Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket Kit

Experiencing the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket Kit has been quite an adventure. As someone who spends a significant amount of time outdoors, especially during the colder months, finding the right gear to stay warm is essential. This jacket, with its sleek design and advanced heating technology, promises to be a game-changer. Let’s dive into my experience with it.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket impresses with its stylish and functional design. The polyester material is both wind and water-resistant, making it suitable for various weather conditions. The jacket feels lightweight, not at all bulky, which is a pleasant surprise given its heating capabilities. The interior storm flap and thermal knit fleece lining add to the overall comfort and warmth, even when the heating elements are not in use.

Heating Performance

The jacket features carbon fiber heating elements strategically placed in the core zones (right chest, left chest, and back) and lower pockets. Activating the heating is straightforward with the M12 button located on the upper left chest. A simple press and hold turn the heat on, and subsequent short presses cycle through the three heat settings (High, Medium, Low).

In my experience, the jacket heats up impressively fast, within about two minutes. The warmth is evenly distributed, particularly noticeable in the chest and back areas. The adjustable heat settings allow for customization based on personal comfort and changing weather conditions. I found the maximum heat setting to be comfortably warm without being overwhelming, which is a significant plus.

Battery Life and Charging

The jacket is powered by the M12 REDLITHIUM battery, which Milwaukee claims can provide up to six hours of heat. In practice, the battery life varies depending on the heat setting used. On the highest setting, I found the battery lasted around three to four hours, which is still quite decent for most outdoor activities.

One downside is the bulkiness of the battery. It’s about the size of a small soda can and fits into a pocket on the left side of the jacket. While it’s not overly cumbersome, it’s noticeable, especially during more active movements. The battery holder also doubles as a charger for portable devices, which is a handy feature, although it adds to the overall bulk.

Charging the battery can be a bit slow, particularly if you’re using a standard USB charger. I found that using a dedicated Milwaukee M12 charger sped up the process significantly. It’s worth noting that the kit does not include a wall plug for the charger, which is an inconvenience if you don’t already own one.

Practical Use

The Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket is versatile for various activities. I tested it during an outdoor sporting event on a chilly, windy day. Even without the heating elements turned on, the jacket provided excellent wind resistance and kept me warm. When the temperature dropped further, the heating elements offered a comforting warmth that made the experience much more enjoyable.

The jacket’s durability is another highlight. The material feels robust and well-constructed, with high-quality zippers and seams. It’s also machine washable, which is a huge plus for maintenance. Just remember to remove the battery pack and charger before washing.

Comfort and Fit

The jacket fits well, though sizing can be a bit tricky. I opted for a medium, which was slightly larger than expected, but this allowed for layering underneath. The sleeves are a bit long, but the adjustable bottom hem helps prevent cold air from drafting up. The overall fit is comfortable, and the jacket is stylish enough for everyday wear.

One area where the jacket could improve is the number and placement of pockets. While it has two heated lower hand pockets and a cell phone/MP3 chest pocket, additional interior pockets would have been useful. The lack of zippers on the exterior pockets, aside from the battery pocket, is another minor drawback.

Recommendations

Overall, the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket Kit is an impressive piece of gear for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in cold weather. Its quick heating, adjustable settings, and durable build make it a reliable choice for staying warm. The few drawbacks, such as the bulky battery and limited pocket options, are relatively minor compared to the benefits it offers.

If you’re looking for a heated jacket that combines functionality with style, the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket is a solid investment. It’s particularly useful for outdoor workers, sports enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to stay warm during extended periods outside. The convenience of the M12 battery system and the added feature of charging portable devices make it even more versatile.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket Kit for its excellent performance, comfort, and durability. It’s a worthwhile addition to your winter wardrobe, providing reliable warmth and protection against the elements.