DeWalt Lightweight Soft-Shell Heated Jacket Kit

Cold mornings have a way of slowing everything down. On the days I wore DeWalt’s heated jacket, I noticed my hands stayed steadier and I got moving faster, especially during the first couple of hours outdoors. It’s not a miracle substitute for proper layering, but as a daily driver outer layer that adds controllable warmth and blocks wind and light precipitation, this jacket hits a practical sweet spot.

Build, fit, and comfort

The outer soft-shell feels like a brushed twill—quiet, not plasticky—and it sheds wind effectively. Paired with a polyester fleece lining and a thin layer of polyfil, the jacket has enough inherent insulation to be useful even when the heat is off. That matters more than you’d think: during active work, I didn’t have to keep the elements running the whole time.

Cut-wise, the fit leans slightly trim for a work jacket. Over a base layer and a medium-weight flannel, my usual size felt close to body without being restrictive. If you’re on the edge between sizes or want to wear a thicker hoodie beneath it, I’d size up. There’s no hood, which I actually prefer on a heated jacket; it layers more cleanly under a hard hat or rain shell without bunching. Adjustable hook-and-loop cuffs and a hem draw cord seal out drafts, and there’s an internal wind guard behind the zipper that keeps cold air from sneaking in.

Weight is reasonable for a heated soft-shell, but once you add a 20V battery, you’re reminded this isn’t an ultralight piece. The fabric and stitching feel work-ready, and the zippers track smoothly. Reflective piping and zipper accents are subtle but noticeable—helpful in early morning or after dusk without making you look like a traffic cone.

Heat performance and controls

Warmth comes from three zones: left chest, right chest, and back. That core-focused layout is what I want most of the time—your torso warms quickly and the heat radiates outward. The sleeves aren’t heated, which you’ll feel if you’re standing still in a biting wind with bare forearms, but for typical motions and some light activity, the core warmth is what keeps you comfortable.

The LED controller is intuitive: three temperatures (low/medium/high) plus a pre-heat function. Pre-heat is genuinely useful. I’d hit it as I loaded the truck; by the time I pulled out of the driveway, the jacket had ramped up and I’d drop it to medium. Controls are glove-friendly and the indicator is bright enough to see in daylight. Heat-up is quick—on high, I felt warmth in under a minute, and it stabilized in a few more.

In mixed use—pre-heat for a few minutes, an hour on medium, then toggling between low and off depending on activity—a compact 2.0Ah 20V MAX battery got me through a full workday with something to spare. The manufacturer’s “up to 9 hours” claim on a 2.0Ah pack lines up if you live on low; my real-world mixed-use run time was typically in the 7–8 hour range. On a 1.5Ah compact, I could stretch to around five hours on low. As with any heated garment, battery size dictates comfort versus mobility: larger packs extend run time but add bulk.

Heat distribution is even, with no hot spots or cold corners. The back panel is especially welcome when leaning against cold surfaces or driving a cold vehicle. If I could change anything, I’d add light sleeve warmth for those long, stationary spells, but the core-first design keeps power consumption manageable.

Battery system, pockets, and ergonomics

The battery pocket accepts DeWalt’s 20V MAX batteries, which is a major win for anyone already invested in that platform. The flip side: 20V packs, even compact ones, are bigger than the 12V sticks some competing jackets use. There’s an adapter between the battery and the jacket’s connector; it works fine, but the combined bulk is noticeable with anything larger than a compact pack.

DeWalt gives you five multi-function pockets, and there are a couple of smart ways to route and stash the battery so it’s not banging your hip while you’re on a ladder or crouching. I had the best results with a compact pack tucked toward the rear side, which kept the weight out of my way while still being accessible. Hand pockets are warm, zippers are glove-operable, and there’s sufficient storage for a phone, small notepad, and a few odds and ends without the jacket turning into a cargo vest.

Weather resistance and mobility

As a soft-shell, the jacket does well in wind and light moisture. In a steady drizzle, droplets beaded and rolled for about 20–30 minutes before the face fabric started to darken. I stayed comfortable as long as the wind guard and cuffs were cinched. In heavier rain you’ll want a shell on top, but for cold, dry days or intermittent snow, the jacket holds its own.

Mobility is solid. The fabric has a bit of give, and the cut doesn’t fight you when reaching overhead or forward. The only time I felt restricted was when a larger battery sat in a front-side pocket; that’s more a battery choice than a garment issue. I appreciated that the jacket is quiet—no crinkly noises—and it doesn’t snag easily.

Durability and care

After weeks of jobsite use—lots of dust, occasional abrasion against rough lumber and masonry—the outer fabric shrugged off scuffs and the seams stayed tight. The cuffs are often the first wear point on work jackets; the hook-and-loop held up and didn’t fuzz out. As with any heated garment, follow the care instructions closely: remove the battery and adapter before cleaning, and don’t crush the heating elements. Treated kindly, the jacket feels built for more than one season. There’s a 1-year limited warranty for peace of mind, though I’d always prefer to see two years on a work garment with electronics.

Everyday use and safety touches

I wore the jacket for early-morning truck prep, site layout, and some stationary tasks like running a rotary laser in open wind. The low setting kept me comfortable while moving; medium was my go-to when standing still. High is a great thaw-out mode, but I rarely needed to leave it there for long. The reflective accents help with visibility near equipment at dawn and dusk—small details that matter—without making the jacket look overtly “safety” oriented.

What I liked and what I’d change

Pros:
- Effective core warmth with quick pre-heat and simple, glove-friendly controls
- Wind-resistant soft-shell with comfortable fleece lining and useful baseline insulation
- Integrates with the 20V MAX battery system many tradespeople already own
- Practical pocket layout and decent battery routing options
- Reflective trim and solid build quality for jobsite use

Cons:
- Battery plus adapter can feel bulky; larger packs get awkward fast
- Fit runs a touch snug; consider sizing up if layering
- No heated sleeves; arms can feel cool during prolonged stationary work
- No hood, which some users will miss in cold wind or snow
- Warranty is only one year

Who it’s for

If you’re already on DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform and spend long stretches outdoors or in unheated spaces, this jacket makes a lot of sense. It’s especially handy for start-stop days where you want to add or subtract warmth without swapping layers. If you prioritize the lightest setup possible and don’t need all-day runtime, a 12V heated jacket with a smaller battery may feel more nimble. Conversely, if you’re frequently stationary in deep cold, plan to pair this with a shell and heavier base layers—or be prepared to carry a spare compact battery to keep the heat on.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt heated jacket for tradespeople and regular outdoor users who want reliable, controllable warmth in a durable, wind-resistant package—especially those who already own 20V MAX batteries. It warms up fast, the three-zone heat is well distributed, and the jacket is comfortable even when the elements are off. The main tradeoffs are battery bulk and a slightly snug fit, both manageable with a compact pack and smart sizing. If you can live without heated sleeves and a hood, you’ll get a capable, job-ready layer that makes cold starts and long days in the cold noticeably easier.