Thermic, with a history of heating devices going back over 20 years, has expanded its offerings past boot heaters to gloves, socks, heating pads, and liners. The products reviewed here will be the ThermicSole/IC1200 SmartPack Combo, UniHeat PowerSocks, and IC1300 Ladies PowerGlove. These items were chosen because when testing gear and doing video and photography, we end up standing around in the snow -- a lot -- and warm feet and extremities make for a warm day.
ThermicSole/IC1200 SmartPack Combo
I have used heaters in my boots for the last 5 years because, as I said, I do a lot of standing around in snow, and my feet tend to get cold. Installing the heating pads and compact IC1200 elements was straightforward. While many shops will offer to install the system for you, anyone who is confident using an x-acto knife and screwdriver will be able to handle the task. I did go with the optional Universal PowerPack Adaptors along with the “Jed Peters” upside-down mount method for the heating element, which protects the heating cable from being damaged if hit by the chairlift.
The IC1200 pack is 30 to 40% smaller and more compact than the Hotronic 4+, but the battery life is just as long. Anytime a product is smaller without any loss of efficiency, it is ok by me. “IC” in the IC1200 stands for "Impulse Control," which pulses the heat into the element to help stimulate blood flow to keep the toes warm. Power control works like most others; the IC1200 has three settings: the middle was warm enough for all day, and the highest was actually too warm other than just a few minutes at a time.
UniHeat/IC1200 PowerSock Combo
These socks are a great option for folks who need warmth in a recreational-fit boot. Where the ThermicSoles work well in a high-performance or plug fit, these work well in a boot where there is a little more volume. While my main boot is a 97mm last, I tested these in a 100mm shell, and they took up just to the right amount of volume. There is a loss of connection to the boot but at the gain of warmth; the difference between these and the ThermicSoles is a matter of priority. The Impulse Control combined with UniHeat PowerSocks' ability to warm the whole sole of the foot cannot be overlooked, especially if you have circulation issues. Power controls are easy to operate and user friendly. The socks themselves are machine washable.
IC1300 Ladies PowerGlove
Thermic’s well-designed and easy-to-operate IC1300 gloves are a great alternative to cold fingers and hands. Like the IC1200 boot heaters, the gloves do incorporate Thermic’s IC technology, which allows the heat to vary and increases circulation in the fingers. More blood circulation equals warmer hands, and our testers' hands stayed warm all day. A men’s glove and a unisex mitten are also available.
"I was a bit wary to try out heated gloves. Seriously, I am the skier that wears mittens until the warmest of beach days at A-Basin; during the 'cold' part of winter, I add at least one pair of hand warmers and glove liners. Surprise! These worked! Granted, it was April/May in Colorado, but remember, I would normally still be wearing mittens."-- @SkiNurse.
ThermicSole/IC1200 SmartPack Combo
I have used heaters in my boots for the last 5 years because, as I said, I do a lot of standing around in snow, and my feet tend to get cold. Installing the heating pads and compact IC1200 elements was straightforward. While many shops will offer to install the system for you, anyone who is confident using an x-acto knife and screwdriver will be able to handle the task. I did go with the optional Universal PowerPack Adaptors along with the “Jed Peters” upside-down mount method for the heating element, which protects the heating cable from being damaged if hit by the chairlift.
The IC1200 pack is 30 to 40% smaller and more compact than the Hotronic 4+, but the battery life is just as long. Anytime a product is smaller without any loss of efficiency, it is ok by me. “IC” in the IC1200 stands for "Impulse Control," which pulses the heat into the element to help stimulate blood flow to keep the toes warm. Power control works like most others; the IC1200 has three settings: the middle was warm enough for all day, and the highest was actually too warm other than just a few minutes at a time.
UniHeat/IC1200 PowerSock Combo
These socks are a great option for folks who need warmth in a recreational-fit boot. Where the ThermicSoles work well in a high-performance or plug fit, these work well in a boot where there is a little more volume. While my main boot is a 97mm last, I tested these in a 100mm shell, and they took up just to the right amount of volume. There is a loss of connection to the boot but at the gain of warmth; the difference between these and the ThermicSoles is a matter of priority. The Impulse Control combined with UniHeat PowerSocks' ability to warm the whole sole of the foot cannot be overlooked, especially if you have circulation issues. Power controls are easy to operate and user friendly. The socks themselves are machine washable.
IC1300 Ladies PowerGlove
Thermic’s well-designed and easy-to-operate IC1300 gloves are a great alternative to cold fingers and hands. Like the IC1200 boot heaters, the gloves do incorporate Thermic’s IC technology, which allows the heat to vary and increases circulation in the fingers. More blood circulation equals warmer hands, and our testers' hands stayed warm all day. A men’s glove and a unisex mitten are also available.
"I was a bit wary to try out heated gloves. Seriously, I am the skier that wears mittens until the warmest of beach days at A-Basin; during the 'cold' part of winter, I add at least one pair of hand warmers and glove liners. Surprise! These worked! Granted, it was April/May in Colorado, but remember, I would normally still be wearing mittens."-- @SkiNurse.
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