Snug Bud Wearable Body Warmer review: a wearable hot water bottle you can take anywhere

Price on writing: £60 | Buy now from Barbequick

How I tested

I tested the Snug Bud over the course of two months in my chilly WFH office and out and about on cold autumn dog walks. Taking detailed notes on fit, design and heat distribution, I also used an infrared thermometer gun to get an accurate temperature reading on the Snug Bud.

Related: Best heated gilets

My verdict

Wearable heated gilets aren't for everyone, and this clever wearable hot water bottle is a great alternative. The Snug Bud has a durable, water resistant outer shell, soft fleece hand warmer pocket and an adjustable strap, so you can bring the comfort and warmth of a hot water bottle with you, hands free.

When worn under a coat, the Snug Bud spreads gentle warmth all over - which was very welcome when I wore it out on a chilly dog walk in November.

The thick, comfortable strap means you can wear the Snug Bud wherever you need targeted heat - great for cold days, as well as period pains and achy backs.

The Snug Bud is slim enough to fit under a roomy winter coat or oversized blanket hoodie, however, it was too bulky for me to get my more fitted Seasalt Janelle coat zipped up over.

I love the fleece-lined hand warmer pocket, it makes a real difference in my freezing WFH office as well as on the blustery Sussex coast. Folding my dressing gown over the Snug Bud is gloriously cosy, a real treat on a winter evening.

Read next: Best heated blankets

Does the Snug Bud keep you warm?

After 15 minutes of wear, I measured the Snug Bud with an infrared thermometer gun, and it registered a temperature of 41°C on the inner side of the Snug Bud. That's pretty cosy - and if you wear the Snug Bud under a jumper, coat or blanket, it traps the heat so the warmth can spread, too.

I especially like the hand warmer pocket, as it means I can keep my hands super cosy while walking along.

While the Snug Bud doesn't have the adjustable settings or intense heat of a heated throw or gilet, it's a gentler alternative. Plus, there's no waiting for a battery to recharge or keeping an eye on the energy usage - just boil the kettle for a boost of long-lasting warmth.

Is the Snug Bud good value for money?

At £60, it's quite a lot more expensive than a standard hot water bottle and cover - which you can pick up for under £10. However, the value comes from the sling design and insulating, water-resistant fabric - which make the Snug Bud portable and suitable for all weathers.

In short, if you're looking for a hot water bottle for relaxing at home or easing aches and pains, you can get away with a belt-style hot water bottle, like this one. However, for heat you can take anywhere, hands-free, the Snug Bud is a winner. Great for horse riding, market stalls or standing at the sidelines on a drizzly Sunday morning.

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She researches and reviews the products Mumsnetters swear by, with a particular focus on laundry essentials like steam irons, clothes steamers and washing lines.

From a highly recommended retractable washing line to the best quiet fans money can buy, and Mumsnet's favourite dehumidifier to the steam generator iron that'll cut your ironing time in half, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the very best products on the market.