Heated vests might seem like an extravagant choice, but hear us out. The unpredictable weather of fall and early spring can make dressing for the outdoors a tricky task. It’s often too chilly for summer clothes but not quite cold enough to justify a heavy winter jacket. This is where the vest comes in. Not only are they ideal for working outside or hunting during these in-between seasons, but they also provide extra warmth during colder days, especially when powered by a battery for electric heat.
With a heated vest for outdoor explorers, you’ll stay cozy much longer than with a regular vest, plus enjoy better mobility than a bulky jacket offers. With so many outerwear options flooding the market, we’ve done all the legwork – testing and researching – to bring you the very best heated vests available. Let’s explore with the National Park Shops team!
Contents
- 1 What is heated vest?
- 2 Best Overall: Ororo Lightweight Heated Vest ($149.99 – $159.99 on Amazon)
- 3 Best for Women: Foxelli Women’s Lightweight Heated Vest ($87.97 on Amazon)
- 4 Best for Men: Venture Heat ProMAX 38W Extra Warm Heated Vest
- 5 Best Budget: Dr. Prepare Electric Heated Vest ($49.99 – $54.99 on Amazon)
- 6 Best Fleece: Arris Fleece Heated Vest ($129.98 on Amazon)
- 7 Gobi Dune Heated Vest ($189 on Amazon)
- 8 Therm-ic Heated Vest ($248.48 – $299.95 on Amazon)
- 9 Venustas Upgraded Quilted Vest ($129.99 – $179.99 on Amazon)
- 10 How we tested
- 11 FAQs
What is heated vest?
Heated vests are innovative garments designed to provide warmth in cold weather by integrating active heating elements into their structure. These vests combine traditional insulation with advanced technology, featuring heating panels that target key areas of the body, such as the chest and back, to deliver consistent warmth. Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, heated vests allow users to adjust heat settings according to their comfort level, making them suitable for various outdoor activities in chilly conditions.
The benefits of heated vests include enhanced comfort and mobility, as their lightweight design allows for easy layering without the bulkiness of traditional winter wear. This makes them ideal for activities like skiing, hiking, or simply running errands in cold weather. Additionally, it can improve performance by allowing wearers to stay outdoors longer without feeling cold. Many models also come with user-friendly interfaces for easy operation, ensuring that adjusting the temperature is straightforward even in demanding situations. Overall, heated vests represent a practical solution for those looking to maintain warmth and comfort while enjoying outdoor pursuits during colder months.
Best Overall: Ororo Lightweight Heated Vest ($149.99 – $159.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Polyester and nylon
- Battery: Removable 7.4 volt, 4800 mAh lithium polymer
- Heat Zones: 4
- Advertised Runtime: 10 hours
The Ororo heated vest offers an excellent solution for keeping everything organized. With 14 pockets, it accommodates everything from your phone and truck keys to extra shotgun shells. I particularly appreciate the two large front pockets, which use magnets for closure, this design ensures a quiet experience, perfect for stand or blind hunting. The vest’s heating zones are highly effective, particularly around the collar, preventing heat loss where it’s most needed.
Another feature I like is the power button, which is discreetly tucked inside one of the chest pockets. It lights up to show the heating level but remains out of sight to avoid startling the game. My only critique is that Ororo doesn’t offer this vest in blaze orange, a color that would make it ideal as an outer layer for safety. Nevertheless, the vest has enough pockets to function as a solid upland hunting vest. While the back pocket may be too small for larger upland birds like pheasants, the rest of the pockets are more than adequate.
Ororo’s claim of 10 hours of battery life on the low setting holds true, though most users will likely prefer medium or high. I got around 3.5 hours of use on the high setting, which slightly exceeded expectations. However, I find that medium heat offers the best balance of warmth and battery life with this vest.
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Best for Women: Foxelli Women’s Lightweight Heated Vest ($87.97 on Amazon)
- Material: Polyester and cotton
- Battery: Up to 8 hours of battery
- Heat Zones: 3
We tested the Foxelli Women’s Heated Vest during a chilly soccer game and multiple morning and evening walks. The instructions were clear, and the material felt soft, comfortable, and cozy throughout. The heating elements heated up quickly, providing warmth in the front and back of the torso, as well as around the neck area. The battery life exceeded expectations on the low heat setting, lasting more than 8 hours. To test its waterproof capabilities, we soaked the vest in water, and the fabric did not absorb any moisture.
The vest also features a removable hood, and we were impressed with both its design and fit. It has a puffy style, making it ideal to wear over a long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie. The zippers are sturdy and high-quality, even though they are made of plastic.
Best for Men: Venture Heat ProMAX 38W Extra Warm Heated Vest
- Material: Softshell fabric
- Battery: 5000 mAh lithium ion x 2
- Heat Zones: 5
- Advertised Runtime: 11 hours
The Venture Heat ProMax is a stylish and functional vest for men that excels in both comfort and performance. During my wear test, I found the fit to be perfect, keeping me warm even before activating the heating function. Once powered on, the five heat zones heated up quickly, and I appreciated their strategic placement, which kept my core and extremities comfortably warm. The simple design made it a versatile addition to my fall wardrobe, and I found myself using it for various activities.
Some might find the placement of the two battery packs on the lower back uncomfortable while sitting, but I didn’t mind it. A minor inconvenience I experienced was accidentally pressing the power button located on the lower part of the vest. I often didn’t notice until I looked down and saw it had switched settings.
In terms of battery life, the vest lasted about 11 hours on the low setting. However, most people will likely use the high (red) setting, where the runtime was just over four hours, making it quite power efficient. On the medium setting, which I found to be the most comfortable, the battery lasted around six hours before needing a recharge.
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Best Budget: Dr. Prepare Electric Heated Vest ($49.99 – $54.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Polyester
- Battery: Up to 7 hours of battery
- Heat Zones: 6
For those seeking a budget-friendly heated vest, the Dr. Prepare Heated Vest is an excellent choice. It boasts an easy-to-use heating system with three heat levels and six zones across key areas like the back and torso. During testing, we were impressed with how quickly it heated up and how effectively it warmed, especially around the lower back.
In terms of design, the vest is sleek and minimalist, featuring two exterior pockets and a small interior sleeve for the battery pack. It provides a snug fit without restricting movement, offering both warmth and freedom of motion. Despite its puffy material, it feels lightweight and soft, making it an ideal option for layering under a winter jacket.
Best Fleece: Arris Fleece Heated Vest ($129.98 on Amazon)
- Material: Nylon and polar fleece
- Battery: Up to 16 hours of battery
- Heat Zones: 8
For those who want to embrace the outdoors without being held back by the cold, the Arris Heated Fleece Hiking Vest is a top pick. Equipped with multiple heating settings and strategically placed elements at the neck, chest, abdomen, back, and waist, this vest is designed for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
During testing, we found the vest to be lightweight and breathable, effectively trapping heat without feeling bulky. The wiring was discreet, never interfering with movement, and the front pockets offered cozy warmth. We also appreciated the adjustable fit, which allowed for great mobility, and the battery’s comfortable placement – never feeling intrusive. The zippers were sturdy and easy to use, an essential feature for hiking gear.
>> Read More: Top 7 Winter Survival Kits: A Comprehensive Review
Gobi Dune Heated Vest ($189 on Amazon)
- Heat Settings: 3
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours on high
- Heat Zones: Chest and back
- Material: Nylon
While the Gobi heated vest didn’t quite meet the claimed six hours on the highest setting, it outlasted all the others in both my battery power test and during field testing. On a camping trip, my friends and I wore heated vests as we set up camp, made dinner, and relaxed by the fire. All the vests died just before we were ready to sleep, except for the Gobi. My tentmate enjoyed a cozy sleep in her Gobi, which even provided enough light from the control button to help her set up the tent before using a headlamp.
During the battery test, the Gobi was still going strong after four hours, while others had already given out. It also stood out with a temperature of 157.5 degrees Fahrenheit, 30 degrees higher than the second hottest vest. With its impressive performance, reasonable price, color options, and easy care, this is the best overall heated vest. The only feature I missed was the collar heating panel that I loved in other models, but this vest is still perfect for those who want a simple, long-lasting, and highly effective heated vest.
Therm-ic Heated Vest ($248.48 – $299.95 on Amazon)
- Heat Settings: 6
- Battery Life: 4.5 hours on high
- Heat Zones: Stomach, back, and lumbar
The Therm-ic heated vest stands out for its innovative Bluetooth control system, which operates entirely through the Therm-ic app, with no buttons or physical controls required. However, this means you need to purchase a separate Bluetooth dongle to use the vest. The reasoning behind this is to keep costs down for those who already have a compatible power bank, allowing you to spend just $20 on the dongle rather than an additional $40 for Therm-ic’s battery pack.
While this setup offers flexibility, I do think having a physical button could be handy, especially if your phone is buried under layers or you’re wearing gloves. That said, the dongle has some impressive features, including motion control and an eco mode. The motion control feature is particularly impressive, as it detects your movements and automatically adjusts the vest’s temperature. It’s quick and effective, dropping the heat setting when you’re active and bringing it back up once you’re at rest, making for a seamless experience.
Venustas Upgraded Quilted Vest ($129.99 – $179.99 on Amazon)
- Heat Settings: Three
- Battery Life: 5.5 hours on high
- Heat Zones: Back, lumbar, and stomach
The upgraded Venustas vest boasts an impressive battery life, lasting over 5 hours on its highest setting thanks to its substantial battery. The quilted design traps heat effectively, making it perfect for stationary winter activities.
While the large battery size makes it less suitable for backpacking or long hikes, it’s an excellent choice for activities where you’ll be stationary. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy care. The control button is conveniently located on the chest, allowing for easy mode adjustments even when wearing bibs.
>> Read More: 10 Best Waterproof Backpacks (Tested) for Winter
How we tested
When testing heated vests, the most crucial aspect to consider is the electrical components. I made sure to fully charge each vest’s battery and run it through multiple heat settings until it was completely drained. This allowed me to gauge how long each vest maintained warmth in cold conditions, while also evaluating the level of heat it produced and the overall comfort.
But the heating capabilities are just one part of the story. I also took into account the materials used in each vest’s construction. How well does the outer fabric and insulation retain the heat? The quality of the zippers, buttons, and other hardware also played a significant role in my evaluation. These components must be functional, even when dealing with freezing temperatures and thick gloves.
Maintenance is another key factor. Since wearing a heated vest in harsh conditions often leads to sweat or dirt buildup, I looked for vests that are machine-washable, making upkeep as easy as possible.
Lastly, I assessed the value each vest offers. Does the price justify the materials used, the quality of construction, and the advertised battery life? A good heated vest isn’t just about how it performs, it should also provide a solid balance of features and price.
FAQs
Can you wear clothes over a heated vest?
Typically, vests are designed to be worn as an outer layer, although thinner ones can be layered with other clothing. The ideal choice is to wear a bulkier winter jacket over the vest. The number of layers worn beneath the vest also plays a role, as certain heated vests can be quite thick.
How long do heated vest batteries last?
The battery life of most heated vests can last for up to 12 hours, though it varies based on factors like the selected heat setting, duration of use, and the overall quality of the battery pack.
Are heated vests safe to wear?
Heated vests undergo rigorous safety testing to meet industry standards, ensuring their general safety. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions carefully and wear the vest over a shirt or other layer to prevent skin irritation.
