DeWalt Heavy Duty Tobacco Heated Work Jacket Kit

Why I reached for a heated jacket this winter

Cold, wind-whipped jobsites expose the limits of even good insulation. Between early starts, long ladder runs, and time on exposed slabs, I wanted steady, on-demand warmth without stacking bulky layers. That’s what led me to the DeWalt heated jacket. After weeks of use in freezing temps with plenty of wind, it earns a place in my winter kit—not perfect, but impressively capable and thoughtfully built.

Build and weather protection

The shell is a tough duck fabric that shrugs off wind and light precipitation. It’s not a raincoat, but it resists drizzle and slush long enough to finish a task or get under cover. The inner fleece lining adds passive warmth and feels comfortable over a base layer. I appreciate the ribbed collar and hideaway storm cuffs; both do a lot to stop drafts sneaking in around the neck and wrists.

The hood is flannel-lined and integrated with a drawstring. It’s cozy on breaks or when I’m not wearing a hard hat, and it cinches down well in gusts. On the job I tend to keep a beanie on and leave the hood flat, but it’s nice to have for off-site wear.

At a glance, this is a work jacket first: seams and stress points feel reinforced, and the duck fabric has the kind of abrasion resistance you want around rough materials. It’s a bit stiffer out of the box and breaks in over a few days.

Heating performance and controls

Heat coverage is where this jacket stands out: two zones across the chest, one across the mid-back, and crucially, both arms. Warming the sleeves matters more than you’d think; if your forearms and hands stay warmer, you can keep dexterity without bulkier gloves.

The LED controller is simple and reliable with three heat settings and a preheat mode. I found myself using preheat on the walk from the truck, then stepping down once I got moving. On low, the heat is subtle but constant. Medium is the sweet spot for light work in the 20s or 30s Fahrenheit. High delivers a quick, noticeable boost that takes the sting out of wind.

Heat distribution is even. No hot spots, no dead zones. It feels like a steady, blanket-like warmth rather than a few isolated patches.

Battery, runtime, and charging

The kit includes DeWalt’s 20V MAX 2.0 Ah battery and a charger. The battery sits in a left-rear pocket near the hip, and there’s a USB power source/adapter with an extension that lets you route it to a front or back pocket if you prefer. Placement is smart: it stays out of the way when climbing, bending, or sitting in a vehicle.

Runtime will depend on conditions and setting. With the included 2.0 Ah pack, I typically see about:
- Low: up to a full workday of intermittent use (the spec says up to 9 hours, which aligns with my experience when I’m not running it constantly)
- Medium: roughly 4–6 hours of continuous heat
- High: plan on 2–3 hours

On truly cold, windy days when I keep it on high longer, I carry a spare. If you own DeWalt 20V MAX tools, a 5.0 Ah battery stretches things to cover long shifts without babysitting the controller. The included charger tops the 2.0 Ah in about 90 minutes, so swapping batteries at lunch is easy.

The USB power port is a real perk. I’ve used it to top off a phone and a headlamp on the fly. Being able to route the adapter to a front pocket keeps cables manageable.

Comfort, mobility, and fit

This is a heavier jacket than a typical canvas shell—no surprise with the heating elements and a 20V pack on board—but the weight is well distributed. I never felt lopsided, and the battery doesn’t jab when you sit or wear a seatbelt.

Gusseted underarms and a slick sleeve lining make a clear difference. Over a base layer and light hoodie, I had full range of motion for overhead work and didn’t fight the fabric when taking the jacket on and off. The fleece pockets are great hand warmers between tasks.

Layering matters. If you wear a very thick midlayer, you’ll buffer some of the heat. I had the best results with a moisture-wicking base and a thin hoodie or flannel: warm without bulk, with the heated zones doing the heavy lifting.

Fit is true to size in my experience—roomy enough for a light midlayer but not boxy. The zipper runs smoothly, and the collar height is just right for blocking wind without rubbing a chin strap.

Pockets and organization

Pocket layout on this jacket is excellent. You get two large fleece-lined front pouch pockets that are actually big enough for gloved hands and odds and ends. There are stacked exterior pockets for small tools and fasteners, zippered accessory pockets to keep a phone secure, and an internal pocket with hook-and-loop for things you don’t want to lose. It’s a practical mix that supports both jobsite use and everyday wear.

The battery pocket’s flexibility—plus the extension cable—lets you choose where the weight rides. I prefer the standard left-rear position, but routing it forward is handy when I’m sitting for extended periods.

Durability and maintenance

After a stretch of site work, the outer shell shows minimal scuffing and sheds dust and light moisture easily. The stitching has held, and the cuffs haven’t bagged out. The smooth sleeve lining hasn’t snagged on tool belts or Velcro. I’d still use a shell over it in steady rain, but for most winter days with wind and flurries, it’s plenty.

As with any heated garment, treat the wiring with respect: don’t yank the power leads, and disconnect the battery before tossing it in the truck. A periodic wipe-down keeps the exterior presentable. The one-year limited warranty is reassuring if anything electronic misbehaves early on.

What I’d change

A few nitpicks:
- Weight is noticeable compared to a non-heated jacket, especially with larger batteries. It’s manageable, but you feel it.
- I’d love a hi-vis option to skip layering a safety vest over it on certain sites.
- The hood adds welcome warmth, but it’s bulkier under a hard hat; I often leave it down.

None of these are deal breakers, and they’re mostly trade-offs inherent to the category.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople working outdoors or in unheated spaces who want consistent, controllable warmth without piling on heavy layers
• Anyone already invested in DeWalt 20V MAX batteries who can leverage higher-capacity packs for longer runtime
• Commuters, maintenance staff, and outdoor hobbyists who face wind and chill and appreciate extra heat in the arms and core

If you spend a lot of time in heavy rain, you’ll still want a waterproof shell. And if you rarely face wind or freezing temps, a traditional insulated jacket might be simpler.

The bottom line

The DeWalt heated jacket pairs rugged workwear construction with a heating layout that actually makes sense for jobsite tasks. The five-zone coverage—including both arms—delivers balanced warmth, the controls are straightforward, and the pocket system is genuinely useful. Battery placement is unobtrusive, the included kit gets you started out of the box, and the USB power source adds everyday utility.

Recommendation: I recommend this jacket. It’s a durable, wind-resistant layer that meaningfully extends your comfort window on cold days. With the included 2.0 Ah battery it covers typical use on low or medium, and it scales well with larger packs if you need all-day heat. It’s not the lightest option and it isn’t a rain shell, but for trades and cold-weather chores where warmth, mobility, and durability matter, it’s a smart, reliable choice.