The idea of a heated jacket sounds good – take your power tool battery, use it to heat the cord, and it will keep you cozy and warm no matter what the temperature outside is. Ah, if only it were that easy. Whether you've been burned before (pun intended) or you're just exploring the possibility, we've rounded up the key players to find out who makes the best heated jackets.
Who makes the thermal jackets that fit best?
The best thermal jackets for men and women
The key to getting the most efficient heating is getting the liner right on top of your base layer. If your jacket fits too loosely, the elements will instead heat the air between it and your skin. On the other hand, it fits better than most jackets.
I ordered each heated jacket based on a size chart I found online. By the way, this is a medium for each brand. Between Chris Boll and myself, we have two body types. So we checked out these men's thermal jackets for tall, slim and average builds.
Each jacket fits almost perfectly on the shoulders and chest, so the sizing chart is accurate. On me, the arms are a bit short and the waist is too short for my 6'2". For Chris's 5-foot-10 frame, the arms are just the right length. The waist sits comfortably under the belt, but lifts up to reveal some belly when he does any overhead movements. A few extra inches of material in the length will give a better fit.
Matters needing attention
- Bosch: Dimensions are accurate compared to other brands of media, although there are large gaps in the charts shown online.
- DeWalt: Accurate Size Chart. Medium is a little smaller than other brands.
- Makita: Exact size chart.
- Milwaukee: Accurate sizing chart. The shoulders are slightly narrower than other brands, but not enough to change the size you should get. They also give you more chest room.
The takeaway here is that while each of these brands will give you exact sizing, most people need to find a balance between bust and waist measurements. While the sizing chart suggests a tighter fit will keep the heating element snug against your base layer and therefore be more efficient, our team believes that choosing a more comfortable size will give you a better overall experience.
Regardless, try it on before you buy, or check your retailer's return policy in case you need to change sizes.
Battery Precautions
Putting a battery in the jacket and adding electronic controls changes everything. Finding the least obtrusive way to make it all work makes a huge difference.
Bosch
- Internal front left battery pocket placement
- A metal clip on the adapter allows you to carry the battery in your belt or pocket
The internal battery pocket is unlike any other jacket in this group. The main benefit is that it makes you sit more comfortably if you wear it while operating your equipment.
Dewalt
- left back pocket
- no adapter clip
DeWalt includes an extension cord that allows you to move the battery to any pocket on the jacket. Since the 20V Max battery is bulkier than the 12V supply, the only thing missing is a clip that would allow you to remove it completely from the jacket.
Makita camouflage
- left back pocket
- A plastic clip on the adapter allows you to keep the battery in your belt or pocket
Using an 18V battery means that the power supply is larger than a 12V battery pack, but has more capacity. It sticks out a bit awkwardly from the jacket pocket, but it doesn't stretch the midsection like Makita's hi-viz models do.
Makita Hi-Viz
- left back pocket
- A metal clip on the adapter allows you to carry the battery in your belt or pocket
Like the camo model, it uses an 18V battery and a larger adapter than the 12V jacket. The pocket is sewn into the jacket more naturally than the camouflage version, but this makes it tighten around the midsection of the jacket when it's in the pocket. Your best bet is to use the adapter's clip and place it on your belt unless your size gives you some wiggle room in your waist.
milwaukee axis
- left back pocket
- no adapter clip
The Milwaukee Axis moves to the battery's side entry pocket. It is easier to open, close and access than top entry pockets.
Milwaukee Hardshell
- left back pocket
- no adapter clip
While there are no clips, the Milwaukee gives you the option to run the power cord through the bottom center of the jacket and place the battery in the pants pocket. The battery pocket is significantly larger than other models, so you can use an 18V adapter if you need more capacity.
The Best Heated Jackets for Pockets and Storage
You need functional pockets on the job site. The best heated jackets don't take that away just because you put a heating element in them. Here's how the group stood out:
Bosch
- left/right front
- left chest
- Intranet
- internal battery
Dewalt
- left/right front
- left chest (longer than others)
- stay in the chest cavity (longer than others)
- stay in battery/phone
- left rear battery
Makita camouflage
- left/right front
- left chest
- Left sleeve knife/pen
- left rear battery
Makita Hi-Viz
- Front left/right (no zipper)
- right breast
- Clear ID on left chest (snap instead of zipper)
- left rear battery
milwaukee axis
- left/right front
- left chest
- left rear battery
Milwaukee Hardshell
- left/right front
- left chest
- right chest
- left rear battery
Additional Field Notes
There's no real right or wrong with these designs — it's all about how much you'll spend. Makita's Hi-Viz stands out with a snap ID pocket to make your life easier on certain job sites. It's also the only style that doesn't use a zipper on the front pocket.
I personally really like the sleeve pockets on the Makita camouflage jacket. It's perfect for storing pens and/or pocketknives for easier access when your pants pockets are covered by jackets or other layers.
Comfort Tests for the Best Men's and Women's Insulated Jackets
There's a reason you own your favorite jeans and sweatshirts—they're comfortable to wear. The best heated jackets should also make you feel comfortable while wearing them. An 8- to 10-hour day can feel longer when you consider how much work clothes you'll be shedding.
Comfort is subjective, though. Some of the differences here will come down to preference, while others will depend on your circumstances.
Bosch
Lining: 100% Polyester- Shell: 100% Polyester
Bosch uses a thin polyester liner that easily conforms to your base layer. This makes putting on and taking off a breeze without constricting your tee. However, the liner itself does not provide you with any additional insulation.
Overall, there is no restriction of arm movement in any working position compared to others.
Dewalt
Lining: 100% Polyester- Shell: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
DeWalt's inner lining features a thicker soft fleece lining that provides the jacket with an extra layer of insulation to keep body heat in even when you're not actively using the battery. This is a great option if you're worried about keeping warm when the battery dies. The trade-off is that it's more likely to bunch up your base layer than a thin polyester liner.
There are no significant limitations of arm movement.
Makita camouflage
Lining: 100% Polyester- Shell: 94% polyester, 6% spandex
The lining of Makita's camouflage heated jacket is almost identical to Bosch's. Thin polyester slides over the base layer easily, but doesn't provide any additional insulation.
This one also uses windproof cuffs on the cuffs. They fit comfortably on the wrist, and our team prefers them to Velcro straps.
Makita Hi-Viz
Lining: 100% Polyester- Shell: 100% Polyester
The Makita comes with a thin fleece lining which adds a little extra insulation but clings to your base layer better than a thin fleece liner.
They stick with the inset storm cuffs we love.
The tighter abdominal area restricts movement somewhat when you reach overhead. However, choosing a size up can solve this problem.
milwaukee axis
Lining: 100% Polyester- Shell: 100% Polyester
Like the Bosch, the Axis uses a thin polyester liner that glides well over base layers. The Milwaukee Axis deviates from the shell standard with a soft quilted pattern that allows it to act as a middle layer for something else. It won't be as sturdy as other cases, but it does take advantage of ripstop stitching.
The Axis does not use wind cuffs, but neither does it use hook and loop straps. There is an elastic strap on the inside, which is more comfortable than hook and loop, but not as effective as storm cuffs.
Milwaukee Hardshell
Lining: 100% Polyester- Shell: 90% polyester, 10% spandex
Milwaukee's lining is more like a thin fleece somewhere between Bosch and DeWalt. Its soft touch is appealing, yet it won't slide over base layers and thin linings.
The movement of the arms is very free and there are gussets on the sides.
Final Thoughts on Comfort
Easy glide over base layers or extra insulation and softness?
Our teams were divided on that call. My advice is to opt for a thin liner in climates where you're more likely to shed your jacket over time and grab a fleece liner that you'll be wearing all day.
In terms of overall comfort, the Milwaukee Axis is our pick. Others are in a very tight group separated only by your lining preference.
bonus features
Dewalt
- No shoulder seams eliminate potential pressure points if you're wearing a harness or pack over your jacket
Makita camouflage
- Mossy Oak Break Up Infinity Mode Has Legit Hunting Crossover Potential
- Removable sleeves – we love this option for milder climates!
Makita Hi-Viz
- Hi-viz yellow combined with plenty of reflective stripes make it by far the best option for visibility on the job site
- The only option in our group included the hood
- Hard hat fits under the hood
