Whitby Hand Warmer

I bought one of these when I lived in the UK and I've been in the US now for 13 years.
So I'm guessing mine is about 15 years old.
Initially I did find it was hard to light and stay lit, not that it wouldn't light at all, it always did.
It just seemed to take a while and a few goes to get it started.
That being said, it's got better and better and easier and easier, kind of like it has a break in period.
I didn't use it a great deal so though it's 15 years old chronologically it's not really seen a lot if mileage so I guess that's why it's taken so long to come good.
Anyway, I'm currently using it extensively and it's working great.
Lights easily, stays lit, gets warm and lasts a long time.
I live in Wisconsin, up in the midwest. The temperature as I write this is -16C and forecast to get as low as -27C on Sunday.
The coldest I've personally experienced here is -30C so I know what's coming my way.
Whatever the reason, I'm chuffed to bits that this is working as well as it is now.
When I have to replace the burner I'll try and get the part shipped over.
Failing that I'll have to buy another, probably another make that I can get locally.
Then maybe I can pick up the burner part the next time I'm back in Blighty.
Seems good for now though, very pleased.

Indispensable to me as I get cold hands v quickly. The whitby has been vital for me on several winter treks and I've never been.let down by it.

These seem to be well made and they're not exactly expensive. They can be difficult to get going and then here is the problem. When you put them in the supplied pouch, after about and hour, they starve of oxygen and stop working. If you just leave them out they get really, really hot, way too hot to hold. So yes the technology works but finding a way to keep it going whilst in my pocket or it's own pouch is something I haven't managed to do yet.

Worst hand warmer ever. Worked twice, now by the time it lights the weathers warmed up and it’s summer again. Absolute junk

Great piece of kit, needs a bit of regular use to get the hang of lighting it but once you've overcome that it's far more reliable than the newer electric re-chargeable devices.