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Read More July 24, 2023 | Blain's Farm & FleetA Guide to Heated Jackets | Milwaukee Heated Gear
How Do Heated Jackets Work?
Are you tired of being cold all winter long? Does it seem like no matter how many layers you put on, you still find yourself shivering during the cold weather?
Well, the fact of the matter is layering up can help you stay warm. But thermal shirts and winter jackets do not produce any heat! Instead, they act as a barrier by keeping your body heat from escaping while your core is working its hardest to produce more heat. This extra energy your body is expending often causes you to feel tired.
What’s the solution? Heated jackets and vests. They actually produce heat that keeps your body warm!
Heated clothing runs off battery powered heating pads that allow you to control the temperature inside your jacket. Most of the newer models have a gauge that allows you to select your desired heat level.
How to Choose a Heated Jacket
Heating Pad Locations
Make sure you understand where each heating pad is located when selecting a heated jacket. Every brand and model is slightly different, but all heated jackets warm up the chest and back regions. Therefore, you will always find heating pad locations there.
In contrast, pocket warmers and collar warmers are custom features that vary. Some heated jackets don’t come with either of these options, while others come with both.
If you work in the outdoors, we highly recommend looking for a heated jacket that comes with heated pocket warmers.
Type of Battery
The battery is the main source of power that keeps a heated jacket functioning properly. For this reason, it’s very important to assess what type of battery is required before making a purchase. Also, pay attention to whether or not the rechargeable battery is included or if it’s sold separately.
At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we sell all our heated jackets as a kit. This means they come with a rechargeable battery pack.
Additionally, we carry heated jackets made by Milwaukee, which take a Milwaukee M12 Battery. These batteries retain their charge extremely well and are also used to run power tools sold by Milwaukee.
Material Used to Make the Jacket
All jackets, regardless of if they are heated or not, must be able to withstand the rain, snow, and outdoor elements. Both the design and material used to create a jacket help handle these extreme conditions.
Heated jackets are constructed by combining two main layers, an inner layer and outer layer, that each serve different purposes.
The inner layer is designed to wick moisture and also provide insulation. The outer layer is designed to repel the outdoor elements. Typically, the outer layer is made of Gore-Tex or polyester. And the inner layer is made of fleece or insulated mesh.
Verify what materials your heated jacket is made of before making a purchase.
Style & Fit
Aside from selecting a style that pleases your eye, it’s important to find a heated jacket that’s the appropriate fit for your body type. The heated jacket should fit fairly snug with your body, cuffs, waist, and collar. This helps reduce the chance of heat escaping from your core, since there’s less air between your body and the jacket.
In addition to fit, you’ll also want to consider whether you plan on wearing the heated jacket underneath another layer. If this is the case, you’ll want to pick a jacket with less insulation.
Alternatively, if you plan on wearing the heated jacket as your final layer, be sure to pick one with enough pockets and insulation to meet your needs.
At the end of the day, you will be wearing the heated jacket. So make sure you pick the color, pattern, and style that you prefer!
Milwaukee Heated Gear
Milwaukee makes men’s and women’s heated gear, including jackets, vests, and hoodies. The gear is constructed to withstand harsh and cold jobsite conditions.
Each user-driven, ground-up design utilizes an advanced heat technology system with carbon fiber heating elements. These provide warmth, no matter the situation.
The M12 TOUGHSHELL Jacket, the M12 Heated AXIS Jacket and Vest, and the M12 Heated Hoodie all have the proper function, materials, and batteries for optimal protection and comfort.
M12 TOUGHSHELL Jacket
The M12 Heated TOUGHSHELL Jacket delivers heat built to outlast. The newest version has 80% more stretch and five times longer life than previous generations. The re-engineered materials offer better mobility and flexibility, while maintaining their heavy-duty durability.
With three times faster heat, enhanced garment constructions, and optimized interior liners, the heated TOUGHSHELL program adds comfort, mobility, and protection on any jobsite.
The warm insulation and DWR-coated material offer a wind and water-resistant solution for protection from the elements.
Powered by M12 REDLITHIUM Battery Technology, these products feature a battery-pass thru pocket design that allows for front or back battery placement. This provides the versatility and comfort needed depending on the situation.
M12 Heated AXIS Jacket and Vest
The newest generation of M12 Heated AXIS Jackets and Vests come in both men’s and women’s versions. They deliver heat built for lightweight durability. Redesigned to reach three times faster heat, these products utilize lightweight and durable carbon fiber heating elements to bring comfort and warmth to the jobsite.
A hidden battery pass-thru pocket construction allows for front or back battery placement, increasing comfort and flexibility depending on the task.
With re-engineered AXIS Ripstop polyester fabric and reinforced high-wear zones, the heated AXIS program protects you from abrasion. It also prevents tears from spreading in harsh jobsite conditions.
M12 Heated Hoodies
Available in both men’s and women’s versions, the M12 Heated Hoodie delivers heat built for complete comfort. It combines a durable cotton/polyester fleece and comfortable jersey lining with a closer-to-body fit.
The raglan sleeve construction and four-way stretch fabric allows for free range of motion.
Featuring three times faster heat-up time and multiple heat temperature settings, Milwaukee’s M12 Heated Hoodies provide a versatile, three-season solution to keep heat in and not add bulk.
Part of this article was originally posted by Milwaukee.
