shot.
Ive got two of the Zippos and a John-e G.I. You won't find me in the woods without them. That G.I. model almost gets hot enough to cook with. My Zippo's will go about 12-18 hours when completely full, and do so at a more comfortable temp. I know plenty of people that smoke while in the woods, and end up with a deer every year, so I don't worry about the very light smell.
dwstone1227
Member
I have 2 types of hand warmers. The first model is the Joni that uses Lighter fluid for fuel. It heats up fairly well, but it does have an odor using lighter fluid.
My favorite hand warmer is the cheap red flannel charcoal stick model. I carry a butane lighter with me to light the charcoal stick. Butane burns hot and gets the charcoal burning better than a Bic type lighter. You can find these hand warmers on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Celsius-Solid-Fuel-Hand-Warmer/dp/B00305KAUW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413683615&sr=8-1&keywords=Charcoal+hand+warmer
I also have but rarely use the throw away hand warmers. The only time I use these are when I don't need to stay warm.
I hate being cold.
My favorite hand warmer is the cheap red flannel charcoal stick model. I carry a butane lighter with me to light the charcoal stick. Butane burns hot and gets the charcoal burning better than a Bic type lighter. You can find these hand warmers on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Celsius-Solid-Fuel-Hand-Warmer/dp/B00305KAUW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413683615&sr=8-1&keywords=Charcoal+hand+warmer
I also have but rarely use the throw away hand warmers. The only time I use these are when I don't need to stay warm.
I hate being cold.
Welcome staywarmguy
I like to use the hand muffs that are like a tube that goes around your waist like a belt. They are well insulated and you put your hand in each end either bare or with light gloves on. It's really easy to pull your hands out when ready to shoot and they also have a pocket for the disposable hand warmers but I have never had to use one with the muff.
v-fib
I like to use the hand muffs that are like a tube that goes around your waist like a belt. They are well insulated and you put your hand in each end either bare or with light gloves on. It's really easy to pull your hands out when ready to shoot and they also have a pocket for the disposable hand warmers but I have never had to use one with the muff.
v-fib
anothernewb
Member
Ill put another vote for the chem packs. work fine, and are inexpensive.
IIRC, they're actually pretty simple. very very fine iron/magnesium powder. the moisture in your hands causes it to rust, exothermic reaction. brilliant really.
IIRC, they're actually pretty simple. very very fine iron/magnesium powder. the moisture in your hands causes it to rust, exothermic reaction. brilliant really.
anothernewb
Member
they are also great. The irony is that the idea comes from a muff that the french women used to use as a fashion accessory. Not knocking it at all thoguh. Just another great idea reimagined.I like to use the hand muffs that are like a tube that goes around your waist like a belt. They are well insulated and you put your hand in each end either bare or with light gloves on. It's really easy to pull your hands out when ready to shoot and they also have a pocket for the disposable hand warmers but I have never had to use one with the muff.
I used the Jon-E one for 15 years for ice fishing and duck hunting. They get really hot, and are a bit of a PITA. That is 1930s technology. Now I really like the chemical ones; cheap, will fit in mittens/gloves, and won't burn.
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