DeWalt Heavy Duty Black Heated Work Jacket

A Jobsite Layer That Actually Pulls Its Weight

My cold-weather kit is cluttered with promises. Soft shells that soak through, parkas that restrict movement, “heated” layers that barely get lukewarm. The DeWalt heated jacket is the first piece I’ve used in a long time that feels purpose-built for real work. It’s not flashy and it’s not a puffer; it’s a tough, duck-fabric shell with heat where you actually need it and thought-through details that matter when your hands are dirty and the wind is biting.

Build and Comfort

The outer shell is classic workwear duck—durable, water- and wind-resistant, and stiff enough to shrug off jobsite abuse without feeling like cardboard. Inside, a fleece polyester lining keeps it comfortable against a base layer and tames that initial chill before the heat kicks in. The sleeves have a smooth-finish polyester lining, which sounds minor until you’re trying to pull it over a hoodie and not twist up your cuffs; it glides right on.

What stands out here is the balance between structure and comfort. The jacket has gusseted underarms and articulated shoulders, so overhead work or reaching for a tool doesn’t yank the whole jacket up your torso. The collar is stretch-ribbed for a soft seal around the neck, and the hideaway storm cuffs do a nice job keeping wind out without catching on gloves.

The hood is flannel-lined and warm, with an integrated drawstring. It’s cozy in sustained wind, but it’s on the generous side. Over a hard hat it’s fine; without one, it can feel a bit cavernous.

Heating Performance

Heat is distributed across five zones: left and right chest, both arms, and the mid-back. The arm elements are the difference-maker. When your forearms are warm, your hands stay more functional, and I noticed that immediately when handling cold steel or fastening hardware.

The LED controller gives you three heat settings plus a preheat function. I’ve made a habit of toggling preheat while I load the truck—by the time I’m at the first task, the jacket is already delivering steady warmth. High gets hot; medium is my all-day choice when temps are in the 30s; low extends battery life in the 40s or when I’m moving enough to generate heat on my own. The controller sits on the inside of the jacket, which keeps it protected and low-profile. The trade-off is that you’ll need to crack the zipper to check the indicator or change modes with gloves on.

Warm-up is quick, and the heat is even. Unlike some jackets that give you hot spots, I never felt a single wire; it’s a diffuse warmth that takes the edge off the wind instantly and keeps your core and arms in the game.

Battery and Power Management

Power comes from DeWalt’s 20V MAX batteries, and that’s a big plus if you already run yellow on the job. Standard packs slot into the battery pocket via an adapter that also includes a USB power port for topping off phones or headlamps. You can route the power to either a rear or front pocket using the included placement extension, which sounds like a footnote but is incredibly useful. In a harness or with a tool belt, relocating the battery to the front made the jacket much more comfortable.

Battery life depends on the pack. With a compact 2.0Ah, I’m getting around 2–3 hours on medium and more if I manage heat (preheat, then drop to low when moving). A 5.0Ah pack stretches that to most of a workday on low-to-medium with breaks. Using the USB port will nibble at that runtime, and in cold weather any lithium pack loses some capacity. If you can, carry a spare.

There’s no getting around the fact that a 20V pack is bulkier than a proprietary low-voltage battery. The adapter and battery are noticeable, and you’ll feel them if you bend at the waist a lot or wear a loaded belt. The extension cable gives you placement flexibility, and on long days I’ve parked the battery in a pouch and routed the cable to keep the jacket streamlined.

Pockets and Practicality

You get seven pockets in total, and they’re genuinely useful:

• Two large, fleece-lined front pouches for hand warmth or light gloves.
• Two exterior stacked tool/accessory pockets that actually fit a small notebook, fasteners, or a compact tape.
• One internal pocket with a hook-and-loop closure—good for a wallet.
• One external and one internal zippered accessory pocket for a phone, charger, or keys.

The riveted front pockets add durability where it’s needed. With the battery in a pocket, you’ll want to think through what rides alongside it; I kept hard items away from the pack to avoid pressure points.

Weather Resistance

This isn’t a rain jacket and it doesn’t pretend to be. The duck fabric is water- and wind-resistant, which means it sheds mist and brief light rain and stops the gusts from cutting through. In a steady rain, it will wet out—layer a shell if you know you’ll be soaked. The heated elements help compensate when the air is damp and raw, but they’re not a substitute for waterproofing.

Mobility and Fit

The cut sits right in the workwear sweet spot: roomy enough for a base layer or thin hoodie without feeling boxy. The articulated shoulders and gussets do what they’re supposed to; I didn’t fight the jacket to reach, lift, or climb. The hem sits at a practical length for crouching and doesn’t ride up when the arms go overhead.

Sizing felt true for me, with a bit of allowance to layer. If you’re between sizes and plan to wear it primarily over a T-shirt or thermal, consider the smaller of the two; add a size if you’ll stack it over a bulky hoodie daily.

Downsides

A few things to consider before you buy:

• Battery bulk: A 20V MAX pack offers great runtime but adds weight and size. You feel it, especially with compact movements or a belt.
• Tool belt interference: Rear-pocket battery placement conflicts with a belt; use the front pocket or a pouch and the extension cable to get it out of the way.
• Hood size: Warm but roomy. Great over headgear, less ideal bareheaded in high wind unless cinched tight.
• Controller access: It’s protected inside, but changing modes with gloves can be fiddly.
• No battery or charger included: If you don’t already have DeWalt 20V gear, budget for a pack and charger. The jacket itself is only one part of the investment.
• Warranty is 1 year: Fair for apparel with electronics, but worth noting.

None of these are deal-breakers for me, but they’re part of the equation.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of It

• Use preheat: Kick it on while you gear up, then drop to medium or low to stretch runtime.
• Pick the right pack: A compact 2.0Ah keeps weight down for short stints; a 5.0Ah is better for all-day warmth.
• Route smart: Use the placement extension to get the battery where it won’t clash with a harness or belt.
• Layer intelligently: A light base layer plus this jacket on medium beats a bulky hoodie on high.
• Mind the USB: Handy for emergencies, but expect a runtime penalty if you’re charging devices in the cold.

Who It’s For

If you work outside, in unheated interiors, or you’re on the move between indoor and outdoor tasks all winter, this is a true productivity layer. Tradespeople, survey crews, delivery and facilities teams, range and field techs—anyone who needs warmth without the bulk and sweat of a heavy parka will appreciate it. It’s rugged enough for daily use and comfortable enough that you’ll reach for it even when you’re off the clock.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt heated jacket for anyone already on the 20V MAX platform or looking for a durable, job-ready heated layer that prioritizes function over flash. The heating zones are thoughtfully placed (including the arms), the shell and lining balance toughness with comfort, and the mobility features make it a legitimate work jacket—not a gadget with sleeves. You’ll need to plan around the battery bulk and tool belt interference, and the hood won’t be everyone’s favorite, but the ability to route the power to different pockets, plus fast, effective heat on three settings with a preheat mode, makes it a reliable partner in cold weather. If you value warmth, durability, and platform compatibility, this jacket earns its spot in the truck.