Best Heated Vests To Beat the Cold, Tested

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Say goodbye to bulky, restrictive layers of clothing and slip on a heated vest to keep you warm during outdoor winter tasks.

When temperatures drop, working outdoors can become downright uncomfortable if you don’t have a way to stay warm. We’d heard a lot about heated vests in the past few years, but we wanted to know if they lived up to the hype, so we tested top sellers with the following questions in mind: Are they cumbersome? Do they really keep your core warm enough to stave off a bitter chill? Will they survive snow, rain, or sleet? We put these vests through their paces, tested all of their functions, and noted how long they stayed warm on a single battery charge.

Moving freely is essential in many outdoor occupations, including construction, surveying, and landscaping, so piling on constricting clothing layers isn’t usually an option. That’s where heated vests come in. These typically lightweight garments, which fit easily over a shirt or under a jacket, feature battery-heated panels that help keep your core warm so you can continue to work.

The best heated vest for you depends on the outdoor temperature and how much additional heat you need to keep warm and comfortable. Ahead, learn what to look for in a heated vest, and find out how the following models fared in our extensive hands-on testing.

1. BEST OVERALL: Ororo Men’s Light Weight Heated Vest
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ororo Men’s Heated Fleece Vest
3. BEST FOR WOMEN: Venture Heat Women’s Heated Puffer Vest With HeatSync
4. BEST RECYCLED FABRIC: Ororo Women’s Heated Recycled Fleece Vest
5. BEST WITH HOOD: Venustas Women’s Detachable Hood Heated Down Vest
6. BEST HEATED HOOD: CoreEdge Heated Vest With Detachable Heated Hood
7. BEST FOR SPORTSMEN: Gobi Heat Colorado Men’s Heated Hunting Vest 
8. BEST BLUETOOTH: Volt Women’s Heated Vest With Bluetooth
9. MOST VERSATILE: Ororo Women’s Classic Heated Vest
10. BEST LOW-PROFILE: ActionHeat Adult 5V Heated Vest Liner

How We Tested the Best Heated Vests

The two most essential factors in a heated vest are how well it fits and how well it keeps the wearer warm. The first step in the testing process was to fully charge the batteries (of those that came with batteries), so we charged each one overnight to ensure it had a full charge.

We connected the batteries (be aware that some battery connections take a while to find) and cycled the vests through their heat levels. We then turned the vests to the High setting and noted how long the battery produced heat. We wore each vest outdoors and made a note of how comfortable it was when reaching, bending, and twisting, and we also observed how well it blocked the cold wind.

After wearing each vest outdoors for about an hour, we removed it but left the heat zones turned to High. We then checked every 30 minutes to see if the vest was still producing heat and made a note of the time when it stopped heating.

We also examined the quality of the vest’s materials and how well the seams were sewn. We scored each vest using a rubric and then tallied up the final scores to choose the best ones for this lineup.

Our Top Picks

When we tested the following heated vests, the outdoor temperature was between 25 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, dipping into single digits overnight. With the addition of high winds on some days, the wind chill hovered around 0 degrees Fahrenheit, so we had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warmth generated by the vests.

The following heated vests feature varying levels of heat distribution, ease of use, functionality, and comfort. The best heated vest to keep you warm often depends on how low the temperatures dip in the region, how long you will be out in the cold, and how much supplemental heat you need to feel comfortable. Battery runtime was tested at the highest temperature—you can reasonably expect two to three times longer heating on lower settings.

Best Overall

Ororo Men’s Light Weight Heated Vest

Product Specs

• Number of heating panels: 4; 1 on each lower front side, 1 mid-back, 1 in the collar
• Battery included? Yes
• Runtime: Up to 10 hours on Low

Pros

• Vest features a high-quality nylon shell that helped block icy winds
• Addition of a heated neck panel is a welcome touch in cold weather
• Heat panels in the lower front keep both body and hands warm

Cons

• Battery pocket location makes the battery slightly uncomfortable against the hip

The Ororo men’s lightweight heated vest aims to

stay warm in all the right places

thanks to three carbon-fiber heating zones located along the back of the collar, in the mid-back, and on the lower front of the vest. This vest features three temperature settings, so users can choose which one best suits the desired warmth needs and outdoor environment. Its heating zones are powered by a rechargeable 7.4-volt battery (included). The manufacturer claims the battery generates heat for only 3 hours on the highest setting, but we put it to the test and got 6 hours of heat generation.

When we tried on the Ororo vest, the first thing that struck us was how supple and comfortable it was. We’d expected it to be slightly stiff or scratchy—with unbending internal wires—but that wasn’t the case at all. While the manufacturer claims the vest is water-resistant, the operating guide that comes with the vest warns against wearing it in wet conditions when the vest is heating.

This vest contains quality materials and is well made—no snags, the seams are well sewn, and the material seems very durable. Our favorite feature was the heating panel in the back of the collar. This heating panel, along with long winter scarves, kept us toasty warm. The soft nylon outer shell blocked most of the cutting wind. All in all, this is a high-quality heated vest that should last for years.

Get the Ororo lightweight heated vest at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Ororo. 

Best Bang for the Buck

Ororo Men’s Heated Fleece Vest

Product Specs 

• Number of heating panels: 3; right chest, left chest, 1 mid-back
• Battery included? Yes
• Runtime: Up to 10 hours on Low

Pros

• Cheaper than comparable heated vests in different fabrics
• Fleece-lined pockets keep hands warm and dry during use
• The high-zip neck helps block cold air from entering at the neckline

Cons

• The soft fabric is comfortable, but it isn’t windproof
• Position of the battery causes it to rub on the user’s side

Get the warming comfort of a heated vest at a great price point. When the Ororo fleece heated vest arrived, we expected the fleece to be similar to a fluffy bathrobe. That’s not the case at all. The fleece part is the lining—the inside of the vest—but the outer shell is made from a cotton/polyester blend that’s thicker and more durable but still breathable. This vest is designed for comfort—it’s soft and supple, and the inside of the pockets have the same fleece lining.

The significant upside to the Ororo fleece vest is how well it breathes; there’s no problem with sweat building up. The wind did blow through the fabric a bit—more than it did with the vests that come with nylon shells—but not enough to send us back indoors. The vest is also designed with a high zip-up neck to help keep cold air out. A slight downside: The battery compartment is located inside the vest (a bit to the side), which is not the most comfortable spot for the battery.

The vest features three heat zones, including two on the chest and one along the upper back. It allows the wearer to choose from three adjustable temperature settings to cater to individual comfort and the outdoor environment. After fully charging the battery overnight, the vest generated heat for almost 5½ hours on High. We would wear this vest on moderately cool days but hesitate to wear it—without an overcoat—on truly frigid days. Best of all, it comes at a good price for a heated vest that breathes and won’t trap sweat.

Get the Ororo fleece heated vest at Amazon, Walmart, or Ororo.

Best for Women

Venture Heat Women’s Heated Puffer Vest With HeatSync

Product Specs

• Number of heating panels: 4; right chest, left chest, mid-back, collar
• Battery included? Yes
• Runtime: Up to 10 hours on Low

Pros

• Very soft, comfortable fabric with a wind-resistant exterior
• Heated collar for added warmth and protection against cold winds
• Roomy front pockets zip for securely holding keys and small items

Cons

• Pockets feature nylon lining and do not have heating elements

The tapered waist and wind-cutting high neck of the Venture Heat women’s heated vest give it a stylish look while retaining warmth. It features three large heat zones: one on each side in the chest area and another from shoulder to shoulder along the upper-mid-back region. Plus, there’s one small heat zone in the back of the collar.

We liked that the front heating elements were located in the chest area instead of in the lower abdominal area, as is typical with many heated vests. The downside to this configuration is that the pockets aren’t heated, but we felt warmer overall.

We were able to choose from three different heat settings, and the battery is accessible in a separate compartment inside the vest, which we appreciated. This versatile vest can be worn under a roomy jacket for maximum warmth or over a heavy shirt or sweater.

The 7.4-volt rechargeable battery is included, and after a full initial charge, it kept the vest warm for just under 5 hours on the highest setting. Best of all—from our perspective—is the heating panel in the collar that makes the vest feel so cozy and warm.

Get the Venture Heat heated vest at Venture Heat.

Best Recycled Fabric

Ororo Women’s Heated Recycled Fleece Vest

Product Specs

• Number of heating panels: 4; right abdomen, left abdomen, mid-back, collar
• Battery included? Yes
• Runtime: Up to 10 hours on Low

Pros

• Shearling fleece is made from recycled plastic bottles, making this an eco-friendly vest
• Vest features a tapered waist and roomy hip for a stylish, comfortable fit
• Heating element in the collar helps reduce the effect of cold winds on the neck

Cons

• Vest does not have heating panels in the upper front chest area

The super-soft fleece of the Ororo heated recycled vest for women kept us warm without trapping sweat. Best of all, the yarn used in the fleece shell of the vest is 100 percent

recycled plastic bottles, so it’s as eco-friendly as it is comfortable.

The vest comes with a 7.4-volt battery that produced toasty warmth for nearly 4 hours when we ran it on High. It also offers Medium and Low heat settings. It comes with four heat panels: two on either side of the lower front, one on the middle of the upper back, and another one on the back of the neck.

Although the fleece outer shell is made from recycled plastic bottles, it’s not windproof. Called “shearling fleece,” the fabric is designed to breathe, which makes this vest suitable for use under a jacket or coat. Ororo didn’t skimp on style, either. This woman’s vest is tapered in the midsection and slightly flared at the hip for a flattering yet comfortable fit.

We especially enjoyed the neck-heating element. The only thing we would have added was heating panels in the upper front chest area for added warmth.

Get the Ororo recycled fleece heated vest at Ororo.

Best with Hood

Venustas Women’s Detachable Hood Heated Down Vest

Product Specs 

• Number of heating panels: 4
• Battery included?: Yes
• Runtime: Up to 10 hours on Low

Pros

• Down-filled vest is comfy and warm even without activating the heating element
• Detachable hood cinches tight for snug fit to stay in place without blocking line of sight
• Water-resistant fabric helps you stay dry in light rain or snow
• Upper back panel hits back of neck, which is a nice element for a stiff or sore neck

Cons

• Battery pack overheated when charging with the wall outlet adapter
• Slightly bulkier than similar vests
• Heated pockets can get too warm for a phone

The Venustas heated vest gets high marks for being warm without even activating the heating element. Filled with 90 percent premium white duck down and lined with a reflective lining, it features four heat zones: right and left pocket; waist (lower back), and upper back. The upper-back zone extends close to the neckline so although the hood and neck are not technically heated, the back of the neck does get warm. The hood is fully lined and detachable by a zipper. When activated via the touch button, the entire vest is warm in less than 10 seconds. The settings are High, Medium, and Low and are generated by a 7.4-volt battery pack with a slightly slimmer footprint than some of the other battery packs we’ve tried.

When charging for the first time, one immediate issue was the battery pack overheating when using the wall outlet adapter. We switched to charging via the USB outlet and did not have this issue again. The battery is easy to install into a small pocket on the inside left of the vest, but be advised the Velcro holding the pocket closed is very strong, so you may have to pull a little harder than you’d expect.

We wore the vest outside multiple times with temperatures fluctuating in the high 20s and low 30s Fahrenheit while walking the dog, doing yard work, etc. When active, we had it on Low or even Off without an additional coat or hat. When stationary, we kept it on Low to Medium. The big test for us was to see how it stood up to the cold of a hockey rink. We wore the vest to a hockey game, where the arena temperature was 39 degrees Fahrenheit. We made a point of standing close to the boards, which is typically the coldest spot in the rink. We wore a thin long-sleeved tee shirt, regular jeans, socks, and boots, but chose not to wear a coat, hat, gloves, or any other layers because we wanted to see how effective this vest could be. The great news is we wore it for 90 minutes in the arena and it kept us plenty warm. We used it on the High setting for the first 30 minutes, turned it down to Medium for the next 30 minutes, and then cranked it up to High again for the last 30 minutes. We also put the hood on at about the 45-minute mark. The heated pockets were a great addition because we had no gloves. While we don’t suggest you go this minimalist in the winter, the vest passed the hockey mom test.

The fit is true to size; however, it is more fitted and less boxy than some of the other vests we tested. It is also significantly bulkier, which means you may want a more oversize coat if you plan to zip up both layers.

Get the Venustas heated vest at Amazon or Venustas. 

Best Heated Hood

CoreEdge Heated Vest With Detachable Heated Hood

Product Specs

• Number of heating panels: 8; left abdomen, right abdomen, 1 back, 2 shoulders, 1 collar, 2 hood
• Battery included? Yes
• Runtime: Up to 10 hours on Low

Pros

• Heated hood offers warmth over the ears for use in the coldest weather
• The CoreEdge heated vest comes with a total of 8 different heating panels
• Hood is detachable; vest can be worn under a roomy jacket if desired

Cons

• May take a while to learn how to toggle through all the various heat-panel combinations

The CoreEdge heated vest wasn’t the only one we tested that came with a hood, but it was the only one that featured heated panels in the hood, making it a souped-up pick for the coldest winter days. The vest comes with eight heat panels: two on the front, one on the back, two on the shoulders, one on the collar, and two in the hood.

The hood is detachable—it zips on and off—and all we had to do was connect the front hood flaps, via snaps, for the heating elements in the hood to work. The heating panels in the hood are located over the ears, which we found optimal for keeping not just the ears but the whole head warm, especially when we tightened the hood strings for a snug fit. The hood quickly got too warm, but that’s not a problem—by unsnapping the flaps, we could disconnect the heat from the hood while the rest of the heating panels still worked. We didn’t have to remove the hood to stop the heating.

The CoreEdge heated all panels for almost 5 hours on High, but users have a choice of which panels they want to run. By toggling through the buttons on the control switch button, we could power on the hood, collar, and shoulder panels as a single unit, the front abdomen panels by themselves, or the back panel by itself. We could also turn all of the panels on at once. This offers a lot of heating versatility but also comes with a slight learning curve figuring out which buttons to push to turn on the panels we wanted to heat. By the time we were done testing, we’d mastered the switch.

The vest is lightweight and soft and can be worn over a heavy sweater or under a roomy coat or jacket for added heat retention. Its nylon shell is wind- and water-resistant.

Get the CoreEdge heated vest at Amazon.

Best for Sportsmen

Gobi Heat Colorado Men’s Heated Hunting Vest

Product Specs

• Number of heating panels: 3; right chest, left chest, 1 back
• Battery included? Yes
• Runtime: Up to 10 hours on Low

Pros

• The outer fabric on this heated vest resists punctures, tears, and water
• Slightly roomy and comes with a longer length than competitors
• Camo fabric is designed to blend in with outdoor wooded settings

Cons

• Only 3 heated panels and no hood

All the heated vests in this lineup do a good job at warming their wearer in cold temperatures, but Gobi Heat’s Colorado heated vest comes with an abrasion-resistant exterior that withstands the pokes and snags that can come from walking through underbrush. Plus, it comes in a forest camouflage design that helps users blend in against a backdrop of trees.

Our first impression was that the Colorado heated vest was slightly large for its size. However, we felt this was a plus since outdoor enthusiasts may want to layer more than one shirt beneath it. It’s also thin enough to wear under a roomy jacket or coat for added heat.

While there are only three heated panels on the Colorado vest—two in the chest area and one on the back—they produce plenty of heat. In our tests, the vest continued heating on High for just over 4 hours, but users can extend the heating time up to 10 hours by using Low heat. This basic, no-frills heated vest does what it says—it keeps