DeWalt Lightweight Poly Shell Heated Work Jacket

I spent several icy mornings and a few long, windy evenings in the DeWalt heated jacket, and it quickly became the layer I reached for first. The three-zone heat comes on fast, the wind- and water-resistant shell shrugs off misty drizzle, and the lining has that just-right balance of soft and slick that makes it easy to wear over base layers. It isn’t perfect—mostly around battery bulk and jobsite ergonomics—but as a daily work jacket with heat on tap, it’s a strong performer.

Design and build
The outer shell is a durable, wind- and water-resistant fabric that feels purpose-built for jobsite abuse without being stiff or crinkly. Inside, the lightweight fleece body lining adds noticeable warmth even before you turn the heat on, while the smooth polyester lining in the sleeves makes it easy to pull on over hoodies or flannels without bunching. Small touches matter: the reflective-trimmed front zipper and piping catch headlights and site lighting, and the low-funnel neck with a chin guard seals out drafts without clawing at your jawline.

Zippers are clean and track well, and the stitching has held up to hauling materials, ladder work, and seatbelt abrasion on commutes between stops. The cut leans “regular” rather than slim, which is exactly what I want in a heated work jacket; there’s room for a base layer and light midlayer without feeling bulky.

Heat performance and controls
There are three heat zones and a simple LED controller with three settings—high, medium, and low—plus a pre-heat function. Pre-heat is genuinely useful: hit the button before stepping out of the truck and the jacket ramps quickly, then you can drop it to medium or low once your core temperature comes up.

Warmth distribution is even across the core zones, with no obvious hotspots or cold gaps. On high, I typically feel a noticeable temperature change within a minute, and by the three-minute mark I’m comfortable enough to dial it back. Medium is the sweet spot for steady-state work in the 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit. Low takes the edge off a long, windy day and pairs well with the natural insulation of the fleece lining.

Power, batteries, and runtime
This jacket accepts a standard 20V-compatible battery, a major win if you already run DeWalt tools. Using your existing compact packs keeps the system straightforward, and capacity is abundant compared with typical 12V heated garments. The tradeoff is bulk. A 20V pack—especially anything larger than a compact—adds weight at the hip and can interfere with harnesses or a tool belt.

The jacket includes a USB power adapter with an extension so you can route power and position the connector in either a front or back pocket. That flexibility is more than a convenience; it’s the difference between workable and annoying if you wear a belt or are in and out of vehicles all day. I had the best results with a compact 2.0Ah or 3.0Ah pack and by relocating the battery to a front pocket when wearing a tool belt. Larger batteries will run longer, but they tug at the hem and are awkward when crouching or climbing.

As for runtime, expect roughly:
- With a 2.0Ah pack: around 2–2.5 hours on high, 4–5 hours on medium, and 6+ hours on low.
- With a 5.0Ah pack: enough for a full shift on low and comfortable coverage through most of a day on medium, at the cost of more bulk.

The USB adapter also pulls double duty to charge a phone in a pinch, which is handy on long days. The LED controller is intuitive and doesn’t require fishing around to find; once you learn its location, you can toggle settings with a gloved thumb.

Pockets and daily carry
You get two zippered slash hand pockets, an external accessory pocket, and an internal accessory pocket with a hook-and-loop closure. It’s a practical layout—enough to keep essentials on you without loading the jacket down. The internal pocket is a good stow for a phone or notebook, and the external accessory pocket is where I usually parked the USB adapter and cable slack when routing the battery to the front.

Weather resistance and durability
The shell does what it promises. In breezy conditions on open scaffolding, the wind resistance noticeably cuts convective heat loss, and the collar design helps keep drafts from sneaking in at the neck. In light rain and wet snow, water beads and rolls off. This isn’t a rain jacket replacement; in a sustained downpour the fabric will wet out, but for typical winter jobsite moisture it holds up well.

After a few weeks of use, there’s no pilling on the fleece lining, and the sleeve lining still glides over midlayers smoothly. Seams and piping have stayed intact, and the zippers haven’t shed teeth or split under stress. Follow the care tag for cleaning; heated garments last longer when you avoid aggressive washing and high heat in the dryer.

Comfort and mobility
The jacket moves well. The fabric has enough give to bend, reach, and twist without feeling like you’re fighting it. The smooth sleeve lining is a small but real advantage when you’re layering or shedding layers during the day. The low-funnel neck is one of my favorite features—warm without being restrictive, and it doesn’t chafe when zipped all the way up.

Fit is true to size for a work cut. If you plan on wearing a thick midlayer under it, consider sizing up; otherwise, your normal size should leave you enough room to move without excess bulk.

What could be better
- Battery bulk: Using 20V packs is convenient for capacity and ecosystem compatibility, but even compact packs are noticeable. Plan your battery placement and routing, and use the extension to move the pack where it interferes least with your workflow.
- Adapter and cord management: The USB adapter and extension are useful, but they add hardware to manage. It’s not a dealbreaker, just more to arrange when gearing up.
- No included battery or charger: Factor that into the cost if you’re not already on the 20V platform.
- Warranty: A 1-year limited warranty is serviceable but not class-leading for a garment with electronics.
- Weatherproofing limits: The water resistance is solid for drizzle and wet snow, but this is not a full rain shell.

Who it’s for
This jacket is a smart choice for anyone already invested in DeWalt’s 20V platform who needs reliable heat and a tough outer layer for cold, windy, or damp conditions. Tradespeople who move between tasks and environments will appreciate the quick pre-heat, and delivery or facilities folks who spend time in and out of vehicles will like the fast warmup and wind resistance. If your priority is the smallest, least noticeable battery pack possible, you might prefer a lighter-duty system with a smaller power source, but you’ll give up runtime.

Practical tips from the field
- Use compact 20V packs to reduce bulk and improve comfort.
- Route the extension to a front pocket when wearing a tool belt; it keeps the battery accessible and out of the way.
- Start on pre-heat before stepping outside, then drop to medium to extend runtime.
- Keep cable slack organized in the external accessory pocket so it doesn’t snag.

Recommendation
I recommend the DeWalt heated jacket, especially for users already carrying 20V batteries. It strikes a solid balance of warmth, durability, and everyday practicality. The heating system ramps quickly, the shell and lining are thoughtfully executed, and the pocket layout supports real work without fuss. The main compromises are battery bulk and a modest warranty, but neither outweighed the comfort and convenience in my daily use. If you’re on the 20V platform and want a dependable heated layer that works as hard as you do, this is an easy pick. If you’re not already in that ecosystem and want the lightest possible setup, weigh the added bulk of 20V against the significant runtime and performance you get in return.