Milwaukee M12 Heated Toughshell Jacket

As a frequent user of Milwaukee tools, I was eager to try out the M12 Heated Toughshell Jacket, model 204-20. The concept of a heated jacket promised to make winter workdays more tolerable, so I was keen to see how it performed in various conditions.

Design and Material

The jacket is constructed with a blend of polyester and spandex, offering a balance between durability and flexibility. The fabric feels robust and gives the impression that it can withstand the rigors of a worksite. The material is also wind and water-resistant, which is a bonus for those who work outdoors in unpredictable weather.

One of the immediately noticeable features is the jacket's design. It includes dropped shoulder seams, which improve the range of motion—a crucial aspect when you're constantly moving and reaching. The adjustable cuffs and waist allow for a more personalized fit, making it easier to layer clothing underneath.

Heating Technology

The M12 Heated Jacket leverages carbon fiber heating elements that are strategically placed in three zones: the chest, back, and front pockets. The Quick-Heat functionality is designed to warm up these areas swiftly, which is particularly useful when you need immediate relief from the cold.

I found that the heating elements do warm up relatively quickly but don’t expect them to turn the jacket into an oven. The heat is subtle and provides a comfortable warmth rather than an intense heat. The battery life is quite impressive when used on lower heat settings, offering up to 12 hours of runtime with the M12 REDLITHIUM 3.0 Compact Battery Pack. However, on high settings, the battery life dwindles significantly, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on using the jacket for extended periods in severe cold.

Battery and Convenience

The battery pass-thru design is a thoughtful feature, allowing the battery to be placed in either the front or back pocket. This flexibility is useful, especially if you prefer to have the battery in a less obtrusive location. However, the battery system does have its drawbacks. The battery pocket is quite bulky, and if not zipped properly, the battery can easily fall out when bending over or moving around. This is a design flaw that can be quite frustrating, especially in active work environments.

The jacket also includes a USB port on the battery holder, which allows you to charge other devices—a handy feature for those who need to keep their phones charged on the go.

Comfort and Fit

The comfort level of the jacket is generally good. The material is soft and doesn’t restrict movement, thanks to its stretchable fabric. The dropped shoulder seams contribute to a better range of motion, which I found beneficial while performing tasks that require overhead reaching.

However, the sizing can be a bit tricky. The jacket runs larger than expected, likely to accommodate multiple layers underneath. While this is useful, it can make the fit somewhat awkward if you’re not layering heavily. I also noticed that the sleeves are disproportionately long, which might be inconvenient for some users.

Practical Use

In terms of warmth, the jacket performs well even without the heating elements turned on. It’s insulated enough to provide decent warmth in moderately cold conditions. With the heating elements activated, it adds an extra layer of comfort that makes a noticeable difference, especially in chilly weather.

The placement of the heating elements is a bit of a mixed bag. While the chest and back zones provide adequate warmth, the hand warmer pockets could be better designed. The heating elements in the pockets are located at the top, which isn’t the most intuitive place for hand warming. Most people naturally rest their hands at the bottom of the pockets, where the heat isn’t as effective.

Durability

The jacket appears to be built to last. The fabric is durable and resistant to tears, which is essential for a work jacket. The water and wind resistance also hold up well in adverse weather conditions. However, the zippers are a bit of a letdown. They are made of plastic and don’t feel as sturdy as the rest of the jacket. Upgrading to metal zippers would significantly improve the overall durability.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee M12 Heated Toughshell Jacket is a solid piece of gear for those who need extra warmth in cold working conditions. It excels in material quality, flexibility, and heating technology. However, it’s not without its flaws. The battery pocket design is cumbersome, and the heat distribution could be improved, especially in the hand warmer pockets.

Would I recommend this jacket? Yes, but with reservations. If you’re looking for a heated jacket that offers decent warmth and durability, this is a good option. However, be prepared to deal with some of its quirks, like the bulky battery pocket and the less-than-perfect zipper quality. For those who spend long hours in harsh winter conditions, the added warmth and comfort can make a significant difference in your day-to-day activities. Just ensure you have a backup battery handy and keep an eye on the battery pocket to avoid any mishaps.