I have yet to meet a person that likes to be freezing cold during winter. Sure, some people prefer colder climates, but there is no way you want to lose feeling in your fingers or toes, or feel a freezing wind blow down your spine. People have now began turning towards different heated clothing and gear, to make their outside activities more comfortable and enjoyable. Or if you work in a cold climate (freezer perhaps), they can keep you smiling even when your boss doesn’t. There are so many different products to choose from in regard to heated clothing, that choosing the right product(s) is increasingly difficult. We are are here to tell you about what to look for in each type of popular heated clothing.
Are the Rolls Royce of heated clothing, they are affordable, and they keep your hands warm. You warm to look out for gloves that are made of solid material, and are either waterproof or at the minimum water-resistant. You can purchase heated gloves in leather, nylon, or polyester materials, all of which offer their own unique benefits. Temperatures are controlled from the battery or a button on the back of the glove.
These jackets are great at providing warmth during different activities, you can use them for hunting, skiing, hiking, motorcycle riding, and many more activities. They typically come with 3 or 4 heating panels, with two in the front and one in the back, and a 4th panel in the collar of some models. They aim to warm the core of your body. The nice think about these is that they are made in an increasing number of styles, making it perfect for any occasion.
Want a heated jacket without the arms? Well, a heated vest is the product for you. If you want to have your arms freer but still enjoy the warmth of a heated product, then a heated vest is the perfect compromise. Similar to heated jackets they will have 3 or 4 heating elements. They are great for walking, hiking, and running. Consider a heated vest for those autumn months!
Both heated jackets and vests typically come with multiple exterior and interior pockets. They will generally have a separate battery pocket, which is accessible from one of the exterior hand pockets.
Have inbuilt heating elements, which are typically heated using a rechargeable battery. Some heated socks (and other items on this list) can be powered by motorcycles of other vehicles. Small electrical threads are woven into heated socks, these then provide heat to different regions of your feet. They are great for people with poor circulation or more serious health concerns like Raynaud’s syndrome.
If you don’t like the idea of heated socks, but still want warm feet then you can get heated insoles, which you can insert into almost any pair of shoes. Heated insoles have inbuilt heating elements placed in the font of each insole. The batteries (rechargeable) are stored in the heel area. Most models come with a wireless remote, which you control the temperature with. Most insoles are universal in size, and you trim them down the make them the perfect fit for your foot size. If you don’t want to make adjustments, then you can find a pair that is size specific.
The perfect heated clothing for lounging around the house and being cozy in is a nice pair of heated slippers. You can get heated slippers made for therapeutic benefits, or you can get ones with some personality to them. Some heated slippers have rubber soles, making them more durable and appropriate for use outdoors (no often), perhaps to get the mail out of your mailbox.
Rundown on heated apparel
Heated clothing has thin wires and/or heating elements built into them, which are heated by low electrical currency coming from different battery sources. They are manufactured to not get too how, and most wiring is protected by additional materials, and waterproof or water-resistant membranes to avoid damage in cold and wet conditions.
Batteries for heated clothing products typically come in 3-volt, 5-volt, and 7-volt rechargeable batteries. These are convenient to charge, and offer appropriate voltage, which is safe for consumer use, even if it malfunctions. You can also purchase heated apparel to use with motorcycles and other vehicles like ATV’s and snowmobiles. Some heated products are even charged using the batteries of power tools. These will have a higher voltage, using 12-volt (or higher) batteries. They are more powerful heating sources, therefore they can offer higher temperatures.
When considering the purchase of quality heated gear products, you’ll want to consider the following:
- Power source
- Battery-life
- Heating temperature (how many heating settings)
- Overheating protection
- Material
- Durability
- Price
- Warranty (and refund policy)
- Indoor/outdoor use
- Machine washability
Hopefully, this helps you narrow down the heated gear you are looking for. Stay warm out there, and enjoy winter with protection from the heated clothing of your choosing.
