Milwaukee Heated Hoodie

As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, especially during the colder months, I was quite excited to try out Milwaukee's Heated Hoodie, model 306-20. The idea of a hoodie that not only provides an extra layer of warmth but also has built-in heating elements to keep those particularly chilly days at bay seemed like a game-changer. After putting it through its paces, I have gathered a comprehensive view of its performance, design, and overall utility.

The first thing that caught my attention was the overall design and feel of the hoodie. Made from a durable fleece material with a jersey lining, it felt sturdy and comfortable right out of the box. The fabric is soft to the touch, and the hoodie itself is quite lightweight, which is a plus when you're layering for warmth without wanting to feel bogged down. The hoodie also features multiple utility pockets, which are always a welcome addition. The pocket designed to hold the battery is particularly thoughtful, with the option to place it in the front or back depending on your comfort preference.

In terms of fit, this is where things get a bit tricky. I found that the sizing runs a bit small, especially around the chest and arms. I'm a fairly average build, and the medium size felt snug, particularly when trying to layer underneath. The sleeves, although described as having a raglan construction for better movement, still felt a tad short and restrictive, especially when reaching forward or lifting my arms. The elastic cuffs are relatively long, which sometimes felt awkward as they squeezed a few inches above my wrist.

One of the standout features of this hoodie is, of course, the heating elements. The hoodie comes equipped with carbon fiber heating elements positioned in the chest and back areas, ensuring that the core of your body stays warm. It includes three heat settings—high, medium, and low—that are controlled by a one-touch LED controller located on the left chest. The quick heat function is impressive; within a minute or so, you can feel the warmth starting to spread.

However, the effectiveness of the heating elements can be somewhat inconsistent. While the chest area heats up nicely and provides a noticeable difference in comfort, the back heating elements were less effective. At times, I could barely feel the warmth on my back, which was a bit disappointing given the promise of full coverage. This could be due to the fit of the hoodie or the placement of the elements, but it’s worth noting if you’re expecting evenly distributed heat.

The battery life is another critical aspect to consider. Using the M12™ REDLITHIUM™ CP2.0 Compact Battery Pack, the hoodie can run for up to 8 hours on the low setting. In real-world use, I found that on the high setting, the battery lasted around 3-4 hours, which is decent but not exceptional. It’s a good idea to have a spare battery on hand if you plan to be out in the cold for extended periods. The battery does add a bit of bulk, but the pocket design does a good job of minimizing discomfort.

One area where the hoodie shines is in its versatility. It’s machine washable, which is a huge plus for any garment that you plan to use regularly in outdoor settings. Just be sure to follow the care instructions closely to avoid damaging the heating elements and wiring. The hoodie also comes with a one-year limited warranty, giving some peace of mind regarding its durability.

Despite its many strengths, there are a few areas where the hoodie could improve. The hood itself is quite thin and feels a bit baggy, lacking the snug fit that would provide better warmth and protection against the wind. Additionally, the overall length of the hoodie could be improved; it tends to ride up, especially when moving around, which can leave your lower back exposed to the cold.

In terms of value, the Milwaukee Heated Hoodie is priced at around $90, which is reasonable for a heated garment but might feel steep given some of the fit and functionality issues. If you’re willing to invest in additional batteries and perhaps experiment with sizing, it can be a valuable addition to your cold-weather gear.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee Heated Hoodie? It depends. If you’re someone who works outdoors and needs a lightweight, heated layer that can fit under a larger coat, this hoodie can be quite useful. The heating elements work well enough to provide noticeable warmth, especially in the chest area, and the overall build quality is solid. However, if you’re looking for a stand-alone garment to keep you warm in very cold or windy conditions, you might be better off with a traditional, well-insulated jacket or exploring other heated apparel options.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Heated Hoodie offers a compelling mix of comfort, warmth, and practicality, but it’s not without its flaws. If you can find the right fit and manage the battery life, it can be a great tool to help you stay warm during those colder days. Just be prepared for a bit of trial and error to get the most out of it.