Q.   What are the benefits of owning a Hotsuits® Heated Kidney Belt?

A.     Hotsuits® Heated Kidney Belts quite simply allow you to spend more time in the water.   You will be more comfortable as well as giving you the opportunity to get in the water more often.   It will allow you to wear a thinner wetsuit which is lighter and more flexible and in some cases even prevent the need to own both a summer and winter suit.   You will also be able to surf or dive in a lot more extreme or undesirable conditions.

Most importantly you will never be asking yourself the question is it cold in the water today?

Q.     How long do the heaters work for?

A.   This can vary due to the conditions and thermal properties of the wetsuit. The actual heat time derived from the heater is approx 1hr although due to the heat remaining in the wetsuit and the raising of the core temperature tests and feedback received indicate in some instances up to 1 and a half hours have not been uncommon.


Q.     How do I recharge/re-use the heaters?

A.     All the instructions are printed on the heat pack. Always Place the heater in the protective pouch supplied.  Boil in saucepan for 15 minutes until the contents are completely melted.  Allow the pack to cool before “Re-Activation”.

Q.     Are the heaters heavy or bulky?

A.     The kidney heater only weighs approx 230 grams and measures 23cm x 13cm x 1.2cm thick it fits in the natural curve of your spine and can be massaged to mould to the shape of your back. Other than the warm sensation that you feel you barely notice it is there.

Q.   Will the heater even run out of heat?

A.    We have tested our heaters successfully now for more than 5years which adds up to over 500 times with the one heat pack. So long as you take care of your pack and follow the care instructions printed on the pack you should also have years of continuous use.

Q.   Are the heaters safe?

A. The chemical inside is non-toxic food grade sodium acetate (basically salt and water) and completely safe so if you run out of salt for your fish and chips you know you can always crack open your heat pack. It is recommended that you store in it liquid state over long periods and if you are traveling or posting them overseas you should take/send them as a solid just cause the airlines these days are funny about carrying liquids.

Q.   Will I ever get too hot wearing my Heated Kidney Belt?

A.   The maximum temperature that the heat pack will reach is 50C/122F over time this gradually reduces. We have taken into account people will sensitive skin and have a 1.5mm protective layer of neoprene so that the heat pack never comes into direct contact with the skin. If you are unsure it is a good idea to perform a short test on land before putting on your wetsuit and getting in the water. If you do feel you are getting too hot you can always let some cold water to flush in through the top of your wetsuit to cool you down.

Q.    Can I purchase additional heaters?

A. Additional heaters are available at the time of purchase or with proof of purchase of a Heated Kidney Belt. We realize that it is common for most divers to perform multiple dives in the one day also we know how lazy Surfers can be and couldn’t be arsed sometimes to re-charge them immediately if the swell is pumping.

Q.   What other uses are there for my Heated Kidney Belt?

A.   The number of other uses for your Heated Kidney Belt is only limited to your imagination.

They are suitable for use on land or in water, as a heat pack or a cold pack!

To give you a list of some: Surfing, Diving, Kitesurfing, Wakeboarding, Windsurfing, Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing, Sailing, Fishing, Motorcycling, Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiling, Camping, First Aid, Heat Therapy, Sports Injuries, Arthritis relief, warming grandmas hands on cold days (you get the picture) lets us know if we have left any out!

Q.   Is there anything I should not do with my heat packs?

A.   Don’t ever try to microwave your heat pack as it has a metal part inside. Don’t let the water in the pot boil dry like I have done before not only does the plastic stick to the pot but it will stink the kitchen out for days. Don’t feed them to your dog or give them to your wife/girlfriend as a cheap alternative to breast implants.