DeWalt Structured Soft-Shell Heated Jacket (Jacket Only)

A field-tested layer for cold, windy days

I wear heated gear when the forecast says “work anyway.” After several weeks with the DeWalt heated jacket, I’ve used it on frosty morning site walks, drizzly ladder runs, and long commutes back to the truck. It’s not a magic blanket, but it’s a practical, work‑friendly layer—especially if you’re already carrying DeWalt 20V batteries. It also has some quirks you should know about before you commit.

Build and comfort

The outer soft-shell blocks wind and shrugs off light rain, while the fleece liner adds a touch of passive warmth even with the heat off. It feels like a mid‑weight soft-shell—stiffer than a hoodie, more flexible than a hardshell. The cut is work-oriented: room in the shoulders for overhead work, and a shirt‑tail hem that covers your lower back when you crouch or climb. That hemline is a small detail that matters when you’re leaning over saw horses in cold air.

The main zipper is robust but a bit stubborn out of the box. I consistently needed two hands to start it cleanly, and it ran smoother after a few days but never became “silky.” If your hands are cold or gloved, plan on a little patience. The rest of the stitching and seams look tidy, and the shell has held up against scuffs and light abrasion.

Heating performance

Heat comes from three zones—two in the chest and one in the back—with three temperature settings plus a quick preheat. The control cycles cleanly between levels, and preheat brings the jacket up to temperature quickly before it settles into your chosen setting. I found the chest panels excellent for cutting the chill when standing still or driving between stops, and they make a noticeable difference when wind is in your face.

The back zone sits in the upper back. It’s great when you’re standing or walking, but it leaves the lower back cooler. If you run cold in your lower back or kidneys, you’ll notice the gap; I layered a thin merino top to even things out. There’s no heat in the sleeves, which is typical for this category but worth noting if you expect full-arm warmth.

Warmth levels feel well spaced. On high, the jacket keeps me comfortable into the high 20s Fahrenheit with a light base layer, though I tend to bump it down to medium once I’ve been moving for a few minutes. On low, it quietly takes the edge off during shoulder season mornings. If you’re working at a bench or on a walk-through, it’s a steady, subtle heat rather than a blast furnace.

Battery, runtime, and balance

This jacket ships with the power adapter only, so you’ll need a compatible 20V battery and charger. If you’re already in the DeWalt platform, that’s convenient; if not, the total cost jumps once you add a battery and charger.

Runtime depends on battery capacity and heat setting, but here’s what I consistently saw:
- With a compact 2.0Ah pack, expect a couple of hours on high, around three on medium, and a bit longer on low.
- With a 5.0Ah pack, I comfortably got through a full morning on high or a full workday on medium/low with a break in between.

Battery placement matters more than you might think. The default rear pocket keeps weight out of the way when you’re on your feet and moving. For driving, sitting on a stool, or wearing a harness, the sewn‑in extension cord lets you relocate the battery to a front pocket, which is much more comfortable. With a compact pack, either position is fine; with a larger pack, the front carry is easier on the back and better for quick battery swaps.

Weather resistance

The shell does what a soft-shell should: it cuts wind effectively and beads up light rain. In steady drizzle and mist, I stayed dry for a couple of hours. In a true downpour, water will eventually find its way in at seams and the zipper. That’s the nature of a soft-shell; pair it with a rain shell in heavy rain. As a wind layer, it’s excellent—the perceived warmth jump is significant even with the heat off.

Pockets and day-to-day usability

You get five pockets: two lower zippered hand pockets, an outer chest pocket, an inner chest pocket, and a small sleeve pocket. The layout works well on the job. The sleeve pocket is perfect for a driver bit set or a small notepad. The chest pockets handle a phone and wallet without feeling bulky, and the lower pockets are easy to zip with thin gloves. Zippers are glove-friendly, though again, the main zipper can be finicky until it breaks in.

I like that the battery cable management is neatly sewn and strain‑relieved. It doesn’t tangle, and the extension is easy to route. The controller is intuitive: power, preheat, and three levels—no fiddling.

Fit and mobility

Sizing is true to workwear, not fashion-fit. There’s space for a base layer and a mid‑layer without binding at the shoulders. The fabric has enough give for overhead and cross‑body reaches, and the hem stays put when you lift your arms. If you’re between sizes or you plan to wear a bulky mid‑layer, consider sizing up.

Because there’s no heating in the sleeves, you’ll want a decent base layer on very cold days to keep your forearms comfortable. The cuffs are straightforward—no tight gaiters—which makes glove pairing simple.

Durability and care

Soft-shells live and die by their zippers and seams. The pocket zippers feel solid and have held up. The main zipper, as mentioned, started stiff and remained a bit reluctant to engage cleanly; it hasn’t failed, but I keep it clean and occasionally apply a light zipper lubricant, which helps.

The shell fabric resists abrasion and cleans up with a damp cloth. As with any heated garment, follow the care tag closely: disconnect the adapter, secure cables, and avoid high heat when drying. After muddy days, I’ve spot‑cleaned most messes without a full wash.

What I’d change

• Expand the back heating zone lower by a few inches. That would eliminate the cool band at the lumbar area.
• Upgrade the main zipper or improve the starting box and slider tolerance. A smoother first inch would improve daily experience.
• Offer a kit option that includes a compact battery for users not already on 20V. The adapter-only approach makes sense for DeWalt owners, but others will feel the pinch.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople and techs already invested in DeWalt 20V batteries who need a wind‑blocking, lightly water‑resistant layer with on-demand heat.
• Commuters and site leads who move between a warm vehicle and cold outdoors and want quick preheat without bulk.
• Anyone layering under a shell in cold, wet conditions; the jacket pairs well under a rain jacket.

Who should look elsewhere? If you want full‑torso and sleeve heating, or if you need all‑day high‑heat performance on a single compact battery, a different jacket or a vest plus heavy outer layer might suit you better.

Value

As a jacket alone, the build and weather resistance are solid. Add the heating system, and it becomes a versatile shoulder-season piece that stretches comfortably into winter with a base layer. The catch is the ecosystem: it’s a much better buy if you already own compatible 20V batteries. The one-year limited warranty is standard for apparel with electronics, but it’s not generous; treat it like a tool—keep the connections clean and the zipper maintained.

The bottom line

The DeWalt heated jacket is a practical, job-ready layer with real wind protection, useful storage, and a straightforward heating system. The heat zones do what they claim, though the back coverage could be more comprehensive, and the main zipper deserves attention during break-in. Battery placement options are thoughtful, and if you’re already using DeWalt 20V packs, the power setup is painless.

Recommendation: I recommend it for users in the DeWalt ecosystem who want a durable soft‑shell with reliable core warmth and flexible battery placement. It’s less compelling if you’re starting from scratch on batteries or if you need broader heating coverage. If the fit works for you and your work is more wind and chill than soaking rain, it’s a dependable part of a cold‑weather kit.