Grabber hand warmers shelf life8/6/2023 ![]() The knockoffs are typically not found on the shelves of major retailers more likely, they’re at mini-marts and service stations. Many smaller companies are producing lookalikes that don’t meet the same scientific or performance standards set by Japanese manufacturers, who invented the processes, or those in the US. Most will be packaged in orange cellophane, a standard set by Heat Factory, Inc., which pioneered the US market in 1980. Their brightly colored packets are found on shelves and at checkout counters of chandleries, sporting goods and major discount stores, as well as camping and skiing shops. The first two companies account for 80% of total sporting industry and retail sales. The three major producers of warmers in the US are Grabber Performance Group, Heat Max, Inc., and the Heat Factory, Inc. They’ll still function when damp, but not as well, and something tells us we shouldn’t allow that mixture of elements to turn into primordial soup inside our boots. The downside is that, in a boating environment, when you get the ingredients wet, you impair their ability to take in the oxygen necessary to operate. ![]() Some are constructed with adhesive backing that sticks to a sock, others may be enclosed in pockets in wool socks-an improvement over socks with batteries and coils designed to accomplish the same thing. Manufacturers have recently developed a long list of ancillary products headbands and gloves with pockets, and orthotic footbeds with warmers. When disposed of, the contents of the pouches are non-toxic and biodegradable. (Interestingly, the same materials produce oxidation.) Since the components are naturally occurring compounds, not chemicals, they are environmentally friendly. Newer products developed for use inside boots allow more oxygen into the pouch, producing the same 120-140° temperatures. Though manufacturers will not disclose the specific formulations of their products, the common denominators are iron powder, water, vermiculite, activated carbon, cellulose, potassium chloride, and salt. However, shaking the pouch may accelerate the process. Older products required shaking, but chemicals are now well-blended so that’s not necessary. Unlike the products of the ’90s, which came in one size, warmers are now designed for use in jacket or pant packets, and inside socks and boots.īut they operate in the same manner: removal of packaging exposes the pouches to oxygen, stimulating a chemical reaction that produces heat. ![]() We’ve learned on chilly days that these pouches can convert stiff fingers and toes to functioning parts of the anatomy. Enter the pocket-sized hand, toe and body warmers. But, pushing the envelope often means standing in pools of cold water with wet feet and hands while sanding a bottom, or taking a shift at the tiller wearing multiple layers of fleece and heavy gloves.Īs invigorating as these activities are, they are less fun when our extremities-hands, feet, and ears- are cold. There’s prepping and commissioning, and the motorsail to the marina. Quite a few of us are in the boatyard at the first hint of spring, even if the frost has not turned to dew.
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