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

Heat Treat Warmers
Initial Report
May 9, 2005

Biographical Information Product Information Initial Impressions Field Conditions Test Plan

Warmers


Biographical Information
Name Jennifer Pope
Age 24
Gender Female
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.7 m)
Weight 140 lb (64 kg)
Shoe size 8 US
Email address Jennifer dot Pope at gmail dot com
Location Los Angeles, CA
Backpacking Background
Newbie. I’ve been a car-camper as long as I can remember and started backpacking in Northern California when I was 16. I'm starting to get back into backpacking after a hiatus during college. I recently moved to Southern California and so far I've only backpacked in the Angeles National Forest but I'm planning on branching out to other Southern California mountain areas; the California desert; and the Sierra in the summer months. I'm a tent camper leaning towards lightweight; but I am a fan of gadgets and I like being comfortable. I also do a mix of short and long day hikes in and around Los Angeles.

Product Information (back to top)
Manufacturer Grabber Mycoal
Manufacturer URL www.warmers.com
Year of Manufacture 2005
Listed Weight none listed
Actual Weights
Hand Warmer
Foot Warmer
Body Warmer

1.3 oz (37 g)
1.3 oz (37 g)
1.3 oz (37 g)
Package quantity each foot and hand warmer package contains 2 warmers; each body warmer package contains 1 warmer
Dimensions
Hand Warmer
Foot Warmer
Body Warmer

4.75" x 6.75" (12 cm x 17 cm)
4" x 12" (10 cm x 30 cm)
4.75" x 6.75" (12 cm x 17 cm)
Validity Date July 30, 2008 and later
Ingredients Iron, water, cellulose, vermiculite, activated carbon and salt (no vermiculite in foot warmers)
MSRP
Hand Warmers
Foot Warmers
Body Warmers

$61.99 US/40 sets
$34.99 US/10 sets
$10.99 US/6 sets
Product Description
(from website)
[The warmers are] non-toxic, environmentally friendly, odorless heat source using all natural ingredients that are non-combustible.

Initial Impressions (back to top)

For this test I received 2 sets of hand warmers, 2 sets of foot warmers (size: S/M) and 2 body warmers. The warmers seem to be heavy for their size. Granted they are still fairly light weight. Each warmer or warmer set is packaged in lightweight plastic. There's a notch in the packaging to make opening the warmers easier (I'll report on whether it is easy to open the packages in my field report). The packaging seems to be minimal, which is good. I doubt it adds much extra weight at all. One thing I like right away is that the hand warmers are packaged separately. Two hand warmers come in each package, but it's possible to only open one of them if I wanted to save the other for later. I can also cut them apart if I only wanted to take one on a trip. I see the hand warmers as being the most versatile warmer, so I like this feature. The instructions for use seem easy enough- open the package and go. The warmers seem like they'll be easy to use, efficient, and long-lasting. I will report on whether that is the case in my field report. Based on what I read on the manufacturer's website, the warmers are exactly what I expected so far.

Product Use Instructions - from package instructions (back to top)
Hand Foot Body
Directions for use Simply open the outer package and expose the packet to air. No shaking is necessary. For best results, use Hand Warmers in an enclosed area with air such as a pocket or glove. Simply open the outer package and immediate place insoles inside any pair of closed-toe shoes or boots. Foot warmer insoles are specifically designed for use inside a shoe or boot where oxygen is restricted. Do not use in ventilated type footwear. For best results, insert each insole forward to toe of shoe or boot. No Trimming. No Peeling. Fabric side up, white side down. Simply open the outer package and expose the heat patch to air. No shaking is necessary. Remove the protective backing and adhere the Adhesive Body Warmer to the inside of clothing over area of body that needs relief. Do not apply adhesive side directly to skin. The Adhesive Body Warmer is designed to warm gradually and reach average temperature in approximately 20 minutes.
Average Temperature 135 F (57 C); max. temp. 156 F (69 C) when used as directed 95 F (35 C) max. temp. 102 F (39 C) when used as directed 127 F (53 C) max. temp. 154 F (68 C)
Length of Use (claimed) 7+ hours 5+ hours 12+ hours
DO NOT USE...
  • Applied directly to your skin for an extended period of time
  • On parts of body other than the hand
  • With infants or small children
  • On bruising or swelling
  • On frostbite or desensitized skin
  • While sleeping
  • With bare feet or sheer hosiery
  • With sandals or open shoes
  • On parts of the body other than the feet
  • With infants or small children
  • On bruising or swelling
  • Infected areas, frostbite or desensitized skin
  • While sleeping
  • With adhesive applied directly to skin
  • With infants or small children
  • On bruising or swelling
  • On frostbite or desensitized skin
  • While sleeping
CAUTION Children, the elderly, the handicapped and those unable to remove the Hand Warmer by themselves should be supervised when using this product. Remove the Hand Warmer immediately if it becomes uncomfortably hot. If used incorrectly, higher temperatures may occur, causing burns. For External use only. Do not puncture the Hand Warmer or allow contents to contact eyes or mouth. Consult a physician if swallowed. Children, the elderly, the handicapped and those unable to remove the foot warmer by themselves should be supervised when using this product. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage or paralysis should not use except as direct by a physician. Remove foot warmer immediately if it becomes uncomfortably hot. If used incorrectly, higher temperatures may occur, causing burns. This product is not designed to withstand the impact of running or jogging. For External use only. Do not puncture the Hand Warmer or allow contents to contact eyes or mouth. Consult a physician if swallowed. Children, the elderly, the handicapped and those unable to remove the Adhesive Body Warmer by themselves should be supervised when using this product. Person with diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage, paralysis or sensitive skin should not use except as directed by a physician. Consult a physician for proper use if PREGNANT. Do not use with external heating devices or in combination with liniment, balms, lotions or salve-type external analgesic products. Check skin regularly and remove if any discomfort, redness, or blistering is evident. Remove Adhesive Body Warmer immediately if it becomes uncomfortably hot. If used incorrectly, higher temperatures may occur, causing burns. For External use only. Do not puncture the Hand Warmer or allow contents to contact eyes or mouth. Consult a physician if swallowed.
Package instructions in English and Spanish.

Field Conditions (back to top)

Over the next month or two I plan on taking several trips into the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests. Elevations will range from sea level to 10,000 ft (3,000 m) plus. Temperatures should range from the 30s F (0 C) to 90 F (30 C). If I’m lucky, any precipitation will be mild. I also have a possible multi-night backpack planned for Lassen National Park in early July (as long as my husband's schedule cooperates!).

Test Plan (back to top)

I will, of course, report on anything that arises as the test unfolds, but I will specifically look for the following:
  • Do they weigh a different amount after being used (i.e. how much weight do I have to pack out)?
  • How long does each warmer last? The website claims from between 5-12 hours depending on the type.
  • How long does it take each warmer to warm up?
  • Do to warmers stay hot, or does the heat fade over time?
  • Can the warmers get wet? What if I get my shoes wet while wearing them?
  • Can I really not sleep with one of these? (I’m tempted to put one in my sleeping bag- why can’t I?)
  • How well do the foot warmers fit in my shoes?
  • Do they keep me warm?
  • Do they help relieve muscle aches and pains?
  • Do they ever get too hot?

The Good (back to top)

  • lightweight
  • easy to use

The Bad

  • can't use while sleeping
  • can't use foot warmers in sandals
I want to thank BackpackGearTest.org and Grabber Mycoal for giving me the opportunity to test this item.

Read more reviews of Grabber Performance Group gear
Read more gear reviews by Jennifer Pope

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



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