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There are times when the weather gets so uncomfortably cold that it feels impossible to keep warm. Whether you’re in the workshop on a cold day, perched in a hunting stand, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there are situations where a little body-temperature boost is necessary.
For that bit of extra warmth, consider a heated jacket. These handy pieces of outerwear have built-in heating coils that are connected to battery packs to keep the wearer toasty warm, even in frigid temperatures. Often water-resistant as well, the best heated jacket can make a world of difference when spending time in the great outdoors. To keep comfortable when the temperature drops, keep reading to learn about some of our top options for staying warm.
- BEST OVERALL: Milwaukee M12 Heated Toughshell Jacket
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PtahdusMen’s 5-Zone Heated Softshell Jacket
- BEST WOMEN’S: Ororo Women’s Classic Heated Jacket With Hood
- BEST MEN’S: Venustas Unisex 5V Heated Jacket With Hood
- BEST FOR HUNTING: TideWe Men’s 3-in-1 Heated Jacket With Battery Pack
- BEST FOR WORK: Ororo Men’s Classic Softshell Heated Jacket
Our Top Picks
We’ve rounded up a list of some of the top heated jackets in their respective categories. Whether a shopper is in search for a water-resistant jacket to take on the trail or an option for shoveling snow in blizzard conditions, there’s a jacket here to provide warmth at the press of a button.
Best Overall
Milwaukee M12 Heated Toughshell Jacket
Pros
- Requires same battery as many other Milwaukee tools; convenient for those with a backup battery
- Toughshell polyester fabric is very durable but also engineered to stretch with the wearer
- Both washing machine- and dryer-safe; makes for simplified cleaning
- Offers a lengthy 12-hour runtime on its lowest setting
Cons
- Some users say the jacket does not get hot enough, even on the highest setting
For a jacket that braves the elements while keeping heat in, consider the Milwaukee M12 heated toughshell jacket. It uses Milwaukee’s Redlithium battery technology to provide up to 12 hours of runtime. It comes with an M12 charger and a 12-volt battery that fits nicely in either the front or back pocket.
Milwaukee makes this jacket with a stretch Toughshell polyester material, which is both wind- and water-resistant. It also has high loft insulation to retain heat, even when the heat is not on. It has three outer zip pockets, an inner zip pocket, and a separate low-profile back battery pocket. With three individually adjustable temperature settings, there are heating coils on the chest, in the front pockets, and across the back.
Product Specs
- Runtime: 12 hours
- Heat zones: Chest, back, and front pockets
- Heat settings: 3
Get the Milwaukee heated jacket at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
Ptahdus Men’s 5-Zone Heated Softshell Jacket
Pros
- Separate temperature controls for the body warmers and pocket hand warmers
- Adjustable sleeve cuffs and a waist string to help trap heat inside
- Also available for women, offering the same 5-zone heating features
Cons
- Not safe to put in the dryer after machine washing; air-dry only
- This heated jacket does not come with a protective hood
Searching for a reasonably priced jacket that doesn’t skimp on features? The Ptahdus heated softshell jacket is the right choice for shoppers on a budget. This affordable jacket features five different heating zones, which include both sides of the chest, a back panel, and front hand-warmer pockets. These five zones have three adjustable heating levels, ensuring the wearer stays cozy and comfortable. Users can adjust the body warmer and hand warmers separately.
The Ptahdus’s softshell is a blend of polyester and spandex, providing comfort and stretch with a bit of wind and water resistance. It comes with a 7.4-volt battery pack that provides up to 8 hours of warmth when fully charged. To help trap the heat, this jacket has adjustable sleeve cuffs, an adjustable waist, and is fleece-lined.
This jacket is also available for women.
Product Specs
- Runtime: 8 hours
- Heat zones: Chest, back, and front pockets
- Heat settings: 3
Get the Ptahdus heated jacket at Amazonor Ptahdus.
Best Women's
Ororo Women’s Classic Heated Jacket With Hood
Pros
- Contoured fit and high-quality materials make this jacket stylish for everyday wear
- Snug fit holds heating elements close to the body for even better warming
- Battery has a USB port for charging phones and other small devices
Cons
- Has a bulky collar that can diminish the slim design
Women looking for a sleek and fitted heated jacket with plenty of heat and runtime should consider the Ororo classic heated jacket. This jacket has three heat levels controlling three separate heating zones, including both sides of the chest and the back. It comes with a detachable hood and provides up to 10 hours of heat with a rechargeable 7.4-volt lithium-ion battery and a device charger.
The Ororo jacket features YKK zippers and a softshell polyester fabric that creates a wind- and water-resistant barrier to help keep wearers warm. If the jacket gets dirty, cleaning is as easy as removing the heating mechanism and tossing it in the washing machine.
Product Specs
- Runtime: 10 hours
- Heat zones: Chest and back
- Heat settings: 3
Get the Ororo women’s heated jacket at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Ororo.
Best Men's
Venustas Unisex 5V Heated Jacket With Hood
Pros
- Insulated from bottom hem to hood for extra heat retention
- Mylar thermal lining reflects body heat back to the wearer
- Includes a gift bag; excellent for gifting or packing the jacket for travel
Cons
- The hood lacks a drawstring or Velcro closures so it is not adjustable
When the cold weather starts knocking, it’s best to have a jacket with some insulation. The Venustas unisex heated jacket with hood has an insulating layer underneath its wind- and water-resistant outer layer, helping to retain as much body heat as possible. When the insulated jacket itself isn’t enough, users can choose from three levels of heat that warm the coils, which are placed on both sides of the chest as well as the back and collar. The battery provides up to 8 hours of heat and doubles as a device charger. Those who want to keep extra power on hand can purchase an additional battery.
The Venustas also features premium zippers throughout. It comes with a gift bag, making it a great option to give to loved ones.
Product Specs
- Runtime: 11 hours
- Heat zones: Chest, back, and neck
- Heat settings: 3
Get the Venustas unisex heated jacket at Amazon or Venustas.
Best for Hunting
TideWe Men's 3-in-1 Heated Jacket With Battery Pack
Pros
- Includes a waterproof shell and insulated inner jacket so wearers can adjust to their needs
- Battery features 2 USB ports to heat and charge at the same time
- Lengthy 10-hour runtime is suitable for long hunting days
Cons
- Warming options limited compared to other heated jackets; lacks front-pocket hand heaters
To keep warm through long hunting days, the TideWe men’s three-in-one heated jacket is a versatile choice. This jacket comes with two layers, which can be worn individually or together. An insulated heated inner jacket is the star of the show, with its chest and back heating zones and three heating levels. The heated jacket fits comfortably under a waterproof and windproof softshell outer layer, which is well suited for outdoor activities like hunting.
This jacket has a lengthy 10-hour runtime, making it suitable for full days out in the bush. The battery pack has two USB ports, which allow users to charge a device at the same time as using the jacket. Lastly, both layers of this jacket are also machine washable, so they’re simple to clean in case they get dirty.
Product Specs
- Runtime: 10 hours
- Heat zones: Chest and back
- Heat settings: 3
Get the TideWe heated jacket at Amazon or TideWe.
Best for Work
Ororo Men's Classic Softshell Heated Jacket
Pros
- Neat appearance and black color is ideal for many work environments
- Detachable hood offers flexibility in terms of style and protection level
- USB port can charge smartphones and devices while jacket is being worn
Cons
- Not waterproof so it may not be suitable for some jobs
Style matters when it comes to choosing a work jacket. Sleek materials and a slightly tailored design are what make the Ororomen’s softshell heated jacket a professional-looking choice that’s great for work. This jacket also has the option to detach the hood for a neater appearance.
This jacket doesn’t skimp on protective warming features either. It’s water- and wind-resistant and has two heat zones, one along the chest and one along the back. Three heat settings offer flexibility to adjust throughout the day, and this jacket’s heat will last through most work days with its 10-hour battery runtime. Charging phones and other small devices is easy on the job as well with the USB port on the included battery pack. Pair this Ororo heated jacket with one of the best winter work gloves to stay nice and warm on any jobsite.
Product Specs
- Runtime: 10 hours
- Heat zones: Chest and back
- Heat settings: 3
Get the Ororo men’s heated jacket at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Ororo.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Heated Jackets
Keeping toasty warm on a ski day or hunting trip is a luxury that the best heated jackets can provide—as long as they have the right features. We conducted extensive product research and perused shopper reviews when choosing our top picks to ensure we included reliable and comfortable choices.
Performance was a key feature we looked at, choosing jackets that were water-resistant, easy to adjust, and had a minimum runtime of 8 hours. The jackets on our list are well designed, each with multiple heating zones that hit the most important areas (the chest and back). As an added bonus, some also target extremities like the hands and arms. We also only included jackets with several heat settings, which gives users the option to control how hot the jacket runs. Lastly, we also considered style, since the best heated jackets are both functional and wearable day-to-day.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Heated Jacket
There are quite a few heated jackets on the market, which can make it a challenge to choose the right product. The following section breaks down all of the important considerations to keep in mind while shopping for the best heated jacket.
Heating Elements
Heated jackets have heating elements between their layers. The elements are simply wires that heat up as a low amount of electrical current passes through them. Manufacturers design the jacket coils to produce the desired amount of heat without becoming dangerously hot or uncomfortable.
In order to keep the wearer warm, manufacturers install the heating elements in strategic places, like along the chest and back. Heating these areas helps to maintain the wearer’s core temperature, which in turn helps the rest of the body feel warmer. It’s rare to find a heated jacket with elements in the arms, although there are heated gloves and heated socks to help to keep fingers and toes toasty.
Voltage and Battery Type
A heated jacket’s main purpose is to provide warmth while on the go. To ensure that they’re portable and wearable, the best heated jackets use a battery pack to power their heating coils. After all, a heated jacket won’t be appropriate for camping, fishing, or working if it needs an extension cord.
Battery pack voltages range between just a few volts all the way up to 20 volts. Some brands, including DeWalt and Milwaukee, use the same batteries for both its jackets and power tools. This means that the batteries are interchangeable between the jacket and other compatible tools that use the same battery pack.
Generally speaking, most heated jackets have lithium-ion batteries, so they’re compact, long lasting, and usually fit easily in a pocket.
Battery Life and Runtime
For a heated jacket to make sense, it has to stay warm. Football games are a few hours, skiing typically lasts an entire afternoon, and hunting usually takes most of the day. The battery has to last for the length of the activity.
Runtime is usually measured in hours on the lowest heat setting. Some of the best heated jackets will provide over 8 hours of runtime on a fully charged battery, making it possible to get through most outings on a single charge. Wearers can take full advantage of the battery life by putting the heating elements on the lowest setting or shutting them off during the warmer part of the day. During all-day activities, brutally cold mornings could turn into sweat-inducing, sunny afternoons, so adjustable heat settings can be important, both for battery life and comfort.
Device Charging
To top up a phone’s battery life while out and about, consider checking out a heated jacket with a built-in power bank for device charging. This feature allows wearers to charge up to two devices at a time, depending on the jacket. This can be a big help for those who work or play outside without access to an outlet.
Even on days that don’t call for a heated jacket, the ability to charge a phone, while keeping it conveniently in the pocket, can be enough of a reason to purchase the best heating jacket. In most cases, these jackets can charge devices even when they aren’t using the heating coils, effectively making the warm jacket into a wearable power bank.
Temperature Control
The ability to adjust the jacket’s temperature can be an important feature when shopping for the best heated jacket. The length of time that jackets can maintain a desired level of heat varies.
Staying warm doesn’t always mean cranking the dial to the highest setting. Sometimes, the lowest setting is enough to keep the chill out. Having the ability to adjust a heated jacket’s temperature can ensure that the wearer stays warm and toasty without overheating, sweating, or becoming uncomfortable.
Controlling the temperature can extend the jacket’s battery power as well. By using the lowest setting, the jacket’s heating coils will draw less power than it would on its highest setting, stretching the battery life and extending the amount of time that wearers benefit from the heat.
Safety
If the idea of wearing heated coils sounds concerning, that’s understandable. But, rest assured: The best heated jackets are designed to be entirely safe. They use waterproof membranes to protect the heating elements from water damage and the wearer from the risk of any shock. They also have built-in safety mechanisms to prevent the coils from becoming dangerously hot.
While any jacket can claim it’s safe, it’s certainly important to buy a good-quality one to make sure the safety claims are reliable.
Fabric/Materials
By and large, the most popular material for heated jackets is polyester. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that breathes well, dries quickly, and even insulates a bit when damp. Manufacturers will use polyester-based performance fabrics to create a comfortable, stretchy material for work or play. Polyester is naturally water-resistant, but some jackets are also treated with coatings to improve their water resistance further for rainy-day use.
Another common material is a layer of downlike insulation. Often, this down is a synthetic alternative. It does a great job of keeping body heat in and cold temperatures out.
It’s also worth taking a look at the jacket’s zipper. High-quality jackets will use high-quality zippers that glide smoothly and keep the weather out. The zipper tends to be an area where inferior jackets may often fail.
Another factor worth considering is whether or not a heated jacket is machine washable. When heated apparel first became available, it was common to find parts that shouldn’t go in the washer. If the jacket is washable, always be sure to remove the battery before washing. It is also important to read the jacket’s care instructions to find out which parts of the jacket (if any) are safe for throwing in the dryer.
Style and Fit
The style and fit of the jacket are important when it comes to function and style. There are plenty of styles available, including work jackets, hunting jackets, motorcycle jackets, parkas, vests, and midweight fleece jackets. While it’s not likely that most heated jackets will cut it on a fashion runway, choosing a stylish option makes it more likely that it will be worn.
Fit is equally important. For those in a mild climate, sleek, slim-fit heated jackets look nice and can balance style and practicality. In very cold climates, larger heated coats with some room to layer underneath may be a smarter choice.
Additional Features
The best heated jackets can come with a range of interesting features to improve comfort and functionality. As a high-tech garment, it’s not uncommon to find heated pockets, waterproof materials, and detachable hoods.
Consider the intended use for the heated jacket and shop accordingly. For example, heated pockets can keep hands warm on a blustery day. Waterproof materials are necessary in some situations, like hiking, skiing, or hunting in very bad weather. A detachable hood can clean up the look of the jacket for a more formal or work-appropriate style. Compare the different features of each potential jacket to find the best pick.
Several brands make excellent heated jackets, including Milwaukee, Venture Heat, and Ororo. These brands make reliable and long-lasting heated jackets for men and women with a range of features, from Milwaukee’s heated-jacket compatibility with its power tools to Venture Heat’s Bluetooth-compatible jackets.
Heated jackets look like normal jackets on the outside, but tucked between their layers, they have heating elements to keep you toasty and warm. Heated jackets use small rechargeable batteries to send an electrical current through the heating element wires, which are strategically placed throughout the jacket. As the current passes through the wires, they heat up, providing safe and comfortable heat to the wearer.
Cleaning instructions can vary from jacket to jacket, so it’s best to consult and follow the care label. For wearer convenience, many jackets on this list are machine washable. Before washing, always remember to remove the battery pack as instructed. To maintain the quality of the jacket, it is usually not recommended to put the jacket through the dryer cycle—air-drying is gentlest.
Designed to help you stay warm through a day of outdoor activities, most heated jackets can last between 6 and 8 hours on the low setting. Higher settings use more battery power, so you may only get 2 or 3 hours on high. For extra-cold climates or for extended use, it may be worth purchasing a spare battery or two.
