Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket Kit

Winter can be brutal, especially for those of us who spend a lot of time outdoors. Whether you're hunting, working, or simply trying to stay warm, a heated jacket can be a game-changer. The Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket Kit, model 2393, is designed to keep you comfortable in the coldest conditions, and it certainly delivers in many aspects.

First and foremost, the jacket's heating capabilities are impressive. Powered by Milwaukee's M12 REDLITHIUM Battery Technology, it features five carbon fiber heating elements strategically placed in the core body areas and pockets. These elements distribute and maintain heat efficiently, ensuring that your chest, back, and hands stay warm. With three heat settings—High, Medium, and Low—you can adjust the warmth to your liking. I found the highest setting to be particularly effective on those biting cold mornings, providing a cozy warmth that made outdoor tasks much more bearable.

One of the standout features of the Milwaukee heated jacket is its durability. The outer material is made from noise-reducing, water, and wind-resistant polyester, which is essential for outdoor activities like hunting. The Real Tree Xtra camouflage pattern is not only visually appealing but also practical for blending into natural surroundings. The inner lining is a thermal knit fleece, adding an extra layer of insulation that helps retain heat even when the jacket is not powered on.

The jacket also includes several well-thought-out design elements. The zone-specific heat control allows you to customize the heating areas, which is particularly useful if you want to focus the warmth on specific parts of your body. The additional storage pockets are a nice touch, providing ample space for essentials. The jacket features two outer pockets, one outer zip pocket, one inner zip pocket, and one inner pouch, making it easy to carry small items like your phone, wallet, or hunting gear.

Speaking of phones, the jacket comes with a USB port for charging portable devices. This feature is incredibly convenient, especially if you're spending extended periods outdoors and need to keep your gadgets powered up. I found it particularly useful during long hunting trips when my phone's battery was running low.

One minor drawback is the battery placement. The battery sits in a pouch on the left hip, and while it's generally unobtrusive, it can flop around a bit when you're moving. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it's something to be aware of. Additionally, while the jacket is machine washable and dryable, the battery must be removed before washing, which is standard for most heated apparel but still worth mentioning.

The jacket's fit is true to size, but some users might find it beneficial to go a size up, especially if they plan to layer underneath. The adjustable sleeve cuffs are a nice touch, allowing for a snug fit around gloves to keep the cold air out. However, I did miss having Velcro straps on the sleeves for an even more secure fit.

One area where the Milwaukee heated jacket could improve is the pocket zippers. The nylon zippers used for the pockets are a bit noisy, which might be a concern for hunters who need to stay silent. A quieter zipper design, similar to the front zipper, would be a welcome improvement.

Battery life is another important consideration. On the highest setting, the M12 battery provides up to 1.5 to 2 hours of continuous heat, which is adequate for short trips but may require carrying extra batteries for extended use. The jacket is compatible with all M12 batteries, so if you already own Milwaukee tools, you can easily swap out batteries. For longer outings, I recommend investing in the larger 4.0 battery, which offers a longer runtime.

Despite these minor issues, the Milwaukee heated jacket excels in its primary function: keeping you warm. The jacket is comfortable, well-made, and performs admirably in cold conditions. It's especially beneficial for hunters, outdoor workers, and anyone who spends a lot of time in the elements.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket Kit. Its effective heating elements, durable construction, and thoughtful features make it a valuable addition to any cold-weather wardrobe. While there are a few areas for improvement, the overall performance and comfort of the jacket outweigh these minor drawbacks. If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality heated jacket to keep you warm during the winter months, the Milwaukee heated jacket is an excellent choice.