Don’t Suffer with Numb, Cold Hands!
I seem to always suffer cold hands and fingers. Especially when the temperature drops and I’m riding a motorcycle. Maintaining warm hands during cold-weather rides is crucial for both comfort and safety, but not always easy. Cold hands can lead to reduced dexterity, slower reaction times, and a less enjoyable riding experience. This is particularly true for women riders, who, due to physiological differences, often experience colder extremities compared to men.
Hippo Hands, a pioneering company in motorcycle hand covers, offers three distinct models designed to address these challenges: the Alcan, Rogue, and Backcountry which we first featured in our 2024 Holiday Buyer’s Guide.
Why Do Women Experience Cold Hands?*
Research indicates that women’s hands are generally colder than men’s by approximately 2.8 degrees F. This difference is attributed to several physiological factors:
- Hormonal Influences: Estrogen can lower women’s body temperature, cause heat to dissipate, and slow blood flow to the hands and feet, making them more sensitive to cold.
- Body Composition: Women typically have less muscle mass (muscle generates heat) and a higher percentage of body fat. While fat insulates core organs, it can impede blood flow to the skin and extremities.
- Metabolic Rate: Men’s average metabolic rate is about 23 percent higher than women’s, which means they burn calories and heat their bodies faster.
These factors contribute to women feeling colder, especially in our hands and feet, during lower temperatures.
Hippo Hands: A Solution for Cold Hands
Hippo Hands Key Features and Benefits
- Wind and Weather Protection: All models are designed to shield hands from wind, rain, sleet, and snow, ensuring that riders maintain warmth and control regardless of the weather.
- Ease of Installation: Hippo Hands are designed for easy installation and removal, allowing riders to adapt to weather conditions.
- Compatibility: These hand covers are compatible with a wide range of motorcycles and can be used in conjunction with handguards for added protection.
Hippo Hands offers three models of motorcycle hand covers, each catering to different riding needs and conditions:
- Backcountry: Tailored for smaller dirtbikes, snow bikes, ATVs, and cruisers.
- Rogue: Caters to riders who encounter varying weather conditions.
- Alcan: Designed for maximum coverage and extreme cold weather touring.
Motorcycle Model Compatibility
Hippo Hands are versatile and compatible with many motorcycles, especially those with standard or adventure-style handlebars. They work best with ADV bikes like BMW GS models, dirt and enduro bikes such as KTM EXCs, or standard motorcycles like the Honda SCL500. These bikes are equipped with wide handlebars that often expose the rider’s hands, making them ideal for Hippo Hands.
Some motorcycles may not support Hippo Hands without modifications. Sportbikes with clip-on handlebars, bikes with bar-end mirrors, or custom bikes with oversized or ape-hanger handlebars can present challenges. In fact, most cruisers will need a unique set-up to install them. Hippo Hands advises reaching out to its customer support for advice with motorcycles that don’t come with handguards. While Hippo Hands can function without handguards, they are most stable when used with them. The company recommends Memphis Shades hand guards for stabilization on such models.
Cruiser Riders with Cold Hands
For cruiser and sport bike riders, Hippo Hands reports some good news! The company is currently working on a more universal solution to address fitting cruisers. This will include a generally universal-fit bar-end lever guard that can be used on its own or paired with any of the Hippo Hands hand covers.
Hippo Hands’ Easy Installation
Hippo Hands are designed to mount easily onto most motorcycles without requiring permanent modifications. The company offers excellent installation videos for each product. The typical process is simple and fairly similar for each version.
While not mandatory, Hippo Hands are best used in conjunction with handguards. Handguards provide structural support, preventing the covers from sagging or interfering with lever operation. For motorcycles with unusual setups (like bar-end mirrors or oversized handlebars), riders may need to adjust the positioning or use additional straps or spacers to fit securely.
The design allows riders to easily remove or reinstall Hippo Hands quickly, making them highly adaptable to changing weather conditions.
Real-World Application
I’ve been hearing other riders rave about them for years and I am certainly enjoying my Hippo Hands this winter. The protection from the elements (warmth!) is a game-changer on its own, but using them also allows me to ride with thinner gloves which provides better grip and simpler use of the controls.
WRN Recommendation
For riders like me, who suffer from cold hands and sometimes numb fingers due to physiological factors, Hippo Hands are a game changer for winter or inclement weather riding. The three different models (sizes) enable you to select the product that best fits your bike and riding style. While not the sexiest bike accessory, with Hippo Hands, you will enjoy the enhanced comfort and control during chilly rides. Who wouldn’t want to prolong the riding season, and enjoyment on the road or trail?
For more information or to purchase, visit HippoHands.com.
*Physiological information sources from Lewis, G. F., Johnson, J. M., & O'Leary, D. S. (2003). “Sex Differences in Digital Blood Flow During Exposure to Cold,” University of Utah, and additional resources here.