Cold is one of the fastest things to become dangerous — hypothermia can set in well before it feels like an emergency, and the fix is usually simple if you're carrying the right small items.
We've picked air-activated hand warmers for instant, no-battery warmth, a compact emergency foil blanket that reflects body heat back at you, and long-burning candles that can take the edge off a cold room or tent without needing power.
Single-use or reusable heat packs that provide warmth for 6–12 hours. Critical for preventing cold injuries.
Look for at least 8 hours of sustained heat.
Average 55–60°C is comfortable. Higher can cause burns through thin gloves.
Can cause mild burns. Always use over a thin layer of clothing.
Air-activated hand warmers that give hours of gentle heat with no batteries or flame. Cheap, packable warmth to stave off cold hands in an outage or outdoors.
A multipack of reflective mylar blankets that reflect body heat back to fight the cold and shock. Cheap insurance to scatter through car, home and grab kits.
Broad, long-burning paraffin pillar candles that give hours of steady room light in a power cut, standing securely with minimal dripping and no batteries required.