Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket

As someone who spends a considerable amount of time outdoors, especially during the frigid winter months, I was eager to try out the Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket. This innovative piece of outerwear promises to keep you warm with the help of built-in carbon fiber heating elements, and I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype.

Design and Construction

Right out of the box, the design of the M12 Heated Jacket impressed me. The jacket has a sleek, modern look, and the red color really pops. It's constructed from a soft shell material with a thermal fleece lining, which adds an extra layer of warmth even before you turn on the heating elements. The outer material, a blend of cotton and polyester, is both wind and water-resistant, making it suitable for various weather conditions.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the high-loft insulation. It provides a good amount of warmth without making the jacket feel bulky or cumbersome. This is a significant advantage, especially when you're active and need the freedom to move around easily.

Heating Performance

The jacket features five carbon fiber heating elements strategically placed around the torso and in the pockets. These elements are powered by Milwaukee's M12 REDLITHIUM battery system. The jacket has three heat settings—High, Medium, and Low—which can be easily adjusted using a button on the chest.

When I first activated the heating elements, I noticed that the torso warmers provided a comfortable level of warmth rather quickly. On the highest setting, the warmth was noticeable but not overwhelming. The hand warmers, however, were a bit underwhelming. They provided a slight warmth, akin to the residual heat you'd feel on a wooden chair after someone has been sitting on it. While this was a bit of a letdown, the torso heating elements more than made up for it.

One of the standout features is the battery life. On the highest setting, I got a solid five hours of continuous heat, which is impressive. For extended periods outdoors, I found it helpful to carry a backup battery, ensuring I stayed warm throughout the day.

Practicality and Comfort

The M12 Heated Jacket excels in practicality. The inclusion of a USB port in the M12 Battery Holder is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to charge your phone or other devices on the go. This feature came in handy multiple times, especially during long days outside when my phone's battery was running low.

The jacket is also lightweight, which means you don't have to wear multiple layers underneath. This is a huge plus for those who, like me, dislike the restrictive feeling of heavy winter clothing. The fit is generally good, though I found that it runs a bit small. If you're between sizes or prefer a looser fit, it might be wise to go one size up.

Durability

Durability is another area where the jacket shines. The materials used are robust and show no signs of wear and tear even after weeks of use. The zipper on the battery holder compartment could be better designed, though. It unzips from the front to the back, which feels a bit awkward. A back-to-front design would be more intuitive and easier to use.

Additional Features

The jacket comes with a hood, adding an extra layer of protection against the elements. While it's not detachable, it's well-designed and doesn't get in the way. The power buttons for the heating elements stay lit when activated, glowing in different colors (red, white, or blue) corresponding to the heat settings. This not only makes it easy to see which setting you're on but also adds a bit of flair, almost giving you that "Ironman" vibe.

Use Cases

I found the jacket incredibly useful for various activities. Whether I was shoveling snow, attending outdoor events, or simply walking the dog on a cold morning, the M12 Heated Jacket provided consistent warmth and comfort. It even held up well during a 29-inch blizzard, keeping me warm without the need for bulky additional layers.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Overall, the Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket is an excellent investment for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in cold weather. Its combination of stylish design, effective heating elements, and practical features make it a standout option in the heated jacket market. While the hand warmers could be more effective and the zipper on the battery holder could be improved, these are relatively minor drawbacks compared to the overall performance and utility of the jacket.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket? Absolutely. Its ability to provide warmth without bulk, coupled with the convenience of the M12 battery system and USB charging port, makes it a versatile and valuable addition to any winter wardrobe. Whether you're working outside, attending a cold-weather event, or just want to stay warm during your daily activities, this jacket is up to the task.