Chemical Heat

Proheat Pack -- When the disc inside the pack is 'clicked', it goes to 130°F instantly and, depending on conditions, will stay that way for 1-2 hours. It's also reusable. Available through Aerostich and others.

Another option is a lightweight, disposable heat pack, which offers a different kind of protection.

Imagine you're out for a ride on a nice fall day. You're so consumed with the changing leaves that you don't notice how far you've ridden. It's getting dark and cold - fast. A bit of quick heat can make all the difference.

"Many stores carry a chemical heat pack like hunters use," James says. "They'll provide six to eight hours worth of heat."

Warm Packs -- The chemical pack is activated for a one time use of seven hours, producing a heat of 150 F. Available through Aerostich and others.

Such chemical packs can produce up to 150 degrees of heat, he says. "That means you'll want to keep it off of your bare skin, or you'll get blisters like I did." next-->

Back to cold weather riding home

Black Ice
Hypothermia and Frostbite

Insulation and wind resistance

Block the wind

Electrical heat
Chemical heat
One last tip: Drink liquids to stay warm

A sampling of cold weather gear suppliers