Vests are underrated. They can be worn as a standalone piece or as part of an outerwear system. They don’t restrict movement, and when they’re heated, they can serve you in virtually all temperatures, from a summer night to a winter hike.
We’ve done our homework, looking at nearly every heated vest on the market, evaluating key features such as heat coverage, battery life, water resistance, and price. Here are the heated vests that we think are worth your consideration.
Best Overall
4 Heating Zones
Heating runtime 3-10 hours
Battery certified
Waterproof
USB charging port
Machine washable
Runner up
6 Heating Zones
Heating runtime 4-10 hours
Battery certified
USB charging port
Machine washable
Best Budget
8 Heating Zones
USB charging port
Machine washable
Best women’s vest
4 Heating Zones
Heating runtime 3-10 hours
Battery certified
Waterproof
USB charging port
Machine washable
Best for skiing
3 Heating Zones
Heating runtime 2-8 hours
Best women’s heated jacket
4 Heating Zones
Heating runtime 2.5-7 hours
Waterproof
USB charging port
Best for work
3 Heating Zones
Waterproof
Machine washable
What to look for when buying Heated Vests online
- The right fit can make all the difference with a heated vest. Look for a good slim fit that will effectively trap heat to your torso, while at the same time, not restricting movement.
Vests are arguably the most versatile type of heated garment. You can use them with an outer shell to create a super warm winter clothing system, while at the same time being a reliable item to have on standby for the warmer months. To get the most out of your vest, therefore make sure it provides good warmth, but won’t cause you to overheat. For serious heating, check out our review of the Best Heated Jackets.
Knowing the type of activities you’ll be performing while wearing your heated vest will help you narrow down your options. For long winter hikes or days on the construction site, look for top-of-the-range battery life and durable outer construction materials. If you’re only planning to walk the dog around the block, on the other hand, you probably don’t need the most expensive vest.
Pricing for heated vests tends to be pretty consistent, with the quality of battery and materials tracking alongside retail cost. Basic heated vests tend to come in around $60, with more advanced models reaching upwards to $250-$300.
The best Heated Vests
Best overall: ORORO Men’s Lightweight Heated Vest
Our verdict
The ORORO Men’s Lightweight Heated Vest comes top of our list for a few different reasons. First, it’s relatively affordable, while still being well made and durable, constructed from good quality nylon. Second, you won’t have to worry about getting caught in a shower, with impressive water resistance. And third, we think the look and fit are pretty well dialed in for a heated product, with a sleek finish that will blend in for everyday use, and a well-concealed battery pack.
How’s the Brand reputation?
Ororo is a fast-growing heated clothing company that was founded in the midwest in 2015. Over the last few years, they’ve built up an impressive reputation for cost-efficient products sold through their large Amazon store. They design their own rechargeable batteries, which is a great sign of their commitment to quality. The ORORO heated jacket also took our top spot in our review of the Best Heated Jackets.
Material/construction
With its classic puffer design and multiple color options, the Ororo heated vest easily blends in with more mainstream outdoor products. On close inspection, you can see that the Ororo is not quite up to the standard or premium brands like Patagonia or The North Face, but for its relatively low price, the 100% nylon construction is really impressive.
This vest is styled in a tailored fit that makes it appropriate for most activities and occasions, and includes 3, usefully-sized products.
Heating
We really like Ororo’s heating system, which incorporates 4 distinct heating zones. There are two carbon fiber heating elements in the front pocket regions, which allow you to quickly warm up your hands when you don’t need them, one element in the upper back, and one across the collar to stop cold air from entering at the top. When it comes to ensuring warmth, placement of the heating elements in a vest is perhaps the most critical design feature, and we think that the Ororo really nails it here.
Battery power and lifespan
Using their own 7.4V UL/CE-certified battery, Ororo claims you can run their vest for up to 10 hours on the lowest of its three settings, which is still pretty toasty, and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Checking out the customer reviews, a minority of commenters couldn’t replicate this level of heating efficiency. However, the vast majority of wearers felt that they could trust the Ororo to provide heat when needed.
Extra features
As the best all-around vest on this list, you can be sure that the Ororo comes complete with all the small details you’d expect. There are good quality zippers, device charging via a USB cord, and the vest is rated as a machine washable for over 50 cycles.
Also consider: ARRIS Heated Vest
Our verdict
Another great all-rounder, the Arris Heated Vest combines a unisex fit with a form-fitting, heat-retaining style. How do they do it? The vest’s length and width are adjustable, with side panels that can be zipped in and out. As for heating, two carbon fiber heating elements in the front and one in the upper back keep things toasty, with a battery life between 3 and 10 hours, depending on how you set the temperature.
Best budget: LEADNOVO Heated Vest
Our verdict
With its innovative use of bamboo charcoal to aid heating, the Leadnovo heated vest is our choice for those on a strict budget, or who already have their own battery back. Sold without a power source to keep costs down, this is a cheap and cheerful model that’s made with decent attention to detail. It may not stand up to heavy duty work or day after day on the slopes, but it will certainly work for trips to the grocery store or simply wearing around the house.
How’s the Brand reputation?
Leadnovo may be an emerging brand in the world of heated products, but they have a large online presence across a wide range of different niches. Most of what they produce involves some kind of electronic component, suggesting that this brand operates in a franchise style rather than developing their own products.
Material/construction
Unusually for a budget vest, the Leadnovo doesn’t skimp on heating elements, with 8 heating panels (4 on front and back) using bamboo charcoal to help conduct heat. According to customers, the panels are well placed and result in a snug fit with targeted heat.
Heating and battery
The Leadnovo doesn’t include a battery pack, which means that it’s difficult to evaluate average internal temperatures or how long you can use the vest on a single charge. That said, a look at the customer reviews shows that it’s relatively simple to find a compatible battery, with a compartment in the vest that will fit most battery types.
Extra features
When you do plug it in, this vest will heat to three separate levels. It can also be washed in regular washing machines if placed inside a laundry bag to protect the cable.
Also consider: Foxelli Heated Vest for Men
Our verdict
For a budget option that includes a battery, the Foxelli vest offers extremely good value. While the quality is a noticeable step down from other products on this list, it’s still water- and wind-resistant, with enough flexibility in the construction to keep you agile. There are 4 carbon fiber heating pads (awesome for the price) and 3 different heating settings.
Best women’s: ORORO Women’s Lightweight Heated Vest
Our verdict
Just like their men’s/unisex vest, the ORORO Women’s lightweight heated vest has a great balance of features, construction, and retail price. We like the way this brand combines functionality and style, with an even more tailored fit than the unisex version to accommodate more body types.
As for its heating elements, wearers have found the Ororo women’s version to offer solid heating at both the max and min settings, so you should be good to jump out of the car for errands with a quick blast of heat, or spend all day outside with a constant small heat boost.
Material/construction
The same great 100% Nylon construction and classic puffer design are used here as in Ororo’s other model. The vest is complete with three utility pockets, a concealed battery, and that all-important close fit.
Heating
With 4 carbon fiber heating elements, carefully placed to lock in warmth around the collar and hem, temperatures can reach as high as 131°F inside this vest—which should be more than enough for short stints in the coldest conditions. Turned down to its lowest, 100-degree setting, the Ororo offers up to 10 hours of convenient heat (depending on factors like wind chill).
Battery
Ororo’s 7.4V UL/CE-certified battery is one of the best in the business. While a small number of customers complained that the cable can detach from the battery during some movements, the battery itself is largely reliable, with a lifespan of 3-10 hours depending on usage.
We reviewed the Ororo brand alongside their range of heated jackets, which use many of the same materials and electronics.
Also consider: Venture Heat Women’s Heated Vest
Best for skiing: Insulated Heated Vest by Volt
Our verdict
With its ultra-thin fabric that makes it perfect for layering, the Volt Insulated Heated Vest is designed to take the bulk out of your winter outfits, cutting your layers down by half or more. Being able to hit the slopes with just an underlayer, outer shell, and the Volt vest is a freeing feeling, which is why this product is our pick for the Best vest for Skiing.
How’s the Brand reputation?
Volt grew from one engineer’s experiments in designing heated gear for his parents. Today, they’ve grown into an industry leader, with their patented Zero Layer® heating system that reduces the bulk of heating elements. This allows the brand to focus on producing thin, stylish pieces of clothing.
Unlike many heated brands, Volt remains primarily a US-based company, sticking true to their Pacific Northwest origins. They design, develop, and distribute all of their products nationally, and according to their website, offer same-day dispatching for US-bound orders.
Material/construction
This vest isn’t a puffer style, instead opting for thin synthetic material and fleece. It’s designed to be worn as a mid-layer over a thin shirt, meaning you should only need an outer shell to be ready for the cold. Bear in mind, however, that the Volt vest might not be the best option for wearing as a standalone piece.
Heating
Using their Zero Layer Heat System, which runs super-fine heating elements through the material to keep this thin and flexible, the Volt vest heats the chest and across two zones on the back—perfect for keeping your core warm while out on the slopes.
Battery
One thing to note about the Volt heated vest: it has a shorter battery life than most of the other options on this list. With a max lifespan of 8 hours in perfect conditions, we’d recommend only planning for half a day’s heat with this product, before swapping out the battery or recharging. That said, many customers have been highly satisfied with their longevity of the Volt’s battery, especially when used under a heavier jacket.
Here’s our full review of Volt heated products.
Best motorcycle: Milwaukee Leather MLM3523SET
How’s the Brand reputation?
An innovation-focused brand, Milwaukee Tool has been around since 1924. Throughout their long history, they’ve continually worked to offer customers more efficient products that make days on the road or job site a little easier. This mission led Milwaukee to pioneer the M12™ and M18™ cordless battery systems, allowing users to power and recharge a wide range of tools and heated clothing.
Material/construction
This is a genuine leather vest, which trades ease of movement and lightweight materials, for heavy-duty protection and durability—it should fit right in with the rest of your bike gear.
Heating and Battery
A unique feature of this vest, the Milwaukee can be powered by a portable battery pack, which sits inside a waterproof pocket to protect it from the elements. This should give you between 2 and 7 seven hours of heat from the vest’s front and back zones. Or, you can use the included battery connection harness to plug directly into your bike for all-day warmth.
Extra features
Like lots of bike gear, the Milwaukee Motorcycle vest comes packed with a bunch of functional features, such as waterproof pockets, dual-sided concealed carry with an ammo pocket, and an internal media pocket with wire feed.
Best for work: Milwaukee M12 Men’s Heated AXIS Vest Kit
Our verdict
With its hardy ripstop fabric and one-touch easy heating, the Milwaukee vest is a great companion to have around the back year or construction site. It will stand up to all but the most intensive tasks and offers up to 6 hours of heating per battery. Once the juice runs out, simply swap over to another M12 Redlithium battery.
Material/construction
Milwaukee’s AXIS Ripstop Polyester is relied upon by construction workers across the country to stand up to the rigors of everyday work. The vest is also designed with a drop-tail hem and extended back to keep you covered while bending down or reaching up.
Heating
Like the majority of vests in this list, the M12 uses carbon fiber heating elements, which distribute flexible heating across the chest, back, and shoulders. The quick-Heat function creates and distributes heat three times faster than previous vests and market competitors
Battery
Milwaukee’s tried and tested M12 batteries are designed to be used across the brand’s product range, so they’re most useful if you own several Milwaukee products. Keeping them charged up and ready to go via an on-site charger means that you can easily swap in and out batteries once they’ve used up their (approximate) 6 hours lifespan.
Extra features
While it’s not packed with extra features, one crucial benefit of the M12 vest is that it’s both washer and dryer safe, so there’s no need to worry about tracking in dust and dirt from your day’s work into your home.
For more Milwaukee heated vest reviews, here’s our guide to the Milwaukee M12 workwear range.
Also consider: Dewalt DCHV086BD1
Our verdict
Given the number of positive Dewalt heated vest reviews online, we also have to mention their vest in our list. Like the Milwaukee version, this product is best suited to those already using Dewalt tools, allowing you to switch in and recharge batteries as needed. The Dewalt vest also offers 2 heat zones, a drop hem, and a deliberately high collar to shield from the wind. Go for this vest if you’re looking for a soft fleece material rather than a hard fabric.
How to choose the right heated vest
Budget
After hours of research, looking at almost every heated vest available online, we’ve calculated that the average price for a heated vest comes in at approximately 69 dollars. But does that mean that you should set this as your budget? Probably not. We’d recommend making decisions about the kinds of materials and heat-span you’re likely to need, then setting a price accordingly.
So, if you’re looking for a vest that will stand up to a day in the mountains or the construction site, set your budget a good deal higher than 70 dollars. Alternatively, if your vest will be mainly worn around your home or the neighborhood, look out for deals that come in below average.
Average price ~ $68.63
Material/Construction
With the exception of motorcycle products, almost all heated vests are constructed from low-to-medium quality synthetic materials. In other words, while the vests on this list should last years and provide good value for money, they’re unlikely to meet the construction standards of the best mainstream outdoor brands.
That said, the continuing evolution of synthetic fibers is increasing the capabilities of heated vests and other products, allowing them to conduct heat more effectively across the entire garment. Carbon fiber heat elements are highly conductive, washable, flexible, and can take a fair amount of abuse before they break! So there’s no need to be overly precious with your heated vest.
Some vests are also constructed with additional resistance to wind and rain. If you are going to be using your heated vest in more volatile conditions, be sure to look for features such as a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, drop tails, and high collars—perhaps with their own heating element.
Heating coverage and power
According to our data, the average number of heating zones in a vest is 4.5. Normally, these will be found on each side of the zipper on the chest or pocket area, across the back, and occasionally within the vest collar.
Regardless of the many heating zones a vest has, the positioning of elements is the most critical factor in delivering effective heat. Zones should cover a large body surface area whilst remaining snug up against the skin. A loose or poorly positioned zone will incur heat loss, and won’t create advertised temperatures.
Common number of heating zones: 4.5 (average)
Battery runtime
Most vests come with multiple heat settings, and batteries will be drained at different rates depending on the settings you choose, as well as the outside conditions (very cold temperatures decrease the lifespans of all batteries. Based on our research, battery settings and duration are typically:
- 2 to 3 hours on high
- 3 to 4 hours on medium, and
- 5 to 6 hours on low settings
When considering purchasing a heated vest, take into account the power of the battery, as well as owner reviews on how efficient the heating system is in real, everyday conditions. Some vests will last up to 8 hours on high, and even longer on low. For many models, you’ll also be able to purchase extra batteries for long trips or activities.
| Average high temp/run time | 137F/4.9H |
| Average med temp/run time | 122F/7.4H |
| Average low temp/run time | 106F/10H |
Special features
Heated jackets tend to have a greater focus on extra features than vests, which are more about a sleek fit and simple functionality. However, several products offer functions in addition to heating, including Bluetooth control and USB device charging.
| % of vests with an attached hood | <1% |
| % of vests with USB device charging | 1% |
| % of vests with warranties | 30% |
| % of vests with waterproofing | 78% |
| % of vests that are machine washable | 64% |
FAQs
How should my heated vest fit?
First, you’ll want to make sure that your vest is the correct size for your torso length and circumference so that reaching up or bending down doesn’t cause heat loss. After that, you’re looking for a snug fit with adequate room for a couple of layers underneath, as well as an outer shell or winter jacket over the top. So, keep in mind the activities you will be doing, and how much trade-off you want between a heat-hugging fit and flexibility.
How do I use my heated vest?
When wearing the vest for the first time, you’ll want to make sure everything is working correctly. Read the user manual, charge the battery until it is full for initial use, and check that heat indicator lights reliably show the heat settings and whether the vest is powered on.
How should my vest heat me?
While heated vests are made with different heating components, most deliver warmth through 2-5 heating elements placed within the lining of the product. Generally, heated vests will heat both sides of your chest, and any decent vest will heat your back as well as your front.
What are the best heated vest brands?
We think the vests reviewed above offer the best mix of price, style, reliability, and functionality. But there are more heated clothing brands out there worth your time. Brands that have accumulated years of experience and still offer solid products are Ororo, Mobile Warming, Action Heat, Volt, and Lenz.
Can I wear a heated vest on an airplane/through security?
Travelling can be cold, and airplanes don’t regulate their temperatures to suit everyone’s needs. You may also be traveling to a cold location where you’ll want to switch on your vest as soon as you land. Luckily, the TSA has approved heated vests for use and carriage on planes. So while we can’t guarantee that security won’t be interested in the wiring across your chest, there’s no need to sweat the rules and regulations (unless you forget to turn your vest off!)
How do I wash a heated vest?
Most vests are machine washable, but not all. So make sure to check for this feature if it’s something that’s important to you. Some washable vests also require you to remove the heating element or place the product in a laundry bag before throwing it into the machine.
Disclaimer
HeatedOut.com was founded to provide consumers with honest, accurate, and informative reviews of heated and outdoor clothing. We do our best to find the latest data and product information, However, retailers frequently update their product listings, and products may differ from their representations on this page.