5 Best Heated Vests of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
To beat the cold, layering clothing is a must. Jackets, coats, and vests are what we always wear as outer layers to get extra warmth on cold days. Although jackets and coats feature more warmth, vests without sleeves are easier to layer and more convenient to remove your arms. If you look for a vest that perfectly combines warmth and comfort, heated vests deserve to try.
Heated vests with a built-in heating system can keep the body warm in seconds. Typically, the warmth is adjustable to fit the personal temperature body and beat different types of cold. Thanks to the increasing popularity, there are a lot of heated vests with different styles and features on the market. So, what is the best heated vest? To help you make the right choice, we tested 5 best heated vests to evaluate their performance and finish this comprehensive review guide.
How to choose the best heated vest?
Choosing a heated vest that perfectly fits your needs is essential, but it may be a tough task since you need to consider a lot of factors. In the following, we conclude 5 important considerations for you.
- Heating technology. The use of heating technology affects the heating performance. It’s a bad using experience if you find your heated vest cannot distribute heat evenly across the body. So, look for a heated vest crafted with carbon fiber or graphene heating technology.
- Heating area. Heated vests are typically equipped with heating elements placed in different areas to provide targeted warmth. The back and chest are the most common heating area because they are the core of the body. Also, the pocket is a special area to provide warmth for the stomach and hands. It’s an ideal choice for those who always have cold hands in winter. So, look for a heated vest with heating elements positioned where you need the most warmth.
- Warming time. It’s important to consider the heating hours when you pick a heated vest. If you buy the vest for outdoor use, it’s advisable to look for a vest with long battery life. Also, choose one with adjustable heating settings to enjoy the perfect warmth and control the warming time by yourself.
- Clothing fabric. It’s essential to look at the material no matter the apparel you pick. And which fabric you choose depends on your lifestyle and activities. If you always engage in high-output outdoor activities, nylon or polyester is your first choice because both are water-resistant and moisture-resistant.
- Fit and size. Too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and restrict movement. Consider your clothing style and check the size chart to pick the most suitable heated vest for you.
Our top pick: 5 best heated vests
Best for Overall: Venustas Men’s Classic Heated Vest 7.4V
Our rating: 4.8/5
Specification
Heating technology: carbon fiber
Heating zone: left & right shoulders, mid-back, left & right pockets, collar
Heating level: High: 130°F/55°C |Medium: 113°F/45°C | Low: 95°F/35°C
Battery life: High: 3hrs |Medium: 6hrs | Low: 10hrs
Clothing fabric: 100% nylon shell & new mylar thermal lining
Fit: Regular
Size: S to 5XL
Price: $159.99
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What we like |
What we don’t like |
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l Heat in seconds and 6 heating panels cover the upper body, no cold anymore. l Water-resistant nylon fabric and YKK zippers fit various outdoor activities. l A small battery can work up to 9 hours.
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The power button is not visible in the daytime. No other colors |
Customer Review: 4.9/5
A: The neck heats up FAST. The heat on the back and chest are nice. The heated pockets are an added bonus. Wore this in 30-degree weather with scrubs and no issues staying warm. I am 5’10 164lbs medium was a bit loose with thin clothes i.e T-shirts, thin base layers. If I wear a hoodie fits a little better.
Best for work: ORORO Women’s Classic Heated Vest
Our rating: 4.8/5
Specification
Heating technology: carbon fiber
Heating zone: left & right front stomach, upper back, and collar.
Heating level:
Battery life: High: 3hrs |Medium: 6hrs | Low: 10hrs
Clothing fabric: 100% polyester|100% polyester (FELLEX®) fill | 100% polyester lining
Fit: Regular
Size: XS to 3XL
Price: $169.99
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What we like |
What we don’t like |
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It weighs only 13.0oz/0.8lbs without compromising the warmth. The fitting of the vest makes it easier to layer with other jackets. The premium insulation helps perfectly trap the warmth. |
The size is a little large. |
Customer Review: 4.9/5
C: I wore my new vest to an evening outdoor event the day I received it. It was perfect! As the temperature dropped, I turned up the heat! I will use this vest often when I am watching my grandkids participate in their many sporting events.
Best for budget: TIDEWE Men’s Heated Vest
Our rating: 4.6/5
Specification
Heating technology: carbon fiber
Heating zone: collar, mid-back, and two pockets
Heating level: High: 131°F |Medium: 113°F| Low: 100°F
Battery life: High: 3hrs |Medium: 6hrs | Low: 10hrs
Clothing fabric: polyester & nylon
Fit: Regular
Size: S to 3XL
Price: $109.99
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What we like |
What we don’t like |
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The heating elements covers the collar and two pockets to provide targeted warmth on the neck and hands. 100% soft fleece lining ensures extreme warmth and comfort. |
Only 2 pockets to store items |
Customer Review: 4.1/5
S: Got this for my mom, who's always cold. She loves it. The only complaint is the battery life. It would work for someone who doesn't wear it on high constantly. But as far as I could tell, there aren't many options for super long battery life. So she carries an external charger with her.
Best for horsing: Gobi Dune Men’s Heated Vest
Our rating: 4.7/5
Specification
Heating technology: conductive thread
Heating zone: left & right chest, back
Heating level: High: 140°F |Medium: 131°F| Low: 113°F
Battery life: High: 6hrs |Medium:8hrs | Low: 10hrs
Clothing fabric: 100% nylon
Fit: Regular
Size: S to 4XL
Price: $189
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What we like |
What we don’t like |
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Love the onyx color. It looks more stylish and is easy to pair with other clothes. It can work up to 10 hours on low level, which provides long-lasting warmth for outdoor use.
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The size is a little large. The price is a little higher compared with other options. |
Customer Review: 4.8/5
R: My husband goes out into the cold Michigan snow to load hay for my horses. This vest works perfectly over a hoodie or underneath a heavier jacket. The fabric slides easily over clothing, is not bulky and washes well. it is easy to charge and operate the buttons to increase or decrease temperature. I ordered an XL, for a 200 man with a thick waist, which fit well & allowed for wearing over an insulated hoodie.
Best for hunting: ARRIS 7.4V heated vest
Our rating: 4.7/5
Specification
Heating technology: carbon fiber
Heating zone: mid-back, waist, chest, neck, and abdomen
Heating level: Very High: 176°F |High: 158°F| Medium: 140°F|Low: 122°F| Pre-heat: 104°F
Battery life: 3-15hrs
Clothing fabric: microfiber fleece lining
Fit: Regular
Size: S to 2XL
Price: $149.98
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What we like |
What we don’t like |
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Compared with other options, 8 carbon fiber heating elements can cover more of the body. 5 adjustable heating levels can beat different types of cold and meet more needs. The nice look makes it easy to pair with other clothing. |
The battery takes long hours to charge and drains too fast at high or very high level. |
Customer Review: 4.8/5
R: Purchase the fleece vest mainly for hunting in cold weather looked at other brands but decided on ARRIS have used it only a couple of times so far but it worked great for me. I do like the adjustable panels on the side and USB to charge your phone will update the review after more use.
Conclusion
Heated vests fit various outdoor activities, whether you’re hiking, hunting, horsing, and so on. Also, it’s the best choice for daily use, like cycling on the road or working at the office. Hope this article can help you find the best heated vest.