Does anyone else get very cold hands when flying in winter? I've managed to get out and fly a few times just recently, but have found that the temperature rating for my hands isn't as good as for the MM. I use fingerless gloves with fold-back mitten parts and don't normally suffer from cold extremities. Despite this I have found that my hands are painfully cold and barely functional enough to operate the controller within the 20+mins a battery will last. Any tips?
I hear you. My hands get very cold, sometimes even indoors. Poor circulation. However, having been a ski instructor for a few decades I have some tips and tricks. When in the cold your body's first response is to keep your organs warm, so it does so by getting extra blood from your extremities. So the first thing is to keep your body warm.
Start by wearing a GOOD hat in addition to a good insulated jacket and pants that keep your legs warm. 80% of the heat lost is through your head. Silk long underwear is the best for keeping your legs and body warm. It doesn't let you get cold outside and doesn't overheat you inside. It's thin enough you can wear it under your clothing all day and not even notice.
Next, make sure that you have plenty of room in your gloves and that the cuffs on your jacket aren't cutting circulation. I have one or two sets of gloves with knit cuffs... and cut them off. Its amazing how gloves that are supposed to keep your hands warm actually make them colder.
Last, understand that the blood comes to your fingers through your arms, wrists and hands. You can pre-warm the blood with heat packs strategically placed. When I have to stand outside in the cold all day I will fire up some hand warmers even before my hands get cold and put them inside my gloves, either where I can grip them or on the backs of my hands. SKI INSTRUCTORS TIP:
IT IS EASIER TO STAY WARM IN THE FIRST PLACE THAN WARM UP AFTER YOU GET COLD!
Edit: I thought what
@Canuk was showing was a jacket. It's essentially a fancy muff for RC controllers. These look perfect! I think I'm going to order one for myself.
Post edit-edit... Just ordered one on Amazon. $18 USD. Again, thanks Canuk.