Rating of the best heated jackets and vests for 2022

Relatively recently, models of outerwear with internal thermal heating began to appear in wide access in stores. Such jackets are widely used among tourists and lovers of extreme travel, as well as hunters and fishermen. This artificial heating can be performed in several forms - in the form of panels sewn into existing garments, and can also act as a ready-made solution in the form of vests and jackets, trousers and socks, and even sleeping bags. A feature of this symbiosis of textiles and heating technologies was the possibility of their long-term operation from a remote source (power bank, special battery or accumulator), and all control of such things is tied only to on / off buttons and heat level regulators.

Design features of electrical clothing

As mentioned above, the products in question incorporate sewn-in heating panels or plates, which, by heating, transfer heat from the jacket to the human body. The panels operate from a USB connector when a power bank is connected, although another power source may be provided. They can differ both in their power and in their number, i.e. the number of plates sewn into a separate jacket / vest. It is worth noting the efficiency of these heating plates - a power bank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh will completely cover 6-8 hours of operation in economy mode, and in enhanced mode it will last 3-5 hours (which will depend on the heating area and the number of working elements).

The production technology of heating parts provides for their production on the basis of carbon fibers. Their positive qualities are:

• No risk of electric shock to a person;
• The possibility of machine washing the jacket (but without spinning or in the "gentle wash" mode);
• The presence of properties of flexibility and low susceptibility to any mechanical stress.

If the heated jacket is powered by a battery, the battery voltage is typically between 5 and 7.4 volts. These batteries are manufactured in such a way that when mechanical impact force is applied to them, they are not deformed due to the fact that their case is made of materials of the proper quality. For battery models, the main problem is only the connection of wires with carbon fiber. The wire can easily break during operation, or the contact can be delaminated, which can easily cause the plate to overheat.

Heating elements can also be produced on the basis of a bimetallic tape - it contains alloys that heat up when energy is passed through it. They can heat up perfectly even from a source with a voltage of 3.7 volts, and at 5 volts they will become really hot. However, if these tapes are subjected to frequent mechanical shocks, they will wear out faster than the plates. Yes, and bimetallic tapes are a little more expensive.

Scope of use

Initially, electrical clothing was created as a kind of overalls for wearing in the polar and subpolar regions, and the first prototypes appeared back in the Soviet years. At that time, any such jacket was distinguished by bulkiness, increased demands on the energy source, and the need to constantly carry a huge power supply device with you. Modern samples are characterized by compactness, safety, efficiency and reliability, which is why they appeared on a wide consumer market.

Naturally, heated clothing is first of all needed where low temperatures prevail, and for a person there is a risk of getting hypothermia.For example, under difficult weather conditions on a hike, field trip or expedition, a situation may well arise when the human body is no longer able to overcome the process of hypothermia on its own, no matter what warm clothes it wears. In addition, everything can be complicated by sleet with rain, high humidity, and then the situation can take a critical turn. Thus, the only reliable way out is only external heating, which will provide electrical clothing.

It is worth mentioning that the type of clothing in question may be needed not only in emergency situations. For example, there are heart diseases in which blood circulation is disturbed (blood circulates too slowly in the body), so a person is constantly cold. This is especially true for people with asthenic body structure. Such people will always freeze, no matter how much warm clothes they put on. From this it is clear that electrical clothing will be the best solution to their problems.

Nevertheless, a heated jacket may be needed not only in extreme conditions or not only for people with health problems. It is quite useful for an ordinary tourist who makes a trip along a long route. On halts in the winter or autumn forest, this piece of equipment will become an indispensable assistant. The bottom line is that a long and intense process of movement causes a person to sweat excessively and overheat. Stopping for a halt leaves the body in an almost static position and a person may not even notice how he starts to cool down and catch a cold. Thus, at a halt, you can simply turn on the heating of a vest or jacket, let the sweat evaporate, and the body dry out (under the influence of external heat), and then advance along the route.As practice shows, one power bank for 10,000 mAh is enough for three halts of 30-40 minutes each in a three-day trip.

The use of electrical clothing in the system structure

Professionals recommend that the best solution is to use a heated fleece vest, which will be placed in the middle layer, between underwear and outerwear. In fact, it is desirable to place such a vest as close to the body as possible in order to create the most comfortable conditions for movement, although the ideal option is to press it a little against the bare areas of the torso. Accordingly, while the vest is off, it performs the function of a simple middle insulating layer. The choice of fleece as a material is due to the fact that it perfectly removes moisture from the body during movement. If thermal underwear is used, then it is customary to put on a membrane jacket on top of it. The convenience of using a heated vest in addition lies in the fact that when the ambient temperature rises, it can always be removed and put into a hiking backpack, where it does not take up much space.

Questions about recharging power supplies for thermal clothing

In total, it is conditionally possible to distinguish several options:

1. For a short trip - with economical use and a short trip (up to three days), a 10,000 mAh power bank will be enough (recharging is unlikely to be required);
2. For long hikes - more than four days, it is easier to stock up on several pre-charged high-capacity power banks. Yes, the weight of the equipment will increase, but the warmth will be guaranteed;
3. For cold regions or mountain hikes, it is better to take one power bank, but add a solar-powered charger to it. Thus, the tourist will have the opportunity to recharge the power source during daytime halts.

It is no secret that the most positive effect of a heated jacket / vest is achieved if there are equipped stationary rest points on the route - camps and campsites. In most cases, they are provided with mobile generators, from which you can always recharge your clothes. In principle, the provision of stationary tourist parking with such generators has already become a standard today. In fairness, it should be noted that a heated jacket is not the basis of a traveler's equipment, because the likelihood of its failure (rapid discharge, breakage of the heating plate) still exists. However, using electric clothing for routine hiking can be a very effective solution.

Difficulties in choosing electrical clothing

When choosing the items of clothing in question, you should pay attention to:

• The presence of possible heating modes;
• Capacity and quality of power supplies;
• Possibility and speed of recharging.

An important characteristic will also be the period during which the thing will maintain heating (some expensive modern models can work up to 22 hours in a row).

Experts believe that a jacket powered by a battery rather than a battery is more practical. Batteries are one-time power supplies that will have to be constantly replaced, which means additional costs. The battery can be recharged, although this will take some time (about four hours). Accordingly, before buying thermal clothing, you need to find out: how many cycles of recharging the battery is designed for, how long it takes to charge and what is its capacity.

Also, it is necessary to pay attention to the possibility of remote control of the heating system. Usually, this function is performed via Bluetooth communication. There are applications for both Android and Apple systems, with the help of which it is possible to adjust the degree of heating of the jacket / vest, find out the battery charge level, and initiate the recharging process.

The clothing material itself and its quality will also play a significant role - it must successfully withstand strong winds, low temperatures and high humidity. At the same time, it is worth paying attention to the size, quality of the fastener elements, and the location of the heating plates. However, these parameters will be determined only by the buyer's own preferences.

Heated clothing certification and price issues

All considered products sold at retail outlets must pass the appropriate tests and have safety certificates. An expert opinion in relation to these goods is issued by the territorial division of Rospotrebnadzor. All heating systems are subject to a manufacturer's warranty period, which must be at least 6 months from the date of sale.

Regarding pricing in relation to such goods, it is affected by the most important parameters of trade - the demand and availability of the item. So, on average, a heated vest on Aliexpress will cost 1,500 rubles, and a jacket - 3,000 rubles. It is worth mentioning that these items can also be purchased in retail chains, but their price will increase by 2-3 orders of magnitude.

Contraindications when using heated clothes

Naturally, electrical clothing contributes to an increase in the time a person stays in the cold.However, if it is used improperly (for example, often and for a long time), excessive heat transfer is formed, during which the temperature at the surface of the body is constantly increased, which the body gets used to. From this it is clear that increased sweating will become a protective reaction of the body. And in winter conditions, excessive sweating, i.e. the appearance of sweat, which then dries up with difficulty, will lead to a rapid freezing of a person.

Thus, doctors do not recommend that anyone wear heated clothes on an ongoing basis. Constant overheating of the body, maintaining its temperature above the usual 36.6 degrees Celsius is not good even for a young and healthy body. The rapid expansion of capillaries caused by sudden and uneven heating of the body by heat can lead to a critical drop in pressure. Therefore, you need to warm up gradually. High temperatures can also affect tumor formations. Stimulation of their growth is indeed observed at a temperature of 38-40°C, however, with an increase in the temperature level, the effect on the tumor changes. There is even a method of treating oncological diseases, in which the patient's body, its parts or individual organs are exposed to high temperatures (over 39 ° C, up to 44-45 ° C). But this technology has a limited distribution due to the high technical complexity and ambiguity of the mechanisms of action on the disease.

From this it is clear that constant uncontrolled exposure to heat can be dangerous for people with cancer or a number of other pathologies. With the constant wear of such products, such people can activate metabolic processes.No stimulating procedures and warming up are useful for people who have pathological processes. Also, there are various endocrine diseases, such as thyrotoxicosis, which already increases body temperature. If there is an increase in temperature also from the outside, then this can increase the course of the disease. The main idea is that if this is a one-time action, then there will be no problems from it, even for people with oncology. If you constantly overheat your body above 36.6 ° C, then even a healthy person can go into some kind of deviation, because the body is overheated. In addition, overheating the body above normal temperature during an epidemic reduces the body's resistance. Accordingly, a person's immunity decreases, and in conditions of a viral load, this is not correct. The main thing to remember is that everything should be done in moderation.

Rating of the best heated jackets and vests for 2022

Heated jackets

3rd place: "ORORO Men's Soft Shell Heated Jacket"

This jacket is designed specifically to keep your entire upper body warm. Softshell exterior with breathable lining for maximum body warmth. By keeping warm air circulating inside the jacket, you can feel that the temperature is maintained even if the power is already turned off or the battery is dead. Also worth noting is the excellent design of the detachable hood. This gives you the freedom to choose how to wear your jacket, especially in windy conditions. The supplied battery can withstand at least 10 hours of continuous use. The recommended cost for retail chains is 11,300 rubles.

• There are three carbon fiber heating elements that heat the left and right side of the chest and the middle of the back;
• Adjustable settings at the touch of a button: high, medium and low;
• Uses 7.4V UL/CE certified battery;
• There is a USB port that can work as a charging source for the phone;
• Withstands over 50 machine wash cycles.

• The quality of the zipper leaves much to be desired.

2nd Place: Milwaukee Jacket KIT M12

One of the most popular models of heated jackets, which is praised for its ergonomics. There are five pockets in total: 3 external zip pockets, 1 internal zip pocket and 1 low profile battery pocket. Pockets keep hands warm and keep valuables close while you wear them. The polyester from which the jacket is made not only provides it with an original appearance, but is also able to perfectly retain the heat generated. It is actually thick and insulated enough to keep a person warm in moderately cold conditions. And given that the brand is one of the leading manufacturers of power tools, you can be sure of the reliability of the battery throughout the day. The recommended cost for retail chains is 18,900 rubles.

• ToughShell stretch polyester and FreeFlex movable inserts are used, so the heated jacket does not wear out for a long time;
• Safe for washer and dryer;
• Kit includes M12 REDLITHIUM 2.0 compact battery and charger;
• There are three adjustable heat levels.

• It feels a little bulky, but having an adjustable waist will always help you change the fit.

1st place: "RedLaika M46"

The main advantage of this jacket is the operating temperature range from -15°С to -35°С. The sample is focused on low temperatures, so you should not count on autumn walks in it. The model is made of 100% nylon fabric with reflective elements. Artificial silk lining, hypoallergenic filler inside. In addition, there is high protection against moisture and resistance to damage. The maximum heating of a jacket to 60 °C is possible. The heating system has five modes. Depending on the intensity of heat used, the run time varies from 8 to 30 hours, which is the best indicator among workwear jackets. The model has a comfortable design that allows you to move freely and perform work efficiently. The hood is removable, fastens comfortably and protects the face. Pockets and zippers have special snow catchers that prevent moisture from getting inside. The width of the jacket is adjustable with special drawstrings at the waist, and a windproof skirt is also provided inside, which fits snugly to the body. The recommended cost for retail chains is 26,000 rubles.

• Many additional options;
• Ability to use at very low temperatures;
• Daily work in economy mode.

• Too high retail price.

Heated vests

3rd place: "Rrtizan Heated Vest for Mens and Womens"

The model is positioned as "unisex" and uses a UL CE certified 5200 mAh / 7.4 V battery, which is safe and efficient, so the heat is felt in seconds after being turned on. There is a fast heating function, made possible by carbon fiber elements that distribute heat throughout the product. Heating can last up to 10 hours, which is great if you have to work outside all day. The fit and overall design of the vest make it ideal for workers who need to be constantly on the move. The sample does not have sleeves, which does not interfere with the manipulation of hands. The recommended cost for retail chains is 3800 rubles.

• Made from 71% nylon and 29% polyester for comfort and warmth;
• Convenient and easy cleaning, machine washable;
• Lightweight, flexible and soft fabric materials will not restrict movement;
• There is water and wind protection.

• Not detected.

2nd Place: "ORORO Women's Fleece Heated Vest With Battery Pack Heated Gilet Womens"

This heated vest is good because the heating zone is specially located in those places where women are most vulnerable to the cold. It is possible to set different heat levels within ideal temperature ranges. In addition, the vest is tailored and fits the average female figure. Thanks to this, even if worn under a jacket or coat, it will not spoil the general features of the female figure. The recommended cost for retail chains is 9,000 rubles.

• Made from 100% nylon;
• Can be machine washed;
• There are three levels of heating;
• Heat is concentrated in the upper body;
• Well thought out and concise design;
• Sufficiently light and flexible material that does not constrain movement;
• There is water and wind protection;
• Matching design, allowing women to wear a vest under their coat;
• Smart power consumption: The 10000mAh power bank can last 8 to 10 hours depending on the heating levels used.

• The battery is not included.

1st place: "Venture Heat Heated Hoodie"

This is a new version of the fleece model, which can now be worn as a separate piece of clothing, and used as a vest or as a second layer under outerwear. The new sample now has 20% more heating elements. The heating system is aimed at warming up the main part of the user's body, and the ultra-thin carbon fiber allows full access of heat to the back and chest. The hoodie is positioned not only as a functional work overall, but also as a casual fashion item that can be worn in the cold season. The hood provides comfort and protection of the head from gusts of cold wind. The total run time is 3.5 to 7 hours, depending on the temperature setting. The recommended cost for retail chains is 12,000 rubles.

• Has its own heating system "ADDheat ™", which ensures even distribution of heat over the upper body;
• Adopted fine carbon fiber, light but strong;
• Excellent thermal insulation;
• Comfortable fleece fabric;
• Three levels of heating;
• Supplied complete with 7.4 V 5200 mAh battery and charger;
• The battery works as a charger for your phone and mini flashlight.

• Not detected.

Conclusion

Practice shows that for the central zone of the Russian Federation, where frosts from -5 to -30 degrees prevail, a system of a vest worn over T-shirts is ideal, and a sweatshirt or hoodie on fleece as a screen will be the final layer. Oh, and a jacket to keep the wind out. It is better to take a power bank at 20,000 mAh, since in the heating mode at + 25 + 30 degrees, a bank at 10,000 mAh works only 6 hours, and there will be little effect from this heating. In the heating mode from +35 to +40 degrees, it becomes good and comfortable to stand on the street at temperatures up to -30 degrees, without much burdening yourself with clothes. A heated jacket, due to its design, has a weak point - the sleeves, where only the heating thread passes. The man stretched, bent over - and that's it, the heat is no longer felt. Therefore, it is important to carefully select all the clothes in the overall system.