Milwaukee Women's Heated Hoodie

As an avid outdoor enthusiast and someone who often finds themselves working in chilly conditions, I was excited to test out the Milwaukee Women's Heated Hoodie, model 336-21. For those who aren't familiar, this hoodie is designed to keep you warm with the help of advanced carbon fiber heating elements powered by a 12V lithium-ion battery. Here’s my comprehensive take on this intriguing piece of wearable technology.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Milwaukee Heated Hoodie looks like any high-quality hoodie. The material is a blend of cotton and polyester, providing a good balance of comfort and durability. The jacket’s design includes raglan sleeves, which are excellent for ease of movement—a significant plus for those who need flexibility in their outerwear. The three-panel hood design with a drawcord is functional, allowing for a snug fit that can keep the wind out effectively.

One of my initial concerns was the placement and bulk of the battery pack. The hoodie features a battery pass-thru pocket that allows you to place the battery in either the front or back of the pocket. While this is a thoughtful feature, I found that placing the battery in the back pocket made sitting uncomfortable, especially if you’re leaning against something. The front pocket placement was better, though it did add a noticeable bulk to one side of the jacket.

Heating Performance

The heating elements are strategically placed in the chest and back areas, and the hoodie offers three heat settings: high, medium, and low, all easily controlled via a one-touch LED controller. The quick-heat function is impressive, and I could feel warmth within a minute of turning it on.

However, while the back heating elements warmed up quite well, the chest heating elements left something to be desired. Even on the highest setting, the warmth in the chest area was minimal compared to the back. This uneven heating distribution is a notable drawback, especially for those who need full-body warmth.

Battery Life

The hoodie comes with an M12 battery and charger. Charging the battery is straightforward; you need to remove the outer case and ensure it's fully seated in the charger to make a proper connection. Once charged, the battery lasts up to eight hours on the low setting, which is decent for a full day's use. However, on the high setting, I found the battery life to be closer to 4-5 hours, which may require you to invest in an extra battery if you plan to be out for extended periods.

Comfort and Fit

The hoodie runs a bit small, so I’d recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes. I usually wear a medium, but I found the large to be a more comfortable fit, especially with additional layers underneath. The inner material is a soft cotton/polyester blend that feels cozy against the skin. The ribbed sleeves provide a snug fit around the wrists, preventing cold air from creeping in.

One of the standout features for me was the functionality of the utility pockets. They are well-placed and reinforced at the edges, making them durable for holding various items. The hoodie is also washer and dryer safe, which is a huge plus for maintenance and longevity.

Practical Use

I tested the hoodie in various scenarios: attending outdoor events, working in my unheated garage, and even during a few hiking trips. The overall experience was positive, especially in moderately cold conditions. The hoodie is not bulky, making it easy to wear under a heavier jacket if needed.

The battery pocket design is convenient, but as mentioned, it can be uncomfortable if placed in the back. The front placement solves this issue but adds bulk. The heating elements, while not perfect, do provide a significant amount of warmth, particularly in the back. I found myself frequently using the medium and high settings to stay comfortable.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee Women's Heated Hoodie is an innovative product that offers a blend of comfort, functionality, and advanced heating technology. It’s particularly well-suited for those who need a lightweight, non-bulky solution to stay warm in cooler environments. The hoodie’s design and build quality are commendable, and the ease of operation makes it user-friendly.

However, it is not without its flaws. The uneven heating distribution between the chest and back, the somewhat bulky battery, and the sizing issue are areas that could use improvement. For the price, I expected a more consistent heating performance, especially in the chest area.

Would I Recommend It?

I would recommend the Milwaukee Women's Heated Hoodie, but with some reservations. If you’re looking for a lightweight, versatile heating solution and can manage the occasional discomfort from the battery placement, this hoodie is worth considering. It’s particularly beneficial for those who need flexibility and ease of movement in their outerwear.

However, if you require consistent and extensive heating across your upper body, you might want to look at other options or consider pairing this hoodie with additional layers. Overall, it’s a solid product that offers significant benefits, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and those working in cold environments.