This Heated Vest Kept Me Warm in Antarctica

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We’re living in a Golden Age of the best-ever hiking and outdoor gear. Our ancestors would no doubt throw us some serious side-eye for the luxury equipment many of us pack for a “roughing-it” trip into nature. There are electric coolers and battery-operated socks and heated camp chairs and personal satellite beacons and—well, you get the picture. But our latest must-have gear obsession? Heated vests.

It’s officially winter now, and that means lots and lots of layers. But if you’re looking to keep seriously warm outside this season, you need a heated vest. The best ones wear like traditional vests with a comfortable fit and proper insulation. But, as the name implies, they’re made with interwoven heating elements powered by small portable battery packs designed to keep you toasty in even the coldest conditions. Seriously, it’s like wearing your own personal space heater.

Frankly, though, a lot of the heated clothing available today is hot garbage (pun intended). The electronics are poorly designed, the batteries don’t last (or barely hold a charge), or both. Worst-case scenario: They can actually catch fire. That’s why our gear editors set out to find only the vest best heated vests—the models with all-day battery life, premium construction, a comfy fit, and the chops to safely keep you niiiiice and toasty for whatever you’re getting into this season. These are the best heated vests worth buying in 2024.

About the Expert: I’ve spent most of my life hiking, kayaking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. For more than a decade, I’ve traveled the world, including all seven continents, and covered outdoor and adventure travel, sharing my advice on Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. These days, I personally evaluate outdoor gear (like the best heated vests) and tech gadgets for Men’s Health from my home base in New England. So, you might say I’m a little gear-obsessed.

Heated Vest

In our gear tests, we found that most of the cheapest heated vests on the market today aren't worth the money. To find something decent that we feel comfortable recommending, you'll usually need to spend more than $100. Venustas' Heated Vest is right in that sweet spot, with a good balance of tech, battery life, quality, and price.

Heated vests, especially puffer-style models, can be bulky. We like the thinner design of this option, which allows it to layer easily under bulky winter jackets and outerwear. The carbon fiber heating elements are adjustable to one of three heat levels, and the zones are larger than most other heated vests we tested, especially at this price point.

"I've worn this heated vest (and Venustas' heated fleece zip-up) for the last few weeks," said writer Mike Richard. "Between hiking in the Whites, wearing it around the house, and on my daily jogs, it's held up very well. Where many of the vests I tested center their heat on a smaller targeted core area, the zones in this one feel more like large 'panels,' so the heat feels nice and even throughout my entire upper body."

The quality of this vest is solid (especially at this price), even if it lacks the fit and finish of more premium models. We also wish the included 4800mAh battery were larger, although the brand does offer additional batteries in three sizes. Those gripes aside, it checks all our must-have boxes, so we think it's a great buy.

PRO+ Men's Heated Vest

Even among this year's best heated vests, ewool's PRO+ Heated Vest stands out. It's a premium design that looks and feels like high-fashion, especially compared to most of its competitors. Plus, the internals heat up faster and provide better coverage than every other model we tested this year.

The PRO+ is the latest iteration of the company's flagship vest. The internal elements offer more coverage across your chest, abdomen, and back (including the lumbar area) than any other. With 70 watts of power, it also heats up faster, with warmth we could feel in seconds.

"I've personally tested this in some of the coldest places I've ever visited, from Northern Maine to Canada to Antarctica, said gear writer Mike Richard. "It powers on and heats up in less than three seconds, and it is toasty warm. I tend to run cold in the winter, and this vest has been an absolute game-changer. I'd definitely recommend the double battery kit if you're looking to go hard all day."

One of the only downsides to this model is that all that next-level heat requires next-level power. The standard included battery is a beefy 23,000mAh, but is only good for just six hours (on Low) or less than two hours (High). Thankfully, ewool is aware of this, which is why it offers a double battery kit and an expandable pocket inside the vest to accommodate the oversized power bank. Alternatively, if you're riding a motorcycle or snowmobile, this vest has 12V capability, allowing you to keep it heated almost indefinitely from the vehicle's battery.

The biggest downside, however: Price. All this newfangled heat tech doesn't come cheap. This best-in-class heated vest will set you back more than $500 (for the single-battery version). But, hey, if only the best will do...

Fleece Heated Vest

Most heated vests include at least three levels of temperature control. But the level you choose usually heats up every zone (and, therefore, the entire vest) equally. Arris' Fleece Heated Vest has eight total zones, each with five adjustable heat levels. Plus, there are three separate buttons allowing you to activate/deactivate three zone groups (abdomen, chest, and neck/back) independently, making this the most adjustable heated vest in this year's roundup.

On the surface, this vest looks and feels like almost any other premium fleece vest. It's soft, comfy, and very warm, even without the heating elements turned on. But this model, too, features carbon fiber elements woven into the fabric that warm up in less than a minute, delivering nearly instant warmth. The included 7500mAh battery is good for up to 16 continuous hours on Low, so you'll have all-day heat for whatever adventures you're getting into.

At a little over $100, this heated vest is a great value, ticking all of our essential "must-have" feature boxes. Our main gripe is that the battery takes longer to charge than most others we tested—around 6-7 hours—with the included charger. The manufacturer also recommends hand-washing this one, which is a bit of a pain compared to most of the other machine-wash-capable models we tested for 2024.

M12 AXIS Heated Quilted Vest

Hunters demand a lot of the gear, and the M12 AXIS Heated Quilted Vest from Milwaukee is purpose-built to be the best heated vest for the job. The streamlined design wears like an ordinary vest without unnecessary bulk. But carbon fiber heating elements woven into the fabric keep the three built-in zones toasty enough for even the coldest winter hunts.

This vest's fleece construction keeps it nice and warm, even without the heating elements switched on. The fabric is extremely soft and comfortable enough to wear all day, and we love that the outer shell is both wind- and water-resistant (thanks to a DWR coating), and the polyester insulation traps heat well. Plus, the adjustable waistband helps dial in the perfect fit. Bonus: It's both machine-washable and dryer-safe (not all heated vests are).

An LED controller indicates one of three heat settings, all easily adjustable on the fly, even with thick gloves on. One especially nice feature of this heated vest is the two included battery pockets. So you can wear the battery in either the front or the back, depending on where you're most comfortable. For those extra-long hunts, you can opt to stash a battery in both pockets to keep you going from sun up till well after sundown.

Ibex Heated Work Vest

If you tend to go hard on your outerwear, we get it. You want gear that stands up to years of abuse. Gobi's Ibex Heated Work Vest is purpose-built for long days on the job.

The Ibex looks and feels like a work vest, which might be a good thing. It's a functional aesthetic with a focus on durability over flash. The heavy-duty, 13.4-ounce duck cotton/nylon blend fabric is wind-, water-, and abrasion-resistant, making it the perfect shell for not just working, but hiking, hunting, biking, or any other hardcore outdoor pursuits. Unlike some of the "crinkly" fabrics found in less vests, we like that the Ibex's fabric is quiet. It's also machine-washable, making it easy to clean.

Like most in our roundup, this model is built with three adjustable heat levels. But it also has five heat zones: Two in the chest, two in the abdomen, and a large zone in the back, ensuring even all-over body heat. On low (around 113° F), the included battery pack will last about 9-10 hours—plenty for those extended outdoor excursions.

Heated Vest With Hood

Foxelli proves that a good heated vest doesn't have to be expensive. Its value-minded model checks all the boxes for what we look for, including three adjustable heat levels, carbon fiber heating elements, and a comfy all-around fit. Plus, it's warm (even when switched off), thanks in part to the removable zip-off hood.

The puffer design offers just-right insulation that layers well under a jacket but keeps you warm enough without looking like the Michelin Man. It's the only model in our roundup with a hood, which offers a bit more customization to dial in your preferred level of warmth. Remove it for those bluebird days, or zip it back on when the temperature drops. The built-in carbon fiber heating elements are well-spaced around the core, collar, and body, with nice, even heat distribution. It only takes about three minutes to warm up from cold, and the included 10,000mAh battery pack is good for up to eight hours of consistent heat on a single charge.

For the price, we're hard-pressed to find much of anything to dislike about this model. Our only minor gripe is that it doesn't heat quite as well as others in our roundup. We found that it performs best on at least the Medium heat setting, but High is often required (which zaps the battery in around four hours). Still, for roughly $90, we think it's a decent buy.

Lightweight Heated Vest

You usually get what you pay for when it comes to heated vests, which is why decent ones typically cost more than $100. Tidewe's Lightweight Heated Vest is a surprising departure with a more reasonable $80 price point.

True to its name, this model is thinner than most other heated vests in our roundup. The razor-thin polyester shell doesn't quite stand on its own as a warm, insulating vest. Think of it instead as the "electric/heated layer" in your layering scheme. Like most on this list, the temperature is adjustable to one of three levels: Low, Medium, or High. The zones are smaller and more targeted with this model. Because they're only in the collar, abdomen, and upper back, you won't get the toasty "all-over" warmth found in more premium alternatives. That does, however, mean that it draws less power. The included 10,000mAh battery pack is good for up to 10 hours on Low and three hours on High.

This heated vest just barely ticks all of our essential boxes for recommendation. It looks good, the quality is decent, and the battery pack and zoned heating elements provide an acceptable amount of all-day heat in most of the right places. The biggest thing this model has going for it is price. We can almost guarantee that you won't find a better option for $80.

How to Find the Best Heated Vest for You

Most of the same considerations for buying a traditional vest hold true for buying a heated vest. Here’s everything you should consider when shopping for the best heated vest for you:

Heating Elements

Every heated vest has heating elements or “zones” sewn strategically throughout the garment—almost always near your body’s core, including the chest and back. Some of the best heated vests add extra zones near the collar and pockets, too. In general, the more zones a heated vest has, the better it will be at keeping you warm.

There are two general types of heating element construction: Carbon fiber and metal. Carbon fiber is more durable and more efficient at distributing heat but tends to be more expensive. That’s why it’s often found in the best, most premium heated vests. Metal elements are cheaper but less efficient and prone to hot spots

Power

Heated vests require portable battery banks to keep them chugging along. Battery life is arguably the most important consideration when shopping for a vest. Most heated vests last anywhere from 4-10 hours on a single charge, but the real-world figures can vary with outside conditions, your own body temperature, and the quality of the battery pack. Lower-quality vest manufacturers tend to be very generous when quoting the battery life of their own vests, so it pays to read actual buyer reviews.

Materials

As with shopping for a typical outdoor vest, you’ll want to make sure your new heated vest has a durable outer shell. Look for one that’s water-resistant or even weatherproof with polyester or nylon. You’ll also want a comfortable, breathable lining made with synthetic (like fleece) or Merino wool to help regulate your body temperature.

Safety Features

Today’s best heated vests are very safe to wear. Look for models with overheat protection—a feature that automatically switches off the heating elements if they run too hot. Likewise, short circuit protection helps protect against battery and electrical malfunction.

Wash and Care

Pay close attention to the care instructions. Some heated vests require hand-washing, while the best vests are surprisingly machine-washable—usually on the gentle cycle with the battery pack removed (obviously).

Price

Heated vests vary widely in price, from budget-friendly models around $50 to premium, high-end options north of $300. As with most outdoor gear, you tend to get what you pay for. The best heated vests offer more features, including premium construction, longer battery life, more efficient heating elements, and better safety features.

What’s the Best Heated Vest?

In our testing, we found ewool’s PRO+ Heated Vest to be the very best heated vest of 2024. It features a premium build, an intuitive, easy-to-use design, and is very comfortable. However, it is pricey at more than $500. For a more affordable but still great option, consider the Venustas Heated Vest.

Do Heated Vests Actually Work?

The short answer is: Yes, absolutely. The best heated vests offer a long battery life and excellent durability and are comfortable enough for all-day wear. With the right layering, we’ve found that heated vests are very effective in helping you keep warm in winter.

What’s the Best Heated Vest?

In our testing, we found ewool’s PRO+ Heated Vest to be the very best heated vest of 2024. It features a premium build, an intuitive, easy-to-use design, and is very comfortable. However, it is pricey at more than $500. For a more affordable but still great option, consider the Venustas Heated Vest.

Do Heated Vests Actually Work?

The short answer is: Yes, absolutely. The best heated vests offer a long battery life and excellent durability and are comfortable enough for all-day wear. With the right layering, we’ve found that heated vests are very effective in helping you keep warm in winter.

Do You Need a Power Bank for a Heated Vest?

Yes, you will need a small portable power bank to power your heated vest. Most heated vests include some form of portable power, but you may want to upgrade to a larger model or even pack an extra one for longer outdoor adventures. Some heated vests are even built to hold more than one battery at a time.

Is a Heated Vest Better Than a Heated Jacket?

Heated vests are best for cool-to-cold conditions like late fall and early/late winter. Heated jackets are better suited for the dead of winter when temperatures are likely to be much lower.

What Are the Disadvantages of Heated Vests?

The downside of heated vests—even the best heated vests—is that they’re often more expensive than their traditional, non-electric counterparts. Because they’re electric, they also require battery packs which add extra weight to whatever gear load you’re already carrying.

How We Chose the Best Heated Vests of 2024

Over the past year, we researched and personally tested a variety of heated vests. We compared every feature and spec that matters, from battery capacity to durability to comfort to overall quality to, of course, price. In the end, we agreed on the seven models above as our picks for the very best heated vests of 2024.

Why Trust Us

Our adventure-loving editors and writers are obsessed with the outdoors and outdoor gear. We hike, bike, kayak, ski, run, climb, and everything in between. So, the gear we recommend isn’t just tested in a lab. We put everything through its paces in the field under real-world conditions—in the kinds of situations most outdoor enthusiasts, like you, will encounter.

Shop More of Our Favorite Winter Outdoor Gear

Heated Socks | Heated Jackets | Ski Jackets | Parkas | Packable Down Jackets | Winter Hats | Winter Beanies | Snow Boots | Winter Boots

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