Handwarmers have come a long way from the once only option of ‘lit’ burner types as technology now affords us the luxury to use designs powered by rechargeable batteries.
Ocoopa are an American manufacturer who specialise and have become the leading provider of rechargeable hand warmers with a very distinguished reputation. This has helped them retain (according to many) their No1 status in design and manufacturer of rechargeable handwarmers.
In that respect, no surprise that as well as making ‘solid’ one-piece handwarmers, they’ve now developed an ingenious and practical solution for warming both hands without having to buy two handwarmers for each pocket with what are known as their Union series. Amongst this range, The UT2s being a model I’ve (no pun intended) really got to hand it to for performance, price, ingenuity and of course ergonomic practicality.
Rather Special
The USP of the Ocoopa UT2s is they’re actually two separate units that attach together via strong magnets (known as MagTwins). These are found on the flat inner sides of both sections of the handwarmer which when required holds them firmly together as a full bodied unit. However, these can easily be separated into two halves by pulling apart so you can hold them separately in both hands.
Made of premium aircraft-grade aluminium with a polished silicone surface when separated each ‘side’ measures 9.4 x 3.1 x 2.9cm and weighs in at a quite substantial but comfortably solid 225g. It comes in 4 different colours and there’s even a mini version approx. half its size and weight for smaller hands or when you require less run time and weight to carry in your pocket.
Quality and safety are the company’s top priorities, equipping the hand warmers with advanced safety chips, smart temperature control and durable ABS material that work together to prevent overcharging, overheating or short-circuiting. It has UL/CE/FCC certified after rigorous testing to ensure user safety.
Take Charge
Both sides of the handwarmer are charged separately using the two USB to mini USB cables that come supplied. The side position charging ports are neatly hidden and covered to protect from dirt and grime by elongated oblong black rubber grommets that are attached to the body at one end of their length. These also close flush to the body housing when not in use due to a simple friction fit protruding lug at the end that can be articulated outward to access the ports.
Once attached to a suitable charging point such as a as a computer, laptop or car adaptor, or mobile charger etc… the top side of the flat inner magnet will immediately show as a very small single blue LED indicated the battery has very little or no charge. Then as power is taken there are three more that light up in line and when all four are showing you have a full charge which takes between 2-4hrs to depending on charging portal and environment.
The units both containing a 5000mAh high performance rechargeable battery can also be used as a powerbank to charge a mobile phone in an emergency.
Ease Of Use
On the opposite end to the charging indicator is an oblong pressure switch. One long press turns the unit on and above it you’ll immediately see a row of 4x very small red LED’s light up. These are similarly recessed and protected (as per the blue charging indicators). When all light up it’s now on full output if you want to reduce the warmth and in turn lengthen the charge life of the unit. One single touch on the same switch then lets you adjust the heat setting to suit your requirements. This allows you to choose from 4 temperature levels. As you’d expect, one long touch switches the handwarmer off.
The levels can be set to 35-42°C, 40-48°C, 48-53°C or 53-58°C. The handwarmer has a rapid heat time as the MagTwins provide quick 3-second heat release. In fact you could say, it instantaneously warms up as you turn it on which is impressive in itself.
The UT2s also have a 20% power density increase, offering efficient and even heat distribution around the handwarmer.
And, when the unit is turned off it has intelligent circuitry that memorises your last chosen heat setting on switching them on again.
Conclusions
This is a sophisticated and streamlined hand warmer that offers superior heating capabilities when the built-in magnets (MagTwins) are connected or disconnected.
The Dual Warmth option split magnetic design has a 270° setting for heating and 90° for magnetic absorption, they can combine for 360° heating all day long.
The versatility, build quality and performance of the UT2s are highly impressive that’s either with both hands clasped around it as a full unit or when split in to the separate components where they sit very comfortably in the palms of the hand due to the rounded and ergonomic design of the outer body casing.
The Ocoopa Rechargeable Handwarmer UT2s is robust yet stylish and it’s by far one of the best on the market and little wonder Ocoopa have earned a reputation as being No1 in the manufacture of rechargeable handwarmers.
It comes with 2x charging cables and a very handy plush draw cord top carry pouch.
Review written by Pete Wadeson
Outdoorsman & Independent Field Tester of Shooting, Angling & Outdoor Accessories