Milwaukee Cordless Special Edition Women's Heated Jacket Kit

I recently had the chance to put the Milwaukee Cordless Special Edition Women's Heated Jacket Kit (model 2339) to the test. As someone who often finds themselves bracing against gusty winds and chilly temps, I was eager to see if this jacket could live up to the hype.

Design and Comfort

First off, the design of the jacket is commendable. The tailored fit for women is noticeable, and it doesn’t feel boxy or oversized. The outer shell is made of wind and water-resistant polyester, which is a huge plus for those unpredictable weather days. The jacket also sports a sleek, stylish look that doesn’t scream "technical gear," making it versatile enough for both casual outings and more rugged adventures.

I found the jacket to be lightweight, which is a surprise given the built-in technology. The thermal fleece lining is soft against the skin, offering an added layer of comfort. The fit is generally good, though some may find the jacket a tad short, reaching just to the belt line.

Heating Elements and Battery

The heated elements in the jacket are strategically placed in the core zones: the right chest, left chest, and back. They activate quickly, heating up in about two minutes. The three adjustable heat settings allow for a customizable warmth experience, ensuring you can find the perfect level of comfort. The neck heating element is a particularly nice touch, providing a cozy warmth that makes a noticeable difference.

The jacket is powered by a 12-volt lithium-ion battery, stored in an expandable pouch. The battery is about the size of half a soda can, which I found to be somewhat bulky but manageable. Unfortunately, the battery’s bulkiness can be a bit of a drawback, especially if you’re engaging in active pursuits like skiing or hiking. The pocket design does allow you to place the battery either towards the front or back of the jacket, but neither position entirely eliminates the bulkiness issue.

Usability

One of the standout features is the USB port integrated into the battery pack, which allows you to charge portable devices. This is a thoughtful addition, particularly for those long days outside when your phone’s battery might also be draining.

Operating the heating elements is straightforward. A button on the upper left chest controls the heat settings, cycling through the levels with each press. The jacket also features dual controls to separately manage the front and back heating zones, which is a nice touch for tailored comfort.

I did find the battery charging process a bit cumbersome. The kit doesn’t include a wall plug, so you’ll need to use an existing USB charger. The charging speed via USB is quite slow, and I found it more efficient to use a dedicated Milwaukee M12 charger. The battery life is decent, lasting a few hours on higher settings, but you’ll likely want to invest in an additional battery for all-day use.

Performance in Cold Weather

I tested the jacket in a variety of conditions, from early morning soccer games to evening dog walks. It performs admirably, especially in moderately cold conditions. The water-resistant outer shell holds up well against light rain, and the wind resistance is impressive. Even without the heating elements activated, the jacket provides a good level of warmth.

However, in more extreme cold or windy conditions, the heating elements' coverage feels somewhat limited. The jacket primarily heats the chest and back, leaving arms and stomach areas less insulated. This can be a drawback if you're looking for full-body warmth.

Maintenance and Durability

The jacket is machine washable, which is a huge plus. Just be sure to remove the battery pack and charger before washing. The zippers and overall construction feel sturdy, and I didn’t notice any wear issues after several washes.

Areas for Improvement

While the jacket is generally well-made and effective, there are a few areas for improvement. The battery’s bulkiness is the most noticeable drawback. A flatter, more compact battery design would significantly enhance overall comfort. Additionally, more interior pockets and zippers on the external pockets would increase functionality.

Another point is the heating coverage. Expanding the heated zones to include the arms and lower torso would make this jacket a more comprehensive solution for extreme cold weather.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Cordless Special Edition Women's Heated Jacket Kit is a solid choice for those looking to stay warm in cold weather. Its stylish design, quick heating elements, and added features like the USB charging port make it a versatile piece of gear. However, the bulkiness of the battery and limited heating coverage are points to consider.

Would I recommend this jacket? Yes, with reservations. If you’re looking for a warm, stylish jacket for moderate cold and windy conditions, this jacket is a great option. However, if you need a solution for more extreme weather or highly active pursuits, you might want to look at other options or consider additional layers underneath for full coverage.

Overall, it's a quality investment for those chilly days, especially if you pair it with extra batteries for extended use.