DeWalt Quilted Soft Shell Heated Jacket Kit

Why I reached for this heated jacket

Cold mornings on site and long hours standing in the wind are where heated gear earns its keep. After a season with DeWalt’s heated jacket, I’ve come to appreciate how much thought went into balancing warmth, mobility, and battery practicality. It isn’t a flashy piece, but it’s a very functional one, especially if you’re already in the 20V MAX ecosystem.

For clarity, I’ll call it the DeWalt heated jacket throughout. The version I tested is the soft‑shell, quilted model with three heat zones and an LED controller.

What’s included and compatibility

The jacket uses DeWalt’s 20V MAX lithium‑ion batteries via a compact USB power adapter that tucks into a dedicated pocket. Depending on the kit you buy, a battery and charger may or may not be included, so check before you assume it’s in the box. If you already own 20V MAX packs, you’re set—plug in and go.

The adapter includes an extension that lets you route the battery to either the back pocket or a front pocket. That flexibility matters: the back pocket keeps weight off your hip when you’re bending or working on ladders, while the front pocket makes cable routing simpler if you’re seated or wearing a harness.

Heating performance and control

Heat comes from three zones—left chest, right chest, and mid‑back—managed by a small LED button on the left chest. There are three settings (high/medium/low), indicated by color. The control is easy to press with light gloves, and the feedback is immediate enough that you don’t wonder whether your press registered.

Warm‑up is quick. On high, the chest panels come alive first, taking the edge off quickly, while the mid‑back panel steadies your core temperature. There’s no heated collar or sleeves, so neck and forearms rely on insulation rather than active heat; that’s a fair trade for run time and simplicity, but worth noting if your work has you standing still for long stretches.

In everyday use, I treat high as a boost to get settled, then drop to medium or low to sustain. The three-step control provides meaningful differences; medium has been my default for active work, low is plenty for driving or walking a site once my core is warm.

Battery life in real use

Battery life depends on pack capacity, ambient temperature, and your setting. With compact packs, expect high to drain quickly; you’ll get much better longevity on low or medium. Practically speaking, a compact battery saw me through a long morning on low and roughly a half day toggling medium and low, while a higher‑capacity pack carried me through a full day with disciplined use. If you’re working in deep cold or on high frequently, plan to carry a spare. The upside of the 20V MAX platform is that many pros already have extras on the charger.

The battery’s weight is the trade‑off compared to lighter 12V competitors. The routing options help, and the pocketing keeps the pack from flopping around, but you’ll still feel it. If maximum mobility with minimum bulk is your top priority, you may prefer a 12V jacket; if heat output and pack commonality matter more, the 20V system makes sense.

Comfort, fit, and mobility

This is a quilted soft‑shell with a polyester outer, polyfil insulation, and a fleece liner. That combination feels more like a mid‑weight jacket than a shell, and the warmth holds up even with the heat off. Hidden ribbed storm cuffs do a lot to seal out drafts at the wrists, and the gusseted underarms keep the shoulders from binding when reaching overhead.

The cut leans slightly trim to keep the heating elements close to the body, which improves efficiency. I stuck with my usual size and could layer a base layer and light hoodie underneath without feeling squeezed. If you plan on bulky mid‑layers, consider sizing up. The hem drops enough to cover the lower back when you crouch, which works nicely with the mid‑back heater.

Weather resistance and materials

The fabric is wind‑ and water‑resistant. In gusty conditions, it blocks wind better than a basic fleece, and in light rain or snow, it sheds moisture rather than soaking immediately. This isn’t a hard shell—prolonged rain will wet through—so for truly wet days, I wear a waterproof shell over it. The heating still works fine under a shell, and the soft‑shell fabric slides easily beneath outer layers.

The reflective‑trimmed zippers and piping are subtle but helpful around dawn and dusk, adding a touch of visibility without looking like safety gear.

Pockets and day-to-day usability

You get two outer slash pockets and one internal accessory pocket, plus the expandable battery pocket. The hand pockets are roomy and positioned well for harnesses and tool belts. They aren’t actively heated, but they benefit from the chest zones radiating warmth.

The USB adapter includes a charging port for your phone or other small devices. That’s a smart touch: I’ve topped off my phone a few times without hunting for an outlet. Just remember you’re drawing from the same battery that’s heating you; if you’re running tight on capacity in cold weather, don’t expect to fast‑charge your device and make it through the day on high heat.

Cable management is tidy. The internal routing keeps the lead from snagging, and the zipper pulls are glove‑friendly. The LED controller is small enough to avoid catching on straps, yet large enough to find by feel.

Build quality and durability

Stitching and quilting lines are clean, and after months of use the seams at high‑stress points (shoulders, cuffs, pocket edges) have held up. The soft‑shell fabric shrugs off abrasion from tool bags reasonably well. As with any heated garment, take a minute to remove the battery before washing and follow the care label. I prefer spot cleaning day‑to‑day and machine washing sparingly to preserve the water‑resistant treatment.

The hidden ribbed cuffs deserve another mention: they’re unobtrusive, keep dust out, and don’t balloon under gloves. Zippers track smoothly and haven’t jammed with grit. DeWalt backs the jacket with a 1‑year limited warranty, which is standard for heated apparel—reasonable, though I’d like to see longer coverage on the electronics.

What could be better

• Battery bulk: Even with the routing options, a 20V pack adds noticeable weight. If you rely on full mobility in tight spaces, the hip battery can be a factor.
• No hood or collar heat: The collar is comfortable, but on truly frigid days I layered a separate hood or neck gaiter.
• Sizing clarity: The fit is performance‑trim. It works well for heating efficiency, but those in between sizes or planning thick layers may want to try before buying.
• Weather resistance ceiling: It’s wind‑ and water‑resistant, not waterproof. That’s the right call for breathability, but plan on a shell in sustained rain.

None of these are deal‑breakers; they’re trade‑offs typical of heated jackets, and DeWalt manages most of them thoughtfully.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople already invested in DeWalt 20V MAX packs who want a practical, durable heated jacket for cold sites.
• Outdoor workers and enthusiasts who value fast warm‑up, simple controls, and a jacket that still insulates when the heat is off.
• Anyone who needs a mid‑weight layer that can double as a standalone jacket in shoulder seasons and scale up under a rain shell in winter.

If you’re rarely in sub‑freezing temperatures or you prioritize the lightest possible setup, a 12V heated mid‑layer might fit better. If you need serious water protection built in, look for a hard‑shell alternative.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt heated jacket. It nails the fundamentals: quick, even heat across the chest and back; intuitive controls; solid wind resistance; and the right mix of insulation and mobility. The 20V MAX compatibility is a strong advantage for those already carrying DeWalt packs, and the USB adapter adds everyday utility without complicating the setup.

The main caveats are expected ones: battery bulk and the need for a waterproof shell in heavy rain. If those trade‑offs work for your job or weekend use, this jacket is an easy pick. It keeps the cold at bay without getting in your way, which is exactly what a heated layer should do.