Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket

Winter is approaching, and staying warm outdoors becomes paramount. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket, model 2346. This jacket is packed with features designed to keep you warm in cold conditions. After several weeks of putting it through the paces, I’m ready to share my thoughts.

Design and Build Quality

Milwaukee has designed this jacket with a wind and water-resistant shell made from 300 Denier Polyester, coupled with a thermal fleece lining for insulation. The jacket feels sturdy and well-constructed, with rugged zippers that should withstand years of use. The high-visibility color and reflective striping enhance safety, especially in low-light conditions. This is crucial for those working outdoors or in construction zones.

One of the first things I noticed was how lightweight and stylish the jacket is. Despite the built-in heating elements and battery pack, it doesn't feel bulky or awkward to wear. The jacket fits true to size and offers a sleek profile, making it suitable for both work and casual wear.

Heating Performance

The Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket features carbon fiber heating elements strategically placed in the chest, back, and shoulders. These elements heat up quickly, within about two minutes, and provide consistent warmth. There are three adjustable heat settings—High, Medium, and Low—allowing you to customize the level of warmth based on your comfort and the ambient temperature.

The battery, an M12 REDLITHIUM Rechargeable, provides up to 6 hours of continuous heat. The control panel on the front of the jacket allows you to select which zones to heat, which is a thoughtful feature for conserving battery life. In practice, I found that the jacket warmed the upper chest and back areas most effectively. The shoulders also received ample heat, which is excellent for those particularly cold days.

Battery and Charging

One of the more practical features of this jacket is the built-in USB port, which allows you to charge your devices on the go. This is particularly useful for those who spend long hours outdoors and need to keep their phones or other gadgets powered.

However, there are some drawbacks regarding the battery. It's about the size of a soda can and can feel a bit bulky in the pocket. The battery and charger must be carried in the jacket, and the overall setup can be cumbersome, especially when moving around a lot.

Another downside is the charging process. The jacket does not come with a wall plug for the charger, which can be inconvenient. Using a standard phone charger can result in slow charging times. I recommend using a dedicated Milwaukee M12 charger for quicker charging.

Comfort and Usability

Comfort is where the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket truly shines. The jacket is not only warm but also comfortable to wear for extended periods. The thermal fleece lining is soft against the skin, and the jacket provides adequate insulation even without the heating elements turned on. This makes it versatile for various weather conditions.

One of the practical aspects of this jacket is its machine washability. You can simply remove the battery pack and charger, tuck the cable inside the pocket, and wash it on a gentle cycle. This makes maintenance straightforward and hassle-free.

Areas for Improvement

While the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket excels in many areas, there are a few aspects that could be improved. First, the jacket could use more pockets. The current design includes three outside pockets, but additional interior pockets would be useful for storing personal items securely.

Second, the heating elements could provide more coverage. The current design effectively warms the chest, back, and shoulders, but additional heating zones, such as the stomach and sleeves, would enhance the overall warmth and comfort.

Lastly, the battery design could be more compact. A flatter, more ergonomic battery would improve comfort and make the jacket feel less bulky. This would be especially beneficial for those who engage in more active pursuits, such as skiing or snowboarding.

Conclusion

Overall, the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket is a high-quality, well-designed product that excels in providing warmth and comfort in cold conditions. The adjustable heat settings and quick heating elements make it versatile and effective for various outdoor activities. The jacket is also stylish and well-constructed, making it suitable for both work and casual wear.

However, the bulky battery and limited pocket options are areas that could be improved. Despite these minor drawbacks, the jacket’s performance and practicality make it a valuable investment for anyone who spends extended periods outdoors in cold weather.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket? Absolutely. Its superior build quality, efficient heating elements, and overall comfort make it a standout product in the heated clothing market. Whether you’re working outdoors, attending cold-weather events, or simply looking to stay warm during the winter months, this jacket is an excellent choice.