Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket

As someone who spends ample time outdoors in cold weather, I was particularly excited to test out Milwaukee’s Cordless Heated Jacket, model 2342. This jacket, designed specifically for women, promises warmth through its carbon fiber heating elements, combined with a stylish and functional design. After several weeks of using the jacket in various conditions, I have gathered my thoughts on its performance, comfort, and overall effectiveness.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket was its overall design. The jacket is surprisingly lightweight and doesn’t feel bulky, which is a significant plus for an item that incorporates heating elements and a battery pack. The exterior is made from a water and wind-resistant polyester fabric that feels durable yet soft. It is evident that Milwaukee has put thought into ensuring the jacket is not only functional but also stylish. I felt comfortable wearing it in both casual and slightly more formal outdoor settings.

The jacket features two heated lower hand pockets and a cell phone/MP3 chest pocket, which are quite handy. However, I did find myself wishing for more interior pockets for additional storage. The lack of interior pockets limited the jacket’s utility for carrying smaller items securely.

Heating Performance

The heating elements in the jacket are strategically placed in the core body areas: the right chest, left chest, and back. Additionally, the lower pockets are heated, which is a pleasant touch for those cold days when your hands need extra warmth. The jacket offers three adjustable heat settings (High, Medium, Low), which can be easily toggled by pressing the M12 button located on the upper left chest.

In terms of heating performance, the jacket warms up impressively fast—within about two minutes. On the highest setting, the warmth is noticeable but not overwhelming, providing a comfortable, steady heat. I found this particularly useful when transitioning from a warm indoor environment to the cold outdoors, as it mitigated the initial shock of cold air.

However, the heating coverage is somewhat limited. While the chest and back areas receive adequate warmth, I felt that the stomach and sleeves could benefit from additional heating elements. This would provide a more uniform warmth across the entire upper body.

Battery and Charging

The jacket is powered by an M12 REDLITHIUM rechargeable battery, which is stored in a pocket on the left side. The battery pack is relatively bulky—about the size of a small soda can—which can feel cumbersome, especially during more active movements. The battery life is decent, lasting several hours on a single charge, but I found that it required frequent recharging if used extensively on the highest heat setting.

One notable downside is the charging process. The jacket comes with a USB cable for charging the battery, but it does not include a wall plug adapter. This means you’ll need to use an existing USB power source, which can be inconvenient if you don’t have a compatible charger readily available. Additionally, the charging time is relatively slow, which can be frustrating if you need the jacket ready for extended outdoor use.

Comfort and Fit

In terms of comfort, the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket excels. The fabric is soft and flexible, allowing for easy movement without feeling restrictive. The jacket is also relatively quiet, with minimal noise from the fabric during movement, which is a nice touch for those who prefer a more discreet outdoor experience.

The fit, however, can be a bit tricky. The jacket is designed to be slightly loose to accommodate layers underneath, but it may feel too roomy for some users. I am 5'3" and 121 lbs, and the medium size felt a bit large, especially around the arms and torso. While the adjustable drawstrings at the bottom help to cinch the jacket and prevent drafts, a more tailored fit would enhance both comfort and heating efficiency.

Practicality and Use Cases

The Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket is undoubtedly practical for various outdoor activities. Whether you’re attending an outdoor sporting event, working in cold conditions, or simply taking a walk on a chilly day, the jacket provides reliable warmth. The heated pockets are a particularly nice feature for keeping hands warm without the need for gloves.

However, the bulkiness of the battery pack and the limited heating coverage make it less ideal for highly active pursuits like skiing or snowboarding. The jacket is better suited for more sedentary activities or light movement, where the battery pack’s size and weight are less of an issue.

Maintenance and Durability

The jacket is machine washable, which is a significant advantage for maintaining cleanliness. The instructions recommend removing the battery pack and charger, tucking the cable inside the pocket, and washing on a gentle cycle with warm water. The fabric appears to be durable, and I expect it to hold up well over time, even with regular use and washing.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket is a well-designed and effective solution for staying warm in cold weather. Its stylish appearance, quick heating elements, and durable fabric make it a versatile addition to any cold-weather wardrobe. However, the bulkiness of the battery pack and the limited heating coverage are notable drawbacks.

Would I recommend this jacket? Yes, but with some reservations. If you’re looking for a stylish and functional heated jacket for light outdoor activities and can tolerate the bulkiness of the battery, this jacket is a solid choice. However, if you need a jacket for more active pursuits or require extensive heating coverage, you might want to explore other options.