10 Best Heated Jacket Reviews For Hunting and Other Purposes (2018)
DON’T let the cold winter months stop you from carrying out your outdoor activities.
When your favorite winter coat no longer serves its purpose, you can always count on a high-quality heated jacket to keep you warm and comfortable.
Honestly, this special jacket will maintain your core body temperature and see you through your hunting, hiking, cycling, worksite and any other activity you carry out in cold outdoor weather.
BUT… don’t get excited yet!
If you buy a poorly wired heated jacket, chances of it overheating and causing fire are high. That’s why it’s always advisable to do your research very well before purchasing one.
If you’ve no idea how to pick the right heated jacket before, I’ve some good news for you...
I enlisted the help of my friend Chris— a REAL outdoor enthusiast—and together, we spent 3 full days researching about what makes the safest, most comfortable heated jackets.
Gladly, we found the 10 best-of-the-best heated jackets that I’ll share with you in our heated jacket reviews below.
(Besides, I’ll share with you the criteria we used to arrive at these 10 top-rated products)
Discover more details below…
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
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[easyazon_image align="center" height="160" identifier="B00MXZI700" locale="US" src="https://huntspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/41W7CdGntgL.SL160.jpg" tag="huntspot08-20" width="135"] | |||
[easyazon_image align="center" height="160" identifier="B019C4QU62" locale="US" src="https://huntspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/411m70APjNL.SL160.jpg" tag="huntspot08-20" width="123"] | |||
[easyazon_image align="center" height="160" identifier="B078RFDZ44" locale="US" src="https://huntspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/41UPNIXLueL.SL160.jpg" tag="huntspot08-20" width="123"] |
What’s a Heated Jacket?
A heated jacket is the best way to maintain your body temperatures in the harsh winter outdoor conditions.
A heated jacket refers to a special jacket that’s battery-powered. It incorporates heating elements in the back and front parts which help provide you with warmth and comfort while out there.
Some of the models even come with heating elements around the collar and pockets for the ultimate warmth.
The two most common elements used in most of the heating jackets you’ll come across include carbon filament, steel plates, and copper wire.
Carbon filaments are a more preferred option due to their lightweight and highly flexible nature which lets you put them in a washing machine without any issues.
Now, it’s worth noting that there are tons of models on the market today, with varying features and heating capabilities, and from multiple brands.
And this means you should take your time to do proper research and narrow down your choices to the most suitable models that match your needs and expectations.
Next, we take a look at the best heated jackets that Chris and I picked for you…
Best Heated Jacket Reviews:
1. DEWALT DCHJ062C1-3XL 20V/12V MAX Camo Heated Jacket Kit:
Our heated jacket reviews kick off with the DEWALT DCHJ062C1 Camo Heated Jacket. As one of the camouflage models in the DEWALT’s long line of heated jackets, we recommend it for all hunters, anglers, nature hikers, bird watchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The number one thing we loved about this jacket is its wind and water resistant soft polyester outer shell which offers you exceptional insulation to keep you feeling warm in the harshest weather conditions. Besides, the material doesn’t produce much noise- making you remain quiet and undetected in your stand.
It also provides you with up to 4 heating zones- one in the collar, 2 in the chest, and one in the mid-back. Doubtlessly, these will keep your body warm and let you enjoy your outdoor activities.
The jacket also offers you up to heat settings to let you set your desired amount of heat. Also, it gives you a choice between the 12V and 20V batteries.
My favorite part is the two USB power ports that let you conveniently charge your portable electronics- like the MP3 player or smartphone.
If you’re a serious hunter, hiker, or conduct any other outdoor cold weather activity, this DEWALT is the best deal you can find on the market today!
Highlighted features:
2. Milwaukee Jacket KIT M12 12V Lithium:
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Straight from the Milwaukee, a top name in the heated jacket industry, we have the Milwaukee Jacket KIT. This model also comes in camo color, making it suitable option for all hunters as well as folks who carry out any outdoor cold weather activities.
We loved this jacket due to its unmatched level of durability. It’s made using ToughShell Stretch Polymer which delivers up to 5x longer than the soft-shell material used in previous models. For this reason, this jacket can withstand all sorts of abrasion and the most extreme weather conditions.
Regarding the heating capabilities, this Milwaukee comes fitted with carbon fiber heating elements that create and distribute heat in these areas— chest, front hand pockets, and back. Besides, it features a one-touch LED controller with 3 settings for each zone to let you easily adjust the temperatures to your desired levels.
Amazingly, the controller allows you to adjust the chest and back zones independent of the front hand pockets.
The washer and dryer safe jacket can work with M12™ REDLITHIUM batteries (included) as well as all the M18™ REDLITHIUM™ batteries. Using the M12™ REDLITHIUM battery pack, you can enjoy an extended runtime of up to 8 hours.
All hunters will appreciate the plenty of pockets provided by this jacket— including 1 inner zip pocket and 3 outer zip pockets. These will offer you additional storage for your hunting gear – such as calls, GPS, and even your smartphone.
Highlighted features:
3. Bosch PSJ120M-102 Men's 12-volt Max Lithium-Ion Soft Shell Heated Jacket Kit:
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f you’re looking for the best hated jacket to wear to your job site during cold weather, the Bosch PSJ120M-102 Men's model will not disappoint. Also from a reliable manufacturer, Bosch, this top-quality jacket is made using 100% polyester and offers maximum resistance to wind and water.
The ability to adjust the sleeves of this jacket plus the fitted waist takes its flexibility to a whole new level.
Powered by Bosch’s 12V Max battery system, this jacket has a total of 3 Quick Warming heat zones- including 2 chest zones and 1 back zone. These zones start warming in minutes, to ensure your body gets warm quickly. And don’t forget it has 3 simple push-button temperature settings- Low, Medium, High- for easy, fast heat control.
The jacket delivers a maximum runtime of 6 hours when powered by the 12V 2.0Ah battery system in the low mode. Gladly, you can upgrade the runtime by switching to a 4.0Ah battery.
You’ll love the 5 large convenient pockets included in this jacket. These include the battery holster, one large document pocket, one smartphone chest pocket, and two hand pockets— all of which facilitates on-the-go storage.
Like our DEWALT jacket we reviewed earlier above, this jacket comes with USB power port to let you charge most of your personal electronics, like a cellphone, while out there.
Overall, Bosch PSJ120M-102 Men's jacket is the perfect solution for those working on a rough job site in the colder regions.
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4. Ororo Women's Slim Fit Heated Jacket With Battery Pack and Detachable Hood:
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For the women looking for the best women’s heated jacket, this is your part. The ororo Women's Slim Fit Heated Jacket. The ororo Women's Slim Fit Heated Jacket is a budget-friendly jacket with eye-pleasing simple, clean and tailored aesthetics.
Other than looks, this jacket is made for durability and comfort. It features an exterior 100% polyester shell that’s not only long-lasting but also resistant to wind and water. The interior consists of a light fleece lining that keeps the heat trapped in— maintaining a high level of comfort.
Women love the jacket for the way it distributes heat all over the body. It has three carbon fiber heating elements placed across the core body areas- left chest, right chest, and mid-back. Besides, it features Low, Medium, and High heat settings than you can alter with the touch of a button to set your desired level of warmth.
The included Ororo battery pack has a pretty long runtime of 8 hours and will also let you easily charge your mobile devices when out there.
Because polyester and the carbon filaments are 100% safe for the washing machine, you’ve got no excuse as to why you shouldn’t keep this jacket clean at all times.
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5. Ororo Men's Soft Shell Heated Jacket With Detachable Hood and Battery Pack:
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Another jacket from Ororo occupies our 5th position of the top-best heated jacket reviews. The Soft Shell Heated Jacket is made for men and makes a great winter outfit. Like the women’s version above, this model also has great looks and— and fits all activities and lifestyles.
Just like the previous Ororo, this model is made of 100% polyester material. This makes it a pretty durable jacket with a soft, flexible exterior that’s resistant to wind and water. Looking at the inner part, you’ll note that it also comes with a fleece lining that prevents the generated heat from escaping, so your body will feel the warmth all day long.
Another feature that this jacket shares with its cousin above revolves around its eating ability. It has carbon fibers fitted across the core heating areas- left chest, right chest, and mid-back. Plus it has Low, Medium and High heat settings to let you set a level you’re comfortable with.
Above all this, the jacket is also fully machine wash safe, meaning you’ll have an easy time cleaning and taking care of it.
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6. DEWALT DCHJ062B-M 20V/12V MAX Camo Heated Jacket and Adaptor:
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If you’re in the market for the best heated hoodie, you’d want to consider this DEWALT DCHJ062B-M 20V/12V MAX Camo Heated Jacket as your number one option. It features a detachable hood (with face and neck guard) to keep you protected from the chilly mornings and windy days.
The DEWALT is suitable for all kinds of outdoor cold weather activities you can think of, while the camo pattern makes it qualify as the best heated jacket for hunting. It’s constructed using soft, water-resistant outer shell which is also durable enough to withstand the extreme weather conditions out there.
When it comes to heating your body, this jacket has a total of FOUR heating zones- collar, mid-back, and L&R chest. As you can see, the heating zones target the core areas of our body to ensure all your entire body will swim in a lake of warmth and comfort. What’s more, it comes with an LED controller with 3 heat settings (plus a pre-heat function) to grant you total control of the temperature levels.
The jacket comes uses the compact 20V MAX battery (not included) which offers you an extended runtime of 7.5 hours. Interestingly, you can extend the runtime by using the 20V MAX batteries.
All hunters will appreciate the plenty of pockets (they’re 7 to be precise) integrated into this jacket as they offer convenient storage for most of the frequently used equipment. These pockets include the L&F inner chest, Left outer chest, L&R stomach, and the L&R waist.
We can’t fail to mention the included USB power port for convenient charging of mobile devices.
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7. PROsmart HJ-27-50 Men's Cordless 12Volt Battery Powered Heated Hooded Jacket Kit:
Even with a tight budget, you can still get a quality heated jacket that enables you to survive the extreme weather conditions. This PROsmart HJ-27-50 Men's Heated Hooded Jacket comes designed with refined material plus a smart design to give you a comfortable wearing feeling.
Designed using high-quality cotton, nylon, and polyester materials, the jacket can stand up to the rough outdoor conditions. Not only that, the outer polyester shell is 100% windproof and waterproof to boost the insulation properties of the jacket to keep you more comfortable.
The efficient heat design that comes with this jacket translates to rapid heating capabilities in the extreme cold weather. Note that the jacket comes with up to 3 temperature settings that help you adjust the amount of heat generated to match the changing weather conditions.
Unlike most of the models in the jacket’s price range, it comes with a portable, detachable 12V battery that helps offer you more convenience when using it.
If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly jacket that you can use for outdoor activities such as mountaineering, hiking, climbing, or outdoor working, consider investing in this PROsmart HJ-27-50 Men's Heated Hooded Jacket.
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8. DEWALT DCHJ063C1-L 20V/12V MAX Blaze Camo Heated Jacket Kit:
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For all your cold weather hunting and hiking activities, the DEWALT DCHJ063C1-L is the perfect heated jacket for you. This is primarily based on the fact that it comes with a soft, waterproof blaze orange camo outer shell.
This shell also produces less noise to let you maintain the amount of quietness required when hunting.
When powered by the compact 20V MAX battery, this jacket will offer you a really long time of 7.5 hours. Like all the other DEWALT models, it features a total of 4 heating zones- including the collar, mid-back, and L&R chest zones. You can easily control all these zones using an LED controller that comes with Low, Medium, and High settings (and a pre-heat function).
The included USB power cable lets you conveniently power your portable electronics.
And as you’d expect of any top-rated heated jacket, this model has a quality construction of soft, water/wind-resistant outer shell. It also features a total of 7 pockets to provide you with sufficient storage for all your hunting accessories.
Best of all, it comes with a removable hood with face and neck guard just in case you’re hunting in chilly weather or windy conditions.
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9. My Core Men's Heated Jacket Review:
Our second last position goes to the My Core Men's Heated Jacket-- the word’s first heated hoodie featuring My Core’s patented Control Personal Thermal Control technology.
For those who don’t know, this is an extraordinary technology that allows you to change your core body temperature measure orally, on demand! That is, it strategically provides heat to your inner wrists pulse point area and uses your heart as a pump, your blood as the coolant, and your circulatory system as the radiator.
As your heat continues beating, heated blood will be distributed through your entire body for the ultimate warmth and levels of comfort.
The technology also involves a microprocessor controller that helps provide you with up to 3 temperature settings so that you can adjust the warmth level to fit your comfort or activity level.
The jacket utilizes two 3.7 volt lithium-ion rechargeable batteries which deliver a runtime of unto 12 hours (and 6 hours on low setting). The batteries recharge for 6 good hours, and you can recharge for over 500 cycles.
Since the battery pouch features 100% waterproof with PU zippers, you can rest assured that your batteries will remain dry during the operation. The solid-state heated wrist devices plus button are also waterproof.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with this heated jacket for all your outdoor cold weather activities. The camo pattern makes it even more suitable for hunting.
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10. Makita DCJ200ZXL 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Heated Jacket:
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No better way to close our heated jacket reviews than with this Makita DCJ200ZXL Heated Jacket. The great looking model is sure to keep you warm when working in a cold, harsh job site.
As an addition to Makita’s unique line of cordless 18V tools and accessories, this jacket boasts of a power source that works with all the Makita 18V batteries. When using the 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery system, you can expect the jacket to provide you with up to 28 hours of heat!
Like some of the models that we’ve discussed earlier, this jacket also comes with a convenient onboard USB power port that helps you easily charge your mobile devices when out there.
The jacket features 3 core heat zones- right chest, left chest, and back- which guarantee maximum heat distribution. It also comes with three heat settings that let you easily control the amount of heat being generated by the heating elements.
Since it comes with a soft, fleece-lined collar, it effectively traps all the heat produced so that it doesn’t escape and leave your body feeling cold.
Regarding pockets, it comes with 4 of them. These include the zippered chest pocket (ideal for cellphone and other accessories), sleeve pocket, and left and right side pockets. Note how the battery pocket is positioned on the rear left side to remain out of your way while staying within reach for easy, quick access.
If you want a reasonably priced heated jacket for wearing t your cold, tough job site, this Makita DCJ200ZXL Heated Jacket is a sure bet!
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What Should You Know Before Buying?
According to Chris, the best heated jacket for you should boil down to your personal needs and preferences.
However, it’s important to note that navigating through the thousands (or is it millions?) of the heated jackets on the market today to find the perfect one for you is a mind-wrecking task.
That’s why we decided to prepare for you an easy-peasy guide to act as your shortcut to getting the perfect jacket for your needs.
Here’s the full guide:
Fit comes first
I’m assuming that you have bought a standard jacket or any other type of clothing before. And one you thing you might have noted is that different brands come with varying sizing charts/tables.
With that in mind, you should factor in whether the jacket you want to buy will fit you. A good fit will make you feel more comfortable.
The best way to do this involves putting the heated jacket to see how well it fits you.
Talking from experience, Chris recommends you to “make sure you leave some room or allowance for the extra clothing you’ll be wearing.”
Check the material used to make the jacket
The next important thing you should look for in a jacket is the type of material used to construct it and the level of insulation it delivers.
An ideal heated jacket should come with a windproof fabric that traps the heated air and prevents it from escaping. This will ensure that your body remains warm for longer.
Talking of the inner jacket lining, it should be soft smooth and high quality. This will not only contribute to the overall insulation but will also enhance flexibility-especially when wearing other layers of clothing underneath.
Getting a waterproof out shell is also a plus for these jackets.
Above all, ensure the fabric is made of quality, durable material that can withstand the tough outdoor conditions for years to come.
Examine its heating ability
How and where that heated jacket heats your body should also be a key determinant in choosing the best model that blends with your specific needs.
Start by checking the heating zones of the jacket you want to buy. Most models have the heating element situated in the front (in the chest area) and at the back (middle or lower section).
It’s also possible to find some models with heated elements on the pockets, collar, and even on the sleeve. However, these might cost you more.
While still on the heating ability, you should check the temperature control function of the jacket.
Make sure you preferred model comes with a range of temperature settings running from Low to Medium and High options to let you easily set the heat level you’re comfortable with.
What of the heating element?
This one is closely related to the above factor, but we saw it better to discuss it separately.
As I did mention earlier in this post, most heating elements are either made of carbon fibers, steel plates or copper wires.
Always look for jackets with carbon fiber elements. Such models are highly flexible and allow you to conveniently wash them in a machine wash (using cold water and a gentle cycle, though).
This is unlike the copper and steel elements that feel rigid- making them less packageable/foldable and impossible to put in a washer.
Check the power source
As you’ve seen from our top-quality heated jacket reviews above, some models come with rechargeable battery packs, and other requires you to use an external power source.
What’s important to check here is the battery voltage and runtime.
A battery that comes with high voltage means a greater performance by the heating element at providing you with warmth and comfort.
Looking at the milliampere-hour value of the batter should also tell you the runtime or capacity of the battery. The idea here involves getting a battery with higher capacity and longer runtime.
Go for top brands
The top secret to getting the best-quality heated jack without struggling involves shopping from the top brands in the field.
Some of the best brands that have shown consistency in producing top-quality, 100% safe, and effective heated jackets include the Milwaukee, DeWALT, and Bosch.
Cut the shopping stress by getting a fitting jacket from any of these tops brands, and you won’t regret!
Check the pockets in that jacket
A jacket that comes with two hand pockets- one on the left and the other on the right side- is great when it comes to warming up your hands in the cold.
In most models, the pockets are always closer to the heat source to make your hands feel warm and comfortable as well.
If you intend to use your jacket when hunting or working, however, you might consider looking for a model that has extra pockets for storage purposes.
Extra features:
Most of the best women’s heated jacket models come with aesthetically pleasing designs that women love.
BEWARE: Beware of marketing hype! One thing that Chris admits having learned the hard way is falling prey to the marketing hype when buying his heated jackets as well as other outdoor gear.
Most of the times, he’ll end up disappointed with the gear that doesn’t work as advertised.
So, don’t let the marketing hype influence your purchase decisions. If you come across a manufacturer stating that their jacket provides you with 10plus hours of non-stop heat, that’s a RED flag!
Heated Jacket vs. Heated Vest
Unable to decide on whether to buy a heated jacket or a heated vest?
Read our brief comparison between the two heated gears below to get insights on which one will fit your needs…
Firstly, note that there are no much differences between the two gear, except for the fact that the vest doesn’t have sleeves. Other than that, they employ the same heating methods, are powered by batteries, and are made using durable materials.
Now, to easily pick the right gear for you, start by defining your specific needs.
If you want something to wear when hunting or working in the cold winter months, you’d want to consider the heated jacket. This is because the jacket will help warm your entire body—including the arms.
A jacket, on the other hand, would be a great companion on those cold nights you go out- say when attending a barbecue party with your friends.
If you must wear a vest in the harsh weather, then you’d want to wear it under your winter coat or a solid jacket to ensure your arms don’t suffer in the arms of the extreme weather conditions.
Milwaukee vs. DeWALT Heated Jackets
Milwaukee and DeWALT are the two top brands that enjoy massive popularity in the heated jacket industry.
This has sparked endless debates on which of the two manufacturers produces better heated jackets than the other.
Below, I’ll give you our honest opinion regarding the supremacy battle between these two giants.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee was the first brand to hit the market with heated jackets, so it’d be an honor to start with them.
Over the years, the brand has produced a vast line of jackets- including heated vests, heated hoodies, and heated warmers.
The company’s heated gear is usually powered by the M12 Lithium-Ion battery. However, if you need a longer runtime, the manufacturers let you the M18 battery system as well.
Having won the Milwaukee heated jackets for years, Chris agrees that they’re an excellent option for a job site as well as recreation activities- like hunting, snow sports, etc. He explains that “Milwaukee will go a good job at heating your body core with the strategically placed heating elements at the chest and back.”
Most folks describe these jackets as durable, comfortable and very warm!
They also come with up to 3 heat settings for easy heat/temperature control.
Key specifications of their jackets include:
These guys certainly deserve a medal for their great efforts of producing heated jackets that come with premium features to help you work comfortably in the cold weathers.
DeWALT
“DeWALT has the most comfortable jackets I’ve ever won to a job site…they fit much looser and are less restrictive than most models.”
Says Chris.
He goes on to say that the looser fit enables you to wear additional layers of clothes beneath these jackets- which is quite essential in the cold climates.
Regarding the construction material, DeWALTs come with an excellent softer outer material which looks and feels as durable as the Milwaukee.
However, one issue that most users have raised about this brand is the not too good zippers they use for their jackets.
Others complain about the bulkiness caused by the controller and the battery pack, which comes from the fact that the models use the DEWALT 12V/20V packs. This makes the look bulkier than the previous model.
Nevertheless, the DeWALT also offers you an exceptional level of warmth and comfort to keep you busy in the cold regions or weathers.
The key specifications for the DeWALTs include:
As someone who had the pressure of wearing heated jackets from both manufacturers, Chris concludes both have quality jackets that work tirelessly to keep you cold during the cold weather.
The jackets from both companies have almost the same list of key features.
It’s nearly impossible to define the best of the two brands.
If you want a heated jacket to wear to the job site, consider the DeWALT models. If you want something that looks more casual and stylish to go out with, consider the Milwaukee jackets.
For those working on hazardous areas, we advise you to wear the highly visible Milwaukee jacket due to its roomy fitting nature.
And, of course, if you’re a hunter, you’d want to consider the camo models from either model.
In conclusion, the right jacket for you simply depends on your personal choice and preferences.
What’s Inside A Heated Jacket?
If you could strip a heated jacket, you’ll get wires inside it- mostly the carbon filaments- which are strategically placed in specific areas within the inner jacket lining.
You’ll also find a battery system which connects to these special wires through an included cable.
When you turn on the switch, the wires will heat up to produce radiant heat which then spreads throughout the jacket.
Check the video below to see what’s inside your heated jacket.
Final Verdict
That’s it for our A-to-Z on the heated jackets.
From this post, it’s crystal-clear that this fantastic jacket is a Must-Have gear for all hunters as well as anyone who works in the harsh outdoor winter weather.
Different brands have different opinions on what the ideal heated jacket should look like. So, I strongly recommend you to use our shopping guide to help you pick the perfect jacket for you from the loads and loads of models out there.
I’m personally grateful to Chris for bringing in his indispensable knowledge and experience with the heated jackets, which helped us to easily find the 10 best heated jackets on the market today.
Today, you can get yourself one of these 10 heated jackets and wave goodbye to the hassle of cladding in multiple layers of heavy winter clothing that makes you feel and look bulky.