DeWalt Structured Soft-Shell Heated Jacket

Why I reached for this jacket

Cold, windy mornings on site are when I most appreciate a good heated layer. I’ve worn plenty of soft shells over the years, but the DeWalt heated jacket stands out because it’s meant to function like a regular work jacket first and a heater second. After several weeks of early starts, ladders, light rain, and too many coffee runs, here’s how it actually performed.

Setup and what’s in the box

This kit includes the jacket, a 20V lithium-ion battery, a fast charger, and a power adapter with a USB port. That last piece is easy to gloss over, but it’s handy for topping up a phone in a pinch. Getting up and running is straightforward: charge the battery, plug the adapter into the jacket lead, and stash the pack.

DeWalt gives you two placement options for the battery: a rear pocket at the lower back or a front pocket using the sewn-in extension lead. It’s a simple thing that ends up mattering a lot. The rear pocket keeps the battery out of the way while you’re moving, but you feel it if you lean back against a chair or truck seat. Moving it to the front pocket is better for driving or sitting at a bench, though it can print through the fabric and bump your thigh when you crouch. Either way, it’s a reasonable set of trade-offs and appreciated flexibility.

Heating performance

Heat is delivered through three core zones. The coverage is focused where you’d want it most—across the chest and back—but it doesn’t extend to the sleeves or collar. As a result, you get a warm core, not an all-over cocoon. On cold, still mornings, that’s enough to take the edge off quickly. In wind, the shell helps a lot, but your arms will feel cooler than your torso; plan to layer a long sleeve base if that’s a concern.

Controls are dead simple: three temperature levels plus a preheat function. Preheat brings the jacket up to temp quickly, and I usually drop to low or medium for steady-state warmth once I’m moving. On the highest setting, the jacket gets toasty without feeling hot-spotted or patchy, although the heating elements do feel concentrated rather than expansive. Low is subtle but useful if you’re working hard and just want to keep the chill off.

Battery runtime is going to depend on the capacity of the pack you use, ambient temps, and your heat setting. With a compact 20V battery, I’ve had no trouble getting through a typical morning on medium before a quick recharge over lunch. Low stretches considerably longer; high cuts that window down. The nice part is that the jacket uses the same battery ecosystem as DeWalt tools, so you can swap packs if you already run yellow.

Comfort, fit, and mobility

The jacket has more structure than a typical mid-layer fleece, which helps it hold shape and block wind. The outer shell is wind- and rain-resistant; the inner fleece is soft without grabbing onto everything you wear underneath. It’s not insulated, and that’s by design—you’re meant to pair the shell with the heat and layer as needed.

Cut-wise, it’s a work-friendly, slightly athletic fit: enough room for a base layer and a light mid-layer without billowing. The shoulders and elbows articulate well, and the sleeves are long enough that reaching overhead doesn’t leave your wrists exposed. I found it comfortable for climbing ladders and working overhead, though the battery’s location does influence how freely you can twist at the waist, particularly when the pack is up front.

At 3.64 lb with the electronics and shell, it’s more substantial than a standard soft shell, but it doesn’t feel heavy while you’re wearing it. The lack of a hood is either a plus or minus depending on your preferences; I like that it layers cleanly under a hard hat and doesn’t catch on stuff, but you’ll want a beanie when the wind kicks up.

Weather protection

This is not a rain jacket, but it shrugs off mist and light showers nicely. Water beads on the shell and wipes away, and the wind resistance is solid for a soft shell. In steady rain, the seams eventually wet through; that’s expected for this category. It’s best as a daily outer layer in cold, dry weather and a mid-layer under a shell when the skies open up.

Pockets and everyday utility

You get five pockets: inner and outer zippered chest pockets, two lower zipper welt pockets for the hands, and a small sleeve pocket. The layout makes sense. The outer chest pocket keeps a phone accessible without fighting the battery harness; the inner chest pocket is a good place for a wallet or notebook. The sleeve pocket fits a small pen light or ID. All zippers are low-profile and glove-friendly.

The USB power adapter is genuinely useful. I’ve used it to trickle-charge a phone on lunch breaks and power a headlamp in a pinch. It’s not a mobile power bank replacement, but in the context of a workday, it’s one less thing to worry about.

Build quality and durability

The shell fabric has held up well against abrasion—no pilling from straps or rough lumber so far. Stitching is straight and clean on the main seams. Where the jacket shows its quirks is at the main zipper: mine was stiff out of the box and felt gritty the first few days. A quick run of zipper lubricant helped, and it’s been acceptable since, but it’s an area where I’d like to see smoother hardware. The pocket zippers are better behaved.

The heating elements and wiring are discreet, and I haven’t felt any hard edges or hot spots. The internal harness and connector are well anchored and haven’t tangled or snagged.

As for care, I avoid harsh settings and hang dry. That’s standard for heated apparel, and it keeps the shell looking fresh. The one-year limited warranty is on the short side for apparel but typical for tool-branded gear.

What could be better

• Heat coverage: The focus on core warmth works, but broader panels or optional sleeve heat would help in wind.
• Zipper smoothness: The main zipper could be higher quality out of the box.
• Rear battery comfort: The rear pocket placement isn’t ideal for driving or leaning back; plan to use the front option in those cases.
• No hood: Keeps it clean under PPE, but you’ll need separate head coverage in cold or wet.

What it’s best for

• Early morning starts where you want fast warmth without bulk.
• Jobsites and workshops where wind and light moisture are realities but you don’t need full waterproofing.
• Users already invested in DeWalt 20V batteries who can rotate packs for longer runtime.
• Layering under a shell in truly foul weather, or wearing as a standalone in cold, dry conditions.

Tips from use

• Use preheat to get up to temp, then drop to low or medium to extend runtime.
• Swap the battery to the front pocket for driving or desk time; move it back before climbing or overhead work.
• Keep a compact battery in the jacket’s pocket and a larger pack on standby if you need an all-day solution.
• A light base layer and this jacket on low beat running it on high over a T-shirt in most conditions.

Bottom line and recommendation

The DeWalt heated jacket prioritizes practical warmth, a tough shell, and a straightforward control scheme. It’s not trying to be a fashion piece, and it doesn’t overcomplicate the heating system. The core heat is effective, the wind and water resistance are genuinely useful, and the pocket layout makes sense for work. The ability to reposition the battery is smarter than it looks on paper and solves a real comfort issue.

It’s not perfect. The main zipper should be smoother, and the heating coverage is focused rather than expansive. If you want heat in your sleeves or a built-in hood, look elsewhere. If you spend long stretches seated, you’ll use the front battery pocket more than you expect.

I recommend this jacket for tradespeople and DIYers who want reliable core warmth in a work-ready shell and who either already own DeWalt 20V batteries or don’t mind swapping packs to manage runtime. It’s a solid, no-drama heated layer that does its job well, provided you accept the focused heat zones and pay a little attention to battery placement.