DeWalt 20V MAX Black Heated Hoodie (Hoodie and Adaptor Only)

What I noticed first

I put the DeWalt heated hoodie on during a string of frosty mornings and immediately appreciated two things: the fabric feels like a real hoodie (not a crinkly tech garment), and the heat comes up quickly. The thermal waffle lining traps warmth even before you press the power button, and once you do, the chest and mid‑back zones ramp up fast thanks to the preheat function. It wears like a mid‑weight work hoodie with a bit of armor, which is exactly the point for jobsite and outdoor work.

Heating performance and coverage

• Zones and warmth: The three zones—left chest, right chest, and mid‑back—are well placed. The back panel does the heavy lifting for overall comfort, while the chest pads help when you’re facing wind or standing still. Heat distribution is even, with no hotspots or cold corners once the preheat kicks off.
• Temperature control: The LED controller’s three settings are genuinely distinct. On low, it’s a steady blanket of warmth that’s ideal for active work. Medium is my default for standing around or light movement. High is toasty—great for warming up cold starts but a bit too warm to leave on during heavy activity.
• Startup behavior: The preheat bumps all zones quickly before settling into the chosen setting. I never found myself waiting around; by the time gloves are on, heat is present.

Expectations on runtime matched what I’ve seen from other heated gear. With a compact 2.0Ah 20V battery, I averaged roughly:
- Low: 6–8 hours
- Medium: 3–4 hours
- High: 1.5–2.5 hours

Cold, wind, and how snugly the hoodie fits all affect those numbers. If you’re using a 1.5Ah compact pack, assume slightly less; with a 5Ah pack, you can go all day, but you’ll pay for it in bulk.

Power, battery, and the elephant in the pocket

This hoodie uses DeWalt’s 20V MAX slide‑style batteries and includes a USB power source/adapter with dual USB ports and a fuel gauge. Functionally, it’s great: the adapter lets you charge a phone or headlamp while powering the heat, and the fuel gauge saves guesswork.

Ergonomically, the system is a mixed bag:
- The battery pocket is on the left side toward the back. While the pocket expands to fit larger packs, the adapter plus battery is a noticeable brick. With a compact pack it’s tolerable; with anything larger, you’ll feel it when sitting, driving, bending, or carrying material against your left hip.
- The weight bias is real. The hoodie is heavier than a standard sweatshirt, and the battery adds asymmetric weight. For standing tasks, it’s fine. For in‑and‑out-of-vehicle work or tight climbing, the bulge can get in the way.
- The controller is inside. It looks clean and keeps snag points down, but if you like to pulse the heat on and off as you move, opening a jacket or reaching inside layers gets old. I would have preferred an external button you can tap with gloves.

If you’re in the DeWalt ecosystem with compact 20V packs, you’re set. If you’re buying a battery just for this hoodie, budget for a small pack and charger and avoid the high‑capacity bricks unless runtime is absolutely critical.

Comfort and fit

The hoodie has an athletic workwear cut: not skinny, but not sloppy. Ribbed cuffs and a fitted waist keep drafts out without riding up. The hood is lined and genuinely warm; it isn’t oversized, so it doesn’t flap in wind. The heated elements are low‑profile, but you can feel their “tape” if you run a hand across the panels or lean against a hard chair back. After a bit you stop noticing unless you’re pressed against something rigid.

Sizing notes:
- True to size for wearing over a base layer and tee.
- If you’ll layer a heavy flannel or softshell over it, consider sizing up.
- The battery pocket sits far enough back that a snug belt or tool rig can intersect the pack—try your setup before committing.

Materials and weather protection

The outer shell is a wind‑resistant polyester/cotton blend that cuts breeze better than a pure cotton hoodie but breathes more than a hard shell. It sheds light mist and jobsite dust, though it’s not rain gear. Pair it with a waterproof shell in wet weather and it shines as a heated mid‑layer.

The thermal waffle lining is the right call here: it traps air without adding bulk, and it doesn’t feel clingy against a base layer. Stitching and seam work are tidy, and the zipper tracks cleanly. After a few weeks of work and errands, abrasion at the cuffs and pocket edges was minimal.

Pockets and day‑to‑day usability

• Two large front pouches: generous and warm, but they’re not zippered, so small items can roam when you crouch.
• Two inner pockets: handy for a phone or notebook; keep in mind the adapter lives inside, so it can get crowded.
• Battery pocket: expandable, yes, but this is the garment’s defining compromise. For backpack‑wearers, it’s fine. For drivers or anyone constantly twisting at the waist, it can be a pain point.

The dual USB ports on the power source are genuinely useful. I topped off a phone and a headlamp on separate days, and the hoodie never missed a beat. The fuel gauge is accurate enough that I wasn’t surprised by a shutdown.

Care and maintenance

Heated garments take a touch more care. Plan to:
- Disconnect and remove the power source and battery every time.
- Close zippers, secure cords, and place the hoodie in a laundry bag on a gentle, cold cycle.
- Avoid fabric softeners and high heat in the dryer; low tumble or air dry works best.

Cleaning isn’t difficult, but it isn’t “throw it in with the towels” either. The cable routing and adapter pocket mean a 30‑second prep before washing.

Where it excels—and where it doesn’t

Excels:
- Cold‑start warmth: preheat to high for a few minutes, then drop to medium or low. You’ll keep core warmth without cooking.
- Outdoor work and fishing/hunting standby: stationary or low‑movement tasks are where heated gear shines. This hoodie delivers.
- Charger of last resort: dual USB ports are great on long days when your phone or headlamp needs a top‑off.

Falls short:
- Frequent vehicle hopping: the battery placement presses into your lower back/side when seated.
- High‑agility tasks: if you’re climbing, crawling, or twisting constantly, the battery bulge becomes noticeable.
- Wet weather: wind‑resistant isn’t waterproof. Treat it as a mid‑layer under a shell in rain.

Value and ecosystem fit

As a standalone purchase, remember this is the hoodie and adapter only; you’ll need a 20V MAX battery and charger. If you already own DeWalt 20V tools, the value proposition improves—one ecosystem, shared packs, and a familiar fuel gauge. If you don’t, the total cost of ownership climbs, and you should weigh that against dedicated heated apparel systems that include compact batteries optimized for garments.

What I’d change

• Relocate the battery pocket forward to the hip or redesign the adapter to reduce bulk.
• Externalize the power button for gloved, single‑hand toggling.
• Add at least one zippered pocket for small items.
• Offer a slim, garment‑specific compact battery option for comfort over capacity.

Bottom line

The DeWalt heated hoodie is a capable, comfortable layer that heats quickly, runs respectably long on compact packs, and feels like a “real” hoodie rather than a gadget. The trade‑offs are clear: a bulky battery location, an internal controller that’s less convenient for frequent toggling, and laundering that requires a bit of attention. If you can live with the battery bulge—and especially if you already own 20V MAX packs—it’s a practical way to stay warm without piling on layers.

Recommendation: I recommend this hoodie for users already invested in DeWalt 20V MAX batteries who need reliable core warmth in wind and cold, particularly for stationary or moderate‑movement work. If you’re in and out of vehicles all day or prioritize maximum mobility with minimal bulk, look for a heated garment with a slimmer, better‑placed power pack.