bizarre cold weather tip?

Someone I know and respect suggested that to be more comfortable climbing in the cold, rub hot pepper on the backs of the hands. Has anyone tried it and how well does it work?

Like Jalapeno. It isn't going to work at all. It doesn't burn your hands, not really sure how he came to that conclusion. Now, if you NEED to stay warm, rub that spicy ass pepper on your balls.

mitchy wrote:Like Jalapeno. It isn't going to work at all. It doesn't burn your hands, not really sure how he came to that conclusion. Now, if you NEED to stay warm, rub that spicy ass pepper on your balls.

I just realized it's cayenne he suggested. Apparently, cyclists use something like that for their legs.

Rubbing it on my ass might improve my footwork...

This sounds like some pseudoscience improperly applied to something else. Spicy food works by activating the heat sensors in your mouth, skin, etc. By overstimulating those sensors on your hands, I suppose you would feel some "heat," however you aren't actually changing the temperature. So, I would argue that this would be a potentially dangerous idea, you would have a harder time telling when your hands are getting too cold and may be putting yourself at greater risk of frostbite.

Before you go to the Adirondacks, pick up ONE Habanero pepper. Right before you hit the trail, cut it in 1/2 and rub it on your balls. You're golden for about and hour or two.

Nate C wrote:This sounds like some pseudoscience improperly applied to something else. Spicy food works by activating the heat sensors in your mouth, skin, etc. By overstimulating those sensors on your hands, I suppose you would feel some "heat," however you aren't actually changing the temperature. So, I would argue that this would be a potentially dangerous idea, you would have a harder time telling when your hands are getting too cold and may be putting yourself at greater risk of frostbite.

My understanding the of the theory is that since pepper is a strong irritant, it induces blood flow to the area of application. So while the whole body might actually lose heat faster this way, the hands will be actually warmer.

PS. Apparently, American football players and cyclo-cross riders do use pepper rub, according to Google.

Capsaicin (ode de habanero)
Never tried this for warming the hands in cold temps, but the cream does really cause a burning sensation to the skin.

Capsaicin is used to treat peripheral neuropathy with some success. Not sure about keeping warm with it though.

Hot Hands paks would work better: not be messy, can be switched to your feet in about 1 minute's time, and when you have to take a wizz or rub your nose or itch an eye, you won't be suffering for it.
But I'm sure you know this.
I've been sprayed (maced) more than once, and it certainly heats up the skin for about 2 hours ((depending on how much soap and water you can use) - and it really feels like it's chemically burning the sensitive areas (eyes, nose, etc).

Hot peppers increase blood flow to capillaries which I am almost certain is due to the dilating of the capillaries.

Rather than burn the crap out of your skin try cayenne pepper capsules. To say the least you will 'feel a sensation' in your stomach... cures all kinds of things. Oh and it makes you fart, which is always entertaining for those long and lonely belays. Personally I take capsules for treating migraines and muscular headaches. AND THE INSANE ENDOPHINE RUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay hydrated and consume fat. When fat is used it creates heat, drink few table spoons of olive oil prior to climbing. Plus its healthy.

probikekit.com/chamois-crea…

cyclists use what is called Embrocation. It is kinda like Ben Gay, Atomic Balm etc it makes you skin feel funny so you don't think about it. cyclists arent using shorts in super cold weather and once you are moving your legs aren't that cold anyway. down to 40's i'd say for races.. then moving to tights/leg warmers.

for climbing in the cold i've always let my hands get super numb while warming up on easy stuff and then warm them up really well in my coat. after that they stay warm easier. keep bundled up between climbs

the Ascender wrote:I've been sprayed (maced) more than once, and it certainly heats up the skin for about 2 hours

For fun?
Restraining order violations?
Inebriated experimentation?
WTF? LOL!
I'd like to party with you sometime...

Abnormally cold hands from a medical stand point can indicate the early onset of ED.