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

Why I reached for a heated hoodie

Frosty mornings don’t wait for coffee to kick in, and neither does a saw. On those shoulder-season days—too warm for a full winter jacket but too cold for a plain sweatshirt—the DeWalt heated hoodie has become my go-to. It’s a straightforward layer that adds controllable heat without the bulk of a parka. After several weeks wearing it on jobsites and around town, I’ve come to appreciate how it balances simple operation, useful features, and practical warmth—with a few trade-offs worth noting.

Setup and power: simple, with smart extras

The hoodie runs off DeWalt’s 20V MAX battery platform via the included USB power source. That adapter clicks into a standard 20V pack, feeds the garment, and offers two USB ports and a fuel gauge. It’s a smart arrangement: one battery powers your heat and can keep a phone or headlamp topped up. I like having the fuel gauge at a glance; it’s helped me avoid walking out the door with a near-dead pack.

The battery pocket is expandable, so compact packs tuck in neatly and larger XR packs can be made to fit. You’ll feel the difference: compact batteries keep the garment balanced and unobtrusive, while high‑capacity packs add noticeable weight. Either way, the pocket keeps the battery secure and out of the way once you’re moving.

One important note: the battery and charger are not included. If you’re already on DeWalt 20V MAX, you’re set; if not, factor that in.

Heating performance and controls

Heat comes from three zones—left chest, right chest, and mid‑back—managed by a simple three‑setting controller (high, medium, low) with a preheat function. The preheat is genuinely useful. I’d push it on before stepping outside, and within a couple of minutes those chest panels start radiating. After the initial warmup, I typically drop to medium. On medium, I get a steady, comfortable warmth rather than a hot spot, and the back panel keeps your core from feeling the wind.

The chest-first focus works well if you’re stationary or doing light work, and it pairs nicely with a shell in stronger wind. There are no heated sleeves, so on truly cold days your forearms will remind you of that. As a mid-layer under a windproof jacket, though, the core heat does exactly what it’s supposed to: keep your torso warm so the rest of you follows.

Runtime in the real world

DeWalt estimates up to seven hours on low with a compact 1.5Ah pack. In my use with a 2.0Ah compact battery, I averaged roughly half a day on medium—enough for a morning of errands or a good chunk of a shift—stretching to most of a workday on low. Crank it to high and you’ll feel the heat climb quickly, but expect runtime to fall accordingly.

Your results will vary with battery size, ambient temperature, and whether you’re also charging a device from those USB ports. If phone charging is a must, I recommend carrying an extra compact pack or stepping up to a higher‑capacity battery when you can tolerate the added weight.

Comfort, fit, and materials

The outer shell is a cotton/polyester blend that’s soft enough for daily wear and genuinely wind‑resistant. It isn’t a rain layer, and it doesn’t try to be—plan on a shell if weather threatens. The interior doesn’t have any scratchy seams or obvious hot spots, and the heating elements are well-placed so they don’t poke or pinch when you move or sit.

Fit in my experience is true to size. I could wear a light base layer underneath and a shell over it without feeling constricted. The hood is standard sweatshirt fare—comfortable, low fuss—and the cuffs and hem do a decent job sealing out drafts. Because the battery rides in its own pocket, you don’t have a pack rubbing your ribs or flopping around; it stays put.

Build quality and durability

The stitching and panels have held up to routine wear—loading the truck, kneeling, brushing past rough materials—without any visible fraying. The wind‑resistant fabric helps cut chill without feeling crinkly or stiff. I’ve spot‑cleaned grime with no drama. As with all heated garments, I remove the adapter and battery before washing and avoid high heat when drying. So far, no issues with wiring shifting or cold spots developing.

The included USB power source is the unsung hero. The housing is sturdy, the buttons are positive, and the fuel gauge is accurate enough to trust. It lives equally well in the hoodie’s pocket or tossed in a tool bag on days I’m not using heat but want a USB bank for other devices.

On the job: where it shines

• Early shifts and late fall: The preheat function gets you warm before the truck’s heater does, and a quick tap down to medium keeps you there.
• Light outdoor work: Landscaping estimates, site walkthroughs, deliveries—the heat buys comfort without going full jacket.
• Layering system: Under a softshell or rain jacket, the core heat offsets windchill nicely.
• Commuting and weekend wear: It’s not so “workwear” that you’ll feel out of place grabbing lunch.

Limitations to note

• Weight and bulk depend on the battery. Compact packs feel great; big XR bricks can tug slightly and add bulk at the pocket.
• No sleeve heat. If your work keeps your arms exposed to wind, you may want a heated jacket instead of a hoodie.
• It’s a mid‑layer, not armor. The fabric is durable for clothing, but it’s not a canvas work coat; if you’re constantly crawling over abrasive surfaces, layer accordingly.
• Battery and charger sold separately. If you’re not already on DeWalt 20V MAX, the buy‑in is higher.

Sizing and options

It’s available from S through 3XL. Stick to your usual size if you plan to wear it over a base layer and sometimes under a shell. If you know you’ll stack multiple layers beneath, consider sizing up; the heating works best when the panels sit close to your body.

Practical tips from use

• Use preheat while you gear up, then drop to medium to conserve battery.
• Pair with a windproof shell on gusty days. The hoodie provides heat; the shell keeps that heat from blowing away.
• Keep an extra compact battery in the truck. Swapping packs is faster and lighter than running a massive battery all day.
• If you’ll charge your phone from the USB ports, plug in during breaks rather than leaving it tethered for hours to save runtime.

Warranty and value

There’s a 1‑year limited warranty, which aligns with what I expect for heated apparel. The value proposition is strongest if you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries. If you don’t, you’re still getting a flexible heating layer plus a USB power source that can double as a field charger year‑round, but be mindful of the added battery/charger cost.

Final thoughts and recommendation

The DeWalt heated hoodie hits a sweet spot: real, usable warmth without changing how you dress or work. The core heating zones are well tuned, the preheat function is genuinely helpful, and the dual‑USB power source is more than an afterthought—it’s something I now toss in my bag even when I’m not using the hoodie. Runtime is respectable on compact packs, excellent on larger ones if you can tolerate the weight. And the fabric is comfortable and wind‑resistant, which keeps it in rotation beyond the jobsite.

It isn’t the right pick if you need sleeve heat or a heavy‑duty outer layer. For that, a heated jacket or rugged coat would be better. But as a versatile mid‑layer that plays well with the 20V MAX platform you may already own, it’s a strong performer.

I recommend this hoodie to anyone who wants controllable core warmth for cool mornings, transitional seasons, or layered winter setups—especially DeWalt users with spare batteries. It’s easy to live with, thoughtfully designed, and effective at its main job: keeping you comfortably warm so you can keep working.