The 5 Best Heated Jackets of 2022
Updated: Jan. 03, 2023Zip them up, switch them on and get toasty. Here are the best heated jackets to wear this winter.
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Unlike regular winter jackets which are designed to keep body heat from escaping, battery-operated heated jackets deliver radiating warmth to your core. Heated jackets are extremely popular with winter sports enthusiasts and those who like to putter in their chilly basement workshop.
Whether you choose a soft shell (made of flexible and breathable material like fleece) or a hard shell (waterproof for protection against heavy rain and snow), a heated jacket is a blessing to those working in extremely cold conditions, such as construction workers, farmers, park rangers, police and military.
The first electric heated jacket came on the market in 2001, with a hefty price tag of $500. Thanks to improvements in fabric heating technology, the next generation of jackets is much more reliable and affordable. Here are our picks for the top heated jackets to keep you warm at work or play this winter.
Best Overall Heated Jacket
Ororo Men’s Soft Shell Heated Jacket
Ward off the cold with our top pick: The Ororo Men’s Soft Shell Heated Jacket. Pliable and featherlight, the soft-shell fabric allows for unrestricted movement and breathability, making the jacket ideal for everyday activities such as walking the dog or shoveling snow.
This jacket features Thermolite insulation, stretch cuffs to block the wind and a detachable hood for light rain days. Three carbon fiber heat zones transmit warmth for up to 10 hours on a single charge.
Pros
- Affordable
- Batteries included
- Multiple color options
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Some buyers note cables coming loose from the battery pack on occasion
Best Heated Jacket for Work
ActionHeat 5V
This heated work jacket features three heating panels and ActionFlex material that provides lightweight warmth and comfort. The flexible material also allows for movement, so you can wear this option while on the job. And when it gets dirty, you can throw the whole thing in the washing machine!
Pros
- Water-repellent and wind resistant
- Lightweight
- USB power bank
- Machine washable
Cons
- Less than 5 hours of heat per batter life
Psst! Stay warm and toasty with these winter snow boots, too.
Best Budget Heated Jacket
TideWe Heated Jacket
This TideWe heated jacket is one of the most affordable on the market, and you can find it on Amazon, too. It has a USB port, three heat settings and eight pockets. Plus it heats up in less than 30 seconds.
This heated jacket can last an impressive 10 working hours. So you can stay warm during all of your outdoor activities like hunting, ice fishing, ice hockey, hiking and even doing DIY work in the shop.
Pros
- Affordable
- Waterproof and windproof
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Buyers note a long silhouette and stubborn zipper
Best Heated Jacket for Hunters
Hart 20-Volt
Made of a tough outer camo shell suitable for hunting, fishing and camping, the Hart 20-Volt Heated Jacket Kit stands up to the harshest weather. The jacket features eight hours of run time, three heat zones (left and right chests and mid-back) and three adjustable heat settings.
You can even charge your mobile device with the built-in USB port during long hours sitting in a duck blind or on an icy lake.
Pros
- Washer and dryer safe
- Affordable
- Wind and water resistant
Cons
- Hood is not detachable
Best Heated Jacket for Outdoor Activities
Gobi Heat ShiftÂ
On or off the slopes, stay comfortable in the Gobi Heated Jacket with five-zone heating and nine-hour battery life.
Made from polyurethane-coated polyester fabric with an easy-to-clean nylon lining, the jacket features a built-in snow gaiter and adjustable Velcro cuffs to keep out the unwanted white stuff. It also comes with a media pocket, helmet-capable hood and armpit zippers for controlling ventilation.
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Water and wind resistant
- Several large pockets
- Cinchable, helmet-compatible hood
- Armpit zippers for ventilation
Cons
- Expensive
- Some users note issues with water resistance
What to Consider When Buying a Heated Jacket
How do heated jackets work?
Typically, heated jackets contain heating panels on both sides of the chest and in the back powered by a single, rechargeable battery pack. A power button turns on the jacket, allowing it to cycle through heat settings.
Most heated jackets are made from carbon fiber, and some include USB ports for charging mobile devices, multiple temperature control settings, water- and wind-resistant fabric and machine washability. The average battery life for heated jackets is seven to 12 hours, so you can expect to stay warm all day long with any heated jacket you choose.
Are heated jackets worth it?
Heated jackets can be expensive due to their construction and the materials used to make them. However, heated jackets tend to be durable and last longer than traditional jackets.
If you’re someone who works outdoors or in a workshop without heating, we absolutely think that a heated jacket is well worth the cost. They’re also great for anyone who loves camping, fishing and hunting.
Are heated jackets safe?
You might have concerns about the safety of heated jackets due to their electrical composition. However, there’s typically nothing to worry about since most heated jackets use batteries of less than 10 volts. Low voltage, li-ion batteries are safe providing standard measures are taken when charging and discharging.
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