Milwaukee Cordless Heated Hoodie

When the seasons shift and the chill starts creeping in, staying warm becomes a priority, especially for those who work outdoors or enjoy outdoor activities. Enter the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Hoodie, model 2372. As someone who spends a lot of time outside, I was eager to see if this heated hoodie could provide the warmth and comfort I needed without the bulk of a heavy coat.

Design and Fit

The first thing I noticed about the Milwaukee heated hoodie is its design. It features a cotton exterior with a thermal polyester liner, which feels soft and comfortable against the skin. The hoodie is available in various sizes, but I found the sizing to be a bit inconsistent. For reference, I am 6' tall and usually wear a large. The large size of this hoodie fit well around my chest and shoulders but was slightly snug around the abdomen. If you plan to layer underneath, you might want to consider sizing up.

The sleeves are another area where the fit could be improved. They felt a bit short, and the elastic cuffs, while intended to keep the warmth in, were somewhat tight and rode up my forearms. The hood is also worth mentioning; it’s designed to fit under a hard hat, but it felt a bit too thin and baggy for my liking, lacking the snug fit I prefer in colder weather.

Heating Performance

The real test, of course, is the heating performance. The Milwaukee hoodie uses carbon fiber heating elements positioned across the chest and back. The heating elements warm up quickly, and the heat is noticeable almost immediately after turning it on. There are three heat settings—low, medium, and high—controlled by a button on the left chest. The button lights up with the Milwaukee logo, making it easy to see which setting you’re on.

On the highest setting, the hoodie provides a substantial amount of warmth, especially in the chest area. However, I found the back heating elements less effective unless I was leaning against something, like a tree or a chair. The battery life is decent, offering up to six hours of heat on the lowest setting, but you’ll likely need a spare battery if you plan to use it on high for extended periods.

Practicality and Use

One of the standout features of this hoodie is its versatility. It can be worn as an outer layer in milder weather or as a mid-layer under a heavier coat when it gets really cold. The material is durable and machine washable, which is a huge plus for anyone who works in dirty or rugged environments. Just remember to remove the battery and controls before washing.

The hoodie comes with an M12 REDLITHIUM rechargeable battery and a charger. The battery fits into a zippered pocket on the left side, which is convenient but can feel a bit bulky, especially when sitting down. There are also two outer pockets and one inner zip pocket, providing ample storage for small items.

Quality and Durability

While the Milwaukee hoodie is generally well-made, there are some areas where it falls short. The overall feel of the material and the stitching quality didn’t quite meet my expectations for a Milwaukee product. It felt more like something you’d find at a lower price point. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the internal wiring breaking after a few washes, which is concerning for long-term durability.

Comfort and Usability

Despite some of its shortcomings, the Milwaukee heated hoodie is quite comfortable to wear. The cotton/polyester blend is soft, and the waffle weave thermal lining adds a layer of warmth without too much bulk. The hoodie is also relatively lightweight, making it easy to move around in, which is essential for outdoor work or activities.

The heating elements are a game-changer for those cold mornings or late evenings. I found the heat settings easy to adjust, and the warmth provided made a noticeable difference in my comfort level. However, the battery life on high heat could be better, and the bulkiness of the battery pack is something to consider.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee Cordless Heated Hoodie is a solid option for those looking to stay warm without the bulk of a heavy coat. It offers quick and effective heating, decent battery life, and the convenience of being machine washable. However, the fit could be improved, particularly in the sleeves and abdomen, and the overall quality didn’t quite meet my expectations for a Milwaukee product.

Would I recommend this hoodie? It depends. If you’re looking for a versatile, heated layer that you can wear in various weather conditions and don’t mind some of the fit and quality issues, then yes, it’s worth considering. The heating elements work well, and the hoodie is comfortable and practical for outdoor work and activities. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality, durable piece that will last for years, you might want to explore other options or wait for Milwaukee to address some of the issues reported by users.