Wondering how to keep your hands warm in the outdoors? You’re not alone. According to weather experts, the “polar vortex” that’s set to crush North America might make for our coldest winter in two decades. Some parts of the US have already experienced insanely low temperatures, and in Wisconsin, a local meteorologist threw a pot of boiling water into the air — and it still froze before hitting the ground! Read on for 3 ways to keep your hands warm in the outdoors this winter.
Stay As Dry As You Can
You already know that water turns to ice, and that’s exactly what can happen if your hands are wet. Avoid the temptation of making snowballs, especially if you decide to go camping in sub-zero temperatures. In addition to keeping your hands dry, you should also avoid condensation if possible. Tip: the dryer you are, the better your body can combat the cold. So avoid any unnecessary contact with water, ice, and snow.
Mittens Keep Hands Warmer Than Gloves
The less skin you expose to the cold the better. If you don’t mind restricting your movement, consider using mittens over regular gloves, since clustering your fingers together promotes a natural heat exchange. Mittens can also be stuffed with additional warming material, such as extra layers of wool or cotton. You can also double-up and wear regular gloves under them.
Heat Pads
Heating pads and hand warmers can provide a wonderful source of warmth when needed. You should always keep some of these handy if you plan on being outside for longer periods of time. They usually run just a few bucks and can be picked up at most convenience stores. A favorite trick among hunters is to shake them and stuff them into their gloves, since they are thin enough to fit without adding unnecessary restriction to the hands.
Keep your hands warm in the outdoors this year by following the above suggestions. These are but three of many that exist, so just stay warm any which way you can. We’re in for a crazy winter!
Related articles: How to Keep Your Feet Dry on a Winter Hike, 10 Survival Tips for Winter Camping
Featured Image from Fabrizio Conti/Unsplash
