Milwaukee 3-in-1 Heated Jacket Kit

As someone who spends plenty of time working outdoors in the cold, I was eager to try out the Milwaukee 3-in-1 Heated Jacket Kit, model 251-21. This jacket promises to combine warmth, durability, and convenience, all with the added benefit of electric heating elements. Here’s my comprehensive take on this innovative piece of gear.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Milwaukee heated jacket was its solid construction. The outer shell is made from GRIDIRON Ripstop Polyester, which feels incredibly durable to the touch. This material is designed to resist abrasions and tears, and it certainly lives up to that promise. Despite some aggressive use, the jacket showed no signs of wear, making it a reliable choice for rugged environments.

The inner heated hoodie is equally well-made. The tricot lining feels comfortable and adds an extra layer of warmth even when the heating elements are off. The jacket is also washer and dryer safe, which is a huge plus for anyone who works in messy environments.

Heating Performance

One of the standout features of this jacket is its heating capability. The jacket has heating elements in the chest, back, and shoulders, which can be controlled via a one-touch LED controller located on the left chest area. The controller is intuitive to use, even with gloves on. You can cycle through three heat settings (high, medium, low) with ease.

I found the heating elements to be remarkably effective. The jacket heats up in about 30 seconds, and you can feel the warmth almost immediately. On the highest setting, the heat can be quite intense, making it perfect for those extremely cold days. On the lowest setting, the battery lasted for about 8 hours, which is enough to get through a full workday.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is another area where this jacket excels. The mobility gussets allow for a good range of motion, which is essential for anyone who needs to move around a lot while working. The jacket also features a pass-through pocket for the battery, which is a thoughtful design element. This pocket allows you to position the battery in a way that it doesn’t become a nuisance, especially when sitting down.

However, the fit can be a bit tricky. I found that the sizes run a bit large, so it might be worth trying on a size smaller than you usually wear. The jacket also has adjustable drawstrings at the hem and waist, which help to keep the cold air out.

Pockets and Storage

The jacket comes with nine pockets, which provide ample storage for tools, gadgets, and personal items. The front pockets are large enough to fit your hands even with gloves on, and there’s an internal zippered pocket that’s perfect for a phone or wallet. However, I did wish that some of the pockets had zippers instead of snaps for added security.

Weather Resistance

In terms of weather resistance, the Milwaukee heated jacket performs admirably. The outer shell is both wind and water-resistant, and I found that it kept me dry in light rain and snow. The hood is designed to fit comfortably under a hard hat, which is a nice touch for those who work in construction or similar fields. However, it’s worth noting that the hood is made from a different material than the rest of the jacket and isn’t as waterproof.

Battery and Charging

The jacket comes with an M12 REDLITHIUM 2.0 Compact Battery Pack and a charger. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 12 hours on the lowest heat setting. The battery also has a built-in USB port, which is handy for charging other devices. The only downside is that the charger doesn’t plug into a standard wall outlet; it requires a USB port, which might not be convenient for everyone.

Areas for Improvement

While the Milwaukee heated jacket is generally excellent, there are a few areas where it could be improved. The cuffs at the end of the sleeves could use some elastic to provide a better seal against the cold. Additionally, the battery pocket could be more comfortable, especially when compared to the hoodie’s battery pocket. Lastly, the control buttons could be more visible; it’s sometimes hard to tell which heat setting you’re on, especially in low light conditions.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Overall, the Milwaukee 3-in-1 Heated Jacket Kit is a fantastic piece of gear for anyone who needs to stay warm while working in cold conditions. Its durable construction, effective heating elements, and thoughtful design features make it a valuable investment. While there are a few minor areas for improvement, they don’t significantly detract from the jacket’s overall performance.

I would definitely recommend this jacket to anyone working in the trades, outdoor enthusiasts, or even those who simply spend a lot of time in cold environments. Its combination of warmth, durability, and convenience makes it well worth the investment.