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Heated jackets are a game-changer for anyone who spends time out in the garage or elsewhere, as even the best gear can fail to deliver on bitter winter days, and having a jacket that can heat your core makes all the difference in the world. The problem is that if you’re working in tight spaces, bulky sleeves might be something you’ve got to leave behind. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck when it comes to a little extra warmth. Heated vests are a real thing, and some of the biggest names in the working world offer them. That doesn’t mean you should just run home with the first option you find. You just might miss out on the perfect fit for your needs if you don’t look around. You don’t need to waste your time sifting through the pile, though. We’ve already got the best-of-the-best rounded up for you.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless AXIS Black Heated Vest
- Best Value: Ororo Men’s Lightweight Heated Vest
- Honorable Mention: DeWalt Heated Reversible Vest
- Best Base Layer: Gerbing 7-Volt Battery Heated Vest Liner
- Best Value Runner-Up: ActionHeat 5-Volt Heated Vest
Methodology
Workwear is a big part of our lives. We might make a living behind a keyboard, but most of our free time is spent turning wrenches in one form or another. We understand the value of something like a heated vest. We also know from personal experience which brands are actually worth trusting. We also appreciate the fact that our experiences are just that, and back our selection up with research, and read into what others have to say about leading products before recommending anything to you.
Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless AXIS Black Heated Vest
Specs
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
- Part Number: 305B-20L
- Batteries Included: No
Pros
- Good battery life
- Shares compact batteries with popular power tools
- Quality materials used
- Battery pack doubles as power bank
Cons
- Expensive
- No batteries included
There are a few reasons the Milwaukee M12 heated vest is the top pick. Starting with my experience with the M12 heated jacket, I know first-hand that Milwaukee’s clothing is more than capable of handling harsh conditions and will keep you warm even without any of the three heat levels in use. It does share batteries with Milwaukee’s M12 line, which is another huge bonus, and the battery can double as a power pack if you decide not to put the heating elements to use.
The biggest problem with this entry from Milwaukee is the price. The vest itself might not be that expensive, but that doesn’t include the batteries it requires. The cost of the batteries and a charger easily makes this one of the most expensive options for the average person.
Best Value
Ororo Men's Lightweight Heated Vest
Honorable Mention
DeWalt Heated Reversible Vest
Best Base Layer
Gerbing 7-Volt Battery Heated Vest Liner
Best Value Runner-Up
ActionHeat 5-Volt Heated Vest
Our Verdict
I’ve chosen the Milwaukee M12 Cordless Heated Vest as the best overall pick. It’s durable and shares a battery with Milwaukee’s M12 power tools, making it even better for anyone who uses tools from the M12 lineup. But if you’re on a tight budget, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up the Ororo Men’s Lightweight Heated Vest.
FAQs
You have questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Can you wear a heated vest under a jacket?
A: Yes. Some are even designed specifically to be worn under other layers and should be considered if you prefer to do so.
Q: How are heated vests powered?
A: Heated vests are battery-powered, and the manufacturer determines what type of battery is used. Some use battery packs that double as power banks, while others share batteries with power tools.
Q: How long does a battery last in a heated jacket?
A: That depends on two many factors to make a blanket statement. Many options allow you to work with different battery sizes and offer different heating levels, which directly impact how long the batteries will last.
Q: Should a heated vest fit tight or loose?
A: You want heated wear to hug to fit relatively snugly. Otherwise, it’s possible for drafts to hinder the performance of the heating elements.
