Milwaukee Heated 3in1 Jacket

Winter can be a challenging season for outdoor enthusiasts, workers, and hunters alike. The cold can be relentless, making it hard to stay warm and comfortable. Enter the Milwaukee Heated 3in1 Jacket (model 2386), a versatile piece of gear designed to combat the cold with cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design. In this review, I'll share my firsthand experience with this jacket and how it stands up to its promises.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Milwaukee Heated 3in1 Jacket is its build quality. Milwaukee is known for its durable tools, and they’ve applied the same philosophy to this jacket. The outer shell is constructed from a noise-reducing polyester/spandex softshell material, making it both wind and water-resistant. This is crucial for those wet and windy days when you’re out in the elements. The jacket also features a removable hood, which is fleece-lined and adds an extra layer of warmth.

The jacket's design is practical, offering multiple pockets for storage. The outer jacket has two outer pockets and an inner zip pocket, while the vest alone boasts four outer pockets and an additional outer zip pocket. This is a boon for anyone who needs to carry small tools, a phone, or other essentials.

One thing to note is that the jacket runs a bit small. I usually wear a large, but I found that I needed an XL for a comfortable fit, especially when layering underneath. The cuffs are adjustable with Velcro, which helps to seal out the wind, but I did find the jacket a little short at the waist. This might be a matter of personal preference, but I would have liked a bit more length to cover my lower back fully.

Heating Performance

The core feature of this jacket is its heating capabilities, powered by the M12™ REDLITHIUM™ 2.0 Battery. The jacket offers three heat settings: high, medium, and low, which are adjustable via a button on the vest. The heating elements are strategically placed in the core zones (right chest, left chest, and back) and the lower pockets. This setup ensures that your torso stays warm, which is essential for maintaining overall body temperature.

In my experience, the heating performance was excellent. On a particularly cold day with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, I tested the jacket on all three settings. The high setting provided immediate warmth, which was comforting when I first stepped outside. I found the medium setting to be the most practical for extended wear, as it provided consistent warmth without becoming too hot. The low setting was useful for milder days or when I was more active.

One area where the jacket could improve is the placement of the heating elements in the pockets. The elements are located in the upper part of the pockets, which means that the tips of my fingers, resting in the lower corners, didn’t benefit from the heat. This felt like a design oversight, as I often found my hands still cold despite the heated pockets.

Versatility and Practical Use

One of the standout features of this jacket is its versatility. The heated vest can be worn on its own or zipped into the outer shell for added protection against the elements. This 3in1 design makes it adaptable to various conditions and activities. For instance, I wore the vest alone while running errands on a chilly but dry day, and it kept me warm without the bulk of a full jacket.

During a recent hunting trip, I wore the vest under my insulated parka. The combination kept me warm for an entire day in the woods, even in temperatures that dipped below freezing. The ability to use the vest separately or with the outer shell adds a layer of situational versatility that I really appreciated.

Battery life was another pleasant surprise. With the M12™ REDLITHIUM™ 2.0 Battery, I got about 7 hours of use on the medium setting. For those planning to spend extended periods outside, carrying a spare battery is advisable. Changing the battery was a bit cumbersome, but the effort was worth the consistent warmth.

Comfort and Style

Comfort is another area where the Milwaukee Heated 3in1 Jacket excels. The inner material is a thermal knit fleece, which is soft against the skin and adds an extra layer of insulation. Despite the heating elements, the jacket remains flexible and doesn’t feel bulky. The high collar on the vest is a nice touch, providing additional warmth around the neck.

Style-wise, the jacket comes in RealTree Xtra® Camouflage, which is perfect for hunters but also stylish enough for general outdoor use. The camo pattern is well-executed, and the jacket has a rugged yet appealing look.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

After thoroughly testing the Milwaukee Heated 3in1 Jacket, I can confidently say that it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in cold weather. Its combination of durability, heating performance, and versatility makes it a standout product in the heated apparel market.

While there are minor areas for improvement, such as the placement of the heating elements in the pockets and the length of the jacket, these are overshadowed by the overall quality and functionality.

I would recommend the Milwaukee Heated 3in1 Jacket to outdoor workers, hunters, and anyone who needs reliable warmth in cold conditions. The ability to use the vest independently or as part of the jacket system adds a level of flexibility that is hard to find in other heated jackets. Plus, the build quality ensures that this jacket will be a long-lasting addition to your cold-weather gear.