Milwaukee Hooded Jacket

When I first got my hands on the Milwaukee Hooded Jacket, I was eager to see if it could live up to the brand’s reputation for durable and high-performing tools. Milwaukee has a strong presence in the tool industry, and adding a heated jacket to their lineup seemed like a natural extension of their commitment to quality and innovation. With a mix of GRIDIRON™ Ripstop Polyester, FREEFLEX™ Stretch Panels, and high-loft insulation, this jacket promised a lot. Here’s how it fared during my testing.

Build Quality and Material

The jacket’s primary material, GRIDIRON™ Ripstop Polyester, is touted to be more durable and lighter than traditional cotton duck. True to its claim, the jacket felt robust yet surprisingly lightweight. The material seems well-suited for outdoor work environments where durability is a must. The inclusion of reinforced high-wear areas further bolsters the jacket’s longevity, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is paramount when you’re wearing a jacket for extended periods, and Milwaukee has made some thoughtful design choices here. The FREEFLEX™ Stretch Panels are a nice touch, providing improved movement and comfort. However, I did notice some inconsistencies with the fit. While the jacket fit well around the shoulders and chest, the sleeves were a bit short for my liking. The rib knit cuffs and waist do a good job of keeping the jacket in place, but the overall length could be better. When reaching out or lifting my arms, the jacket tended to ride up, which could be a bit annoying in a work setting.

Heating Elements

One of the standout features of this jacket is its heating capability. The jacket includes heating elements in the chest and back, which warm up quickly and provide a noticeable difference in comfort, especially in colder conditions. The heating elements are powered by a Milwaukee M12 battery, which fits into a zippered pocket near the left kidney. This placement is convenient, though the battery can feel a bit bulky at times.

The one-touch LED controller on the upper left side of the jacket allows you to cycle through three heat settings: High, Medium, and Low. I found the highest setting to be quite warm, perfect for those extremely cold days. However, the medium and low settings are more practical for everyday use, offering a good balance between warmth and battery life. On the highest setting, the battery lasted around 4 hours, which is decent but not exceptional. Having a spare battery on hand is advisable for longer workdays.

Practicality and Usability

The jacket features multiple pockets, which are always a plus for anyone who needs to carry tools or personal items. There are two large outer pockets, a quick-access sleeve pocket, and an inner zip pocket. The pockets are well-placed and roomy enough to be functional, though I did wish for zippered hand warmer pockets to keep my hands warm without the risk of items falling out.

The fitted hood is designed to provide a full range of vision and can be worn comfortably under a hard hat or with a separate cap. However, the hood’s material felt a bit thin and baggy, which might not offer the best protection against wind and rain. The jacket does provide wind and water resistance, but it’s not entirely waterproof, so keep that in mind if you’re working in extremely wet conditions.

Durability and Maintenance

One area where the jacket shines is its durability. The GRIDIRON™ Ripstop Polyester and reinforced high-wear areas ensure that the jacket can take a beating. However, the heating elements and internal wiring are a bit of a concern. While the jacket is machine washable, the internal wiring can be prone to damage over time, especially with frequent washing. I found that hanging the jacket to dry, rather than using a tumble dryer, helped to extend the life of the heating elements.

Overall Performance

The Milwaukee Hooded Jacket offers a good mix of comfort, durability, and innovative features. The heating elements are effective and add a layer of comfort that is hard to beat in cold conditions. The jacket is well-made and designed to withstand the demands of outdoor work. However, the fit and some design choices could use improvement. The sleeves are a bit short, and the overall length could be better to prevent the jacket from riding up. The hood could also be more substantial to offer better protection against the elements.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend the Milwaukee Hooded Jacket? Yes, but with some reservations. If you’re looking for a durable, heated jacket that can keep you warm in cold conditions, this is a solid choice. The heating elements work well, and the material is built to last. However, be mindful of the fit and consider sizing up if you plan to wear additional layers beneath the jacket. Also, handle the jacket with care when washing to prolong the life of the heating elements.

In summary, the Milwaukee Hooded Jacket is a valuable addition to any outdoor worker’s wardrobe, offering warmth, durability, and practical features. Just be prepared to make some adjustments to get the most out of it.