DeWalt Soft Shell Heated Work Jacket Kit

As someone who spends a significant amount of time working outdoors, especially during the colder months, the DeWalt Soft Shell Heated Work Jacket Kit (model DCHJ060ABD1-S) has been a game-changer in my wardrobe. This review is based on my personal experience using this heated jacket through various weather conditions and work scenarios.

The first thing that struck me about this jacket is its build quality. The outer shell is made from a durable polyester material that feels robust enough to withstand the wear and tear of a job site. The inner lining is a soft fleece polyester, which adds an extra layer of comfort and warmth even before you turn on the heating elements. The jacket is black, which is great for hiding dirt and grime—a practical choice for anyone in construction or similar fields.

One of the standout features of this jacket is its five heating zones: left chest, right chest, arms, and mid-back. These zones are strategically placed to ensure that your core and extremities stay warm. The heating is controlled via an LED controller with three temperature settings—high, medium, and low—along with a pre-heat function. I found the pre-heat function particularly useful on extremely cold mornings. You can turn it on a few minutes before stepping outside, and the jacket is toasty warm by the time you put it on.

The jacket is powered by a 20V MAX Li-Ion battery, which is the same type used in many DeWalt tools. This is incredibly convenient if you already own DeWalt products, as you can interchange the batteries. The battery pack comes with a USB power port, allowing you to charge your electronic devices on the go—a feature that proved invaluable during long workdays when my phone battery was running low.

However, the battery pack is a bit bulky and can be cumbersome, especially when placed in the front pocket. I often found it uncomfortable to sit down or bend over with the battery in this position. There is an option to place the battery in a back pocket, but this isn't much better if you need to sit for extended periods. A more streamlined, jacket-specific battery design would be a significant improvement.

One of the more practical aspects of this jacket is its array of pockets. It features two zippered slash pockets, one external zippered accessory pocket, one internal zippered accessory pocket, and one internal accessory pocket with a hook and loop closure. These pockets are well-placed and offer ample storage for tools, gadgets, and personal items. The front zipper is sturdy and comes with an internal wind guard, which helps keep the cold air out. The low funnel neck with a chin guard is another thoughtful addition, providing extra protection against the wind.

In terms of performance, the jacket excels in keeping you warm. On the highest setting, I was comfortable even during the harshest winter days. The heating elements distribute warmth evenly, and the jacket itself is well-insulated, making it effective even when the heating is turned off. However, I did notice that the battery life on the highest setting is somewhat limited. A fully charged 2Ah battery lasted me about 2 hours on high, which means you might need to carry extra batteries if you're planning to be out all day.

One of the downsides I encountered was the jacket's durability over time. After a season of heavy use, the wiring seemed to wear out, causing intermittent heating issues. This is a significant drawback, especially considering the premium price tag. Additionally, I had some issues with the zipper losing teeth, which affected its functionality. It's disappointing to see such wear and tear on a product that is otherwise so well-designed.

Another point of concern is the customer service experience. When I reached out for support regarding the wiring and zipper issues, I was directed to Radians, the company that manufactures the jacket under the DeWalt brand. The process was cumbersome, and the response times were less than satisfactory. For a product that carries the DeWalt name, one would expect a more seamless support experience.

Despite these drawbacks, the DeWalt heated jacket has some undeniable strengths. Its heating capabilities are top-notch, and the overall design is both functional and stylish. The jacket is also versatile, suitable for both work and casual use. I've worn it to job sites, outdoor events, and even casual outings, and it has performed admirably in all scenarios.

In conclusion, would I recommend the DeWalt Soft Shell Heated Work Jacket Kit? It's a bit of a mixed bag. If you need a heated jacket that integrates with your existing DeWalt battery system and offers superior warmth, this jacket is a solid choice. However, be prepared for potential durability issues and a less-than-ideal customer service experience. The jacket's performance and features make it a valuable addition to any outdoor worker's wardrobe, but its longevity and support could use some improvement. If DeWalt addresses these issues in future iterations, this jacket could easily become a must-have for anyone braving the elements.