Boot dryers are a handy but often unimpressive piece of gear. The first ones the reviewer encountered were basic fan-powered dryers that left a locker room smelling of feet. Later, they tried dryers that used radiant heat instead of fans, but found them slower at drying damp ski boots.
After receiving a Hedgehog Buddy Black Ionic i3 boot and glove dryer, the reviewer was impressed by its functionality. They found themselves using it regularly, not just for ski boots, but also for shoes, hat, glove liners, and base layers.
Summary: The Hedgehog Buddy Black Ionic i3 boot and glove dryer outperforms its competitors. It is versatile, space-saving, and has multiple heat settings, fan speeds, an odor-fighting ionic mode, and a timer. It dries items fast and efficiently.
Hedgehog Buddy Black i3 Boot Dryer: Review
The Hedgehog Buddy Black i3 was featured in GearJunkie’s “10 Standout Products From the Outdoor Retailer 2023 Winter Show” for its innovative design and technology. The brand has already won several design awards for its boot dryers.
Inventor Bjørn Holte started fundraising for the Buddy i3 on Kickstarter and the campaign exceeded its fundraising goal, highlighting the demand for a high-quality boot dryer.
What Makes a Boot Dryer So Special?
Better design and technology set Hedgehog’s boot dryers apart from others. The Buddy i3 offers extensive control over heat and airflow, and incorporates ionic odor-fighting technology.
The Hedgehog Buddy i3: ‘In the Field’ (My Mudroom)
The reviewer found the Hedgehog Buddy i3 to be highly effective, using it regularly for various items such as ski boots, gloves, hats, and base layers. The dryer has quick fan power and different heat settings.
Fan and Heat Settings
The dryer’s fan power and different heat settings ensure that items dry quickly. The reviewer was impressed with the speed at which their gear dried, especially on the highest fan speed setting.
Ionic Odor Setting
The ionic odor-fighting technology in the Hedgehog dryer effectively reduced the odor in the reviewer’s boots, showing immediate results. The technology’s effectiveness is attributed to the use of ions to eliminate bacteria and odor.
Power and Operation
The reviewer finds the individual toggles for each pair of drying arms to be a thoughtful design element, allowing for more efficient use of energy and air. They appreciate this efficient and user-friendly feature.
Energy Efficiency
The Hedgehog dryer is highly energy-efficient, using significantly less power than a standard hair dryer. This efficiency, coupled with its effective drying capabilities, makes it a standout product.
Room for Improvement
The reviewer notes that the Hedgehog dryer is loud at higher fan speeds, and the design of its arms makes it somewhat easy to snag or break. However, the brand offers replacement parts, aligning with its sustainability mindset.
Hedgehog Buddy i3 Boot Dryer: The Final Word
The reviewer concludes that they have never used a boot dryer as frequently as the Hedgehog Buddy i3. The versatile dryer has integrated seamlessly into their daily life, and they highly recommend it for anyone who spends time outdoors in winter.
