Milwaukee Heated Hoodie

As someone who frequently finds myself working outdoors or in chilly environments, I was excited to try out Milwaukee's Heated Hoodie, model 2370. With the promise of carbon fiber heating elements, powered by the M12™ REDLITHIUM™ Battery Technology, this hoodie seemed like the perfect solution to keep me warm without the bulk of a traditional coat.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about the Milwaukee Heated Hoodie is its design. The exterior is made from a durable cotton/polyester blend, and the interior features a waffle-weave thermal liner. The material feels solid and well-made, which is what I would expect from a brand like Milwaukee. The hoodie also features rib-knit cuffs and an adjustable hood, which I found useful for keeping the cold at bay.

However, the fit was a bit of a mixed bag. While the shoulders and chest felt snug and comfortable, the sleeves were slightly shorter than what I would have preferred. The elastic cuffs also felt a bit tight, squeezing a few inches above my wrist, which was somewhat uncomfortable. Additionally, the overall length of the hoodie was a bit short, barely covering my belt line. This could be problematic for those who need full coverage during strenuous activities.

Heating Functionality

The heating elements are located in three core zones: the left chest, right chest, and back. The hoodie has three heat settings—High, Medium, and Low—that can be easily adjusted using a button on the left chest. The heating elements warm up quickly, and on the highest setting, you can feel the warmth almost immediately on your chest. However, the back heating element was less noticeable unless I was leaning against something.

One of the standout features is the battery life. On the lowest setting, the hoodie can last up to 6 hours, which is pretty impressive. On Medium and High settings, the battery life decreases to 3.5 and 2.5 hours, respectively. It's worth noting that the battery holder is just that—a holder. It doesn't show the remaining battery life, so you'll need to keep an eye on your usage to avoid running out of juice unexpectedly.

Practical Use

In terms of practical use, the Milwaukee Heated Hoodie excels as a mid-layer garment. It's perfect for wearing under a heavier coat during extremely cold conditions. As a standalone hoodie, it performs well in mild to moderately cold weather, but it's not ideal for sub-50°F temperatures with any significant wind. The hoodie is also machine washable, which adds a layer of convenience, although I would recommend air drying to preserve the heating elements.

The pockets are well-designed, with two outer pockets that are deep enough to hold small tools or keep your hands warm. There's also a sub-pocket within the right-hand pocket for a phone or other small items. The battery pack fits into a zippered pocket near the left kidney, which is convenient but can be a bit bulky, especially when sitting down.

Comfort and Usability

Comfort-wise, the hoodie is quite pleasant to wear. The material is soft, and the waffle-weave thermal liner adds an extra layer of warmth. The hood is adjustable and fits well under a hard hat, making it suitable for various types of work environments. The raglan sleeve construction allows for a full range of motion, which is essential for any physical activity.

However, there are some downsides. The fit issues, particularly the short sleeves and overall length, can be a dealbreaker for some. Additionally, the heating elements, while effective, could be better distributed to provide more even warmth, especially in the back area.

Durability and Long-Term Use

Durability is another critical factor. While the hoodie feels well-made, some users have reported issues with the heating elements and internal wiring failing after a few washes. To mitigate this, I would recommend following the care instructions meticulously and possibly avoiding the dryer altogether.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee Heated Hoodie is a solid piece of gear with some minor drawbacks. It excels as a mid-layer garment and offers the convenience of adjustable heating settings and decent battery life. However, the fit issues and potential durability concerns may give some users pause.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee Heated Hoodie? If you often find yourself working in cold environments and need a versatile, heated mid-layer, then yes, it's worth considering. Just be mindful of the sizing and take extra care during washing to ensure longevity. If you're looking for a standalone solution for extremely cold conditions, you might want to explore other options or pair this hoodie with a more substantial outer layer.