Heated vests are gradually gaining popularity in recent years.

You can easily and quickly slip one on for a walk with your dog or wear it as a mid-layer under the heavy winter coat when out enjoying a football game.

Heated vests take away the extra weight that comes with other battery heated clothes like jackets.

Your occupation dictates how you dress during the cold weather. For construction, landscaping, or surveying, you need a heated garment that allows mobility with ease. If you need to bend and grab a tool from the ground, a heated vest offers that flexibility while keeping you warm.

What is a heated vest?

Heated vests are a continuation of the 17th century English waistcoat. King Charles inaugurated the vest around 1666, and modern times with technology have made it what it is today. A polyester (primary material used) made with carbon fiber heating that insulates your upper body from the cold winter bite.

Some vests include features such as Bluetooth and rechargeable ports for your phone, adding a tremendous trendy twist to what King Charles thought was the best they had. It comes with rechargeable batteries that can keep you warm for a whole hiking trip, depending on the setting you desire.

Where should heated vests be used?

Heated vests are suitable for outdoor activities because they offer more flexibility and are lightweight. They are also definitely something to consider for motorcycle enthusiasts during the winter months.

What to look for in a heated vest

Fabric

Polyester or the occasional nylon fabric is what you need to aim for in the outer shell when shopping for a heated vest. While they are both durable materials, polyester offers more stability, where nylon provides greater flexibility.

The interior should comprise of carbon fiber for heat transmission safely and effectively while holding against moisture and wind. Additionally, it should trap in heat for you to remain warm.

Battery Life

A fully charged battery should allow at least 8 hours of outdoor activity, depending on your heat level. Top of the range vests can last for longer, while cheaper vests generally don’t get as warm, and use up their battery much faster.

Many models come as a complete kit, including the battery pack and charging options, however some do not. When going out into the wild, consider carrying an extra pack as charging might be a challenge out there.

Style and Functionality

The cold weather shouldn’t dampen your fashion sense. Heated vests come in many designs and sizes to cater to both female and male preferences, with the best heated vests gaining in popularity due to their style and effectiveness at keeping you warm.

Depending on your use, a close-fitting vest is best to maintain heat instead of a loose one. However, if you are to wear it as an outer layer, a larger size may work best.

Pockets are another consideration for convenience. The internal pockets hold the battery while the outer pockets help carry your items as they keep your hands warm. Comfort and flexibility are essential when considering fashion.

Heated vests vs. Heated jackets

Well, they both have significant differences, the obvious one being sleeves and they both serve their purpose depending on how you use them. A small gathering with a possible tug of war later with the family warrants a heated vest for easy maneuvering. While on a trip to the mountains calls for a jacket. In essence, they are both essential to fight cold and keep your body warm and active.

FAQs

How do you wash a heated vest?

Ideally, spot cleaning is a general rule of thumb for heated apparel. However, if necessary, remove the battery, then either hand or machine wash with gentle detergent. Avoid twisting or wringing and make sure to read your instruction booklet that comes with your vest.

Can heated vests catch on fire?

Heated vests are generally safe from fire risk. The main reason is that the battery has a safeguard to shut off in case of excess heat, and neither is it powerful enough to ignite a fire from the metal rods.

Are our heated vests bulky?

Unlike heated jackets, vests are made from lightweight polyester. Moreover, they are meant for outdoor activities that require comfortable and flexible attire to go about your day.

Can you use heated vests in the snow?

Heated vests are made for the extremely cold and snowy days. You can wear one as a mid-layer, then rock your designer heavy-duty winter coat and stroll downtown all warm and snuggly inside. You can go skiing in a heated vest. Remember their flexibility. This factor is a big winner for sports lovers.

Pros of heated vests

• Heated vests keep you warm during a cold winter season.
• They are efficient, flexible, and increase your range of motion.
• A heated vest reduces sensitivity to cold.
• They reduce stiffness associated with freezing temperatures.
• Your overall performance is unaffected.

 Cons of heated vests

• They are expensive compared to general clothes and hoodies.
• You will frequently need to recharge your vest.