How to Keep your Hands Warm with Chemical Heat Packs

[Ernest2]

<<< This item first posted in HU Community Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK (SRUK) >>>

Of course we must layer up in the cold to maintain core body temperature, but the extremities will still struggle, particularly at the end of the day.

I use chemical heat packs for the hands as a simple fool-proof solution.

Here are some photos of how I use them:

instagram.com/p/Cnl1bPvLitg...

I buy them on the internet in bulk, and won't promote any particular brand as these are the only ones I've tried. There are others similar.

Any tips/improvements?

Best wishes to all,

Ernest

P.S. My breakpoint for Reynaud's attacks was about 10deg. Something strange happened last year though. I spent the year off road tarmac cycling once a week (until my car broke. . . ). The cycling seemed to do nothing much for aerobic fitness which was a disappointment, but it I think lowered my Reynaud's breakpoint down from 10deg down to 8deg when on foot. Most of the time then I can now avoid heatpacks in the shoes when walking. Probably though use the feet version of heatpacks when on the bike (just in case . . .)

[PaulaS Volunteer]

Thanks for posting this, Ernest.

In cold weather (like nowadays in the UK), we may be reluctant to get out for the healthy exercise that is so good for us. The use of hand and foot warmers can make all the difference!

It's my hands that get cold very quickly when I'm out walking. They soon go white and numb in spite of wearing two pairs of gloves. Then a few months ago hubby bought me some battery powered heated gloves, and these have have transformed my walks - especially in the snow.

One of my problems had been taking off gloves to take photos on my walks, but with the heated gloves, my hands soon warm up again.

Before the heated gloves, I had used chemical heat packs like you mention, Ernest, and they were a big help too.

Paula

P.S. Photo below taken a few days ago, in a wood near Sheffield.

Snow on fir tree

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to PaulaS]

Battery powered heated gloves - non-chemo heating. I like it!

[Ernest2 in reply to AussieNeil]

Yup I should approve anything non chemo 😁

It's a hot topic though. I'm thinking chemistry may be part of the solution to the UK energy disaster.

Best wishes,

Ernest

[HopeME in reply to PaulaS]

Have you tried mittens? They are much warmer than gloves. Here is a good article on quality hand gear: forbes.com/sites/forbes-per...

[Ernest2 in reply to HopeME]

Many thanks Hope. I did buy some one split finger (instead of the normal three splits of gloves) but the grip was too poor. The gloves with the zip pocket I use for driving, and they have fantastic grip.

In my case at the moment lack of budget stops me buying anything more, so just look around and use what I've got.

Best wishes,

Ernest

[Ernest2 in reply to PaulaS]

Lovely picture. Thanks Paula for sharing.

I am I have to admit being somewhat overwhelmed at the moment, with rechargable batteries. Drills, head torch, lanterns, phones . . . I'd be lost though without them

I am shocked though at how many use non rechargable batteries, and I don't totally understand why. There are great chargers available now.

Best wishes,

Ernest

P.S. Here's how I store them (after I've eaten the tomatoes 😁)

Rechargable AA and AAA batteries sandwiched between two old tomato punnets.

[Ernest2]

Thanks Jammin. Like the Sarni bag trick. I went for foil as it gets the heat away the fastest but yes it will leak some air. Keeps them going to the end of the day

Out on a walk though and lots of on/off the Sarni bag could be much easier/ more effective .

Boots is real tricky, especially the muck/wellies scenario. Hard to put heat packs in rubber boots too. So I tend to cheat and put down temp floor covering (all sorts) to avoid the mud and wellies.

In terms of budget, the snow boots (I've got different sized feet) I have to reserve for special occasions, and they are difficult to work in.

Funny it reminds me I lost a PhD many many years ago working for RollsRoyce to start jet engines at high altitude in Canada. LUFF curves (light up fuel flow and all that). Of course if I'd done that I'd have learned a few things about hands and feet.

Best wishes,

Ernest

[ygtgo]

My son uses battery powered heated gloves - vest and socks.

Of course you could go the whole hog and get the battery powered heated Jacket, hat and trousers !!

[Ernest2 in reply to ygtgo]

Great to hear from you ygtgo

I remember the great Roger Bisby in one of his rants about home heating predicting we will all be wearing electric clothes. Here's one example (prob not the right one):

youtu.be/qxNJ-9QD0ns(Not working as expected?)

Best wishes,

Ernest

[Biker7]

Raynauds is so annoying! My hands go white even in summer if there’s a sudden drop in temperature.

But I recently found a way to enjoy winter walks. The secret is to get the circulation moving before leaving the house. I now warm up a little first on an exercise bike - just enough for my hands and toes to feel warm. Then I quickly rug up well to trap the body heat. This year I also treated myself to some merino ski wear which has also helped a lot. I haven’t needed to use heat packs since.

[Ernest2 in reply to Biker7]

Yes you are spot on. It's a combination of core heat and temperature shock to the extreme ties.

Funny I bought myself a motorbiking neoprene velcro-on body warmer for use on the push bike 😁

I'm working (unpaid) outside at the moment. Ok until the end of the day, then you get tired and I need all the Reynauds tricks I've got.

Merino is fab, especially if you have to do same day indoors and outdoors. I've only got one set though (now discontinued) and on low budget so no idea now where you would sensibly buy from.

Best wishes,

Ernest