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Top 10 Heated Jackets Reviewed & Rated
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Power Source
For those times that you find yourself in a situation where your standard-issue winter jacket just won’t cut it, a heated jacket becomes an ideal choice. Not to make things too easy though, heated jackets come with different methods of keeping you warm, depending on your needs. The two most common methods that you’re going to come across are electric and chemical heat. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and these should be taken into account accordingly.
First, chemically heated jackets are going to be the most economical choice, as there is no hardware required. These jackets get their heat from thermal packs, much like the ones used as hand warmers, only larger. When agitated, these packs create a thermal reaction that then radiates heat throughout the jacket. These are ideal for shorter periods of exposure to the elements, as they do provide a significant amount of heat, but only for a limited time. Also, the coverage these packs provide isn’t great. Most of the time, this type of heat is found with heavier coats as the second line of defense.
The next form is an electric heated jacket. This consists of a battery, either Lithium Ion or Nickel Cadmium, with a heating element attached to it to transfer the heat through the coat. These coats are quite more expensive, but provide greater amounts of controlled heat for as long as the battery holds out. These are perfect for prolonged exposure, and thanks to their effectiveness, they can be used in lighter jackets that don’t restrict movement as much. Despite their superior performance, many people still opt for chemical heat due to the fear of electrocution or fire. This is generally unfounded, as electric heating devices contain no live circuits.
Whatever method is chosen, the extra cost associated with heated jackets is more than made up for by the peace of mind they provide on the harshest winter conditions. The extra warmth created lets you spend more time outdoors doing whatever it is you want to do.
Value
Just like basic winter jackets vary in price depending on materials, so will heated jackets vary based on the methods and fabrics. As mentioned before, electric coat costs more but also does more. This extra cost is justified by the greater range of motion from the lighter, stretchier materials. Also, these materials tend to be very breathable, allowing some air circulation and preventing sweating. On the other hand, chemically heated coats are going to be bulkier and more constricting, but because the heat comes from thermal packs, no extra pieces are used, and the cost can be controlled a bit more. Keep in mind that you will likely need to purchase these packs at some point. However, they are generally pretty cheap, and very easy to come by.
Brand
Usually, I would never use the brand as a determining factor when choosing to clothe to keep you warm. I have also, however, also stated many times before that with clothing, you do usually get what you pay for. Because of this, I do consider the brand, leaning more toward a well-known, trusted company over a newer upstart. This can be tricky with heated jackets though, unusually where electric heat is concerned since you’re looking at two products: the coat and the heating element.
For chemically heated coats, you are pretty safe to go with almost any known brand, because there is no heating element. Just make sure to pick one that uses quality fabrics and take pride in solid construction, and you should be good to go.
Now, for electric heat, you are going to not only want to choose a very well built jacket, but you also need to look at the brand of battery that they decide to incorporate into their product. Luckily, good quality batteries tend to go hand-in-hand with well-made coats, so if you find one, you should be set for the other. This is where I am the most discriminating. Going with an unknown brand could result in the coat not keeping you warm when needed, and that can be dangerous. Some of the most trusted brands here are Bosch, Dewalt, and Ororo. The first two are experienced battery makers, while Ororo is known as a reliable all-around maker of winter gear.
Fit
This is incredibly important when it comes to buying a heated jacket. After all the whole idea is to keep the heat out, and if the fit is off, or if the jacket is manufactured in a way that allows the free flow of air through parts of the jacket then it's just not doing its job. So, we're keeping a close eye on the fit of all of the jackets on our list to make sure they're going to keep them warm in and the cold out.
Weight
The jackets are all going to be uniform in their weight but we're going to be focusing on the weight of the battery packs and their placement in the jacket. We're going to be looking at the ways the jacket is manufactured and how solid the battery pack is placed inside the jacket lining. What we're looking for whether or not the added weight of the batteries weighs down the jacket and makes it fit oddly, or if the batteries swing around inside the jacket making it feel loose. We're looking for a jacket where the batteries aren't cumbersome and overly heavy and stay in place as you move.
10 Best Battery Heated and Electric Jackets
1. DEWALT DCHJ061C1-S
And of course at the top of the list is the DCHJ061C1-S, arguably the best jacket from DeWalt. Blending all of the best features of the other jackets into one, this is an all-around favorite of customers worldwide.
Fastest Preheating On The List
It takes less than a minute to get to the highest temperature, which is great when you’re on the go. It’s also handy if you need to go outside for short bursts of time quickly.
It's Just Easy
The best on the list shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that follows the industry closely. This is a jacket that won’t let you down and is easy to operate. It's available in 6 different sizes, and it also has a water-resistant twill outer shell, so it's sure to keep you warm.
Cost And Value
Based on the size, the price floats from low to high. Buyers that want the best DeWalt has to offer will instantly get value from this purchase.
2. ORORO
Rounding out the end of the list in the number 2 spot is a heated jacket from Ororo. A small detail is what rockets this so high on the list, and for many potential buyers that details make a big difference.
Detachable Hood
This makes the jacket, even though it seems like a small detail. Besides getting rid of unnecessary bulk when you don’t need it, there is also the advantage of cleaning it separately.
Well Priced With Lots of Features
With a really cool core feature, there will be a lot of buyers lining up to purchase this for the cold weather. The price is right, and it introduces a new kind of heated jacket style, with a healthy 4v 4400 mAh battery and charger, and 4 temperature levels.
Cost And Value
The price is average across the board for all sizes, so no worries about one of the best being high priced. And with the detachable hood, there is even incentive to purchase more than one for the cool mixing and matching styles.
3. ORORO Lightweight Heated Vest with Battery Pack
Okay, yes. We switched it up a little bit with this one since this ORORO option is a heated vest and not a jacket. But, the idea is the same. This ORORO lightweight heated vest gives all of the same benefits as the other ORORO heated jacket on our list, just a bit more mobility since you are not restricted by the sleeves of a jacket, and you can layer under this vest for more warmth as well.
Four carbon fiber heating elements
This ORORO heated vest is designed for full warmth. The four carbon heaters generate heat across the collar, mid-back front and pockets. While wearing this vest with layers underneath, you shouldn’t go cold. You can also adjust the heat by simply pressing a heat-adjusting button. There are three heat settings: high, medium and low. The high setting maxes out at 130-degrees Fahrenheit, medium at 120-degrees F and low at 100-degrees F.
Long-lasting battery
This vest comes with a 7.4V cUL/UL certified battery. The battery is long-lasting with up to 10 hours of heat from a full charge. The battery charges using a USB port/cable and comes with a universal travel adapter, which is super convenient to take with you wherever you are. You can charge up the battery in seconds for a quick boost if the battery dies. Depending on what heat setting you use, you can use the battery efficiently, too. On high, the battery can run up to three hours, on medium up to six hours and on low, you can reach the max of 10 hours.
Cost And Value
Overall, this heated vest might seem pricey up front, but it has a lot of value. It’s a great vest for almost any occasion, whether you are outdoors or indoors somewhere that is cold. It is certified to safely wear. And, with such a long-lasting battery, incredible warmth, mobility, and style, this ORORO heated vest is a great choice in our opinion.
4. Dragon Heatwear Sahara Heated Jacket
The Dragon Heatwear Sahara heated jacket is great for the person that is looking to adventure outdoors when the temperatures start to drop. This jacket is perfect for wearing on a hike, while hunting, while out on a run, or doing other cold-weather sports. On the contrary, this jacket is also great for wearing indoors in places that are cold, whether that be at work or simply lounging around the house.
Three heat settings
No one wants a heated jacket with one heat setting, we all want adjustability. This Dragon Heatwear jacket does just that. This jacket offers three heat settings, similar to others on this list. You get high, medium and low heat settings. This jacket heats in three zones as well. It heats in two places in the chest and on the back (and also as the heat travels you can warm your hands in the pockets). That’s full trunk coverage. Not only that, but the inner liner is fleece, which also adds a layer of warmth, too.
Zippers for secure closure
Yes, the focus of this jacket is that it will heat you up. However, this is still a jacket and you should still want to know that it has solid closures, whether that’s for keeping the heat trapped or your valuables in the pockets. This jacket has two hand pockets and one chest pocket. All of them have zipper closures. Also, even though this jacket heats at the chest and hands, you can still safely keep your phone or other electronics in the pocket as well.
Cost And Value
This Dragon Heatwear jacket is among one of the pricier on our list, but overall it’s a great quality jacket that is designed to keep you warm. Since it’s so well made, you’re sure to get years of wear out of it, and therefore we believe this jacket has a lot of value; especially if you live somewhere with a cool to cold climate a majority of the year.
5. DEWALT DCHJ062C1 20V/12V
DeWalt makes the list again, this time for the DCHJ062C1-XL. It’s one of the more formidable heated jackets in their lineup and lives up to expectations.
Great Size Selection
Available sizes are 3x-Large, XX-Large, X-Large, Large, Medium and Small. They all fit reasonably well regardless of gender.
Plenty of Power
There is a lot of power in this jacket and more than enough to power itself and whatever portable devices you have. For a great pick that has a lot of juice, buyers will find this an appropriate option. It also has 4 heating zones and 3 different temperature settings.
Cost And Value
Depending on which size you get, the price will be between average and high. Considering there are multiple ports for charging devices, this is a tremendous value.
6. Milwaukee KIT M12 12V
Milwaukee went the extra mile to ensure that their heated jacket had all the tools necessary to be one of the best. It started with a proprietary heating system and ended with a sleek sporty look.
An Incredible Battery
Using their own in-house M12 red lithium battery, Milwaukee can measure its performance against some of the best on the list. It’s long-lasting and charges fast, so you’re not left without any juice.
High Tech Features
This jacket is specially designed with what Milwaukee calls Advanced 5 Carbon Fiber technology. What that means is that it retains warmth extremely well. It's also designed to fit well and comes in all kinds of sizes including X-Large, Large and 2x-Large
Cost And Value
This is one of the most expensive jackets on the list, if not the most expensive period. Buyers will get their money’s worth with the battery alone, which is truly revolutionary.
7. Smarkey Heated Jacket
While we normally just put the best of the best on here without regard to gender we decided we needed to make an exception for this Smarkey jacket because it's designed specifically for women. What that means is that it's designed to keep you warm everywhere but in the chest area. The heating areas are on the sides and the back. It's a nice thought, and it doesn't mean that it's designed with a slimmer fit for a woman's body.
Slim Fir and Design
This jacket is different as there is no bulk to it, it's really quite fetching, The style makes it hard to notice that this is a heated option. That being said the jacket does run a bit small, so keep that in mind. Beyond that, it's 100% polyester and completely waterproof, and washer safe.
Warming Zones
As we said these jackets have areas for warmth on the back and in the waist. For a woman, this is a big deal. But that doesn't mean it won't keep you warm, it will.
Cost And Value
This comes in at a good mid-price. It's not cheap by any means but if style and comfort are what you're looking for this jacket is hard to bear.
8. PROsmart HJ-27-50
Portable and friendly, this PROsmart branded heated jacket is a nice alternative than the bigger brands. Using a smaller battery has its benefits, and will greatly affect how many people decide on this purchase.
Use A Standard 12v Battery
The battery is a bit smaller than the others on the list and adds virtually no weight to the jacket. On top of that, it charges quickly and lasts longer than expected.
Long Lasting Battery
The specialty of this jacket is its long-lasting battery. Specs suggest that it will keep you warm for as long as 12 hours. What's even better is that this jacket is machine washable which makes upkeep a bit easier if you tend to go off-trail.
Cost And Value
The value is great for this low priced jacket that has an insane battery run time. Buyers on the go will find the long-lasting battery a lifesaver on time-sensitive trips.
9. Bosch PSJ120XXL-102-RT
And following DeWalt is another big brand name in the tool industry, Bosch with their PSJ120XXL-102-RT. The same benefits of other heated jackets are in this one, with little extra options thrown in to spice things up.
More Concentrated Heating Zones
The usual three core heating zones are available in this jacket but are better equipped to provide heat. You’ll get maximum heat with no wasted energy for all sizes.
Safe and Warm
These jackets not only keep you warm but ups the ante with some special safety features like the included safety strips in case the user is lost or say working to change a tire in dark, bad weather.
Cost And Value
Available for an average price, this is a very comfortable choice if you’re looking for a heated jacket. There is good value if you don’t need a jacket with a strong charging port.
10. VentureHeat Evolve
We've updated this list with the VentureHeat unisex hoodie even though the battery pack is sold separately because we like the look of it and the fact that it works with all kinds of battery packs and we're not huge fans of proprietary technology. This has everything you want in a heated jacket and also looks cool.
Battery Compatibility
This hoodie is meant to be compatible with most 2.1 amp power packs. No proprietary stuff here. Just plug and go outside and play.
Polyester Shell and Fleece
Not only does this jacket have three heat settings, but it also has a warm cotton polyester shell and a fleece lining that just added to the heat that the battery heated jacket warming element provides. And to top it all off its fully machine washable.
Cost And Value
The jacket itself is cheap, but it doesn't come with the power pack included. But you can buy the pair and these jackets are still really quite reasonable. So don't let the fact the "batteries not included" thing deter you.
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