Dreading your winter commute? These hand warmers will make the transition easier

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Hand warmers are ideal for outdoor activities like running, skiing, hiking, camping and more.AmazonNothing puts a damper on a fall or winter outing more than cold and frozen fingertips — that’s where hand warmers can come in handy. They’re great for outdoor activities like skiing, camping and hiking, as well as everyday ones like running, taking a walk or doing errands.

Read ahead for everything you need to know about choosing the best hand warmers, including recommendations and shopping advice from Ashleigh McClary, an avid outdoor enthusiast and Backcountry Gearhead product expert and Ken Bernard, an outdoor enthusiast and owner of Outlandish, an outdoor gear and apparel store in Brooklyn, NY.

Best overallHotHands Air-Activated Warmers$undefined$7.48AmazonLearn moreBest catalytic hand warmerZippo 12-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer$26.73$29.95AmazonLearn moreBest splurge Seirus Heat Touch Hellfire Mittens$undefined$499.99AmazonLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedStay warm all winter (without overheating) in these expert-recommended thermal underwearWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

Below, you'll find a roundup of expert picks, along with personal recommendations from NBC Selected staff.

9,963 Amazon Reviews$7.48Amazon$7.48$9.99WalmartNow 25% off$8.58Lowe'sWhat to knowType: air-activated | Duration: up to 18 hoursWhat we likeLong-lastingEasy to carry, easy to useAffordableSomething to noteMay take a while to fully heatBernard says these hand warmers from Hot Hands are ideal for single-use. Open the package to expose the warmers to the air, and from there they take 15-30 minutes to heat up fully, although you’ll feel the warming effects much sooner. They’re small enough to fit into pockets or bags, making them portable, and McCClary adds that since they’re widely available, they can be found “almost anywhere.” NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin and NBC Selected editorial director Lauren Swanson, who are both avid runners, use these on their cold weather runs — Malin “buys them by the thousand” at Costco. She likes to hold them in her hands while running, or keeps them in her pockets during her warm up and cool down walks. She also says that the warmers are long-lasting and can warm her hands for at least ten hours.

14,725 Amazon Reviews$26.73$29.95AmazonNow 11% off$29.95ZippoWhat to knowType: catalytic | Duration: up to 12 hoursWhat we likeLong-lastingReusableSleek designSomething to noteFluid not includedThis refillable hand warmer has a sleek, compact design and gives you flameless warmth for up to 12 hours, according to the brand. Bernard says they’re perfect for serious outdoor adventurers. The hand warmer uses lighter fluid, which is kept inside of an interior fill cup to help reduce spills, according to the brand. However, lighter fluid isn’t included and must be purchased separately.

$12.41AmazonWhat to knowType: air-activated | Duration: up to 8 hoursWhat we likeLasts all dayEasy to useSomething to noteTakes a while to heatFormer NBC Selected page Ella Morrissey is an avid skier, and says she likes to stick these hand warmers into her gloves when she’s on the slopes. They’re disposable, odorless and begin working as soon as they’re exposed to air, according to the brand. “While they can take a little while to heat up, they last me all day long when I’m on the mountain or doing anything else outside,” she says.

$37.95Amazon$17.95REI$19.95IgnikWhat to knowType: air-activated | Duration: up to 10 hoursWhat we likeReusableSustainable materialsLong-lastingSomething to noteNothing to note at this timeMcClary also likes these Ignik Hand Warmers, which are biodegradable and can be composted after using, according to the brand. They’re easily activated via exposure to air, making them great for everyday outdoors activities like running, walking, dog walking and more. They’re also reusable for multiple days — by resealing the warmers in their pouch, you can use the 10 hours of heat over the course of up to three days, says Ignik.

7 Amazon Reviews$499.99Amazon$549.95REI$549.99SeirusWhat to knowType: electric | Duration: Up to 12 hoursWhat we likeAdjustable heat settingsFinger slotsRechargeableSomething to noteExpensiveThese are McClary’s favorite electric hand warmers, which she says produces the most heat and lasts the longest of any heated glove or mitten that she’s tried. The gloves have three heat settings, along with a waterproof zipper pocket and a rechargeable battery, according to the brand. She also likes that they have finger slots inside that give you a true glove, rather than fingerless mitten, feel.

selectedselected9 best touchscreen-friendly gloves that will also keep your hands warmHow to shop for hand warmersWhen shopping for hand warmers, experts recommend keeping a few things in mind, including the duration of use and the type of hand warmer, and the warmers’ safety considerations.

According to the experts, USB hand warmers are generally safe when used properly. However, you should be monitoring the heat of the hand warmers as you use them, says McClary. “Look for ones with overheat protection and quality battery cells,” says Bernard. McClary also advises starting your hand warmers on a low setting, and increasing the heat gradually as needed.

McClary says the biggest danger of using hand warmers is potential skin burn from higher temperatures. She adds that disposable hand warmers are also flammable, which is why she recommends disposing of them when they’ve cooled, and avoiding open flames while using them. Bernard also says that because catalytic warmers involve a flammable fluid, they should be stored properly.

For best use practices, both McClary and Bernard recommend checking the manufacturer’s instructions.

Bernard says that disposable, air-activated hand warmers usually have a shelf life of two to three years. Expiration dates are also usually printed on the box and should always be checked, since expired hand warmers may not heat as well, he says.

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I am an associate SEO reporter for NBC Selected who regularly consults experts about how to prepare for cold weather. In addition to this story, for example, I've also written about thermal underwear and wool socks. To compile a list of the best hand warmers, I talked to outdoor experts and researched products with their guidance in mind. I also included personal favorites of NBC Select staff.

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Ashley MorrisAshley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Selected. Her expertise is in skin care, wellness and home and kitchen.