Which is the best heated jackets?

Heated jackets have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to stay warm during cold weather outdoor activities. A heated jacket contains integrated heating elements that warm up to generate heat and keep your core body temperature comfortable. They allow you to remain active outdoors even in frigid temperatures. When shopping for the best heated jacket, there are several factors to consider including heating power, insulation, battery life, controller settings, fit, and safety features. This article will examine those factors and provide recommendations to help you choose the best heated jacket for your needs.

What are the benefits of heated jackets?

Heated jackets provide the following key benefits:

• Warmth – Heated jackets raise your body temperature and help maintain warmth in cold weather.
• Comfort – By warming your core, a heated jacket increases comfort when participating in cold weather activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, hunting, ice fishing, motorcycle riding, and more.
• Flexibility – Heated jackets allow you to be active outdoors in temperatures that might otherwise be uncomfortable without heavy, bulky layers.
• Safety – Maintaining proper body warmth improves safety by preventing hypothermia and preserving dexterity in the hands and fingers.
• Convenience – Heated jackets are convenient to put on and take off as needed and provide controllable zone heating.
• Lightweight – Modern heated jackets are relatively lightweight while still providing insulation and wind resistance.

By keeping your body core warm, heated jackets enable you to better enjoy and perform outdoor cold weather activities.

What factors should you consider when choosing a heated jacket?

Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a heated jacket:

Heating Power

The heating power, measured in watts, indicates the jacket’s heating ability. More watts means more heat generation. Look for a jacket with at least 7.4V of power for sufficient warmth. Higher voltage models of 9V to 12V are best for extreme cold.

Insulation

The jacket insulation preserves the heat generated so it warms your body rather than dissipating outward. Down or synthetic insulations like PrimaLoft provide excellent insulation. The thicker the insulation, the warmer the jacket.

Battery Life

Batteries power the heating elements. Lithium-ion batteries deliver 2-10 hours per charge depending on heating setting. Batteries with higher mAh ratings last longer. Quick charge capability helps recharge faster.

Controller Settings

An adjustable controller lets you control the heating level. Models with multiple heat zones or temperature settings allow you to customize the warmth.

Fit

The jacket should fit snugly against your body to maintain warmth yet allow free movement. For sizing, consider wearing light layers underneath.

Safety Features

Safety features like auto-off, overheat protection, and battery indicators prevent fires and malfunctions. Water resistance keeps you dry. Reflective accents improve night visibility.

Price

Heated jacket pricing ranges from around $100 up to $500 or more for high-end designs. Determine how much you need to spend for the power, features, and quality you require.

Considering these factors will help you select the right heated jacket with the ideal blend of heating, comfort, battery life, safety, and quality.

What are the best heated jacket brands?

Some of the top heated jacket brands include:

Brand	Key Features
Ororo	Slim, lightweight; multiple heat settings; long battery life; machine washable
Volt Resistance	Maximum heating power; waterproof exterior; backup battery pack
Blazewear	Zone heating; arm, hand, and pocket warmers; affordable price
Milwaukee	Rugged, durable construction; high heating power; jobsite-ready design
Makita	Powerful 12V heating circuits; breathable insulation; safety features
Dewalt	Reinforced pockets and seams; waterproof; optimized jacket-to-battery interface
Venture Heat	Maximum heating zones; lightweight carbon fiber heating elements; touchscreen controls

These top brands provide high-quality materials, excellent warmth, smart heating features, long battery life, and durability. They offer products at varied price points to suit different budgets and needs.

How do heated jackets work?

Heated jackets use integrated heating elements to warm your body. Here is an overview of how heated jackets work:

Power Source

A rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack provides power. Batteries typically attach to the inside of the jacket or snap into an interior pocket. The battery capacity ranges from 2,200 mAh to over 10,000 mAh for extended runtime.

Heating Elements

Thin, flexible heating panels made from materials like carbon fiber, polymer, or stainless steel thread are sewn into the jacket lining. The elements contain heating wires that warm up when electric current flows through them.

Controller

An adjustable controller connected to the battery lets you control the temperature setting. Choose from multiple heat levels depending on conditions. Newer jackets have wireless controllers operated through phone apps.

Insulation

Insulation between the shell and lining preserves the heat and prevents heat loss for optimal warmth. Goose down or synthetic insulations effectively trap heat.

Outer Material

Durable, water-resistant outer material protects the heating system from moisture, wind, and abrasion. Popular materials are nylon, polyester, and softshell.

Understanding the integrated heating technology helps you choose a jacket engineered for safe, comfortable performance.

What temperature rating do you need?

Determine the coldest temperature you plan to use the heated jacket in to choose an appropriate temperature rating:

• 50°F to 60°F – For wearing in cool to cold autumn and spring conditions. Lower heat settings provide comfort.
• 20°F to 40°F – For cold winter days and higher elevation. Medium heat works for active use.
• 0°F to 20°F – For frigid temperatures and immobile activities like ice fishing. Highest heat settings needed.
• -10°F to 0°F – For extreme cold like mountaineering or snowmobiling. Maximum heating power required.

Also consider your sensitivity to cold, activity level, and whether you’ll layer underneath. Jackets rated for your coldest anticipated temperatures ensure you get enough heat. Choose a model offering multiple temperature settings for flexibility.

What features should you look for?

Seeking out the following useful features will enhance your experience wearing a heated jacket:

Zone Heating

Zone heating allows separately controlling heat to different zones like the left chest, right chest, and back. This customizes warmth where you need it most.

Machine Washable

For convenience, seek out jackets with removable heating elements so you can machine wash and dry the remainder of the jacket.

Quick Charging

Quick charging capability fully recharges a depleted battery in under 3 hours so you can get back outside faster. Quick charging preserves battery lifespan.

Car Charging

A car charger lets you conveniently recharge your battery through a vehicle USB outlet to save time.

Controller Display

Visual battery life and temperature setting displays on the controller face provide at-a-glance feedback.

Fit Adjustments

Adjustable wrist cuffs, hem tightening, and hood cinching deliver a customized, heat-preserving fit.

Seeking out these useful extras enhances your experience and convenience wearing and caring for your heated jacket.

How much do heated jackets cost?

Heated jacket pricing depends on features, performance, and brand name:

• Budget models – $100 to $200. Basic warmth and battery life. Best for occasional wear.
• Mid-range models – $200 to $300. Improved heating, insulation, and batter life. Ideal for regular use.
• High-end models – $300 to $500. Maximum heat output, premium materials, and advanced features.
• Professional models – $500+. Heavy-duty construction and batteries for extreme jobsite use.

Lower cost jackets work well for light, casual use while premium jackets are worth the investment for frequent wear and severe cold. Determine your budget and needs.

What safety tips should you follow?

Practice these important safety measures when using your heated jacket:

• Avoid getting the jacket wet which can damage the electronics.
• Charge in a dry location away from flammable materials.
• Prevent overheating by taking it off if you get too warm.
• Turn off before washing and don’t machine dry.
• Ensure flammable materials don’t contact the heating elements.
• Examine for damage before each use.
• Follow charging and care instructions.

Following the manufacturer’s usage, care, and safety guidelines is essential to prevent issues. Use caution and common sense.

Conclusion

A high quality heated jacket provides invaluable warmth and comfort for activities in cold conditions. Choosing a model with ample heating power, good insulation, long battery life, adjustable controller settings, and smart safety features ensures the best performance and value. Leading heated jacket brands like Ororo, Volt, Blazewear, Milwaukee, and others combine advanced heating technology with durable construction to keep you comfortable when temperatures drop. Consider your intended temperature range, features needs, and budget to select the right heated jacket for you this winter.