The Jon-e handwarmer does not appear to have been discussed on the site before, possibly because it seems to be more of an American product and I haven't seen it on sale in UK/European shops. If you haven't seen them before, see this link for info: http://store.scottsbt.com/Jon--Handwarmer-Information-W6C1.aspx
Basically, they're a bit like a Zippo - you pour fuel onto an absorbent cushion. At the top of the metal container is a wick and a metal gauze thing. The wick is lit for about a minute and then blown out. A metal lid is placed over the top and then the whole thing is put into a cloth bag, pulled closed with a drawstring.
The gauze seems to contain a catalyst that keeps the fuel burning but without a flame - it glows. The heat provided keeps you warm and the more air that gets to the gauze, the hotter the unit gets.
I have read a number of reviews of this handwarmer and they are mixed - for some reason, a lot of people seem to have problems keeping the handwarmers lit (they are supposed to last for 8 hours on a full fuel load), or getting them relit.
I have had no problems with the unit and they have stayed lit and working for up to 6 hours when I've used them (that was on just over half a load of fuel). They are superb! Like having a permanent hot water bottle and I use them when out in the cold walking the dog or when in the Alps, camping/climbing. My only criticism is that there is a faint whiff of lighter fuel around you when they are in your pocket...
Has anyone else used these handwarmers before? I would be interested in your experiences and whether you've had any of the problems described above.
Basically, they're a bit like a Zippo - you pour fuel onto an absorbent cushion. At the top of the metal container is a wick and a metal gauze thing. The wick is lit for about a minute and then blown out. A metal lid is placed over the top and then the whole thing is put into a cloth bag, pulled closed with a drawstring.
The gauze seems to contain a catalyst that keeps the fuel burning but without a flame - it glows. The heat provided keeps you warm and the more air that gets to the gauze, the hotter the unit gets.
I have read a number of reviews of this handwarmer and they are mixed - for some reason, a lot of people seem to have problems keeping the handwarmers lit (they are supposed to last for 8 hours on a full fuel load), or getting them relit.
I have had no problems with the unit and they have stayed lit and working for up to 6 hours when I've used them (that was on just over half a load of fuel). They are superb! Like having a permanent hot water bottle and I use them when out in the cold walking the dog or when in the Alps, camping/climbing. My only criticism is that there is a faint whiff of lighter fuel around you when they are in your pocket...
Has anyone else used these handwarmers before? I would be interested in your experiences and whether you've had any of the problems described above.
