The 5.11 Tactical PrimaLoft Insulated Hand Warmer aims to solve the age-old problem of cold hands during outdoor activities. While it’s designed with tactical applications in mind, I put this hand warmer through its paces in a different environment – deer hunting. There’s no shortage of hand-warming solutions on the market, from traditional hunting muffs to chemical warmers, but 5.11’s approach of combining tactical versatility with outdoor functionality caught my attention. After testing in real hunting conditions, this real-world experience revealed some interesting insights about its versatility beyond the tactical realm, particularly when the temperature starts dropping, and staying still is crucial.
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Specifications: PrimaLoft Insulated Hand Warmer
The hand warmer builds on 5.11’s tactical foundation while incorporating features aimed at broader outdoor use. The PrimaLoft Gold insulation provides the core warming capability, while multiple mounting options offer flexibility across different use cases.
- Material: 500D Nylon with PU coating
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold 170g
- Interior: Fleece-lined
- Dimensions: 15″ L x 6.5″ H x 2″ D
- Weight: 6.1 oz
- Mounting Options: MOLLE compatible, removable waist belt
- Storage: External zippered pocket, internal hand warmer pocket
- Features: Elastic side openings, drawstring carry pouch
- Colors Available: Black, Ranger Green, Kangaroo, Dark Navy
At $50, this hand warmer positions itself in an interesting space between tactical gear and traditional hunting equipment. While not cheap, the build quality and versatility justify the price point. Compared to bulkier traditional hunting muffs, you’re paying for a more streamlined profile and additional mounting options.
“When the conditions turn cold and you’re out in the elements, having the ability to keep your hands warm is more than a matter of comfort. Our Hand Warmer features 170g of Primaloft® Gold insulation and can be attached to our plate carriers or other MOLLE-bearing gear with the included attachments. The Hand Warmer includes a removable waist belt and drawstring carry pouch.”
First Impressions: PrimaLoft Insulated Hand Warmer
The first thing you notice is how slim the PrimaLoft Insulated Hand Warmer is compared to traditional hunting muffs. The 500D nylon construction feels appropriately durable without adding unnecessary bulk. The included waist strap system is notably well-thought-out, with enough adjustment range to accommodate multiple layers of clothing – particularly relevant for cold-weather hunting gear.
Testing Experience: PrimaLoft Insulated Hand Warmer
I tested this primarily while deer hunting, using the waist mount configuration rather than the MOLLE attachments. In temperatures between 30-50°F during stationary hunting, the PrimaLoft insulation proved capable of maintaining comfortable hand temperatures without additional heat sources. Below that range, supplemental warmth becomes necessary.
The integrated pocket for chemical hand warmers presents an interesting design challenge. While having a dedicated pocket seems logical, in practice it concentrates the heat in one area rather than distributing it throughout the warmer. I found myself frequently rotating my hands to access the warmth initially, before eventually just holding the warmers directly while inside the muff.
One hunting-specific consideration is noise. Both the external zipper and the elastic openings can make more noise than you might want in a hunting situation. The elastic cuffs are a necessary evil – they’re crucial for maintaining warmth once your hands are inside, but require some mindful manipulation to avoid unwanted sound when inserting or removing your hands in quiet woods.
The external zippered pocket, while functional, presents a similar tradeoff. It’s there if you need it, but using it reduces the internal space available for your hands and adds another potential noise source. I found myself leaving it empty to maximize the hand-warming space.
A significant advantage over traditional muffs is the compact profile. The slimmer design doesn’t sacrifice warmth but makes movement easier and reduces bulk when packed. The waist strap proved plenty adjustable even over multiple layers of hunting clothes, and the whole system remained stable during use.
Final Thoughts: PrimaLoft Insulated Hand Warmer
The 5.11 Tactical PrimaLoft Hand Warmer successfully bridges the gap between tactical and traditional outdoor gear. While designed with tactical applications in mind, it proves equally capable in hunting scenarios, albeit with some minor considerations regarding noise. The build quality and slimmer profile justify the price point, especially if you’re looking for something less bulky than traditional hunting muffs.
For stationary activities in moderate cold (30-50°F), it performs admirably on its own. Below that, you’ll want supplemental warmth, though the integrated hand warmer pocket could use some refinement in terms of heat distribution. Despite some minor quibbles about noise considerations for hunting, the overall package delivers on its promises while offering more versatility than traditional solutions.
In closing, I want to say thank you to 5.11 Tactical for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out the PrimaLoft Hand Warmer. That is always greatly appreciated. The last question that remains is what do you think? Is the PrimaLoft Hand Warmer something you would be willing to invest your money in? What applications would it be of use to you? Would you take it out hunting? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
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