Milwaukee Cordless Camo Heated Jacket

Experiencing the Milwaukee Cordless Camo Heated Jacket was a game-changer for me during the colder months. As someone who spends a significant amount of time outdoors, whether for work or recreational activities like hunting and hiking, staying warm without the bulk of multiple layers is a constant challenge. This jacket, with its innovative heating technology and thoughtful design, has managed to address many of the issues I've faced over the years.

Design and Build Quality

First and foremost, the jacket's build quality is impressive. Milwaukee has used a water and wind-resistant polyester material that feels durable yet comfortable. The Realtree AP camouflage pattern not only looks great but also serves its purpose well in blending into natural surroundings, making it ideal for hunting. The fabric blend is also designed to reduce noise, which is a crucial feature for hunters who need to move quietly.

The jacket features a regular fit, and I found it to be true to size. However, if you plan on layering underneath, you might want to consider going a size up for added comfort. The internal storm flap and thermal knit cuffs are excellent additions that help keep the cold air out, further enhancing the jacket's overall warmth.

Heating Elements and Performance

The star of the show is undoubtedly the carbon fiber heating elements. These elements are strategically placed in the chest, back, and front pockets, providing comprehensive warmth. The jacket offers three adjustable heat settings, allowing you to customize the level of warmth to your preference. I found the highest setting to be particularly effective on those bitterly cold mornings.

One of the standout features is the battery holder, which includes a USB charging port. This is incredibly convenient for charging your phone or other devices while on the go. The jacket uses Milwaukee's M12™ RedLithium™ CP1.5 battery pack, which is the same type used in their power tools. This is a significant advantage if you're already invested in Milwaukee's ecosystem, as you can easily swap batteries between your tools and jacket.

Comfort and Usability

Comfort-wise, the jacket excels. It's not as lightweight as it might appear in photos, but it's far from being cumbersome. The adjustable sleeve cuffs are a nice touch, allowing for a better fit around gloves. However, I did notice that the battery can flop around a bit on the left hip, which can be slightly annoying during extended wear.

The jacket features six pockets, which are ample for carrying essentials. However, the pocket zippers are nylon and can be a bit noisy, which might be a minor inconvenience for hunters on a calm day. I would have preferred if Milwaukee had used the same quality zippers as the main front zipper for a more seamless experience.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a concern with heated apparel, and this jacket is no exception. On the highest setting, the battery lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, which is decent but not exceptional. For longer outings, it's advisable to carry a spare battery or invest in a higher capacity one, such as the M12™ 4.0 battery, which extends the heating time significantly.

Real-World Application

In real-world scenarios, this jacket has proven its worth. Whether I was waiting for my car to warm up on a frigid morning or spending hours in a hunting stand, the jacket provided consistent and reliable warmth. The heated pockets are a fantastic feature, especially for someone like me who struggles with cold hands.

One thing to note is that while the jacket is warm even without turning on the heating elements, the added warmth from the heating elements makes a noticeable difference, especially in extremely cold conditions. The jacket's quiet material is also a big plus for hunting, allowing me to move without alerting nearby game.

Areas for Improvement

While the Milwaukee Cordless Camo Heated Jacket is an excellent product, there's always room for improvement. One area I'd like to see enhanced is the heating of the collar. Unlike the women's version of the jacket, the men's version does not have a heated collar, which would have been a nice addition for those extra cold days.

Additionally, the battery's positioning could be better. While it's not a deal-breaker, having the battery pack more securely fastened or in a more ergonomic position would improve the overall comfort.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Cordless Camo Heated Jacket is a fantastic addition to any outdoor enthusiast's wardrobe. Its combination of durable materials, effective heating elements, and thoughtful design make it a standout product in the heated apparel market. While there are a few minor areas for improvement, the overall performance and comfort of the jacket make it a worthwhile investment.

I highly recommend this jacket for anyone who spends a significant amount of time outdoors in cold weather. Whether you're a hunter, a construction worker, or someone who simply enjoys outdoor activities, this jacket will keep you warm and comfortable without the bulk of traditional layering. The added convenience of the USB charging port and the compatibility with Milwaukee's M12™ battery system are just icing on the cake.