Reviews > Health & Safety > Emergency and Survival Gear > Grabber Performance Group Warmers > Jennifer Williams > Initial Report

Initial Report: Heat Treat Warmers

TESTER BIO
Name: Jennifer Williams
Age: 26
Gender: Female
Height: 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m)
Weight: 120 lbs (56 kg)
Shoe size: 9.5 women (US)
Email: jensmail78 (at) yahoo.com
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Date: May 6, 2005

Backpacking Background:
I grew up camping and snowboarding, but I just started backpacking about two years ago. All of my trips have been one or two night stays. My trips normally range from coastal trails in the redwoods to mountainous terrain in the Sierra Nevadas. I tend to hike where I encounter rain and dampness. This year, I am looking forward to making some longer trips in northern California and gaining more experience. I am not a lightweight backpacker yet, but would like to reduce my current pack weight significantly.

PRODUCT INFORMATION:
Manufacturer: Grabber Mycoal
Year of manufacture: 2005
URL:www.warmers.com

Heat Treat Hand Warmers:
Weight as delivered: 1.5 oz (43 g)
Dimensions: 2 in x 3.5 in (5 cm x 9 cm)
Average Temp: 135 F (57 C)
Maximum Temp: 156 F (69 C)
Heat Duration: 7+ hours
Ingredients: Iron, water, cellulose, vermiculite, activated carbon, and salt
MSRP: $16.99 (US) for 10 pair

Heat Treat Body Warmers:
Weight as delivered: 1.5 oz (43 g)
Dimensions: 4 in x 5 in (10 cm x 13 cm)
Average Temp: 127 F (53 C)
Maximum Temp: 154 (68 C)
Heat Duration: 12+ hours
Ingredients: Iron, water, cellulose, vermiculite, activated carbon, and salt
MSRP: $10.99 (US) for 6 warmers

Heat Treat Foot Warmers:
Weight as delivered: 1.7 oz (48 g)
Size: M/L (Women's US shoe size 9+, Men's US shoe size 8+)
Average Temp: 95 F (35 C)
Maximum Temp: 102 F (39 C)
Heat Duration: 5+ hours
Ingredients: Iron, water, cellulose, activated carbon, and salt
MSRP: $34.99 (US) for 10 pair

Packaging and Instructions:
The Heat Treat Warmers arrived with a colorful brochure that matches the packaging of the warmers. The brochure explained the features of each type of warmer and also advertised some of their other Warmer products. All of the Warmers were individually packaged, with the hand and foot warmers packaged as pairs. The packaging is bright red and orange with yellow lettering. They are all labeled very clearly, making it easy to differentiate between the different Warmers. The front of each packet is labeled with the type of Warmer (Hand, Body, or Foot) and a large circle indicating how long that particular Warmer is supposed to last.

On the back of the packets are the directions, warnings, and ingredients listed in both English and Spanish. The directions explain that the Warmers are non-toxic and non-combustible. To activate the Warmers, just expose them to air with no need to shake them. The Warmers are supposed to produce heat instantly and last for many hours. They are designed one time use, and because they are non-toxic, there are no special considerations when disposing of the used Warmers. The Warmers website states that the Warmers last 4 years from their manufacture date. The Hand Warmers and Foot Warmers that I received expire in July 2008 and the Body Warmers expire in August 2007.

The warnings are easy to read and understand. Specifically, they warn against using the Warmers on bruising, swelling, or frostbite; or while sleeping. They also warn against puncturing or tearing the Warmers. For the Foot Warmers and Body Warmers there are illustrations showing how to apply them correctly.

Unlike the other Warmers, the Body Warmers are adhesive on one side. They are intended to adhere to the inside of a piece of clothing that lies next to or close to your skin. The adhesive should not be applied directly to skin.

The Foot Warmers come in two different sizes: S/M for women's shoe sizes 8 and smaller or men's shoe sizes 7 and smaller, and M/L for women's shoe sizes 9 and larger or men's shoe sizes 8 and larger. They are not adhesive and require no trimming. The instructions specifically state that they should be used in closed-toed shoes or boots where oxygen is restricted. They do not recommend using them in open-toed shoes or sandals. The warnings also state that the inserts cannot withstand the impact of running or jogging. Thus, they should only be used for light walking or sitting around camp.

Initial Impressions:
The Heat Treat Warmers appear exactly as they do on the website. However, I have not taken them out of their packaging yet so as not to activate them and waste them. Thus, I have not seen the actual Warmers because the packaging is not transparent. They are a little heavier than I expected, but still very light. I am pleased to see the packaging is minimal and does not add unnecessary size or weight to the product.

Field information

I will go on 1 or 2 backpacking trips near the northern California coast and 2 or 3 short backpacking trips in Tahoe National Forest and Desolation Wilderness. Overnight temperatures are typically between 20 and 50 F (4 to 27 C). Conditions at night will be cold and brisk as soon as the sun sets until well into the mornings. Since some of my backpacking destinations do not allow campfires at all, I will most likely use the warmers around camp while cooking and preparing for bed. If necessary, I will also use the Warmers in unexpected storms for emergency warmth or for relief from sore, aching muscles.

On all camping trips, I will be sleeping in a 2-person tent with a sleeping bag rated at 15 F (-9 C). I typically do not bring gloves while camping, so the Hand Warmers would go in my jacket pockets. The Foot Warmers will be worn in my backpacking boots or trail runners.

Test Plan:

Heat: I will evaluate all of the warmers on various heat criteria.
*How fast do they heat up?
*How long do they stay warm enough to keep me comfortable?
*Do they stay warm if they accidentally get wet?

I will also specifically test particular features of each type of warmer based on functionality and comfort.

Body Warmers:
*What is the quality of the adhesive? Does it adhere to most fabrics?
*Does the adhesive leave residue behind?
*Do they heat up gradually in 20 minutes as claimed by the manufacturer?

Hand Warmers:
*Does it fit in a glove or pocket?
*Are they big enough to keep my whole hand warm?
*Do they leave residue on my hands?

Foot Warmers:
*How easy are they to insert/remove?
*Are they so thick that my shoe fits tighter while wearing them?
*Do they make my feet sweaty? Smelly?
*Are they comfortable to walk around camp in?

Thank you to Heat Treat Warmers and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test this product.

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Reviews > Health & Safety > Emergency and Survival Gear > Grabber Performance Group Warmers > Jennifer Williams > Initial Report