Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket (Jacket Only)

As a person who frequently works in cold and harsh environments, the Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket has been a game changer for me. This jacket, powered by Milwaukee's M12 REDLITHIUM battery technology, promises to keep you warm in freezing conditions, and for the most part, it delivers on that promise. Here’s my detailed take on this heated jacket.

Build and Material Quality

Straight out of the box, the first thing you'll notice is the high-quality material used in the construction of this jacket. The outer shell is made from a noise-reducing polyester/spandex softshell material that feels durable yet flexible. This fabric is designed to be both wind and water-resistant, a feature I found especially useful during those unexpected rain showers or gusty winds.

The inner lining is made from thermal knit fleece, which provides an added layer of insulation. Even without the heating elements activated, this jacket manages to retain heat quite well. It's a clear indication that Milwaukee didn’t skimp on the material quality, which is a huge plus.

Heating Elements and Performance

The jacket features multiple carbon fiber heating elements strategically placed in the chest, upper back, and belly pockets. You can control the heat levels with three settings: high, medium, and low. During my testing, the heating elements warmed up pretty quickly. Within minutes, you could feel the warmth seeping through the jacket, which is a welcome relief in below-freezing temperatures.

However, the placement of the heating elements could be better. The belly pocket heating elements are ideal for warming hands, but the upper back and chest elements don’t seem to distribute the heat as evenly as one might hope. In very cold conditions, you might find yourself wishing for additional heating zones, such as the lower back or shoulders.

Battery Life and Efficiency

The jacket runs on Milwaukee’s M12 REDLITHIUM 2.0 battery, which promises up to 8 hours of run time on the low setting. In practice, I found that while the jacket does live up to this claim on the lower heat settings, the battery life significantly drops when used on high. If you plan on using this jacket for extended periods in very cold weather, you might want to invest in a spare battery or opt for a higher capacity battery like the 4.0Ah option, although it does add a bit of bulk to the jacket.

A neat feature is the USB port on the battery holder, which allows you to charge your phone or other devices. This is an especially useful addition for those long days outdoors when you need to keep your gadgets powered up.

Fit and Comfort

One of the more subjective aspects of any jacket is its fit. In my case, the jacket felt slightly larger than expected, likely designed to accommodate multiple layers underneath. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you’re working in extremely cold environments and need to layer up. However, those looking for a more snug fit might want to consider sizing down.

Another point worth mentioning is the length of the sleeves. They tend to run a bit long, which could be cumbersome for some users. The velcro wrist cuffs help mitigate this issue, but it’s something to keep in mind when choosing your size.

Usability and Practicality

The jacket comes with multiple pockets: three outer zip pockets, one inner zip pocket, and one inner pouch. This provides ample storage space for your phone, wallet, or any small tools you might need to carry. The zipper quality, however, seems to be a mixed bag. While they haven’t failed on me, they do feel a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the jacket. Replacing them with more robust zippers like YKK metal zippers could potentially extend the lifespan of the jacket.

One design flaw that stands out is the battery pocket. The pocket has two zippers but lacks a dedicated pouch to secure the battery. This means the battery can move around and even fall out if the pocket is left unzipped. This is less than ideal, especially when you're bending over or moving around a lot. A simple fix would be to add a mesh pouch or some form of compartmentalization within the pocket to secure the battery.

Maintenance

The good news is that this jacket is washer and dryer safe, making it easy to clean. Just make sure to remove the battery before throwing it in the wash. This ease of maintenance is a significant advantage, especially for those who wear the jacket daily in dirty or rugged environments.

Overall Impression

The Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket (Model 2392) is a solid piece of gear that offers excellent warmth and durability. Its high-quality material and wind/water resistance make it suitable for a range of outdoor activities. The heating elements work well, although their placement could be improved for more efficient heat distribution. The battery life on high settings is a bit short, so having a backup is advisable.

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in cold environments and values the convenience of built-in heating elements, this jacket is worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a jacket that will keep you warm without having to rely on the heating elements constantly, you might want to explore other options.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket? Yes, but with some reservations. It's a fantastic jacket for those who can leverage the M12 battery system, and its overall build quality is impressive. However, the minor design flaws and battery life limitations might be a deal-breaker for some. If Milwaukee can address these issues in future iterations, this jacket would be hard to beat in its category.