If you have to spend any time outdoors on a cold, rainy winter’s day, the chill can penetrate even the warmest layers, risking ill health and making you feel completely miserable. However, with a bit of forethought, the coldest, wettest day needn’t hold you back.
A battery powered heated hoodie is the ideal companion when the winter weather strikes. With the ability to recharge via a USB cable, the inbuilt carbon fiber wires across the chest and back areas heat up to a comfortable temperature, and can keep you cozy for up to 12 hours. Many have adjustable heat settings, allowing you to personalize the temperature, and save on battery output.
If you have to work outdoors, need to walk the family pooch, or plan to clear the snow off the sidewalk, a heated hoodie will make life much easier and more comfortable. Here, then, are our favorites:
1) Venture Heat Hoodie with Battery Pack – Unisex
Overview
This hoodie, on first appraisal, looks and feels high quality. The fabric is durable, but soft, the zipper, reassuringly strong, and the decently sized pockets are well stitched. Venture have really gone to town on the heat pads, with them being some of the largest we’ve seen. Completely covering the chest and upper to middle back areas, and with three fully adjustable heat settings, there’s no way you could feel cold in this.
What We Like
The larger heat pads – apparently 20% larger than most other brands, are a brilliant plus point. That they power up rapidly, warming your inner core with their increased surface area, and have three temperature settings is an extra bonus. With up to 12 hours run time, an included USB charger, a built-in touch-of-a-button LED flashlight and the ability to be thrown in the washing machine or tumble dryer, we love this hoodie!
What Needs Improving
Don’t aim the ultra bright flashlight at your eyes – enough said!
2) COLCHAM Heated Hoodie Soft Fleece with Battery/Charger
Overview
Colcham’s heated hoodie is gorgeously soft and fleecy, and available in several colorways. Well made, with carbon fiber heating elements across the chest and mid back regions, it has three heat settings, accessed via a one-button control, and depending on power output can keep you toasty for up to ten hours.
What We Like
In terms of style, this has it all – good color options, well fitting, and a beautifully fluffy finish. But add to that the efficient heating system, easily adjusted settings and a good 10 hours of battery life, this is a good hoodie. It has to be said that even on the lowest setting, offering the maximum battery longevity, it kept us almost too warm during times of activity.
What Needs Improving
The sizing runs a little large, which is great for layering, but with the heat output, there’s no need to wear extra clothes, so we would recommend going for a size down.
3) Mountain Leads Heated Hoodie with Battery – Unisex
Overview
With a drawstring hood for the worst of the weather, large kangaroo pockets, and a durable YKK zipper, this fleece lined Mountain Leads hoodie is looking good. It has the usual carbon fiber elements across the chest and back areas, but the four heat settings and the fact it can be machine washed have earned it a place on our list.
What We Like
The four heat settings are a real plus – with the preheat option giving everything a warm glow before you even pull it on, thus keeping your core temperature constant. The neatly designed portable USB charger can also be used for efficient phone or device charging, and the whole thing can be thrown in the washing machine.
What Needs Improving
It’s a shame that even on the lowest setting the battery life is 8 hours. However, spare batteries are affordable and readily available.
