While cleaning out my SUV yesterday, I came across some chemical hand-warmers with a 2008 "validity" date. So I opened them up to see how they'd work. To my surprise, they got very warm.

I suspect it took them longer to warm up than fresh warmers and they probably did not last as long (I was busy cleaning the car and didn't time them). But if you were cold, these would be welcome relief for your hands or feet for awhile.

Nice! I'm trying reusable ones - you boil them to recharge.

Have you tried them yet? If so about how warm did they get and for about how long did they stay warm enough to be useful?

I've had too many Chem warmers not work once they were a year old to the point that I buy a new box every fall. I would like to replace the chemical warmers with the reusable ones if they work well.

Thanks!

The reusable ones don't stay warm very long, usually about 15 min and takes like 10 minuted to recharge in boiling water. They are also pretty heavy. Advantage is, that is very obvious when they have been used. (used = solid block, gel = ready to go)

I use the chemical warmers as a supplement to my emergency bivvy, as it's small and light enough.

There are other handwarmer options availible too:
- carbon sticks Hand Warmers
- Platinum Catalyst Hand Warmers

Thank you Tjin!

I'll look into the other types you mentioned. Based on your experience 15 minutes would not be worth the pack weight.

I haven't seen those yet. They sound pretty nifty. Thanks for the heads up Teacher!

I do the same thing, Quietly. Better warm than sorry. My husband takes the old ones to work with him. He's an outside worker so uses them regularly so it's no big deal if they aren't in pristine condition. He just keeps a bunch in his truck and lunch box.

I've tried the carbon stick type. Too many years ago for details but they wouldn't stay lit.

Thanks UT alumnus!
I'll pass on that then as well.