Battery heated gloves come in handy for early morning drives to work, working in the yard, or playing hard on those fall and winter weekends.
When to Use Battery Heated Gloves
Who wouldn't like a little extra warmth on their hands during those chilly winter days? Here are some reasons you may want to invest in a pair:
- You're a Raynaud's Syndrome sufferer
- Your hands are freezing on your morning commute
- You frequently have to shovel snow
- You play outdoor sports, ski, or ride a motorcycle
- You're on the lookout for a new pair of gloves anyway (you don't have to use the battery to heat your hands; many styles are quite warm without the battery)
- You're looking for a gift for the practical guy who has everything
Where to Buy Them
- Dick's Sporting Goods has a pair of Nordic Gear Lectra Battery Heated Gloves for $29.99. They're only available in black, but there's a wide range of sizes-from extra-small to extra-large. They take a D battery and all you have to do to get them working is snap the battery pouch closed. With maxi grip fingers and palms, nylon, and Thinsulate™, too, you'll be set for anything.
- Amazon.com also has the Lectra gloves in various sizes. They claim that they're waterproof and meant for daily wear. According to the product description, the heat will last four to six hours if you leave them on constantly and longer if you use them for brief intervals.
- Alpine Accessories has battery heated mittens and gloves. As of this writing, some models are out of stock, but expect to pay between $39.85 and $399.99.
Why such a difference? The higher end gloves come with two rechargeable, heat-adjustable NiCad batteries, a charger, two heating elements and wire harnesses.
- Here are a few other factors for each pair:
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- Less expensive pair: These take AA batteries and the heat level is adjustable (and battery life depends upon the level of heat used). The cuff closes via drawstring and there are grips on the palm, fingers, and thumb. The outer shell is 100% nylon and the inner shell is 65% Olefin and 35% polyester. These, too, incorporate Thinsulate™ into their make-up, for warmth and comfort even without the batteries. These are available in sizes small, medium, large, and extra-large.
- More expensive pair: These are recommended for Raynaud's Syndrome sufferers because of the distribution of heat (there's even heat at the fingertips) and stimulated circulation. You get a heating element for each finger and thumb. The batteries are rechargeable and they come with everything you need. Battery life here also depends upon the level of heat you choose to use. The gloves come with a one-year warranty. The shell is 100% polyester and the Waterguard® lining is meant to keep them dry inside. In addition, there's Dexfil® insulation and a gauntlet style cuff.
Other Methods
While battery heated gloves are convenient because you can find batteries almost anywhere, you may find that you want something that gets a bit warmer and lasts longer than a few hours. There are other types of heated gloves on the market, such as the ones with heating pads attached. You can even purchase USB heated gloves that are perfect for using in frigid offices. In addition, you may want to consider heated glove liners. These are especially nice if you already have a pair of gloves you wouldn't want to throw out. You can choose from warmers that work once or those that are rechargeable.
A Final Word
Whether you're aiming for an inexpensive pair or you're willing to make an investment, give yourself something to look forward to on your commute to work or during your outdoor duties. Make playing sports more pleasant. Warm hands during the cold months are one great way to pamper yourself.
