If you spend a large portion of the day or long stretches at a time outside in the colder months, you know how crucial it is to dress accordingly to keep warm. With the best heated jacket, you can go the extra mile to maintain an optimal body temperature. Heated jackets are a great choice not only for cold weather workers, but for many outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and other cold weather sports.

They’re also useful if you have to spend time outside in frosty conditions where you’re unable to move to keep warm, such as working in security, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing or driving in unheated vehicles. Our selection of heated jackets will help you pick the right model for your needs.

Looking for more heated clothing?

Check out our guides to the Best Heated Hoodies, the Best Heated Vests, and the Best Heated Socks.

Best Heated Jackets

	ororo Men's Soft Shell Heated Jacket	Ororo Women's Slim-Fit Heated Jacket	Dewalt Heated Jacket
Voltage:	5200 mAh / 7.4 V	4400 mAh / 7.4 V	2000 mAh / 20 V
Heated Runtime:	10 hours - low 6 hours - medium 3 hours - high	12 hours - low 7 hours - medium 4 hours - high	7.5 hours
Shell:	Polyester softshell	Polyester softshell	Polyester soft shell
Hood:	Detachable Hood	Detachable Hood	No

Quick Answer: The Best Heated Jackets

1. ORORO Soft Shell Heated Jacket
2. ORORO Women’s Slim-Fit Wireless Heated Jacket
3. Dewalt Soft Shell Heated Jacket
4. Makita LXT Heated Jacket
5. Dewalt Camo Heated Jacket
6. Dragon Heatwear Women’s Sahara Jacket

Heated Jacket Reviews

Our reviews of the top rated heated jackets along with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right jacket for you.

#1 Editor’s Choice – ORORO Men’s Soft Shell Heated Jacket with Detachable Hood

The ORORO Soft Shell Heated Jacket is the lightest and most packable jacket on our list that is also water resistant. It has three heating zones (left chest, right chest and mid-back) and a detachable hood, which makes it great when remaining stationary in the cold or rain for long periods of time, such as when working or hunting. As mentioned, two of the carbon-fiber heating elements are placed in the front with an additional element in the upper-middle back.

Due to the wire construction, the jacket can be compressed well and is machine washable. You control the three heating settings with a one-touch LED controller. Using all three zones, the heat lasts for up to 10 hours on a single charge. The jacket uses polyester which is resistant to wind and water, and also has a lightweight puffer filling for extra insulation. The fleece lining the jacket is warm even without the heating elements and is perfect for everyday wear. The hood fits snug and with its two-way zipper you can adapt the jacket to your needs, such as a sitting or riding position. With its 12-month warranty to give you peace of mind, the ORORO Soft Shell Heated Jacket is as warm as a thick coat or down jacket, but without the extra weight.

#2 Best Women’s – ORORO Women’s Slim-Fit Wireless Heated Jacket

This ORORO slim-fit heated jacket is a model for women that emphasizes style, while not failing you on the side of function and performance. Made from durable polyester, the jacket resists the elements as well as abrasion. The material has been treated with a DWR coating against rain, and the detachable hood provides further protection. This jacket is designed as a lightweight top layer, allowing you to move freely in a variety of activities. The carbon-fiber heating elements provide warmth in three zones, two in the chest and one in the back. With just one button, you control the 3 heat settings. The jacket averages about 8 hours of heat, depending on your preferred temperature and setting.

There are three zippered pockets, two for your hands and a vertical one in the chest area. As an extra feature, the jacket has a USB plug for charging devices. This ORORO jacket is the best option for women and a perfect fit for outdoor activities when you prefer a lightweight model over more bulky, heavy layers.

#3 Best for Work – Dewalt Soft Shell Heated Jacket

The Dewalt DCHJ060 heated jacket comes in six different sizes and is primarily designed for outdoor work situations. It’s meant to be worn as a top layer and is perfect for hiking, light hunting, gardening or cycling. What’s great about the Dewalt jacket is that it accepts both 12V and 20V batteries, has a USB port for charging devices and a total of 4 heat zones: two in the chest, one in the mid-back as well as a heated collar. The downside is the low capacity of the included battery pack. With only 1,500 mAh, you’re looking at only 6 hours on the lowest of the three temperature settings.

At full heat, depending on outside temperature, the jacket will max out at between 2 and 4 hours. Upgrading to a higher capacity battery will definitely improve the experience with this model. The jacket is constructed of a water-resistant polyester shell with adjustable cuffs and waistline. With two hand pockets, two chest pockets and an inner chest pocket, you have sufficient storage options. All in all, the Dewalt is reasonably priced with great performance, and it gives you the option to upgrade the battery for longer heating periods.

#4 Best Soft Shell – Makita LXT Heated Jacket

The Makita LXT Heated Jacket is a high quality model aimed at outdoor workers but with versatile features. Its lightweight construction uses polyester to resist wind and rain, and is also adjustable at the cuffs and waist. The front zipper is lined on the back to keep out the wind. The collar reaches higher than on other models, which helps to trap heat and keep your neck warm even without a scarf. There are five wire heat zones located in the left chest, right chest, back and both pockets for optimal heat distribution. The jacket heats up in seconds and gives you the choice between three heating settings. With the large 6,000 mAh battery capacity, you get 35 hours of heat on the low setting. By far the most on our list!

A nice-to-have feature is the USB port for charging electronics, and the jacket has lots of storage options, making it an ideal work companion. Apart from the battery pocket, there are two in the front as well as a cell phone and document pocket. You can also remove the battery pack and clip it to your belt as a stand-alone charger.

#5 Best for Hunting – Dewalt Camo Heated Jacket

The Dewalt DCHJ062 heated jacket is the camouflage model of the manufacturer’s line and is clearly geared towards hunting or hiking. The polyester/cotton blend shell is not only wind resistant, but it’s also noise-limiting to allow you to stay quiet when you’re tracking or on a stake-out. The adjustable hood offers further protection from the elements and the True Timer HTC camo colors can be used year-round.

Same as the Dewalt work model, you get three heating zones: two in the chest and one in the mid-back. Three different settings keep you warm, and you can use 20V (nominal 18V) batteries. To increase the heating time you can always upgrade the battery, otherwise the included 1,500 mAh pack may top out early. My favorite extra on this heated jacket has to be the two USB power ports for charging portable electronics, and a total of four pockets for plenty of storage. This jacket is great for a variety of outdoor cold weather activities such as hunting, bird watching, nature hikes and fishing.

#6 Best Value – Dragon Heatwear Sahara Womens Heated Jacket

If you’re a woman who needs a warm heated jacket for your cold weather activities, look no further than the Dragon Heatwear Wyvern heated jacket. Lightweight yet durable, this model was designed to keep you comfortably warm in cold conditions. Thanks to velcro cuffs, you can get a good fit with any gloves, and an inside media pocket comes with a headphone gasket so you can enjoy your music on the slopes. An additional five zippered pockets on the outside offer storage options. Five carbon-fiber heat elements keep you cozy with three settings, and there’s one large element in the back and four in the front.

The hand pockets will toast your frozen fingers within moments. Thanks to a high capacity battery, you can get a maximum of 10 hours of heat. Device charging is no problem with the USB port. The Dragon Heatwear Delphyne is machine washable and looks stylish in all six color options, but above all, it will keep you warm while you enjoy the outdoors.

Heated Jackets Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Heated Jacket

• What is a Heated Jacket?
• Jacket Material
• Style & Fit
• Pockets
• Heating
• Heating Elements
• Voltage & Battery
• Device Charging
• Conclusion

The benefit of a heated jacket is that it allows you to work or perform in cold, snowy weather. You can stay warm, productive and comfortable wearing fewer layers. The reduced weight and bulk also give you better mobility. Many models offer extra features such as extra pockets for storage, USB device charging and a hood for further protection.

Regardless of what outdoor activity you have in mind for your heated jacket, we’ll highlight some key aspects you should keep in mind when making your decision.

What is a Heated Jacket?

A heated jacket is a battery-powered jacket that uses heating elements in the front and back to provide warmth. Some of the better ones even include heating elements in the collar and pockets. There are two main types of elements: copper wire and carbon filament. Carbon fibers are used in all modern jackets because they’re more flexible, lighter and can be put in the washing machine. A variety of battery types and voltages can be used. Work jackets commonly use the same batteries used in cordless tools, whereas jackets that are geared toward general use typically have smaller 7.4V lithium batteries.

Jacket Material

Heated jackets use technical fibers to deliver insulation from the cold, resistance to the elements and abrasion, as well as the ability to trap warmth inside. The construction usually features a polyester coat or shell with resistance against wind and rain. An inside lining can improve the feel and comfort, depending on how many layers you’ll be wearing underneath. Matching your jacket to your style of outdoor activity will ensure that your model is durable enough for working, hunting or snow sports.

Style & Fit

Heated jackets are highly functional, so their looks are of less importance (unless you need a camouflage option for hunting). But pay attention to the style of heated jackets: will you wear it underneath another jacket, or as a top layer? A loose fit means there’s a greater chance of warmth escaping, and you’ll have to heat up more air inside the garment before you get warm. But you’ll want at least some room in order to layer up underneath if you need to. Make sure you have sufficient options for sealing in the heat with adjustable cuffs, a waist that can be cinched, as well as a tight collar. Zippers are usually lined or covered to keep out the wind, so in case of rain or snowfall, consider a model with a hood.

Pockets

Two hand pockets left and right are standard for warming up your hands in the cold. On jackets with four or more heating elements, you can expect them to be very close to a heat source. For work or hunting, you might require extra storage options to fit your belongings. The power source generally has its own pocket, which usually isn’t counted among the available pockets.

Heating

There are two components to the heating of a heated jacket: zones and temperature control. Most models have heating elements placed in the front, in the chest area and the middle or lower back. Jackets with more heat zones generally add more elements in the front near the hand pockets, increase the size of the back element or add a collar warmer. Heated sleeves are less common, but you can trap the warmth inside your jacket by sealing the cuffs.

To adjust the temperature, the different models have temperature settings, typically ranging from low to high. They don’t really correspond to specific temperatures, because you have to factor in environmental conditions to determine just how warm you’ll be. Normally you’d start on a high setting to be warm and toasty as you start the day, then regulate the temperature as you’re active and charge it back up when you’re resting.

Heating Elements

The heat elements used in heated jackets are either steel plates or carbon fiber. Steel plates have the disadvantage of a rigid, less packable or foldable jacket that needs to be hand-washed. Jackets with carbon fiber elements are more flexible and can be washed on a gentle cycle in cold water. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to take care of your jacket. It’s best not to tumble dry, but hang the jacket after washing. Also pay attention to any caution for a particular model regarding the heat elements. Some manufacturers also advise against wearing a backpack with a heated jacket, as it could put too much pressure on a heating element or push it too close to your body.

Voltage & Battery

The battery is the power source for your heated jacket. All models we’ve reviewed come as a kit, meaning they include the battery pack as well as a charging option. Regarding the battery, two values are important: voltage and milliampere hour. A higher voltage signifies a higher potential temperature of the heating elements on the maximum setting. The milliampere hour pertains to the capacity of the battery. Note that the Dewalt models come with a low capacity, but can be interchanged with higher capacity batteries.

The values for heated runtime vary greatly because they’re influenced by battery capacity, heat setting and external temperatures. In harsher conditions, you’ll lose heat and power quicker. In a work environment, you might be able to recharge or change the battery throughout the day. But if you’re out in the wilderness, choose a high capacity battery and consider bringing a replacement, especially if you’re running on high heat for prolonged periods.

Device Charging

A USB port for charging a mobile phone or other portable electronic device is an awesome feature to have. Keep in mind, though, that it will decrease your battery life, reducing your heated runtime. The Dewalt hunting jacket is the only model with two USB ports, and the charging option isn’t meant for high capacity devices such as tablets. For outdoor charging, consider a solar charger with an included battery or a solar backpack.

Conclusion

For improving your comfort level during a working day in harsh conditions or during hunting, hiking or snow sports, a heated jacket is a functional piece of gear for cold climates. All of our picks above will reliably keep you warm while protecting you from the elements. First you should focus on what activity you actually need the heated jacket for. You can then look at further extras such as number of heat zones and pockets to find the model that suits you best. Stay toasty in the snow and cold!

How We Researched

To come up with the top heated jackets we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Backcountry, Moosejaw, EVO along with our own personal experience. We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The author, Casey Fiedler was a full time ski instructor for Park City and The Canyons in Utah. To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from fellow co-workers.

Looking for more heated clothing?

Check out our guides to the Best Heated Hoodies, the Best Heated Vests, and the Best Heated Socks.

Heated Jacket FAQs

How do heated jackets work? Are heated jackets safe?

Heated jackets are made with built-in wires that are very thin, but heat up as electricity is passed through via a charger (whether this is an AC or USB charging port). This wire is separated by a waterproof material that makes a heated jacket safe to wear in cold, rainy conditions.

Can heated jackets get wet?

Heated jackets are typically waterproof, as they’re most commonly used for outdoor activities that requires you to be out in bitterly cold conditions or heavy rain.

How do you clean a heated jacket?

Many heated jackets are machine washable, particularly if their heating elements are carbon-fiber, so you can toss the jacket in the wash on a gentle, cold cycle after removing the battery. It’s best to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions when purchasing a heated jacket, as some cleaning instructions may vary between different products.

How long do heated jackets last?

The heating time will vary for most heated jackets, but on the lowest setting some heated jackets can last for up to 35 hours on a single charge, like the Makita LXT Heated Jacket. It’s more common, though, to find maximum heating times around 8-10 hours on the lowest heat setting.

How do you charge the battery in a heated jacket?

Depending on whether your heated jacket has an AC or USB charging port, you can insert an adapter into the jacket’s power source and simply plug it into an electrical socket, as you would any other electronic device. The charging time will also vary between different products and brands, but factor this in depending on the activity you’ll be wearing the heated jacket, and the amount of time you’ll expect to wear it.