A heated jacket looks and fits like a regular winter jacket but has heating panels inside that are powered by a rechargeable battery. The heating elements keep your upper body warm. The best heated jackets have adjustable temperature settings, USB ports, and many come with heated pockets to keep your mitts warm, too. They are a great choice for hiking, skiing, fishing, and hunting, and are a must-have for cold-weather workers.
We’ve put together a list of this year’s top heated jackets. We have evaluated each jacket’s heat settings, comfort, fit, and other features. Some of the models are made by tool manufacturers instead of clothing brands, but they still look good so you can wear them recreationally.
The best heated jackets
Warmest women’s jacket: iHood Women’s Heated Jacket
- Waterproof, windproof, and scrape-proof shell
- 12V power bank, up to 12 hours of run time
- Six heating zones, three heat settings
- Heats up to 158°F
- YKK zippers, 12 zippered pockets
- Detachable hood
Pros
- Gets very warm quickly, long battery life
- Well-built, weather-resistant jacket
- Lots of pockets, plus a removable hood
Cons
- Runs a bit small
The iHood Heated Jacket stands out because of its large heating area and high temperatures. During testing, our tester found she never needed the highest settings because the lower settings were plenty warm and offered a much longer run time. The run time is up to a whopping 12 hours on the lowest setting or around four on the highest.
This jacket features six heating panels (entire abdomen, back, lower back, and back of the neck) and more heating area than most other models on the market. While this adds additional weight, it does offer more warmth spread through the jacket.
Additionally, this model is also safe for the washing machine, as long as the battery pack is removed first. The jacket is also water and wind-resistant and great for hiking and other outdoor activities.
See iHood Women’s Heated Jacket on Amazon
See iHood Women’s Heated Jacket on Walmart
Best men’s heated jacket: Ororo Men’s Soft-Shell Heated Jacket
- 100% polyester, fleece lining
- Waterproof fabric and detachable hood
- 7.4V UL/CE-certified battery, up to 10 hours of battery life
- Three heat elements, three temperature settings
- Machine washable, 50+ cycles
- USB port
- Detachable hood
Pros
- Long battery life, especially when used on low setting
- Well-made and casually stylish
- Machine washable
Cons
- The sizing seems to be off; runs a bit small
The Ororo Men’s Soft-Shell Heated Jacket is arguably the best heated jacket for men in this price range. It has a soft shell and a relaxed, casual fit that would look appropriate in a workplace or recreational environment. It’s made from 100% polyester and has a fleece lining to ensure you don’t lose heat. The jacket boasts three carbon fiber heating elements on both sides of the chest area and one in the middle of the back. You can choose from three temperature settings (low, medium, and high) by pressing the button above the logo on the breast.
It has a 7.4V UL/CE-certified battery that provides an impressive 10 hours of working battery life when on low. The USB port can also be used to charge your smartphone or other devices, but this feature will drain the battery much faster. For added protection on wet and windy days, there’s the detachable hood, as well as the water-resistant design of the jacket.
See Ororo Men’s Soft-Shell Heated Jacket on Amazon
See Ororo Men’s Soft-Shell Heated Jacket on Walmart
See Ororo Men’s Soft-Shell Heated Jacket on Home Depot
Best work jacket: Bosch Men’s 12-Volt Soft Shell Heated Jacket
- 100% polyester with nylon lining
- Wind and rain resistant
- 12V max battery, up to six hours of runtime
- Three heat zones, three heating settings
- Five pockets in total
Pros
- Very well-made, durable jacket
- The USB charge is a useful function if you don’t need the battery life
- Warms up quickly
Cons
- Runtime could be better for a jacket in this price range
If you’re looking for a durable work jacket with a quality heating element, check out this Bosch Men’s 12-Volt Soft-Shell Heated Jacket. It’s made from 100% tough polyester, which means it’s wind and rain-resistant.
The jacket has a powerful 12V battery, providing up to six hours of heat. While not exactly impressive (most Ororo heated jackets offer more than that), six hours of continuous heat is plenty for most people. With three heating zones, two on the chest and one on the back, and three heat settings, this is one toasty jacket. It comes with five pockets and USB charging option for your electronics.
See Bosch Men’s 12-Volt Soft Shell Heated Jacket on Amazon
Premium pick: Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket
- ToughShell stretch polyester with FreeFlex Mobility Gussets
- Water- and wind-resistant design
- M12 RedLithium battery, up to eight hours of runtime
- Five heating zones, three heating settings
- Adjustable cuffs and waist
- USB port
Pros
- Extremely durable and long-lasting materials
- Well-insulated yet flexible
- Good battery life on low setting
Cons
- Runtime could be longer at the highest setting
This jacket does the same thing as the other jackets on our list, it just does them better. The exterior is made from ToughShell stretch polyester, which should last around five times longer than similar materials. It’s also wind and water-resistant and has FreeFlex mobility gussets to make the jacket easier to move around in, making it great for work and play.
The Milwaukee jacket boasts five battery-powered heating elements: two on the chest, one on the back, and one in each hand pocket. The two heating zones in the pockets are of particular note as they keep your hands nice and toasty even when you’re not wearing heated gloves. It’s all powered by an M12 RedLithium battery, which provides up to eight hours of run time. And if that’s not enough run time for you, the jacket’s compatible with Milwaukee’s more powerful M18 battery.
The whole jacket is controlled using a one-touch LED controller that can change between the three heat settings and choose which areas you’d like to heat.
See Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket on Amazon
See Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket on Walmart
Best motorcycle jacket: Venture Heat 12V Motorcycle Heated Jacket
- Powered by your motorcycle’s battery
- Seven heat panels, 10 settings via app/three settings manually
- Should be worn under a motorcycle jacket
- Water and wind-resistant
Pros
- Lightweight, comfortable, and warm
- Packs away into its own pocket for easy storage/portability
Cons
- Must be worn under a thicker/insulated jacket in really cold conditions
To stay warm and comfortable on the road, we recommend wearing a quality heated jacket like the Venture Heat 12V Motorcycle heated jacket. This jacket has seven heating zones, two on the chest, two at the back, two on the sleeves, and one on the collar. It’s lightweight and designed to be worn under your regular motorcycle jacket.
This Venture Heat jacket is powered by the battery of your motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile, and comes with Bluetooth connectivity. If you choose to control it via their app, you can choose between 10 heat settings, and if you prefer the on-board button, there are three settings.
The jacket is also rain and wind-resistant and can be packed away into its own self-contained pocket when not in use.
See Venture Heat 12V Motorcycle Heated Jacket on Amazon
Best women’s heated jacket: Ororo Women’s Slim Fit Heated Jacket
- 100% polyester, soft fleece lining
- Water-resistant fabric and detachable hood
- 7.4V UL/CE-certified battery, up to 10 hours of run time
- Three heat elements, three adjustable heat settings
- USB port
- Machine washable, 50+ cycles
Pros
- Battery life is pretty long if you use it on a low setting
- Warm and comfy yet slim and stylish
- Machine washable
Cons
- The jacket remains somewhat stiff even after repeated use
Like the men’s version of this jacket, the Ororo Women’s Slim Fit Heated Jacket is one of the best models in this price range. It’s made from 100% polyester, making it durable and able to retain heat, plus it’s got a detachable hood for extra protection during windy and snowy weather. It’s fully waterproof and windproof, making it ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities.
As you’d expect, the heating elements are in the standard heat zones: three carbon fiber heating elements of which two are on the chest area and one on the middle back. This is powered by a 7.4V UL/CE-certified battery which provides up to 10 hours of heat at the lowest setting. On the highest, it lasts about five to six hours.
The jacket has two exterior pockets and is designed to endure more than 50 machine wash cycles.
See Ororo Women’s Slim Fit Heated Jacket on Amazon
See Ororo Women’s Slim Fit Heated Jacket on Walmart
Best heated hoodie: Milwaukee Leather 7.4V Men’s Heated Hoodie
- Softshell poly material, satin lining
- 7.4V rechargeable battery pack included
- Three heat panels, three heating settings
- Integrated hood, two large pockets
Pros
- Very comfortable because it’s a hoodie
- Ideal for recreational use
- Competitive price
Cons
- Battery run time is not specified
- Not as warm as pricier jackets
The Milwaukee Leather Men’s Heated Hoodie is warm, comfy, and soft. It features two heating zones: two front chest panels, and one on the back. Also, it includes three heat settings and it’s powered by a 10,000mAh 7.4V rechargeable battery.
It is made of a softshell poly material with satin lining, knitted cuffs, and a waistband. It’s worth noting that this jacket isn’t made by Milwaukee, the tool brand, but by Milwaukee Leather, a different company. It’s still good quality, but it uses different batteries and heating techs. We don’t think this hoodie is perfect for harsh work environments because most cold-weather workers need something wind and water-resistant, but it’s excellent for recreational use.
See Milwaukee Leather 7.4V Men’s Heated Hoodie on Walmart
See Milwaukee Leather 7.4V Men’s Heated Hoodie on Amazon
Best budget heated jacket: Prosmart Men’s Heated Jacket
- 100% polyester with fleece lining
- 12V ultra-thin battery, up to 16 hours of run time
- Two heat elements, three heat settings
- Water-resistant design, adjustable hood
Pros
- Excellent battery life when used on the lowest setting
- Comfy and flexible, great for winter sports
- Competitive price
Cons
- Not as durable as more expensive models
- Chest heat panels don’t get as warm as back panels
If you’ve never owned a heating jacket before and don’t want to spend a small fortune on one in case you end up not liking it, we recommend the Prosmart Men’s Heated Jacket. Budget-friendly (for a heated jacket), comfy and warm, this soft-shell heated jacket is not the most advanced jacket on our list, but a 12V Li-polymer battery pack and two large heating zones will keep you warm in cooler weather.
With two heat elements on the front, one on the back, and three different heat settings to choose from, this jacket provides enough warmth. The battery life is pretty impressive. Theoretically, it should last about 16 hours on a low setting. One of the best things about this model is how quickly it heats up – the quick-warming heat zones take only a couple of minutes to get comfortably warm. The exterior also repels water.
See Prosmart Men’s Heated Jacket on Amazon
Most versatile men’s heated jacket: DEWALT Heated Soft Shell Jacket
- Insulated woven softshell, fleece lining
- 20V MAX battery, up to nine hours of run time
- Five heat zones, three heat settings
- Water and wind-resistant design, multiple pockets
- USB charging port
Pros
- Super-comfortable and warm jacket
- Ideal for both outdoor work and recreational activities
- Works with other Dewalt 20V batteries
Cons
- Not a con, but a detachable hood would be a nice addition
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty soft-shell heated jacket for outdoor work and recreational activities, the DEWALT Heated Soft Shell Jacket is a fantastic option. It’s durable enough to be used around the workplace, thanks to its thickly woven outer shell with wind and water-resistant properties.
Inside the jacket, a warm fleece lining will keep you toasty even if you don’t have the heating turned on. Five heating elements generate heat, including two in the front, one in the back, and one for each upper arm. This is all powered using a button inside the jacket.
It has four pockets scattered around the jacket and a pocket designed specifically to carry the 20V MAX battery. This impressive battery can power the coat on its lowest setting for nine hours and comes with a charger and adapter. The other good thing about this battery is that it’s interchangeable with the batteries on any other Dewalt tool. So, if you’ve already got a few Dewalt power tools, you can swap them out when this one runs out.
It might cost you a little more money, but we recommend this jacket for outside work and play.
See DEWALT Heated Soft Shell Jacket on Amazon
Why trust us
As folks who regularly hike, camp, and bike in cold conditions, we know a thing or two about staying warm in cold weather. Aside from layering your garments properly, our team of outdoor professionals highly recommends heated clothing in bitterly cold climates, as it will keep you warm and comfortable no matter how much time you spend outside. Every jacket you see here is either a favorite among our winter veterans, or is a top-rated jacket from a reputable brand.
Who this is for
This guide is for anyone looking for top-quality jackets to keep them warm, comfortable, and safe in freezing weather. Whether you work outside in frigid temps or participate in outdoor activities like cycling or hiking this guide to the best heated jackets has got you covered.
How we picked
We consulted with the outdoor professionals on our team, researched dozens of different jackets and their specs, and read hundreds of customer reviews. We then selected the best options for different categories (work, recreation, and everyday use) to make sure varying needs and budgets were covered.
How we tested
For those we tested, we paid special attention to the number of heat elements, battery life, and how warm the jacket can get. We prefer jackets and coats that can be machine-washed, so most of the models you see here are easy to wash, too.
Features to look for in heated jackets
Power source
Heated jackets come with either one heating element or, more commonly, several heating elements that are powered using a battery. Of course, the more money you spend, the better quality the battery. Each battery has a different run time. If you work long hours in the cold, look for heated jackets with powerful batteries, as they provide longer work times.
Run time
Run time is a critical factor. It must last long enough to keep you warm for the entire workday. On the heated jackets we’ve selected, the run times range from six to 12 hours. If your jacket lasts only six hours, you might need to put it on charge during your lunch break. Most jackets can be run on the lowest settings to save battery life.
Fit
It’s really important that your heated jacket fits correctly. You might be buying it primarily for its heating technology, but you will be wearing it every day, so it needs to fit well. On the customer questions and answers section of Amazon, you can often find customers asking about the right size for specific heights and chest sizes. This might be a helpful shortcut to finding the perfect fit. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website and see if they have a size guide.
Weight
Naturally, by adding heating panels and batteries to a jacket, you will make it heavier. But you don’t want something that will weigh you down too much when you’re on your feet all day. Fortunately, the brands usually choose lightweight materials and often manage to get the jackets to weigh less than 1lb.
Pockets
You’ll need plenty of pockets to carry around all of your essential tools with you.
Heat settings
Almost every heated jacket has three heat settings (low, medium, and high) and some have more. Not only does this give you complete control over the heating power, but it also lets you save the battery and make it last for longer. The heating settings are normally powered by a button on the left breast of the jacket, but this may differ from brand to brand.
Weather resistance
The best heated jackets boast wind and water-resistant materials, so you can wear them rain or shine. If you plan on wearing your heated jacket in snowy/rainy conditions regularly, make sure you select one with at least some weather resistance.
Heated Jacket FAQ
Q: Are heated jackets bad for your health?
Heated jackets manufactured by reputable brands are perfectly safe, and indeed healthy, especially if you work or spend a lot of time outside in cold weather. A good-quality heated vest, jacket, or parka will help you maintain your body temperature plus improve your circulation.
Q: Are heated jackets safe in the rain?
Many heated jackets are safe in the rain, including most we reviewed in this guide. Typically, heated jackets have a polyester exterior with some weather resistance, including water and wind resistance. However, if your heated clothing is made from cotton, then it doesn’t have a water-resistant outer shell and shouldn’t be worn in the rain on its own.
Q: Can you wash a heated jacket?
Many heated jackets can be washed in a washing machine a certain number of times, after you take out the jacket battery pack, of course. It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and as a matter of precaution, use a mild, technical detergent.
Q: How should I clean my jacket?
If you don’t want to machine wash your heated jacket (or if your particular model shouldn’t be machine washed), you can hand wash it using a mixture of warm water and a technical detergent. You can also spot-clean certain areas with a smaller cloth and the same water-detergent mixture.
Q: How should I recharge my battery?
Most heated jackets are powered by standard batteries that can be recharged once they empty/as needed via USB or wall plugs. Some motorcycle heated jackets can be wired to your motorcycle so they charge as you’re riding. This being said, each heated clothing item is different in its charging process (as each has different a battery type and capacity), so it’s important to check your user manual before charging.
Sources:
- Working Safely In Cold Weather – OSHA
- Heated Clothing – Wikipedia
